Resurgent Teams in Global Football Tournaments

In a recent analysis of major international football tournaments, it has been noted that only two teams have previously achieved the remarkable feat of winning three knockout matches after trailing. Croatia demonstrated this resilience during the 2018 World Cup, overcoming Denmark and Russia in penalty shootouts and defeating England in the semi-finals. Similarly, at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Croatia came from behind to win against Canada, Japan, and Brazil, solidifying their reputation for tenacity. The only other team to accomplish this is China, who achieved the same at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2022. The discussion also highlights a dramatic final group game for Korea, where they managed to equalize against Malaysia in the dying moments, showcasing their fighting spirit. This raises questions about whether such comebacks are a record in the context of international tournaments. Additionally, the report touches on France's choice to wear their away kit during the semi-final against Spain, marking a notable trend with five out of six matches played in this attire. This raises curiosity about the historical significance of such decisions in major tournaments like the Euros and the World Cup. Lastly, the report reflects on Gareth Southgate's unique position as the first manager to lose two consecutive finals in the men’s Euros, while also noting the unusual occurrence of players receiving bookings while seated on the bench during the current tournament. These insights contribute to the ongoing narrative of records and anomalies in international football.