Football often revolves around statistics and performances, but sometimes, an underdog defies all expectations and secures victory, marking unforgettable moments in global football history.
These moments are about more than just numbers; they represent teams that have triumphed against all odds, leaving a lasting impact on fans worldwide.
Here are 12 of the greatest underdog wins in football history, showcasing teams that, through determination and skill, achieved the unexpected.
12. Sunderland’s 1973 FA Cup Journey
Sunderland entered the 1973 FA Cup Final as clear underdogs.
Competing as a Second Division team, they needed replays to get past Notts County, Reading, and Manchester City just to reach the quarterfinals. Their journey wasn’t easy, but they pushed forward with determination.
Beating Luton Town and Arsenal
Sunderland’s underdog status solidified further as they beat Luton Town and the formidable Arsenal, securing a place in the final against Leeds United.
Leeds, defending FA Cup champions and a top First Division team, were expected to win easily.
The 1-0 Upset Against Leeds United
In a shocking turn, an Ian Porterfield goal in the 31st minute, supported by remarkable goalkeeping from Jimmy Montgomery, secured a 1-0 victory for Sunderland.
Despite their strength, Leeds couldn’t break through Sunderland’s defense, and the underdog story was sealed.
Historic Win Without International Stars
One of the most remarkable aspects of Sunderland’s victory was that they had no internationally capped players.
The win remains one of the last major trophies for Sunderland and stands as one of soccer’s most unforgettable underdog triumphs.
Globally, it is remembered as a defining moment in soccer history, showing how underdogs can triumph on the grandest stage.
11. The 1976 FA Cup Final: A True Underdog Story
In 1976, Southampton stunned Manchester United in the FA Cup Final, marking one of soccer’s most memorable underdog victories.
Although not yet the dominant force they would become under Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United were still favorites. They had recently returned to the First Division after being relegated in 1974 and were on their way to a third-place finish.
Southampton, on the other hand, was a Second-Division team with no major titles and finished sixth in its division that year.
Southampton’s Defensive Stand
Throughout the match, Manchester United dominated possession and forced Southampton’s goalkeeper, Ian Turner, into multiple saves.
Despite the pressure, the Saints held firm, showing resilience and determination that would eventually lead to their triumph.
The 83rd Minute Miracle
The decisive moment came in the 83rd minute when Bobby Stokes broke through Manchester United’s defense, scoring the only goal of the match.
This sealed Southampton’s 1-0 victory, giving the Saints their first and only major trophy in their history.
Lasting Legacy of an Underdog Victory
Southampton’s win remains an iconic underdog moment in soccer history.
While the Saints later had minor success at Wembley in 2010, winning the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, their 1976 FA Cup victory is still celebrated globally as one of the greatest underdog triumphs in the sport.
10. Indomitable Lions Stun Defending Champions
The 1990 World Cup opened surprisedly when Cameroon defeated reigning champions Argentina.
While many expected an easy win for Argentina, Cameroon’s François Omam-Biyik shocked the world with a header that slipped past Argentinian goalkeeper Nery Pumpido.
The 1-0 victory became one of the biggest upsets in soccer history.
Quarterfinal Clash Against England
Cameroon’s quarterfinal matchup with England showcased their determination. After trailing, Cameroon turned the game around and took a 2-1 lead with a Eugene Ekeke goal in the 65th minute.
However, two penalties awarded to England allowed them to tie the match in the 83rd minute and secure a 3-2 victory in extra time.
Cameroon’s 1990 World Cup journey remains a legendary example of an underdog triumph on the global stage, inspiring teams worldwide.
9. Senegal Shocks the World at World Cup 2002
Twelve years after Cameroon’s surprise win against Argentina in the 1990 World Cup, Senegal achieved a similar feat.
In their debut World Cup, Senegal defeated the defending champion France. Papa Malick Diop scored in the 30th minute, securing a 1-0 victory.
Quarterfinals Exit
Senegal’s journey ended in the quarterfinals when they lost 1-0 to Turkey, another surprising team in a World Cup filled with unexpected outcomes. This marked Senegal’s only World Cup appearance to date.
8. Bulgaria’s 1994 World Cup Journey
Before 1994, Bulgaria had not won a match in any of its World Cup appearances.
Group Stage Triumphs
In 1994, Bulgaria, ranked 29th in the FIFA World Ranking, defeated Greece and Argentina in the group stage to advance to the Round of 16.
Semifinal Setback
The journey ended in the semifinals when Bulgaria lost 2-1 to Italy, unable to contain Roberto Baggio.
7. Club Tijuana Wins Liga MX Apertura in 2012
Founded in 2007, Club Tijuana, known as the Xoloitzcuintlis or Xolos, is among the youngest soccer clubs globally.
