World Cup big guns fail to fire as lesser lights shine
With superstars such as Messi and Neymar off the boil, this could signal a shift in balance of power
Samara — Traditionally the stage on which the biggest teams parade their talents, the World Cup of 2018 has seen the Goliaths of international football stumble when faced with industrious opponents of a lesser stature. Brazil, Germany and Argentina have lifted 11 World Cups between them, but all failed to win their opening games in Russia, prompting questions about whether this was a temporary blip or indicative of a major shift in the balance of power. Add in 2010 champions Spain failing to beat Portugal and France’s struggle to overcome one of the supposedly weakest Australia sides in recent years and a pattern emerges. Germany’s 1-0 defeat by Mexico was not unprecedented, but was still statistically remarkable.
The holders have lost their opening game before with Joachim Loew’s side joining Spain (2014), France (2002), Argentina (1990 and 1982) and Italy (1950) in suffering that ignominy. Yet this was Germany’s first opening-game defeat since 1982 and the only time in World...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.