The Greatest Knockout Stage Shocks In World Cup History

#2 World Cup 1994 Quarter-Final: Bulgaria 2 – 1 Germany

Soccer - World Cup USA 94 - Quarter Final - Bulgaria v Germany

To many of a certain age, the 1994 World Cup is viewed as one of the greatest in the competition’s history. Held in the USA, it was a vibrant tournament filled with exciting performances, captivating moments, and some truly stunning kits. And in amongst all of the excitement, there was the little-engine-that-could component of Bulgaria.

Going into USA ’94, everybody knew that Hristo Stoichkov was an unquestionable world-class talent, with him having wowed football audiences across the globe with his performances for Barcelona. But World Cup ’94 showed that there was far more to the Bulgarian national team than merely Stoitchkov and his magical left foot.

Having been decimated 3-0 by Nigeria in their opening group game, Bulgaria recovered to qualify from Group D after defeating both Greece and Argentina. In the last 16, Mexico were beaten on penalties by the Bulgarians, and that set up a huge quarter-final game against the all-powerful Germany.

In a memorable match at Giants Stadium, a trademark Stoichkov free-kick canceled out Lothar Matthaus’ opener, and then Yordan Letchkov popped up with a diving header that sent shockwaves across the footballing world. Little ‘ol Bulgaria had toppled the mighty Germany!

Unfortunately for the Bulgarians, a Roberto Baggio double would see Italy knock them out in the semi-finals, but they had still cemented their place in World Cup history.