This year’s World Cup has got off to a wild and often unpredictable start, with countries from less fancied confederations challenging the autonomy of the European and South American giants. Some attribute this to the muggy climate.
And while there may be an element of truth to that, I think it’s a bit reductive to boil it all down to atmospheric conditions (those cringy, game-interrupting hydration breaks are a bit of a leveller in that regard). I just think that some of the big teams have fluffed their lines on the world stage, while the minnows- for whom participation alone is tantamount to victory- have laid their bodies on the line to keep parity. Parity being the operative word, as all five of my picks for surprises of the tournament happen to be draws.
Note: All sides are listed with their world ranking at the time of writing. The selections aren’t based purely on world ranking differential (or else New Zealand’s 2-2 draw with Iran would have made the list). Also, I have opted to only feature limit teams to one slot in the list (it just gives me a chance to cover a broader swathe of results).
5. Switzerland (18) 1-1 Qatar (57)
What a moment for Qatari football! This first-round surprise was a perfect example of a European side coming unstuck in this tournament. It was also vindication for the Gulf nation, who severely underwhelmed when hosting the tournament four years ago (they only scored one goal in the tournament, losing all three matches). To be fair, Murat Yakin’s side should have been home and hosed well before Qatar’s 94th minute dagger of an equalizer. Embolo converted a 17th minute spot-kick to give the Swiss a 1-0 lead. And they dominated the remainder of the match, ending with 70% possession and 27 shots to Qatar’s five. But man of the match Mahmoud Abunada was in inspired form between the sticks, pulling off five saves to frustrate Yakin’s men. And the Swiss were made to pay in somewhat cruel fashion, as Miro Muheim mistakenly nodded the ball into his own net after failing to deal with a ‘last-chance saloon’ cross.
4. Uruguay (19) 1-1 Saudi Arabia (59)
Saudi Arabia weren’t quite able to match their 2022 heroics, where they shocked the world by beating eventual champs Argentina in their opening match. Georgis Donis’ men did come close though. Abdulelah al Amri gave the Saudis the lead against the run of play, turning the ball home after Uruguayan keeper Muslera had parried Hassan al Tambakti’s bullet header into his path. To his credit, ex-Leeds United coach Marco Bielsa was proactive at the break, making a double change that reenergized the Uruguayan outfit (Darwin Nunez had been largely ineffectual). They forced the issue in the 2nd half, finally getting back on terms through Barcelona centre-half Ronald Araujo. The equalizer was eerily similar to Saudi Arabia’s opener, as Arajuo mopped up after the Saudi keeper had failed to deal with Vinas’ header. Still, it was a brave showing from the Saudis, who had to weather 22 shots in the 2nd half alone. Outside of the equalizer, Mohammed Al-Owais was as steadfast as the Rock of Gibraltar in goal, making nine saves to deny La Celeste.
3. Ecuador (30) 1-1 Curacao (81)
This tournament has belonged to underdog goalkeepers producing blinders to upset the footballing status quo. Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room gave a performance of mythic proportions against Ecuador, producing 15 saves to earn the tiny Caribbean island their first ever World Cup point (a minor miracle when you look at that opening 7-1 defeat to Germany). In fact, those 15 saves are the most for any World Cup match on record- since 1966- that hasn’t gone to extra-time. Ecuador finished 2nd in South American qualifying and had 28 shots in the match. To be honest, we always knew that Ecuador had a major problem in front of goal. Their South American qualifying campaign was built on defensive solidity: they only conceded five goals in 18 games. However, they also only scored 14! With Germany absolutely running away with this group, everything is up for grabs in the final two matches (though you would have to fancy Ivory Coast as they come up against the Caribbean minnows).
2. Portugal (9) 1-1 DR Congo (43)
Sure, some of the results below this one had a bigger rankings discrepancy. But the anaemic nature of Portugal’s performance vaults this one up into the no.2 slot. Is Roberto Martinez about to emulate what he did with Belgium, turning a bunch of world beaters into another World Cup no-show? Joao Neves and Vintinha are the best midfield duo in world football and Bruno Fernandes just broke the Premier League assists record. But having CR7, Bernardo Silva and Bruno in your attacking ranks means you have very little pace to get in behind teams (they need to start Leao next time around). Neves gave Portugal the early lead with a header that prime-Ronaldo would have been proud of. But they lacked fluidity and incisiveness, and it was no surprise when workhorse Wissa equalized in first-half stoppage time. And the crazy thing is that Portugal never looked like stealing the game. They had 75% possession but only had one more shot than the men from Africa. As for Congo, this marked a triumphant return to the World Cup after 52 years. They competed as Zaire in 1972, losing all three matches and conceding 14 goals in what amounted to humiliation.
1. Spain (3) 0-0 Cabo Verde (63)
Nothing was going to top this, as reigning European champs Spain were held 0-0 by debutants Cabo Verde in a modern-day David and Goliath clash. It echoed the 2010 World Cup, where eventual champs Spain lost 1-0 to Switzerland in their opener despite dominating the game. I never watched the game live and barely believed the score when I happened upon it (one of those sporting jump-scare moments). Cabo Verde didn’t just park the bus; they took the rims off the tires. It made me think of Gandalf’s famous quote, “You shall not pass”. Luis de la Fuente’s side enjoyed 74% possession but most of it was the useless side-to-side variety; Rodri looked like a quarterback with nobody to pass to. Cabo Verde keeper Vonzinha produced a series of fine saves and became an overnight sensation after his emotional post-match reactions. De la Fuente opted not to start the talismanic Yamal, probably thinking they would get the job done without having to risk him. His 2nd half introduction changed the game, but Capo Verde held firm, sparking wildly triumphant scenes after the fulltime whistle. And the craziest thing of all; they only committed one foul in the entire match. One! Despite having only 26% of the ball. There were no Bafana Bafana-style kamikaze midfield tackles here. It was just a disciplined, well-organized performance that earned the most improbable of points. And they had the audacity to repeat the dose against Uruguay (this is the stuff of fairytales).
