Spain and Argentina: The Only World Cup Champions To Lose Their Opening Match

Spain national football team and Argentina national football team share a unique place in football history. They are the only men’s national teams to win the FIFA World Cup after losing their opening match. Both squads transformed early disappointment into legendary championship runs that defined generations.

🇪🇸 Spain 2010: from shock defeat to global dominance

Managed by Vicente del Bosque, Spain entered the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as the favorite after winning UEFA Euro 2008.

A shocking beginning

Spain surprisingly lost 1-0 to Switzerland national football team despite dominating possession and chances throughout the match.

The perfect recovery

Spain bounced back with victories over Honduras and Chile before producing one of the greatest defensive knockout runs in World Cup history.

Iniesta’s historic goal

The Spaniards defeated Portugal, Paraguay, Germany and Netherlands national football team by identical 1-0 scorelines, with Andrés Iniesta scoring the iconic winning goal in the final.

🇦🇷 Argentina 2022: Messi’s redemption story

Argentina arrived in Qatar under Lionel Scaloni with a 36-match unbeaten streak and massive expectations.

The Saudi Arabia shock

Despite taking the lead through Lionel Messi, Argentina lost 2-1 against Saudi Arabia national football team in one of the greatest upsets ever.

Turning pressure into greatness

Argentina responded with crucial victories over Mexico and Poland before eliminating Australia, the Netherlands and Croatia.

The perfect ending

Led by Messi and supported by young stars like Enzo Fernández and Julián Álvarez, Argentina defeated France national football team on penalties after an unforgettable 3-3 final to lift the World Cup trophy.

 Comparativa de las remontadas mundialistas

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