Top 3 underrated teams of WC 2022 tournament in Qatar; see the list of underdogs

By
Jehan Mucadum
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WC 2022 Underdogs: The thrill and magic of the FIFA World Cup 2022 ended last night as Argentina picked up their 3rd World Cup title.

After a sensational 28-days, the world witnessed a new champion in Argentina. It was the best last dance Messi could have received as the Argentina captain completed his football legacy with the silverware.

In this World Cup, we have seen some of the seismic upsets take place with several teams knocking down the door of mediocrity with legendary performances.

Hence, today we look at the 3 WC 2022 Underdog teams who stole our hearts and proved to be a tough opponent to crack down amidst champion sides.

Japan

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The Samurai Blue entered the World Cup 2022 in a difficult group which included Germany, Spain and Costa Rica.

However, they topped the group with 6 points from 3 matches and qualified for the Round of 16.

Japan lost that one to Croatia on penalties but left an indelible mark on the competition with their style of play.

Moriyasu’s style of play did not include possession play but rather pace on the counter, which saw them deliver crucial blows despite going down early.

The Japanese side proved their strength and mettle as an upcoming side when they turned the game around vs Germany and Spain in the group stage.

The likes of Asano, Doan, Tanaka and others were outstanding during the tournament making Japan one of the underdogs in the 2022 WC.

Croatia

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The expectancy for Croatia was not much as most experts felt they hit their peak with runners-up medal in 2018.

However, they proved them wrong as Croatia secured a 3rd place finish in the WC 2022 ahead of Morocco.

Modric’s Croatia secured a 2nd place finish in their group to qualify for the Round of 16, where they faced Brazil.

In a match filled with grit, desire and strive; Croatia emerged victorious over the South American nation on penalties.

Livakovic was the star of the team in the 2022 WC as he produced the highest number of saves.

The experience of Modric, Perisic and Lovren ensured Croatia never looked down and out despite the trio being on the later side of their 30’s.

But Josko Gvardiol proved to be Croatia’s top player of the tournament as the Leipzig defender was resolute, strong and desirous in only his 1st World Cup.

Morocco

ImageThe Atlas Lions proved to be the World Cup’s mighty underdogs as they secured the best finish for an African nation in WC history.

Morocco sealed a 4th place finish in the 2022 World Cup behind Argentina, France and Croatia to show that they too deserved a place amongst the greats.

The African side topped their group with 7 points before beating Portugal in the Q/F as well.

A 2-0 defeat to France saw them crash out but not without putting in a great shift to make Les Bleus earn the victory.

Amrabat, Hakimi, Bounou, Ounahi and Ziyech were amongst the top performers for them and have paved the way for future Moroccans to take up the game.

It was a way of life for Morocco to show up in almost every match as they made opponents tire out before hitting the killer blow.

Regragui short term as Morocco boss has proved to be a success and will be expected to continue delivering such result.


       

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