They were labelled “boring” and derided even in victory, but Greece’s Euro 2004 triumphs stands out as one of the greatest in modern history
Improbable Triumphs
Fifteen of the sport’s unlikely and inspiring underdogs victories, from the World Cup to the FA Cup.
On the verge of a humiliating exit, Spain would need to score 11 goals against Malta to progress to Euro 84. They remarkably netted 12
They were the heavy underdogs but had a cult following in England’s north east. With that behind them, North Korea would pull off one of the great upsets
Facing the world’s best team in AC Milan, when Liverpool came in at half-time 3-0 down, all hope seemed lost. But hope was, in fact, all they had
Playing exciting, fast football, Senegal would conjure up all their might to unforgettably dispose of France in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup
So sure of victory were West Germany over Algeria at the 1982 World Cup that they refused to prepare and suggested they’d score eight
They had defeated England and the Netherlands against the odds, and when Czechoslovakia faced West Germany in the Euro 76 final, few gave them a chance
They were mocked and demeaned in the build-up, but when Cameroon faced holder Argentina at the 1990 World Cup, they would redefine African football
At odds of 5000/1, Leicester, for most, needed a miracle to lift the 2016 Premier League title – but the stars aligned and the world rejoiced
It took some luck, good timing and a squad full of outstanding flair and fellowship for Denmark to record one of international football’s greatest triumphs
Led by John Barnes and director Kenny Dalglish, a routine Scottish Cup game against Caley Thistle in 2000 was meant to put Celtic’s season back on track
Perennially seen as one of Europe’s less-fancied teams – at home and abroad – Wales would redefine the boundaries at Euro 2016
Petty accusations of foul play act as a smokescreen for European arrogance: Italy were simply humbled by South Korea at the 2002 World Cup
While hardly a vintage Juventus, it was one that contained World Cup winners and was 3-1 up. Still, that wasn’t enough to defeat an electric Fulham
Wrexham were rarely used to big wins, so when the mighty Arsenal rocked up at the Racecourse, form was expected to be followed. It wasn’t
Postmen, mill workers and funeral directors made up the US team at the 1950 World Cup – and they’d go on to spring a surprise of epic proportions