Just like every other World Cup, this one was no short of surprises as the defending champions Germany were knocked out in the group stage.
One of the tournament favorites, Argentina were decimated 0-3 by Luka Modric’s Croatia and they could not manage to proceed beyond the round of 16. Hosts Russia also shocked everyone when they knocked Spain out in the round of 16.
ALSO READ: 2018 FIFA World Cup | The Dream XI from quarter-finals
Before we proceed to the semi-finals, these are the five biggest upsets from this World Cup, which was full of them.
Germany vs South Korea (0-2)
This was easily the biggest shock of the World Cup as defending champions Germany were knocked out at the hands of Asian giants South Korea. Germany had lost their first match to Mexico and needed a win to go through to the next round.
The score remained 0-0 till the 90th minute and Germany kept on pushing for the winner. To everyone’s surprise, South Korea scored at the other end with a brisk counter-attack as the mighty Germans were sent packing after their first ever defeat against an Asian team.
Spain vs Russia (3-4 on penalties)
Spain never looked convincing throughout the World Cup. They drew against Portugal and Morocco and barely managed to win against Iran.
They topped their group and got a comparatively easy passage through to the finals but they still managed to somehow lose to Russia in the round of 16.
Spain took an early lead but Russia bounced back with an equaliser by Artem Dzyuba. The score remained 1-1 till the end of extra-time and Russia won 4-3 on penalties as Iago Aspas and Koke missed their shots.
Argentina vs Croatia (0-3)
Argentina were one of the favorites to win the World Cup but they criminally underperformed. They drew their opening match 1-1 against Iceland and Leo Messi even missed a penalty.
They faced Croatia in their next match in a must win scenario but they were destroyed by a dynamic Croatian side as they lost 0-3. Real Madrid’s Luka Modric was the star for Croatia as they pulled one of the biggest upsets ever at the World Cup.
Japan vs Colombia (2-1)
Japan were easily the best Asian side in this World Cup and they proved their might by defeating Colombia 2-1 in their opening match. Japan ultimately went down fighting against a very strong Belgium side, but their players went home with their heads held high.
Colombia got a red card in the third minute as Carlos Sanchez was sent off for a handball inside the box and Shinji Kagawa converted from the spot. Colombia equalised but Yuya Osako scored the winner for Japan in the 73rd minute as Japan became one of the very few Asian teams to defeat a South American one.
Brazil Vs Belgium (1-2)
This is considered to be Belgium’s golden generation and they finally proved their might as they knocked Brazil out of the World Cup with a comprehensive 2-1 win.
Fernandinho opened the scoring for Belgium with an own goal early in the first half. Kevin De Bryune extended Belgium’s lead with a thunderous strike from outside the box as Belgium went 2-0 up.
Renato Augusto pulled one back for Brazil but Thibaut Courtois proved too much for Brazilians as Belgium knocked out the last Latin American side from the World Cup.