Everyone loves an underdog. Here are some of the ones in the World Cup
Northeastern’s NetSI Sport group identifies the World Cup underdogs making the biggest statistical impact, from Curaçao to Ghana.
There’s been historic ties, resounding victories and disappointing losses.
And nearly two weeks into the biggest World Cup on record, a few key teams are emerging as the underdogs to watch.
Among them is Cape Verde, ranked 67th out of 211 in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, which this week followed up its stunning tie against Spain, ranked 2nd, with another exciting tie in its game against Uruguay, ranked 16th.
But the Cape Verdeans are far from the only team seemingly competing above its weight class, according to Northeastern’s NetSI Sport research group.
Here’s a look at a few more, according to the data.
Curaçao
The Dutch Caribbean nation of Curaçao, which is ranked 82nd, had a better than expected showing in its matches against Germany and Ecuador, which are ranked 10th and 23rd, respectively.
While Germany trounced Curaçao 7-1 in its week 1 group stage match, the underdog team managed to score an impressive goal against the top-tier team during the first 21 minutes of the match, delivered by right back defender Livano Comenencia. It was a historic moment for the team as it was the country’s first goal in World Cup history and, at that point in the game, tied the game at 1-1.
In its 0-0 game against Ecuador this week, the team’s goalie Eloy Room was the star, making 15 saves during the game, successfully saving 2.98 expected goals, or XG, from the other team.
For context, Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar “Vozinha” Dias, made seven passes and accumulated 1.61 of XG saves in the country’s game against Spain.
Curaçao will next play on Thursday against Ivory Coast, which is ranked 33rd.
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Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s match against Portugal during week 1 ended in a 1-1 tie, but in several key metrics — including attempted shots — the underdog team had the more impressive stats.
The African nation, also known as DRC, which is ranked 46th, secured one goal from eight shots, compared to Portugal’s 1 goal from seven shots.
That’s an impressive feat for a team in a matchup against a Portuguese team that is ranked 5th in the world and its star player Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the all-time best soccer players.
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The DRC also held its own in this week’s game against Colombia, which is ranked 13th. DRC denied Colombia a goal until the second half, when the Latin American team scored shortly after the second hydration break
The DRC will play Saturday against Uzbekistan, which is ranked 50th.
Ghana
Ghana’s attacking style of play was key in its last minute goal against Panama in its week 1 game. It was an impressive victory for the small team, which is ranked 73rd, against the Central American nation’s rank of 34th.
While Panama had more possessions of the ball throughout the game, Ghana was able to find ways to get the ball into Panama’s penalty area.
The West African nation had an even more impressive showing this week, denying England, ranked 4th, any goals and ending its match in a 0-0 tie.
The key to the team’s approach was its low block defensive strategy, where a team primarily stays on its side of the pitch and works to form a wall to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
Ghana will next play against Croatia, ranked 11th, on Saturday.
Data analysis provided by Brennan Klein, director for Northeastern University’s NetSI Sport research group.
