FIFA rankings do not matter much at world cup. Passionate minnows playing for country sometimes give shocks stat studded soccer giants. Millionaire footballers often play at world cup without passion and are jaded due to long club season. These giants may be among top 10 nations and their footballers may be in top in Castrol rankings but nothing counts before passion and patriotism. In 2010 world cup, France, Serbia, England, Spain, Italy and Portugal may face shock defeats unless their stars play with passion. Teams like USA, Mexico and Chile etc may even progress to quarter-finals if they play with consistency. USA already reached finals in 2009 Confederations cup and narrowly lost to Brazil.  World cup shocks:  1. 1950: England Vs USA England lost to USA (0-1). Only goal was scored by Joe Gaetjens. USA is a minnow in soccer while England is a giant. It is like loss of Brazil to North Korea in 2010 world cup (will it happen?) in Group G. At world cups, anything is possible. 2. 1966: Italy Vs North Korea North Korea qualified for first time while Italy is a two time world champion. Italy coach rested 5-6 first team players. But, Park Doo-ik scored only goal of match in 42nd minute. North Korea reached quarter-final. It is like loss of Italy to New Zealand in 2010 world cup (will it happen?) Group F. At world cups, nothing is impossible. 3. 1982: West Germany Vs Algeria Algeria is a minnow but defeated strong West Germany squad (1-2). West Germany was so good that it reached final in 1982 world cup. Algeria qualified to 2010 world cup after 28 years. It is like loss of England to Algeria in 2010 world cup (will it happen?) in Group C. At world cups, anything is possible but Algeria is not so weak now. Algeria defeated Egypt in African qualifying play-off. 4. 1980: Argentina Vs Cameroon Argentina is a defending champion while Cameroon is a first time qualifier. Maradona led Argentina was shocked by Roger Milla’s Cameroon. Francois Omam Biyick scored that goal in that first match of tournament watched by millions of people. But, Argentina reached finals in 1990 … [Read more...]