FIFA World Cup 2018: Top 5 Opening day upsets in the history of the tournament

#3 Argentina 0-1 Belgium (1982)

Maradona was well marshaled by the Belgium defense

Spain’ 82 provided a whole bunch of upsets, as eventual finalists West Germany were beaten by Algeria in their opening match while winners of the competition, Italy qualified for the 2nd round without winning a single group game.

However, the tone was set on the opening day when defending champions Argentina, led by a 22-year old Diego Maradona lost 1-0 to Belgium at the Camp Nou.

The team from Europe employed an aggressive man-marking job on Maradona, which meant that the youngster failed to have any impact on proceedings.

Having defended well throughout, the Belgians shocked the world cup holders after a rare foray into the attacking half saw striker Erwin Vandenbergh smash the ball into the bottom right corner.

It turned out to be the only goal of the match as they stifled out Argentina’s array of attacking talent that also included 1978 golden boot winner Mario Kempes.

Having finished runners-up to the Belgians, Argentina were drawn in a tough second round group containing the likes of Brazil and eventual winners Italy. Argentina crashed out after finishing bottom, thereby failing to retain the trophy they had won four years earlier.