Underachievers in World Football.

[SR1968]

When I think about previous FIFA World Cups, I often think about footballing nations who should be doing a lot better than what they actually have.

This is just my opinion, but I feel these footballing nations should have done a lot better, given how strong their domestic leagues are.

Firstly, I would cite England as an underachiever in World football, sure they invented football, spread it around the world, and yes they did win the 1966 World Cup, but they haven't even won a Euro, although they were runners up in 2021 and 2024. Given how strong the EPL is, England should be doing a lot better at major football tournaments.

Next, I would cite The Netherlands as another underachiever in World Football, they were very unlucky in 1974, 1978 & 2010 (reached the World Cup final and lost every time), although they won Euro 88.

Some other underachievers off the top of my head, are Mexico, Portugal, and Columbia, in the past I would have mentioned Spain, but since 2008, they have won three Euros and The World Cup.

 

[patjennings]

When I think about previous FIFA World Cups, I often think about footballing nations who should be doing a lot better than what they actually have.

This is just my opinion, but I feel these footballing nations should have done a lot better, given how strong their domestic leagues are.

Firstly, I would cite England as an underachiever in World football, sure they invented football, spread it around the world, and yes they did win the 1966 World Cup, but they haven't even won a Euro, although they were runners up in 2021 and 2024. Given how strong the EPL is, England should be doing a lot better at major football tournaments.

Next, I would cite The Netherlands as another underachiever in World Football, they were very unlucky in 1974, 1978 & 2010 (reached the World Cup final and lost every time), although they won Euro 88.

Some other underachievers off the top of my head, are Mexico, Portugal, and Columbia, in the past I would have mentioned Spain, but since 2008, they have won three Euros and The World Cup.

Only with a Dutch ref against the Germans who he hated.

 

[LFC]

Belguim another you could put in under achieving last 10/15yrs with their golden gen.
Had some mega players.

 

[SR1968]

Belguim another you could put in under achieving last 10/15yrs with their golden gen.
Had some mega players.

Good point, I should have included Belgium, given the immense football talent that country has produced, they should have won lot more than what they have. I think Belgium's best result was runners up at Euro 80.

 

[LFC]

yep runners up then and lets not forget for the young un's wouldn't relate lost to WEST Germany.
Man how times have changed eh - wall down and all.
Belguim sure have had some brilliant players and mentioning EPL how many have done so well in that league last 20yrs.
There is at least a full squad (11+) of successful players, like the 3Lions quit a fail.

A recent WC fail that I dislike to admit is the Azzurri + Brazil !
OK they have been past winners BUT woe have they regressed tragically last 15yrs.
Alright my Azzurri won Euro '20 brilliantly but its crazy their WC quali struggles.
Brazil is in quick sand that you could carry on discussions reasons why for a while.

 

[grazorblade]

I personally think the dutch have over achieved being a country of 14 mil and making the final 3 times. Only uruguay and croatia have been more impressive

 

[Monoethnic Social Club]

I personally think the dutch have over achieved being a country of 14 mil and making the final 3 times. Only uruguay and croatia have been more impressive

Meh, only won one international trophy.... Greece has 4 million less citizens and has done the same...

 

[West Adelaide Hellas]

Meh, only won one international trophy.... Greece has 4 million less citizens and has done the same...

We are also good at other sports.

What else do the Dutch do well apart from being world class at rudeness?

 

[Monoethnic Social Club]

We are also good at other sports.

What else do the Dutch do well apart from being world class at rudeness?

If there was an Olympic medal for women you need a step ladder to reach, they would win every time....

 

[Barca4life]

Belgium jump off the pack with its golden gen but never won anything, Portugal have had some great teams in the past few years but at least they won a major trophy with the Euros in 2016 but they never been in a senior world cup final.

The Dutch historically probably the best country to have never won the World Cup making 3 finals.

Another I've got is Nigeria, quite successful at youth level winning 5 u17 world cups but they have never made it a quarter finals at a senior World Cup.

Ill try to think of more...

 

[NicCarBel]

I'm going to go left field and say Egypt.

7 times African Champions (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010), plus runners up another 3 times (1962, 2017 and 2021).

Since winning their first African Cup of Nations, they've only qualified for the World Cup in 1990, and 2018.

 

[theFOOTBALLlover]

Relax, Portugal is a country of 10 million people. We are punching above our weight. Two European finals (won 1), 2 Nations Leagues, countless Beach WCs, Futsal and Youth WCs.

 

[NicCarBel]

Second left-field one - South Korea

Have been in the year-end top 4 of Asia FIFA rankings (which started in 1993) every year except 2006. Have qualified for every FIFA World Cup since 1986.

Haven't won an AFC Asian Cup since the first two editions in 1956 and 1960

 

[booney52]

We are also good at other sports.

What else do the Dutch do well apart from being world class at rudeness?

Cycling( especially their women) and field hockey( men and women).Also have had some world class swimmers-Piet van Hoogenband who was Thorpie's great rival.