Spain and Argentina Set to Clash for World Title in New York

This Sunday, Spain and Argentina will battle for the world title on the pitch at MetLife Stadium in New York.

While this final is generally considered too close to call, that has not always been the case, with some heavy favorites and significant surprises throughout World Cup history.

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We have compiled five of the biggest surprises in World Cup finals.

One remarkable surprise occurred during a match that was unique in World Cup history, as it was the final game of a group stage. This match was dubbed the final since it was crucial in determining the title.

Before kickoff, Brazil were seen as the favorites with four points, while Uruguay had three. Brazil needed only a draw to be crowned world champions.

That triumph seemed even more likely after Brazil scored right after the break. However, Uruguay turned the match around with goals in the 66th and 79th minutes.

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In front of nearly 200,000 spectators at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Uruguay claimed their second world title.

📸 STAFF – 2011 AFP

West Germany 3-2 Hungary (1954)

West Germany’s victory in the final sent shockwaves through the football world.

Hungary, huge favorites, were unbeaten in 31 matches before the final.

The Hungarians believed they had secured the final early, going 2-0 up within the first eight minutes. Yet, within ten minutes, West Germany managed to equalize.

The match then tightened up, with Helmut Rahn scoring his second goal in the 84th minute, securing the title for West Germany.

📸 STAFF – 2013 AFP

The Netherlands, known for their “total football” approach championed by Johann Cruyff, entered the match as favorites against a more pragmatic West Germany.

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However, four days before the final, a German journalist caught the Dutch players partying in their hotel pool with female company. This information was published and sparked a scandal, especially among the players’ wives.

While it remains unclear if this controversy deeply affected the Dutch preparation, they fell short in the final despite taking the lead within just two minutes without Germany touching the ball.

Before halftime, West Germany flipped the score and never relinquished the lead again, marking a notable moment in Cruyff’s career.

📸 STF

West Germany 1-0 Argentina (1990)

This final marked the first instance in history where only one goal was scored, replaying the encounter from the previous World Cup edition.

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As the defending champions, Argentina arrived after a tumultuous run, hoping to replicate their earlier success.

However, they faced a formidable West Germany side, which won a penalty in the 85th minute after persistently pressing against an Argentina team focused on defense. Andreas Brehme converted the penalty, granting West Germany their third world title.

📸 Bongarts – Getty Images

France 3-0 Brazil (1998)

France played the final on home soil, and it was later revealed that Brazilian star Ronaldo had suffered a serious medical episode the day before. However, few anticipated the magnitude of this match.

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As defending champions and overwhelming favorites, Brazil faced a staggering defeat against Les Bleus and a brilliant performance from Zinedine Zidane.

This emphatic 3-0 scoreline remains one of Brazil’s biggest losses, while also representing a pivotal moment in the history of the French national team.

📸 Bongarts – Bongarts