Germany were on Wednesday eliminated from a FIFA World Cup in the first round for the first time since the second World War, as the holders were knocked out in the group stage for the fourth time this century. Leaving aside Uruguay — who won the inaugural World Cup in 1930 before not travelling to Italy for the 1934 edition — it is the sixth time in the history of the competition that the reigning champions have failed to make it past the first hurdle.
Italy 1950
Italy had won back-to-back World Cups before the Second World War got in the way, and much had changed by the time the 1950 tournament came around in Brazil. Their team also opted to travel across the Atlantic by boat after several Italian internationals were killed in the Superga air disaster of May 1949 that decimated the great Torino side of the time. Out of shape after the long journey by sea, the Italians played just two matches, losing 3-2 to Sweden before beating Paraguay 2-0. Sweden topped the group, and Italy went home.
Brazil 1966
Pele’s great Brazil side rocked up in England having won the previous two World Cups. They would win the 1970 trophy too, but 1966 was a disaster. Pele and Garrincha scored to secure a 2-0 win over Bulgaria at Everton’s Goodison Park home in their opening game. However, Bulgaria’s rough treatment of Pele forced him to miss their next match, a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Hungary. ‘O Rei’ returned for their decisive last group outing against Eusebio’s Portugal, but was the victim of another meaty tackle and was forced to limp his way through the remainder of the match as Brazil lost 3-1 again to go out.
France 2002
France came to the World Cup in Japan and South Korea with a wonderful side that had won the trophy on home soil in 1998 and then won the European Championship in 2000. However, nothing went right for Les Bleus as they went home with their tails between their legs having failed to score a goal never mind win a game. Zinedine Zidane was missing due to injury as France were stunned 1-0 by Senegal in their first game, and they followed that with a 0-0 draw against Uruguay, as Thierry Henry was sent off.