New Delhi: Brazil are perennial World Cup favourites. With the five-time champions hosting the 2014 tournament, they are widely expected to go all the way this time too. But with the 84-year history of the ‘greatest show on earth’ littered with the debris of favourites who have fallen by the wayside, the Selecao need to proceed with caution.
One of the most memorable flops was that of Hungary at the 1954 World Cup. The ‘Magical Magyars’ led by the legendary Ferenc Puskas were a truly formidable outfit. Hungary deservedly started as favourites and lived up to the tag in spectacular fashion. Opening with a 9-0 demolition of debutants South Korea, they won all their matches in commanding fashion.
But they faltered in the final against West Germany. Despite leading 2-0 early on, Hungary were conquered by the Germans’ fighting spirit to eventually lose 2-3. But the trophy for the biggest World Cup heartbreak should probably go to Holland.
The pioneers of ‘Total Football’ wowed the world with their sublime skills in 1974. Built around the stars of the all-conquering Ajax club side, the Dutch scored 14 goals and conceded only once on their way to the final.
Holland were the firm favourites against hosts West Germany and started the final in typical style, taking a 1-0 lead in the opening minute, before any of the German players had even touched the ball. But true to their cavalier style, the Dutch were more focussed on putting out a dazzling display and humiliating their bitter rivals than delivering the knockout punch.
That proved to be their undoing as the Germans — renowned for their never say die attitude — fought back to win their second World Cup. More heartbreak was in store for the Oranje four years later in Argentina. The Dutch had a shot at reedeeming themselves for 1974 when they reached the final once again.
Unfortunately for them, Argentina striker Mario Kempes was in sublime form that day, scoring twice to condemn Holland to a 1-3 defeat. Holland would have to wait for 32 long years before they could appear in another final, with Spain proving to be their nemesis in 2010.
But no World Cup story can be complete without the Brazil team of 1982. Boasting a collection of legendary players like Socrates, Zico and Falcao, the Brazilians dazzled the world with their flair. But too much focus on attack and not enough on defence proved to be their undoing.
And of course, Brazil’s loss to Uruguay in the final of the 1950 World Cup in Rio de Janeiro is still vivid in the nation’s collective memory. Luis Felipe Scolari and his men will be hoping that history does not reapeat itself.
