Yesterday was absolutely shocking as Germany got knocked out of the World Cup by South Korea. After winning the tournament 4 years ago, they find themselves out in the group stage.
France
The so called “curse” the Germans experienced today dates back to 1998 when France claimed the World Cup title. That year, France had a buzzing national team with the likes of Zidane, Vieira, and Deschamps in the lineup.
They were up against the strong opposition of Brazil. Their legendary lineup boasted Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, etc. Despite that, France were able to defeat the Brazilians in fashion with a 3-0 win.
Unfortunately their winning ways didn’t carry on to the next World Cup. France struggled heavily in Group A. In Match 1 they lost to Senegal, then in Match 2 they tied Uruguay, in their final group match they suffered a 2-0 to Denmark.
France’s 2002 failure marked the beginning of World Cup winners not making it out of the group stage the following World Cup.
Italy
Italy claimed glory on July 9, 2006 when they beat France in penalty shootout. The game was initially tied 1-1 throughout regular and extra time by goals from Zidane and Materazzi.
During the penalty shooutout, Italy were able to maintain composure and slot home all 5 of their penalties. The scorers were Pirlo, Materazzi, De Rossi, Del Piero, and Grosso.
On the opposite end, France were only able to get 3 out of 4 attempts. Only scoring by the attempts of Wiltord, Abidal, and Sagnol. Trezeguet being the only one unable to score.
The following World Cup in South Africa, they suffered defeat. The tone was set in Match 1 with a draw against Paraguay, in Match 2 they tied New Zealand, finishing off with a loss against Slovakia.
Italy were knocked out of the group stage just as France were 8 years earlier.
Spain
Spain celebrated their first world trophy in South Africa in 2010. They had to defeat a powerful Netherlands side in Soccer City, Johannesburg.
The match didn’t see a goal til the 116th minute where Iniesta rifled home his iconic goal bringing the trophy home for the Spaniards. Making Spain the 8th country to win the trophy.
The Spaniards were able to create numerous records with their win on July 11, 2010; though they weren’t able to replicate it in 2014.
Ironically, they lost to the Netherlands 5-1 in Match 1 of 2014. In Match 2 they lost 2-0 to Chile. Their tournament ended short with a 3-0 to Australia, extending the winner’s curse.
Germany
Finally, the current world champions, Germany claimed their 4th titles in Brazil. They fought to defeat Messi’s Argentina. Both sides had numerous chances, but the game wasn’t decided until the 113th minute.
Mario Goetze had come on as a sub earlier. He took his chance in extra time and placed the ball past Sergio Romero into the side netting. That team was true German excellence, winning almost every match that tournament and devastating the hosts in a 7-1 victory.
As was the same for the previous countries, Germany broke apart in Russia this year. Their first game against Mexico ended as a shock defeat. In match 2 they fought til the last minute to scrape a win against the Swedes. Finally, their game against South Korea ended all hope as they suffered another defeat.
Germany were unfortunate to not escape the pattern and were sent home in the group stages for the first time in decades.
Next: Champions League 2018/19: Tournament gets underway
What are your opinions on Germany’s group stage exit and the winner’s “curse”?