The 2020s have been a decade of surprises in football, with several underdog teams defying the odds to claim historic victories. These triumphs have captivated fans worldwide, proving that anything is possible in the beautiful game. From lesser-known clubs making deep runs in major tournaments to national teams outperforming footballing giants, this article highlights the most unexpected champions of the decade.
Leicester City’s FA Cup Triumph (2021)
Leicester City’s fairytale continued in 2021 when they lifted the FA Cup for the first time in their history. Having stunned the footballing world by winning the Premier League in 2016, they once again proved their mettle by overcoming some of England’s biggest clubs.
The Foxes faced Chelsea in the final, a team stacked with international stars and boasting superior financial resources. Despite the odds, Leicester secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Youri Tielemans.
The triumph cemented Leicester City’s reputation as giant killers and added another prestigious trophy to their cabinet. The win also secured them a place in the following season’s Europa League, reinforcing their standing as one of England’s top clubs.
How Leicester’s Tactical Brilliance Paid Off
Under Brendan Rodgers, Leicester City adopted a disciplined yet dynamic playing style. The team combined a strong defensive setup with swift counterattacks, making them difficult to break down.
Their defensive solidity was crucial throughout the tournament, with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel producing vital saves in the final. His leadership and experience played a key role in maintaining Leicester’s composure under pressure.
Additionally, Leicester’s scouting and recruitment strategy proved instrumental. Players like Tielemans, James Maddison, and Wesley Fofana were brought in for modest fees but became integral to the team’s success.
Denmark’s Semi-Final Run in EURO 2020
Denmark’s remarkable journey in the postponed EURO 2020 tournament was one of the most inspiring stories of the decade. The team had to overcome immense adversity following Christian Eriksen’s shocking cardiac arrest in their opening match.
Despite this traumatic event, Denmark rallied together and put on a series of impressive performances. After losing their first two group-stage games, they won their final match to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Denmark then went on to defeat Wales 4-0 in the Round of 16 and followed up with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals. They pushed England to the limit in the semi-finals, ultimately losing 2-1 in extra time.
The Role of Team Spirit and Leadership
Denmark’s success was driven by an unbreakable team spirit and excellent leadership from coach Kasper Hjulmand. He kept the squad focused and motivated despite the emotional shock of Eriksen’s collapse.
Key players such as Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Simon Kjær played crucial roles, both tactically and as leaders on the pitch. Their ability to step up in difficult moments was vital to Denmark’s deep run in the tournament.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel also delivered outstanding performances, making crucial saves to keep Denmark in the competition. His heroics in the semi-final against England, including saving a penalty from Harry Kane, highlighted his importance.
Villarreal’s Europa League Victory (2021)
In one of the biggest surprises of European club football, Villarreal won the 2020-21 UEFA Europa League by defeating Manchester United in the final. The Spanish club, with a fraction of United’s budget, defied expectations to claim their first-ever major European trophy.
The final ended in a dramatic penalty shootout, with Villarreal winning 11-10 after goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli scored the decisive spot-kick. This victory secured their place in the UEFA Champions League for the following season.
Villarreal’s win was not only a triumph for the club but also a testament to manager Unai Emery’s tactical expertise. It reinforced his reputation as a Europa League specialist, having previously won the competition three times with Sevilla.
The Impact of Unai Emery’s Tactical Approach
Unai Emery’s tactical nous was key to Villarreal’s success. His ability to organise the team defensively while exploiting opponents’ weaknesses helped them navigate the tournament successfully.
Villarreal’s well-structured midfield and counterattacking strategy proved effective against stronger opposition. Players like Dani Parejo and Gerard Moreno were instrumental in their attacking play, while Pau Torres marshalled the defence.
Emery’s experience in European competitions gave Villarreal a strategic edge, ensuring they approached every game with a clear plan. His attention to detail and ability to make in-game adjustments played a significant role in their historic triumph.