@theworldcupguy

2mo

The only countries to win a World Cup

Only a select group of nations have ever lifted the FIFA World Cup, and each victory tells a story of its time. The first champions were Uruguay, who won in 1930, defeating Argentina 4–2 in Montevideo. They triumphed again in 1950, famously beating Brazil 2–1 in the “Maracanazo.” Italy followed as an early powerhouse, with Italy winning in 1934 (2–1 vs. Czechoslovakia) and 1938 (4–2 vs. Hungary), later adding titles in 1982 (3–1 vs. West Germany) and 2006 (beating France on penalties). Notably, Czechoslovakia no longer exists today, having split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Germany has a complex history tied to political change. As West Germany, they won in 1954 (3–2 vs. Hungary), 1974 (2–1 vs. the Netherlands), and 1990 (1–0 vs. Argentina). After reunification, Germany added a fourth title in 2014, defeating Argentina 1–0. Hungary, despite their legendary team in 1954, never claimed the trophy. Brazil remains the most successful nation, winning five titles: 1958 (5–2 vs. Sweden), 1962 (3–1 vs. Czechoslovakia), 1970 (4–1 vs. Italy), 1994 (on penalties vs. Italy), and 2002 (2–0 vs. Germany). Their flair and attacking brilliance have defined eras of football. England claimed their only title in 1966, beating West Germany 4–2 at Wembley in a historic final. Argentina has won three times: 1978 (3–1 vs. the Netherlands), 1986 (3–2 vs. West Germany), and 2022 (defeating France on penalties after a 3–3 thriller). The Netherlands, despite multiple finals, have yet to win a World Cup. France lifted the trophy in 1998 (3–0 vs. Brazil) and again in 2018 (4–2 vs. Croatia), showcasing dominance across generations. Spain earned their first and only title in 2010, narrowly beating the Netherlands 1–0 in extra time. Across nearly a century, only eight nations have reached the pinnacle of world football. From early European dominance to South American flair and modern global competition, each champion reflects both sporting excellence and historical context, including nations that no longer exist in the same form today.

FIFA

Replies:

Down Goes The Netherlands

The Netherlands have qualified for 12 World Cup in their country’s history. They have never won a World Cup, but they have never been eliminated before the round of 16. In all 11 tournaments they have never been eliminated in the group stage or in the round of 32. Until last night when they faced off against Morocco. That 11 year streak comes to an end. The Netherlands have been eliminated in the round of 32. Another World Cup goes by without the Dutch hoisting any trophy, any medal, or anything to truly be proud of. They definitely could have won this game but they appear to change how they played and seemed off all night. The Netherlands will be back in 2030, it’s just what version of them will we see?

@nick

8.7

The Legend of EL FLACO

In 2018, Orlando Gill was playing amateur football and wondering if his dream had already slipped away. As recently as last year, he was merely the backup goalkeeper at San Lorenzo de Almagro in the Argentine Football League. Today, he is the man who helped eliminate Germany from the World Cup. The 6’6 Paraguayan goalkeeper has authored one of the great stories of this tournament. After standing tall through 120 exhausting minutes, Gill became a national hero in the penalty shootout, making the decisive saves that sent Paraguay into the round of 16 and one step closer to immortality. The journey here has been anything but straightforward. There were times when football barely paid the bills. Gill’s wife once revealed that he sold some of his equipment so the family could afford food while their son fought for his life in the hospital. For years he struggled for recognition in Paraguay and eventually moved to Argentina in search of an opportunity. That opportunity arrived by pure chance. San Lorenzo had been pursuing Keylor Navas but financial difficulties prevented the move. With no new goalkeeper arriving, manager Miguel Russo handed Gill an unexpected opportunity. He took it with both of his big ol hands and never gave it back, establishing himself as the club’s No. 1. His teammates affectionately called him El Flaco which means “The Skinny” or “The Lean One” because of his tall lanky build and stretch-armstrong shot stopping abilities. Now the rest of the world knows his name. From amateur footballer to reserve goalkeeper to World Cup giant killer, El Flaco has become the face of Paraguay’s remarkable run. Every tournament produces a folk hero, a player whose story reminds us why the World Cup captures the imagination like nothing else. This summer, that hero wears gloves and a shiny purple shirt.

@FlameRaptorRaven

8.9

The Berlin Wall has Fallen

Prior to this game, Germany had been essentially perfect on penalty shootouts at the World Cup. They scored: 5/6 in 1982 4/4 in 1986 4/4 in 1990 and 4/4 in 2006 They had not missed a World Cup penalty since 1982. 14 straight penalties in a row had gone in the net before today. By missing 3 in this game, they have not only quadrupled their all-time total of missed penalties, they have also lost their first World Cup penalty shootout ever.