Since the first World Cup in 1930, there is a select group of nations that have dominated the tournament. Brazil has won the World Cup a staggering five times, whilst Germany and Italy have each won four World Cups. Despite the fact that the game was formed in England, the founding nation has only managed to win the World Cup on one occasion – in 1966 on home soil. These days, countries like Belgium are regarded as having more chance than England to win the coveted trophy.
Six nations have dominated the World Cup
In the last 50 years, the World Cup has been won by just six nations – Brazil, Germany, Spain, Argentina, France and Italy. This year, Italy will not have the chance to add to their haul of four trophies, after a catastrophic qualification campaign that saw Sweden beat them in a play-off.
Of the five other teams that have been so strong in the last half-century, there are some very big contenders for the Russia World Cup 2018. In fact, they make up the top five in terms of the bookies favourites, with Brazil at 4/1, Germany 9/2, Spain 6/1, France 13/2 and Argentina 9/1 with the majority of bookies.
England’s long trophy drought
Belgium, England, Portugal and Uruguay occupy the next places in the list of favourites. These teams will surprise the world if they get to the final but they are not short of star players. England for example, have been identified as having the second most valuable squad at the World Cup but they never seem to be able to hold their nerve on the big stage.
They have provided their fans with glimpses of hope – their best run was in 1990 when they claimed fourth place. This year their fans will be hoping that their team will be able to surpass this and give them something to cheer about after the long barren trophy spell.
Belgium – the Golden Generation
Belgium has never won the World Cup and their best run was in 1986 when they came fourth. However, their team of stars dubbed the ‘Golden Generation’ topped the FIFA World Ranking in 2015 and much of that squad is going to be available in Russia. Key players include Hazard, De Bruyne, Dries Mertens and goalkeeper Courtois.
Can England, Belgium or any of the other teams break the stranglehold that the big six have on the World Cup? It will certainly make for interesting viewing if they do pull off a momentous and unexpected win.
