Underdogs steal the show in Qatar

Throughout the lengthy and storied history of the football world cup, unforgettable tales of bona fide giants being slain by underdogs have taken center-stage.

Thrillingly, this year’s installment of the competition in the host nation Qatar has excitingly proven to be no exception as we have been already joyously treated to two major upsets despite the fact that we are still in the early days of the world cup.

Indeed, the first seismic shock happened early this week during the meeting between unheralded Saudi Arabia and heavyweights Argentina, who are among the favorites to hoist aloft the intensely sought-after world cup trophy.

The Lionel Messi-led Argentina even drew first blood in the encounter when their pint-sized skipper confidently converted a penalty in as early as the tenth minute of the clash.

Nevertheless, going behind only served to motivate Saudi Arabia to begin zestfully searching for a leveler, which must have dashed the hopes of those Argentinians expecting the floodgates to open.

Heading into the half-time break, Argentina were still leading 1-0 but the match would dramatically turn on its head in the second half.

First, Saleh Al Shehri netted the equalizer and then later on, Salem Al Dawsari beautifully created room for himself on the edge of a packed Argentinean eighteen yard box before unleashing a stunningly unstoppable shot that flew directly into the corner of the Argentinian net to hand his side the lead.

Try as they might, Argentina simply could not find an equalizer and once the final whistle blew, Saudi Arabia could at last bask in the glory of one of the biggest upsets in world cup history.

Despite the magnitude of Saudi Arabia’s unexpected victory over Argentina, Japan would also prove to be eminently adept at playing the role of giant-killers in their opening face-off against football juggernauts Germany.

Germany were the first to take the lead through a calmly taken penalty by their midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

However, in the 75^th minute, Japan’s Ritsu Doan grabbed the equalizer and then in the 83^rd minute, his teammate Asano netted a peach of a goal to hand his country an unlikely win over one of football’s traditional giants.

Thus, if the aforementioned tales of giant-killing are anything to go by, the ongoing world cup in Qatar ought to have a pleasing abundance of thrills and spills.