The team, named after the hairless Mexican dog, took three years to move up to Liga MX by winning the second division Apertura in 2010.
Historic Triumph
Club Tijuana achieved a remarkable feat in its third tournament and the club’s second year in Liga MX.
They won the 2012 Apertura title, defeating Toluca 4-1 on aggregate in the two-leg final. This victory marked a rapid rise to prominence in Mexican football.
6. Verona Take Serie A in 1985
In 1985, Hellas Verona shocked the soccer world by winning Serie A, proving that Italian soccer had more to offer beyond the usual top clubs like Juventus, AC Milan, Inter, and Roma.
After finishing sixth in Serie A in 1984, Verona defied expectations by losing only twice throughout the season and securing the title by four points over Torino.
Controversial Factors
There were speculations that the method of assigning referees played a role in Verona’s success.
The 1984-1985 season was unique in that referees were assigned by blind draw rather than by an assignor, a change prompted by betting scandals.
5. Greece as Good as Gold in Euro 2004
Euro 2004 was expected to be Portugal’s breakthrough year.
Hosting the tournament, Portugal’s “Golden Generation,” including stars like Luis Figo, Deco, Pauleta, Rui Costa, and a young Cristiano Ronaldo, had their sights set on victory.
Greece’s Surprise Upset
Greece defied expectations by defeating Portugal twice. The first victory was a 2-1 win, with Ronaldo scoring a late consolation goal in the 93rd minute.
Despite this, Portugal topped the group, while Greece advanced to the quarterfinals with four points from a draw against Spain and a loss to Russia.
The Final Showdown
In the final, Greece repeated their earlier success. They again outplayed Portugal and secured the title with a goal from Angelos Charisteas in the 57th minute.
This victory confirmed Greece’s remarkable run as genuine, not just a fluke.
4. Denmark Win Euro 1992 After Previously Being Eliminated
Denmark entered Euro 1992 only because Yugoslavia was disqualified due to the Yugoslav wars.
The Danish team replaced the disqualified Yugoslavs, and they learned of their participation just 11 days before the tournament started.
Group Stage Performance
Denmark finished second in their group, behind Sweden. This placement earned them a semifinal spot against the Netherlands.
Final Victory
In the final, Denmark faced Germany, the newly unified and reigning World Cup 1990 champion. Denmark defeated Germany 2-0, clinching their first major international trophy.
3. Once Caldes Beat Boca Juniors to Win Copa Libertadores in 2004
Colombian teams have faced difficulties in the Copa Libertadores. Atletico Nacional’s 1989 win, backed by Pablo Escobar, was the only previous triumph by a Colombian squad.
Underdog Status
Once Caldas reached the 2004 Copa Libertadores final with slim chances. They faced Boca Juniors, a South American powerhouse with four previous titles.
A Stunning Outcome
In a surprising twist, Boca Juniors missed all four penalties. Once Caldas seized the opportunity, securing their most notable club victory.
2. “The Hero of Seville” Saves Steaua Bucharest
Steaua Bucharest faced immense challenges in the 1986 European Cup Final. The opponent was Barcelona, a dominant force in La Liga. The match was held in Seville, Spain, adding to the difficulty for the Romanian team.
The Unforgettable Shootout
Steaua Bucharest’s goalkeeper Helmuth Duckadam became the standout performer in the penalty shootout.
Duckadam saved all four of Barcelona’s penalty attempts. Meanwhile, Marius Lacatus and Gavril Balint successfully converted their penalties.
Historic Victory
Steaua Bucharest’s triumph marked the first time an Eastern European team won the Cup. Duckadam’s performance earned him the title “The Hero of Seville.”
1. Nottingham Forest Wins First Division in 1978
In 1977, Nottingham Forest, managed by Brian Clough, barely secured promotion to the First Division, finishing third in the Second Division. The team edged out Bolton and Blackpool by just one point.
The Historic Triumph
In the 1978 season, Forest, led by players such as Martin O’Neill, Peter Shilton, Garry Birtles, Kenny Burns, and John McGovern, achieved an extraordinary feat.
They won the First Division title, finishing seven points ahead of second-place Liverpool.
Double Success
Forest also claimed the League Cup that season to prove their success wasn’t a fluke, cementing their status as one of soccer’s greatest underdog stories.
Conclusion
Underdog victories in football are more than just statistics; they are unforgettable moments that captivate fans globally.
The 12 highlighted wins show how teams defied the odds, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
These stories highlight soccer’s thrilling unpredictability, from Sunderland’s 1973 FA Cup triumph to Nottingham Forest’s 1978 First Division title.
