The FIFA World Cup has had some great players and teams. This includes not only those that have won the World Cup, but also a few teams that were not able to win the trophy. These are some of the great teams in FIFA World Cup history that lit up the tournament.
Brazil has had a few great teams in the FIFA World Cup. Their 1970 World Cup-winning side was one of their best. This team had all-time greats such as Pele and Alberto. Their record in the World Cup was outstanding, as they won all their games, including a 1-0 win over the world champions, England. The crowning moment came in the final, as they swept Italy aside 4-1 to win a third World Cup.
When it comes to teams that have never won the FIFA World Cup, this was one of the best. The Hungarian team was a strong favorite to win in 1954, with players such as Kocsis and Puskas on their team. Indeed, it would not be long before they started to defeat the likes of Germany 8-3, then another record 9-0 victory. Hungary set an amazing goal-scoring record of 27 in this World Cup.
This was not enough for a final in which Hungary played West Germany. After going two goals down, Germany was able to get back into the game. Then, with a third goal, they were able to win 3-2, for their first World Cup. Undoubtedly, it was an upset, as one of the World Cup’s most exciting teams had been beaten.
It was at this World Cup in Sweden that Brazil won its first World Cup. This was a team spearheaded by Garrincha and Pele, among other great players. In the final, they played the hosts, Sweden. Brazil scored a record five goals in the final. The match ended 5-2, and Brazil lifted the Jules Rimet trophy.
The best-ever Dutch team played in the 1974 World Cup, but fell slightly short of glory. Cruyff was the star of this team that played total football. They proved too good for most in this World Cup, progressing to the final with five wins and one draw against Sweden. Among their victories were a 2-0 win against the champions Brazil in the second group and a 4-0 thrashing of Argentina.
Holland seemed to be on course to win against West Germany in the final after going a goal up. While Germany initially struggled, they were able to pull a goal back. Then, took a 2-1 lead that would be enough to win the World Cup. So, Holland was another great team that could not quite win the World Cup.
These are four great World Cup sides. Brazil’s two World Cup-winning teams played great soccer. The Hungarian team of 1954 was the best-attacking team to have played in a World Cup. Holland’s team in 1974 was also perhaps their best and played total football.
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