50 days to go World Cup 2014

The 1950 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ was memorable for many firsts, not least the format: the only time in the tournament’s history that a Final was not played.

There was also a first-ever defeat for a defending World Cup champion, when Italy were beaten 3-2 by Sweden in Sao Paulo.

Gli Azzurri fared even worse as holders last time out, finishing bottom of their South Africa 2010 section after failing to win any of their three group stage matches.

The worst performance by World Cup holders, though, came in 2002 courtesy of a France side who not only failed to win a match, but could not muster a single goal.

Share article

Latest articles