Soccer is the most exciting sport of all, as it has a factor that sets it apart from the others: the favorite, the strongest team, can lose at any moment. The thrill of knowing that the weaker team can beat the favorite makes fans and supporters believe until the end and hope for outcomes that might be considered unlikely.
When an upset occurs, it is inevitable that most lovers of the game (who do not support the victim team) have fun. But when it happens frequently, then the season becomes historic. This was the case in 2004, when there were 7 unlikely champions, marking the history of soccer.
Find out what the upsets were 20 years ago:
If it is increasingly difficult for a championship to be won by a team pointed out as unlikely, two decades ago the story was different and exciting for those who love soccer, whether for fans of the involved teams, even the defeated ones, or even for bettors, who would need tips from major portals, like INBETIO, to understand who would be the favorite in each competition.
The upsets were:
* Greece – Euro Cup
Historically, Greece does not stand out in soccer and never enters as a favorite. However, in 2004, many believed that the Greek national team would be the "easy prey" in the Euro Cup. Surprisingly, the team advanced and reached the final against Portugal, which was coached by Felipão at the time, and won the title.
* Porto – Champions League
The year was marked by surprises in soccer and a then little-known José Mourinho led Porto to the final of the Champions League. This decision was also notable for the presence of Monaco, who reached the final for the first time. Porto triumphed, winning the match 3-0 and securing the title.
Werder Bremen — Bundesliga and German Cup
Two decades ago, Werder Bremen broke a 12-year drought by winning the Bundesliga 2003/2004, an unlikely today's predictions at the time. In addition, under the command of coach Thomas Schaaf, the team also won the German Cup that same year, overcoming the favorite Bayern Munich.
* Valencia — La Liga and UEFA Cup
In the Spanish Championship, winning the title with Valencia against giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona was a big surprise. The bat team not only defeated the two clubs but also secured La Liga and took home the UEFA Cup that year.
* Zaragoza – King's Cup
It was hard to imagine that Zaragoza could defeat a Real Madrid filled with stars like Zidane, Beckham, Guti, Figo, and Roberto Carlos. In the final, the team started losing, but managed a spectacular comeback, winning 3-2 in overtime and being crowned champion. Another upset in soccer from 2004.
* Once Caldas – Copa Libertadores
Neither Santos, São Paulo, nor Boca Juniors or River Plate. The 2004 Copa Libertadores had a surprise champion: the Colombian team Once Caldas. With an impenetrable defense, they eliminated all opponents, including the Brazilians, and won the Eternal Glory, a rare guess that year.
* Santo André – Copa do Brasil
The clubs from ABC Paulista were protagonists in 2004. São Caetano won the state championship, while Santo André made history in the Copa do Brasil, reaching the final and defeating Flamengo 2-0 at Maracanã. Before that, the team eliminated Atlético-MG and Palmeiras. A Copa do Brasil that will never be forgotten and is unlikely to be repeated, with Serie A teams dominating the tournament in recent years.
