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Could Japan be the World Cup's dark horses?
Key takeaways
- Japan went unbeaten against European opposition at the last World Cup, beating Germany and Spain in the group stage and drawing with Croatia (1-1) in the round of 16 before being eliminated on penalties.
- There is always at least one team that defies the odds and emerges as the surprise package of a World Cup.
- Just ask Morocco, Russia, and Costa Rica, three nations who have all produced memorable runs deep into the knockout stages in recent years despite the modest expectations heading into the tournament.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Japan went unbeaten against European opposition at the last World Cup, beating Germany and Spain in the group stage and drawing with Croatia (1-1) in the round of 16 before being eliminated on penalties.
There is always at least one team that defies the odds and emerges as the surprise package of a World Cup.
Just ask Morocco, Russia, and Costa Rica, three nations who have all produced memorable runs deep into the knockout stages in recent years despite the modest expectations heading into the tournament.
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