5 Surprising World Cup Qualifying Results You Might Have Missed

Few events in football capture the imagination quite like the World Cup. However, the road to this prestigious tournament is filled with drama, unexpected twists, and unforgettable moments, often happening during the qualifying stages. While fans may focus on the final outcomes, the qualifying matches often provide some of the most surprising and thrilling results. Here, we delve into five surprising World Cup qualifying results you might have missed, moments that have added to the rich tapestry of international football.

🇸🇪 Sweden vs. 🇷🇸 Serbia (2018 Qualifiers)

The World Cup qualifiers in 2018 threw a curveball when Sweden, not considered a football powerhouse, managed to eliminate Italy, a nation with four World Cup titles, from the tournament. However, another surprising result occurred earlier when Sweden faced Serbia in a crucial playoff match:

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=sweden%20vs%20serbia%202018%20qualifiers" alt="Sweden vs Serbia 2018 Qualifiers" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"/> </div>

• The Result: Sweden won 1-0 over two legs, with the decisive goal scored by Marcus Berg in Belgrade.
• The Surprising Aspect: Despite Serbia's solid squad and home advantage, Sweden's disciplined approach and clinical finishing ensured their progression to the World Cup, leaving many fans in awe.

<p class="pro-note">⚽ Note: This match demonstrated how tactical discipline and a never-say-die attitude can triumph over more traditionally stronger teams.</p>

🇺🇾 Uruguay vs. 🇯🇵 Japan (2010 Qualifiers)

In 2010, Uruguay, known for their spirited performances, found themselves in an intercontinental playoff against Japan to secure a spot at the World Cup. Here's what happened:

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=uruguay%20vs%20japan%202010%20qualifiers" alt="Uruguay vs Japan 2010 Qualifiers" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"/> </div>

• The Result: Uruguay beat Japan 5-3 on aggregate, with the second leg in Saitama ending in a 2-1 win for Uruguay.
• The Surprising Aspect: Japan, who had been doing well in Asian football, were favorites. However, Uruguay's resilience and tactical nous in the away leg stunned Japan and secured Uruguay's World Cup berth.

🇲🇩 Moldova vs. 🇷🇴 Romania (2022 Qualifiers)

Moldova, a team not commonly associated with major tournament qualification, provided one of the shocks in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers:

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=moldova%20vs%20romania%202022%20qualifiers" alt="Moldova vs Romania 2022 Qualifiers" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"/> </div>

• The Result: Moldova upset Romania with a 4-1 victory in their group stage match.
• The Surprising Aspect: Moldova had been previously relegated to League D in the UEFA Nations League, making this result even more remarkable, highlighting the volatile nature of international football.

<p class="pro-note">📋 Note: This game was not just a surprise but also a lesson that in football, anyone can win on their day, regardless of historical standings or rankings.</p>

🇧🇪 Belgium vs. 🇮🇸 Iceland (2014 Qualifiers)

Belgium, enjoying a resurgence with a 'golden generation' of players, were not expected to stumble against Iceland in their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign:

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=belgium%20vs%20iceland%202014%20qualifiers" alt="Belgium vs Iceland 2014 Qualifiers" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"/> </div>

• The Result: Belgium lost 1-2 to Iceland at home.
• The Surprising Aspect: With Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and others, the result came as a shock. Iceland’s fearless approach and set-piece execution turned the match on its head.

🇭🇳 Honduras vs. 🇨🇱 Chile (2018 Qualifiers)

In a CONCACAF vs. CONMEBOL playoff for the last World Cup spot in 2018, Honduras was up against a confident Chile side:

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=honduras%20vs%20chile%202018%20qualifiers" alt="Honduras vs Chile 2018 Qualifiers" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"/> </div>

• The Result: After losing the first leg 2-0, Honduras staged a comeback to draw 2-2 in Santiago, but it was enough to eliminate Chile 2-2 on aggregate due to away goals.
• The Surprising Aspect: This result was unexpected considering Chile's high ranking and the Copa America titles they had won. Honduras showed that determination and defensive solidity can yield results even against elite opposition.

The World Cup qualifiers are not just a series of games leading up to the tournament; they are a showcase of football's unpredictability, showcasing moments where underdogs rise, giants fall, and the sport's essence of drama and surprise is encapsulated. From Sweden's tactical masterclass against Serbia to Moldova's upset of Romania, each result tells a story of strategy, spirit, and sometimes, sheer audacity. As we look forward to future tournaments, these surprising moments remind us why we cherish this beautiful game.

Every World Cup story has its chapters written in the qualifying rounds, chapters of drama, triumph, and unexpected twists that keep fans glued to their screens long before the first whistle at the tournament itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why are World Cup qualifiers important?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>World Cup qualifiers are crucial because they determine which national teams get to participate in the tournament. They add drama, unpredictability, and a sense of achievement for teams that manage to qualify against all odds.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Have any minnows ever reached the World Cup?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, several smaller nations have made it to the World Cup, including teams like Iceland in 2018 and Trinidad and Tobago in 2006, showcasing football's universal appeal and competitiveness.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the biggest upset in World Cup qualifying history?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>One of the biggest upsets was in 2018 when Sweden eliminated Italy from the World Cup, a team with a rich history in the tournament.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can teams like Moldova really have a chance at qualifying?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While it's rare, any team can have a chance on their day. Unexpected results can pave the way for teams not traditionally considered football powerhouses to make a mark, as seen with Moldova's surprise victory over Romania.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>