Lower-ranked teams perform well in World Cup matches
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 9:18 AM
Last updated Jun 26, 2026
The ongoing World Cup has seen surprising outcomes from lower-ranked teams, including Cape Verde, Curacao, Ghana, and South Africa achieving results against stronger opponents like Spain and England. Cape Verde's notable 0-0 draw with Spain highlighted their effective defensive tactics. Both Cape Verde and Ghana adopted compact formations, preventing key players from influencing the game. Meanwhile, teams like Saudi Arabia struggled defensively despite using a five-man backline. Analysis indicates that tactical discipline and strategic passive pressing contributed to these underdog performances in the tournament.
- •Cape Verde earns a 0-0 draw against Spain.
- •Ghana employs a similar compact formation against England.
- •Lower-ranked teams outperform higher-ranked sides in tactical discipline.
- •Saudi Arabia's defensive weaknesses highlighted in match against Spain.
- •World Cup includes surprising results from teams ranked 54th to 81st.
- 9:21 AMYahoo Sports — Why are World Cup underdogs doing so well?
- 9:18 AMBBC Sport — Why are World Cup underdogs doing so well?
"Are the surprise results achieved by lower-ranked teams in the World Cup a matter of luck - or clever planning and execution?
"Are the surprise results achieved by lower-ranked teams in the World Cup a matter of luck - or clever planning and execution?
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 26, 2026, 9:21 AMWhy are World Cup underdogs doing so well?
Are the surprise results achieved by lower-ranked teams in the World Cup a matter of luck - or clever planning and execution?
- BBC SportJun 26, 2026, 9:18 AMWhy are World Cup underdogs doing so well?
Are the surprise results achieved by lower-ranked teams in the World Cup a matter of luck - or clever planning and execution?
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