After their stunning defeat to Mexico, Germany has doubters and history to silence. No defending champion has made it past the group stages in the last two editions. Italy in 2010, and Spain in 2014, both exited the tournament in group-stages. The first game jinx was suffered by France in 2002, when they were defending champions, but couldn’t find a way through the opening phase.
In 1966, Brazil were the defending champions, but made a shock exit in the group stages. Having previously won back-to-back titles in 1958 and 1962, Brazil were favourites. With Pele at his peak, everyone was tipping them for the third successive title. It wasn’t to be, though.
The Germans will be looking over their shoulders, and hoping jinx don’t play any spoilsport this time round. They will also take heart from the fact that they lost the first game in the 1982 World Cup too, but overcame the setback and reached the finals.
Defending champions jinx on Match 1:
2018: Germany 0-1 Mexico
2014: Spain 1-5 Netherlands
2002: France 0-1 Senegal
1990: Argentina 0-1 Cameroon
1982: Argentina 0-1 Belgium
1950: Italy 2-3 Sweden
Germany have all to do in the next two group games. They face Sweden next on June 23, and will take on South Korea four days later. They are still favourites to progress, but as history suggests — it won’t be a plain sailing.
Will they, or won’t they? It’s a question that will be answered in nine days from now.