After four years of waiting, the World Cup returned, and for the first time, it was hosted in an Arab country - Qatar.
The tournament had its shocking moments right from the onset, including the following as compiled by Team Kenya:
Morocco - World Cup Semi-Finalists
Morocco shocked the world when it knocked out Portugal to become the first African nation to advance to a World Cup Semi-Final.
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Only three African sides had reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup before the Atlas Lions.
Morocco’s journey to the FIFA Qatar World Cup semi-finals saw them cruise past Belgium and Spain before defeating Portugal 1-0.
Morocco also became the first country with a Muslim majority, to reach the last four of the World Cup.
Before the semis, Morocco had conceded only one goal, an own goal in the 2-1 group stage victory over Canada.
Germany Knocked out by Japan
Apart from Morocco, Japan also provided a significant shock at World Cup Qatar with a comeback win over Germany.
Germany led the match into the first half through Ilkay Gundogan's penalty.
However, the four-time world champions were stunned 15 minutes before the final whistle when Japan scored to level the score line.
Eight minutes later, Takuma Asano found the back of the net with a powerful shot past Germany captain Manuel Neuer.
This was the first time Japan won a World Cup match after falling behind.
Croatia’s Come Back Against Brazil
Croatia eliminated Neymar and Brazil from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 through penalties.
Croatia came from behind in the second half of extra time with two minutes remaining to level the scores forcing a penalty shootout.
The five-time champions lost 4-2 in a shootout allowing Croatia to reach the semifinals for the second in a row.
Cameroon’s Win Against Brazil
The Indomitable Lions did what the other five African nations could not do before, defeating Brazil at the World Cup.
No African team had ever beaten Brazil in the tournament's history until Cameroon did so with a 1-0 win at the group stages.
Before the loss to Cameroon, the Seleção had won all seven of the games played against African teams, scoring 20 goals and conceding two in the process.
Cameroon also handed Brazil its first loss at the group stage in 24 years.
Unfortunately for the Indomitable Lions, four points in Group G were insufficient to advance to the knockout round.
Saudi Arabia’s Win Against Argentina
Argentina’s 2-1 defeat by Saudi Arabia in their Group C match at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is among the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Saudi Arabia defeated the third-ranked nation after a spirited comeback, having gone behind thanks to a Messi penalty.
Two second-half goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari sealed the win for the Falcons.
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