Argentina stand on the brink of history. One victory separates them from becoming only the third nation ever to win consecutive World Cups, with Spain blocking their path.
Italy pioneered the feat back in 1938. The Italians demolished Hungary 4-2 in the Paris suburbs final, four years after claiming their first title against Czechoslovakia in Rome.
Before that 1938 match, Italian players received a stark message from leader Benito Mussolini: "Win or die." Hungary's goalkeeper Antal Szabo later quipped that despite conceding four goals, he'd saved his opponents' lives.
Brazil replicated Italy's success in 1962. The Seleçao had crushed Sweden 5-2 four years earlier, with teenage sensation Pelé netting twice.
Injury sidelined Pelé from the 1962 tournament in the group phase. But Garrincha stepped up magnificently, even playing in the final despite receiving a red card in the semi-final—Chilean fans' petition convinced organisers to let the brilliant winger compete.
Brazil beat Czechoslovakia 3-1, with Amarildo, Zito and Vava finding the net. The defending champions had retained their crown.
Argentina failed in 1990 despite Diego Maradona's heroics. The maestro had almost single-handedly inspired Argentina to glory in Mexico in 1986 and returned to Italy four years later with familiar faces alongside him.
West Germany awaited them in the final—the same opponents they'd faced in 1986. This time, the South Americans crumbled.
A late penalty from Andreas Brehme decided the drab encounter, and Argentina ended the match with only nine men on the pitch. Their bid to retain the trophy had collapsed.
Brazil came agonisingly close in 1998. Mario Zagallo's squad featured Roberto Carlos, Dunga, Rivaldo and Ronaldo—a glittering constellation of talent.
Yet France proved too strong on home soil in Paris. Zinedine Zidane's two goals powered the hosts to a commanding 3-0 victory at the Stade de France, capturing their first World Cup.
France themselves narrowly missed joining the elite group in 2022. Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick brought them from behind twice to level 3-3 in Doha, but Randal Kolo Muani squandered a late chance.
Argentina won on penalties as Lionel Messi finally claimed his World Cup. Now Argentina seek to accomplish what only Italy and Brazil have achieved before.
