The FIFA World Cup in Qatar has already offered some incredible comebacks, such as Cameroon’s quick double against Serbia that brought back a 3-1 lead, and most shockingly, Saudi Arabia’s second-half attack on Argentina in the first match. To steal all the points.
World Cup comebacks are not rare, having happened so often in the past either ignited by complacency or a massive speed switch. They have come in the early stages and also in the later stages where history and records have been made. But who were the greatest in the entire history of the tournament?
Portugal v North Korea (1966 quarter-finals)
In the year that England won their first World Cup on home soil, Portugal headlined the tournament in the knockout stages under star player Eusébio. North Korea pulled a blow in reaching the quarter-final stage as they surprisingly knocked out Italy in the round of 16.
Portugal found themselves two down around 20 minutes into the game as the North Koreans played at a pace even one of the most surprising Portugal sides could not match. Goals, courtesy of Yang Sung-kook and Lee Dong-woon, meant they went into the half-time break with a fairly comfortable lead, as their rapid attacking changes on the pitch saw Portugal’s attack on the ground. The defense was caught.
A third was added soon after the restart and a major upset looked probable, but Eusébio, one of the greatest to ever play the game, had other ideas. Before the half-hour mark, he pulled one back, and by the 59th minute, he had four goals and Portugal miraculously in the lead. José Augusto added the fifth with 10 minutes to go, but in reality, the game was already over, the North Koreans could not fight back again after such a brutal collapse.
No player has made the same level of impact on the pitch for Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo may be the overall bigger player, but he has never created that level of magic for his country.
However, Ronaldo’s Portugal were one of the favorites to lift the World Cup trophy for the first time at this year’s tournament in Qatar, where they have been offered +1200 at https://www.bodog.eu/fifa-world-cup- Went. betting.
Some Ronaldo magic reminiscent of Eusébio’s performance in 1966 will certainly be needed if he is to beat giant nations such as Brazil and France, and perhaps his achievements at international level will be placed above the great Eusébio in Portuguese hearts .
West Germany v France (1982 semi-final)
The occasion in the last four of the 1982 World Cup became a historic event for several reasons. An incredible comeback was included as well as the first ever World Cup penalty shootout.
West Germany took the lead in the opening 20 minutes through Pierre Littbarski, but it was soon canceled out by a Michel Platini penalty. The game remained incredibly tense and end-to-end football continued until extra-time arrived.
Within eight minutes of the first half-hour of extra time, France had put themselves 3–1 ahead as defender Marius Tresor scored an unorthodox volleyed effort from outside the box, before playmaker Alain Griese certainly put the West Germans ahead. prepared his target to overtake. out of tie.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge replied within minutes and a rejuvenated side continued to put pressure on the French defense after the break, before Klaus Fischer brought them level with one of the most spectacular goals ever to concede defeat. Received the award again for his failure. A World Cup, a hugely impressive bicycle kick – the kind of finish he was famous for throughout his career, as https://schalke04.de/en/inside-en/klaus fischer-turns-70-mr-bicycle But it is certified. Kick-still-no-goal.
The World Cup’s first-ever penalty shootout tie-breaker was required as both sides closed the game conservatively, with both sides able to be wary of attacking qualities. Horst Hrubesch converted the winner for West Germany, and in doing so became the coveted bearer of the title of first player to score the winning goal in a World Cup shootout.
Belgium v Japan (2018 Round of 16)
Another recent tie that most can recall from memory was at the 2018 World Cup in Russia when a weakened Japan team looked to upset one of the tournament favorites Belgium and knock them out in the last 16. Belgium was disappointed in this match. In the first half form they were unable to break Japan.
In the second half, Japan came quickly off the blocks and quickly followed up breakaway opportunities to score two goals. Jinke Haraguchi and Takashi Inui scored the goals.
Superstars like Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard suffered humiliating defeats.
In one of his greatest international performances, Kevin De Bruyne managed to lift his side as he began to take them forward and further down the pitch with his passing range and ability to break down lines through his dribbling abilities. took away.
Jan Vertonghen started the Belgian fightback with only 20 minutes to play, and within five minutes they were level, as De Bruyne’s willingness to sit deep and direct the play allowed Japan to use their own defensive third and constant pressure. Kept in Eden Hazard finally got the head of Marouane Fellaini, who made no mistake in drawing his countryman from close range.
It looked as though Japan were able to settle for the closing stages and stem Belgium’s momentum before one last counter-attacking chance remained, from which De Bruyne took the ball past Thomas Meunier. Led the pack, hitting Nacer Chadli for a four to complete it. As seen on https://www.coachesvoice.com/classic-matches-belgium-3-japan-2, return and brutally send the Asian side home from the World Cup.
Kevin De Bruyne didn’t register a single goal contribution in the tie but he was the heartbeat of his team and he carried them to the pace and rhythm needed to fight back in the tie. It was the largest ever by a player not to score or assist in a World Cup game.
Overall the World Cup has featured several dramatic comebacks, upset upsets, forced penalty shootouts, and incredible individual performances, perhaps the more entertaining battles in Qatar and beyond.