10 Most Shocking Underdog Victories In Football History

5. Iraq 1-0 Saudi Arabia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8ncOcyQAyA 29/7/2007AFC Asian Cup Final, Gelora Bung Karno Stadium In 2007, Iraq was a nation at war. Shattered from years at war, it was a miracles the Iraqis were even able to qualify for the 2007 Asian Cup. Hardly known as a powerhouse of Asian football, 2007 would be Iraq's sixth tournament, having achieved a highest finished of 4th in 1976. After a 1-1 draw against co-hosts Thailand in their opening game, Iraq pulled off a 3-1 victory against tournament favourites Australia in the second game of the group stage, earning them a place in the quarter finals. Victory over Vietnam was followed by a surprise penalty shootout win over 2002 World Cup semi finalists South Korea, progressing the Iraqis through to their first continental final. A feat which was overshadowed by a terrorist bombing which killed 30 celebrating Iraqi fans. Their opponents Saudi Arabia would be playing in their sixth Asian Cup Final, having won three, most recently in 1996. Saudi Arabia had been through a golden age in the years before 2007, qualifying for the previous four World Cups and the Saudis were seen as one of the strongest teams on the continent. A 3-2 semi final victory over Japan solidified their status as favourites. The game started slowly and the teams reached half time goalless. Saudi Arabia, who had scored three against Japan and two against Uzbekistan in the knockout round were not able to get through the Iraqi defence. Midway through the second half Iraq countered from a Saudi corner, storming up field to win a corner of their own. A curling corner found the head of Younis Mahmoud, who guided it into the net. After a nervous 20 minutes, the ref blew the final whistle, completing an unbelievable upset and completing a fairytale for the war torn nation. Since 2007, Saudi Arabia have not been the same dominant force they were before, going out in the group stages in 2011 and 2015 and never again qualifying for the World Cup. Iraq have qualified for the quarter finals of both tournaments since. Younis Mahmoud's winning goal created such an impact that he finished 29th in voting for the 2007 Ballon d'Or.