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KAZAN, Russia – Only five countries have won the World Cup more than once. None of them has a chance of winning another this year
The five-time Brazilian champion and Uruguay, two-time champion, were eliminated Friday, losing in quarterfinals. Argentina, another two-time winner, lost in the round of 16 while Germany, four-time world champion, could not get out of the group stage.
Italy, which also won four titles, was not even qualified. to Sweden in the playoffs
It's the first time that there will be a semifinal without Argentina, Brazil, Germany or Italy .
This leaves only France and England as former champions with a chance to win another title in Russia.
BRAZIL
Brazil was one of the tournament's biggest favorites in Russia, but it fought early in the group stage and eventually lost against Belgium 2-1 on Friday in Kazan. After a dull qualifying start, Brazil replaced captain Dunga, winner of the World Cup in 1994, with Titus as coach. Tite oversaw an immediate improvement in the results that led to Brazil's qualification.
Although Brazil finished first in Group E, it failed to impress in attack. Neymar and Philippe Coutinho gave an overview of speed and skill, but the team was not as free as many had hoped.
At least the defense was solid, conceding only one goal through the round of 16. 19659011] Brazil has been eliminated by the European opposition in the round of 16 of each of the four World Cups since its last victory in 2002.
URUGUAY
Uruguay was the first winner of the World Cup in 1930 and the country added Second title 20 years later when he defeated Brazil in the last match in Rio de Janeiro.
Although the Uruguayans have not made a final since, they have become a presence in the last stages.
In 2010, Uruguay made the semi-finals, losing against the Netherlands 3-2. The team is again closer this year, but has tilted to France 2 to 0 Friday in Nizhny Novgorod
Uruguay came second in qualifying south American behind Brazil. His solid overall performance in Russia, especially in the 2-1 win against Portugal in the round of 16, made it clear that the team could at least match its 2010 performance.
However, during the defeat France in the quarterfinals, Uruguay was forced to play without the injured striker Edinson Cavani. And a bad mistake of goalkeeper Fernando Muslera gave a goal to Antoine Griezmann
ARGENTINA
Argentina, world champion in 1978 and 1986, was undoubtedly the best player of his generation to Lionel Messi. But few allowed the team to qualify for a second consecutive final.
Qualifying for the tournament in Russia proved a trial, requiring a final round of Messi's hat.
With coach Jorge Sampaoli a team around Messi, Argentina, worked during the group stage in Russia, especially in his 1-1 draw against Iceland.
A 3-0 defeat against Croatia raised fears that she was not excluded from the group But the team caught up with Nigeria
. The reward was difficult: France in the round of 16. Kylian Mbappe exploited the lack of speed of the Argentine defense and led France to a 4-3 victory.
GERMANY
Germany won its fourth World Cup in Brazil four years ago. A fifth place was expected in Russia, especially because the team had not done much between the two.
The failure of Germany to make the second leg since 1938 is one of the big surprises of the World Cup. After all, Germany has qualified for the semi-finals of every major tournament played since 2006.
Losing its opening group match against Mexico was perceived as a blip. The normal service would surely resume, it was thought. However, the team struggled in their second match against Sweden, forcing Toni Kroos to score for the final goal of the match and to win 2-1.
In his last match against South Korea, the Germans lost 2-0
ITALY
At least the others qualified for this year's World Cup
Italy, however, did not even go to Russia after losing to Sweden in the playoffs. This is the first time that Italy has missed a World Cup in 60 years.
The Italian national team has been in decline since it won its fourth World Cup title in 2006. At the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, Italians out of their group.
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More AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/WorldCup
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