The Biggest Sporting Shockers

The reason the world of sports is so exciting and thrilling – and makes for some seriously great movies, is because of its unpredictability. And when an underdog comes out on top, it captures the imagination like nothing else. 

When that smaller, less-fancied team or athlete not only takes on but actually defeats a big and powerful opponent, it reminds us exactly why we love the nature of sporting competition – and with Liverpool’s loss to Plymouth in the FA Cup, it’s a reminder of how crazy things can actually get. 

So, with that being said, here are some of the biggest surprises in sports – ever.

Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle 

One of the most recent shockers in English football came in this year’s FA Cup when Plymouth Argyle faced off against Premier League leaders Liverpool. Liverpool obviously never took the team too seriously and fielded their second team – possibly with the expectation of a routine victory for Slot’s men. 

However, Plymouth displayed incredible defensive resilience and forced a penalty – which they scored. Liverpool simply didn’t have any comeback – and anyone betting online on the underdog would have been very happy when the final whistle came.

Leicester City’s Premier League Win in 2016

This is arguably the most famous underdog story in footballing history – when Leicester City won the Premier League title in 2016 – and defied all odds. At the start of the season, the Foxes were literally 5000-1 outsiders to win the league – and anyone betting on them would have been quids in… 5000 of them!

Managed by Claudio Ranieri – and cheered on by Lineker, they literally stunned the football world with performance after performance – beating the very best teams like Man City, Chelsea, and Tottenham. Thanks to this, players like Jamie Vardy, N’Golo Kanté, and Riyad Mahrez became household names overnight as they made footballing history.

Greece Winning Euro 2004

When you think of potential Euro winners, you’d think of Spain, Germany and France – so a real footballing upset happened in 2004 when Greece – rank outsiders, took the European title. 

Under the tactical guidance of Otto Rehhagel, the team left the whole of Europe speechless with excellent defensive performances and some well-timed goals. They beat the defending champions France, made it past the Czech Republic, and beat the hosts Portugal 1-0 in the final. Angelos Charisteas’ header is a moment never to be forgotten.

Buster Douglas Beats Mike Tyson in 1990

On February 11th, 1990, boxing fans were left in shock when James ‘Buster’ Douglas beat the seemingly invincible Mike Tyson in Tokyo. Tyson was the undefeated heavyweight champion of the world – and was expected to annihilate Douglas, who was considered a 42-1 underdog. 

However, Douglas delivered  – he withstood Tyson’s power and knocked him out in the 10th round. 

Wimbledon’s Wins the 1988 FA Cup

This was one of the biggest FA Cup final shocks, Wimbledon faced off against the mighty Liverpool (yes, them again!) in the 1988 final. Liverpool, arguably the best club of the time, was expecting a walk in the park… but bad things happen when you let your guard down!

Wimbledon went into the game with a self-belief and determination that saw them take the lead thanks to a Lawrie Sanchez header. Another team hero, Goalkeeper Dave Beasan,t then became the first shot-stopper to save a penalty in an FA Cup final – and the 1-0 victory is still one of the biggest cup final upsets in the game.

The USA’s ‘Miracle on Ice’ in the 1980 Winter Olympic

The 1980 Winter Olympics was a beauty – and it produced one of the most iconic shockers in the history of sports when the US ice hockey team beat the Soviet Union.

The USSR team – as they were then, was made up of experienced professionals – and everyone thought they’d absolutely crush the amateur American squad – it was expected to be an embarrassment. However, the young and enthusiastic US team, led by coach Herb Brooks, pulled off the victory of a lifetime – walking away with a stunning 4-3 win. They went on to win gold in a real Cinderella story.

Sports can be beautiful, exciting, thrilling – and seriously unpredictable!