In almost 100 years, only eight nations have won the World Cup. Two surprise semi-finalists are vying to become just the third first-time winners in four decades.
Croatia and Morocco are the surprise guests in the World Cup’s final four but, as the Croatians discovered in 2018 and many other long-shot semi-finalists have before them, the two remaining steps to become world champions can be the steepest.
Poland and Belgium lost to eventual winners Italy and Argentina respectively in 1982 and 1986 and while former winners England would not like to be included in the “long-shots” group, it was still a surprise when they made the semis in 1990, when they lost to West Germany. Hristo Stoichkov was the linchpin as Bulgaria stunned champions West Germany and indeed the world at USA 1994.On the other side of the draw Sweden arrived after a last-16 shootout win over Romania. Normal service was resumed in the semis, however, as Italy ended Bulgaria’s dream run and Brazil edged out Sweden.
The mercurial Luka Modric has guided the Croatians to within one game of a second straight World Cup final appearance.The 2002 tournament was another where two total outsiders made the last four but were eventually stopped in their tracks by tournament juggernauts.
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