Brazil 1966
In 1962, Brazil reached new heights by winning their 2nd World Cup crown and were known to be a true force. But, in defence of their crown in the next installment, they failed miserably. Brazil kicked off positively with a 2-0 win against Bulgaria. In the following two games, they faced Hungary and Portugal, losing both games 1-3, ending their campaign, and giving up the World Cup crown, which they would eventually win back in 1970.
Results:
– Won 2-0 vs Bulgaria
– Lost 1-3 vs Hungary
– Lost 1-3 vs Portugal
France 2002
From the beginning of the tournament, it was apparent that the group would not pan out as expected, as Senegal beat France 1–0 in the opening match of the tournament. France followed the loss with a draw against Uruguay, in a match in which their star striker, Thierry Henry was sent off, before rounding out the group with another defeat to Denmark, and ending their World Cup defence without scoring a single goal. Senegal’s other two matches finished as draws, including a well-earned point against Denmark, and a bad-tempered game against Uruguay, in which 12 players were booked.
Results:
– Lost 0-1 vs Senegal
– Drew 0-0 vs Uruguay
– Lost 0-2 vs Denmark
Italy 2010
In the 2010 World Cup South Africa, holders Italy were off to a cautious and shaky start, only managing a 1-1 draw against eventual group toppers Paraguay. Things did not improve as they drew again against underdogs New Zealand, with the same scoreline. Things got even worse when in their final group game, they were dispatched off by Slovakia, in a 2-3 loss, bringing an end to their terrible trophy defence, failing to make it out of the group stages for the first time since 1974.
Results:
– Drew 1-1 vs Paraguay
– Drew 1-1 vs New Zealand
– Lost 2-3 vs Slovakia
Spain 2014
Spain amazed the world with their Tiki Taka, when they became World champions in 2010, showing everyone how the beautiful game was supposed to be played. But in the due course of 4 years leading upto Brazil 2014, the style of football adapted by the La Furia Roja has become largely predictable with many teams opting to apply relentless pressure and dominate on the break. The high profile clash between Spain and Netherlands in opening game of Group B promised to be a cracker. In a revenge for the 2010 World Cup final, the Dutch humbled Spain in a 5-1 trashing. As if this wasn’t enough, in their next game, Jorge Sampaoli’s Chile side scored two very well worked first half goals to ensure that Spain ad Australia became the first two teams eliminated from the 2014 edition of the World Cup.
Results:
– Lost 1-5 vs Netherlands
– Lost 0-2 vs Chile