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Curse of FIFA no. 1 ranking continues
Holding the number one position in FIFA world rankings is seen as a badge of honor. However, history shows sorrowful picture of a curse that continues for the top spot.
Since FIFA introduced the official ranking system in 1993, only one team ranked number one has ever lifted the trophy. Brazil is the sole exception.
Brazil won the title of the ‘World Champion’ while holding the top spot of FIFA rankings in 1998 France World Cup. Every other top-ranked team heading towards the quadrennial spectacle has fallen short, often suffering premature exists.
This pattern began in 1994 with Germany as the top ranked team crashed out in the quarter-finals against Bulgaria. Four years later, Brazil broke free the curse. However, the curse returned with full force in the later editions.
In 2002, France entered as FIFA No. 1 but failed to win a single match or score a goal, exiting dramatically in the group stage. Brazil suffered quarter-final eliminations in both 2006 and 2010 despite carrying the top ranking.
The hex continued in 2014 when Spain, the world’s top-ranked side, was eliminated in the group phase after heavy defeats. In 2018, Germany met a similar fate, finishing bottom of their group as top seeds.
Most recently at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, five-time champions Brazil entered the tournament ranked number one globally, only to be knocked out by Croatia in a dramatic quarter-final penalty shootout.
Finally, the curse prolonged itself with Argentine defeat. The reigning champion and number 1 team in FIFA rankings entered the tournament as a favorite to win back to back title. Nevertheless, the team suffered a loss at the finals against Spain, and the curse continued again.
World Cup history proves that the top spot brings immense pressure rather than silverware on football’s biggest stage.
-SA
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
