World Football's Biggest Overachievers: Countries That Shouldn't Be So Good At Football

🏆Belgium, with a population of fewer than 12 million, has become a football superpower, consistently ranking high in the FIFA world rankings.

🌍Denmark, with a population of fewer than 6 million, has consistently performed well in major tournaments, reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

🔶The Netherlands, known for its Total Football approach, has punched above its weight, producing legendary players and reaching multiple World Cup finals.

⚽Uruguay, with a population of just 3.5 million, has won the World Cup twice and consistently performs well in international competitions.

🇩🇪Germany, with its strong football culture and infrastructure, has achieved immense success, winning multiple World Cups and European Championships.

How did these countries achieve such success in football despite their small populations?

—These countries have invested in youth development, coaching, and infrastructure, focusing on technical and tactical development from a young age. They have also benefited from a passion for football and a strong football culture.

What are some notable achievements of these countries in football?

—Belgium consistently ranks high in the FIFA world rankings and reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. Denmark won the Euro 1992 and has been consistently competitive in major tournaments. The Netherlands reached multiple World Cup finals, and Uruguay has won the World Cup twice. Germany is known for its strong football tradition and has won multiple World Cups and European Championships.

Are there any other countries that have overachieved in football?

—Iceland and Costa Rica are two other countries that have achieved remarkable success in football despite their small populations. Iceland reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 and Costa Rica reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup.

What are some key factors that have contributed to the success of these countries in football?

—Factors such as investment in youth development, strong football cultures, passionate fan bases, and infrastructure for coaching and training have played a significant role in the success of these countries in football.

What can other countries learn from the success of these overachievers?

—Other countries can learn the importance of investing in youth development, creating a strong football culture, and providing infrastructure and support for coaching and training. Talent development, technical and tactical focus, and a passion for the sport are key factors in achieving success in football.

00:00Brazil, Germany, and France are well-known football superpowers, but smaller countries like Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Uruguay, Germany, Iceland, and Costa Rica have also achieved significant success. Despite their small populations, these countries have won multiple World Cups, Copa America titles, and European Championships.

08:00Belgium, with a population of fewer than 12 million, has become a football superpower and consistently ranks high in the FIFA world rankings. Denmark, with a population of fewer than 6 million, has performed well in major tournaments like Euro 2020. The Netherlands is known for its Total Football approach and has reached multiple World Cup finals. Uruguay, with a population of just 3.5 million, has won the World Cup twice. Germany, with its strong football culture, has achieved immense success.

13:00These countries have achieved such success by investing in youth development, coaching, and infrastructure, as well as having a passion for football and a strong football culture. Other countries can learn from their success by investing in youth development, creating a strong football culture, and providing infrastructure and support for coaching and training.