Why are World Cup underdogs doing so well?

Why are World Cup underdogs doing so well?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was named man of the match in the goalless draw with SpainByUmir IrfanFootball tactics correspondentPublished1 minute agoCommentsThis 48-team World Cup has produced some intriguing match-ups and several impressive performances by lower-ranked sides against the world's biggest nations. Cape Verde, Curacao, Ghana and South Africa - ranked 64th, 81st, 65th and 54th respectively - have taken points from Spain (3rd), Ecuador (29th), England (4th) and South Korea (28th) so far.Are these early tournament surprises a matter of luck, or clever planning and execution?A deeper delve into what happened in the games that produced those unexpected results reveals a number of common patterns.Don't take the baitCape Verde's 0-0 draw against Spain was perhaps the biggest upset of the tournament so far and it was also perhaps the most tactically impressive.The third-smallest nation in World Cup history stifled Spain through their 4-5-1 defensive shape. Key to their success was the fact gaps between their midfield line and defensive line were very small.Against such a challenge, high-possession sides look to pass the ball backwards, hoping to entice the opposition to step up the pitch.When Spain passed it back, expecting the midfielders to engage and create space between them and the defenders, Cape Verde didn't take the bait, instead keeping their shape compact.The Spain defenders then carried the ball forward looking to trigger a reaction but the Cape Verde players, again, held their shape until late.Spain, as a result, found it difficult to find players inside the block. Their remaining solutions were therefore either around Cape Verde or over the top of them.Image caption, Cape Verde ensured there was minimal space between their defensive and midfield lines. If a player was nearby, they applied pressure, but if Spain passed it backwards, they didn&#x...