It’s ugly to read but it’s a real statistic. France will only be the 8th reigning world champion to return to the semi-finals in the following edition. And until then, the holder has more often finished… 4th. Small return on the 7 previous ones:
– 1938 : Italy offers itself a double, after 1934. 1st.
– 1954 : sacred to everyone’s surprise in 1950, Uruguay lost (4-2) in extra time against Hungary in the half, then against Austria in the small final in Switzerland. 4th
– 1958 : Germany is surprised by Sweden in the semi-final France of Just Fontaine explodes its defense (6-3). 4th
– 1962 : In the last four, Brazil of Pelé walks against host country Chile (4-2) with Garrincha and Vava, it’s samba in the final against Czechoslovakia (3-1). 1st.
– 1974 : in a bizarre format, the Seleçao is second in its pool and is content with the match for 3rd place, lost against Poland. 4th.
– 1990 : Carried by a Maradona at its peak, Argentina finds Germany in the final. Maos la Mannschaft takes his revenge (1-0), on a penalty from Brehme, still vigorously contested by the Albiceleste. 2nd.
– 1998 : In 1994, Brazil won (0-0 ap 3-2 pens) against Italy the first final decided during a penalty shootout… but the rest, you know it by heart. Zidane, Petit, and 1, and 2, and 3-0! 2nd.