By Salmanul Farisy Jul 1, 2018 9:00:41 AM IST (Updated)
The fierce fight an underdog throws up against a favourite is one of the greatest thrills in sport. This edition of the Fifa world cup had plenty of such contests to offer.
The term underdog is underrated. Teams or individuals, barely making it to the top category, are usually cajoled with such a reference. However, time and again, such underdogs have pipped the greatest giants en route their march to victory. And, this year's FIFA world cup has been no different.
When Lionel Messi, arguably one of the modern-day greats of the game, stepped up to take a penalty against Iceland, he probably took the goalkeeper, Hannes Halldorsson, a bit too casually. Well, for a five-time Ballon d'or winner, it was different this time around. Result: the goalie, a player by the day and a film director by the night, blocked it. Messi was stunned, so were the fans. The underdog had won his battle.
Another five-time Ballon d'or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, could not put it past the goalkeeper of Iran from the spot. This was the same Ronaldo who had scored from the penalty spot against one of the best goalkeepers of the game, David de Gea. But he couldn’t get it past Alireza Beiranvand, a 25-year-old goalkeeper, who played football in free time, while working as a shepherd. Here also, the Portuguese striker, might have taken Beiranvand a tad too casually. Once again, the underdog stole the show.