10 Times Teams Lost in the Most Unbelievable Ways
Sometimes, the last few seconds of a game are all that separate winners and losers. However, teams do lose in the strangest and most unexpected ways from time to time. The article talks about 10 strange losses that sports fans couldn't believe happened. These losses show how unpredictable sports can be.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
In every sport, there are amazing highs and crushing lows, but some losses are so strange and out of the blue that they almost seem unreal. Read on to learn about 10 shocking times teams lost in ways no one saw coming. Whether it was a mistake at the last second or an accident, these losses show that anything can happen in sports. Get ready to remember some of the most shocking moments in sports history, when a win almost went to someone else in the strangest ways.
1. The 2007 New York Mets Collapse
D. Benjamin Miller on Wikimedia
In 2007, with 17 games left, the New York Mets were 7 games ahead in the NL East. However, things went horribly wrong for them, and they lost 12 of their last 17 games and missed the playoffs. It’s one of the strangest falls in MLB history because the Mets’ loss seemed almost impossible after their great start.
2. 2003 Manchester United’s Champions League Exit
Donaldinnes on Wikimedia
In 2003, Manchester United was about to beat Real Madrid and be out of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. However, Zinedine Zidane scored late, and Ronaldo scored in the last minute, giving Real Madrid an amazing 4-3 win. Close to moving on, fans were shocked when United suddenly lost.
3. The 2001 Michael Jordan’s Playoff Shot Over Craig Ehlo
Yooperz on Wikimedia
The Cleveland Cavaliers were ahead by one point in the NBA playoffs in 1989, and there were only three seconds left. With all the attention on him, Michael Jordan made a shot over Craig Ehlo at the very end of the game to win it. One of the most famous moments in basketball history is still the Cavaliers’ unbelievable loss.
4. The 2016 Golden State Warriors 3-1 Collapse
United States Embassy in Japan on Wikimedia
The 2016 NBA Finals were underway, and the Golden State Warriors were ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers 3-1. They were only one win away from being champions, but they lost three games in a row, ending with a shocking loss in Game 7. Fans all over the world were shocked by this amazing turn of events since the Warriors were thought to be one of the best teams in NBA history.
5. The 1993 Buffalo Bills “Music City Miracle”
U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Campbell on Wikimedia
There were just over five minutes left in the 1999 AFC Wild Card game. The Tennessee Titans were behind by 16 points to the Buffalo Bills. The Titans then scored two touchdowns, one of which was the famous “Music City Miracle,” a lateral pass that won the game. Fans of the Bills are still upset about this shocking loss.
6. The 2004 “Red Sox Curse Breaker”
Thomson200 on Wikimedia
It’s amazing how the New York Yankees came back to beat the Boston Red Sox after being down 3-0 in the 2004 ALCS. They won four straight games. The Red Sox went on to win the World Series that year, which changed the story. The Yankees’ unlikely win was seen as one of the most shocking surprises in baseball history.
7. 1992 “The Play” – California vs. Stanford
U.S. Navy photo by Damon J. Moritz on Wikimedia
The 1982 Big Game between Stanford and California was one of the most shocking games in college football history. Stanford had a clear path to victory. California did a crazy set of laterals on a kickoff return with no time left on the clock. The game was over when they scored a touchdown. Sports fans were shocked and heartbroken when Stanford lost, and people still talk about the game today.
8. 1993 The Detroit Lions’ “Meltdown” in the Playoffs
Elbert Hampton on Wikimedia
The Green Bay Packers played the Detroit Lions in the playoffs in 1993. Late in the third quarter, the Detroit Lions were ahead by 21 points. The Packers, on the other hand, made an amazing comeback and won 28–24. Many people say this shocking loss was one of the worst in NFL history.
9. 2005 Australia’s “Ashes” Defeat to England
Spc. Edward Garibay on Wikimedia
Australia looked like they could beat anyone in the 2005 Ashes series, but after going up 2-0, they lost three straight games to England. Australia lost the last test by only two runs, which is the smallest margin in the history of the Ashes. After 18 years, England won the Ashes for the first time in 18 years, thanks to this surprising turn of events.
10. 2012 “The Miracle at the Meadowlands”
Elbert Hampton on Wikimedia
At the end of the sixth quarter of the 2012 game, the New York Giants were down by seven points to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Giants were down by two points after a string of mistakes and misplays, including a muffed punt return and a missed field goal attempt.