The Overused "Dark Horse" Label Has Lost Its Meaning in World Cup Coverage
By
Luis Paez-Pumar
Summary
The article critiques the overuse and vagueness of the "dark horse" label in international football tournaments, arguing that the term is applied so broadly (to about half the field) that it has lost its meaning. It examines how pundits, fans, and gamblers misuse the designation, and explores what truly constitutes a dark horse versus simply a competitive team outside the traditional elite.
Source
DefectorThe Overused "Dark Horse" Label Has Lost Its Meaning in World Cup Coveragedefector.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledEvery international tournament, the widely used and abused 'dark horse' designation is bandied about as pundits, fans, and cretins (gamblers) try to be the first to predict a deep run for an unexpected team.
The term dark horse itself is vague enough to apply to about half the field, depending on one's own criteria.
It fits a team that could be a sneaky knockout-stage qualifier from a tough group, it fits a small nation that could even win a knockout match, and it fits a surprise quarterfinalist.
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