Underdog
The team that no one expects to win (opposite of favourites), usually popular with fans (see also ‘minnow‘).
-
- Example: Championship side Cardiff were the underdogs against Premier League side Portsmouth in the 2008 FA Cup final.
- Example: Cameroon were clear underdogs when facing holders Argentina in the 1990 World Cup opening game but the African side ran out 1-0 winners.
