There’s little doubt that football is the most popular sport in the world. It’s a thrilling sport that is still capable of surprising us each year. In fact, often there are a few teams that unexpectedly turn in a sensational run of performances. These feats of wonder have long-time fans screaming with glee and newly-acquired fans joining in on the excitement:

• At the 2010 World Cup Uruguay became the darlings of the football world after a long absence from glory. The last time this South American side had experienced any significant level of success had been way back in the 1970s, with two America’s Cup victories. Striker Diego Forlan helped them recapture former glory though, with an inspirational and spirited run to the semi-finals.

• Those football fans unaware of Cyprus based club APOEL FC were spectacularly introduced to the team in the 2011 Champions League. The little known side not only defeated Porto early on but went on to win their group. In the round of 16 they shattered Lyon’s dreams in a penalty shootout. And, despite losing in the quarterfinals to Real Madrid, it was truly an awesome feat from a minnow side.

• 2012 marked the surprise debut Africa Cup of Nations title win of Zambia. Poignantly the last time Zambia had reached a final was in 1994, just one short year after 18 of their squad died in a tragic plane crash. And, after a grueling penalty shootout against Ivory Coast, the glory was finally Zambia’s.

• The 2013 FA Cup title went to Wigan after defeating Manchester City in the final at Wembley. Neither the prestigious event, venue or opponents fazed Wigan as they prevailed courtesy of the sole goal of the match, dramatically finding the back of the net in injury time.

• Costa Rica’s moment in the sun came when reaching the 2014 World Cup quarterfinal. After proving naysayers wrong and progressing the last 16, the determined side overcame the Greek National squad. Despite losing their quarterfinal clash against the Netherlands, this was the best performance of the tournament.

• Who can forget the 2014/2015 English Premier League title victory of Leicester at huge odds? A truly astounding run that captured the hearts of the entire world, proving that dreams do come true.

• Euro 2016 marked the Welsh debut in the tournament – and how memorable it was! A great charge led by Gareth Bale saw the Welsh squad reach the semi-finals before succumbing to Portugal.

• AS Monaco firmly established that they truly belonged in top-flight competition by not only winning their 2016/2017 home league title but also reaching the semi-final of the Champions League.

-2018 marked the year of Croatia’s miraculous road to the World Cup final. For such a small country to reach this milestone is phenomenal. The nation held its head high after its loss to France in the final because all expectations were surpassed.

• The 2019 Champions League will forever be remembered for Tottenham Hotspur defying the odds to reach the final. After a brutal pair of quarter final clashes against Man City, Spurs lost their home quarter final  0-1 to Ajax. With the tough task of being a goal behind, they faced the away leg fearlessly, prevailing with 3 superb goals.

What do all of these performances have in common? Well, each one serves to highlight the beauty of the sport and how through true determination, anything can be achieved. And, these stunning performances happen all the time! Each of these sides was also at enormous odds at 1xBet, the world’s top online betting site. Savvy pundits who backed them to progress to certain levels of the tournaments scored massive windfalls. So, who will have the next sensational run at long odds? It’s time to choose your team and visit 1xBet for incredible odds!