World Cup and European Cup is that the European Cup has more surprises and richer possibilities. One of the biggest manifestations is that every once in a while, a dark horse will be born, and it is the kind of black horse that will win the prize in the end. Dark horses of the championship, such as Danish fairy tales and Greek myths. In comparison, the pattern of the World Cup is too traditional, and even a bit class-solidifying. At present, only 8 teams have won the World Cup, and these 8 teams are all traditional strong teams. It is more difficult for other teams to counterattack to the end. Therefore, until now, there seems to be no dark horse champion in the World Cup. The Croatia of the last World Cup was one step away from creating a miracle, but it was a pity that it was not completed. If they win the championship, they will indeed be considered a dark horse miracle.
In fact, in the history of the World Cup, there are several teams like Croatia, which are not traditional strong teams, but have reached the finals. For example, Sweden in 1958, Czechoslovakia in 1962, etc.
But at this point, we seem to have to redefine dark horse. Indeed, looking at history, the teams that have won the World Cup are all traditional strong teams, but there is a misunderstanding here. After all, all traditional strong teams have become strong teams after years of precipitation, and no one comes out. It's a strong team. The positioning of a strong team is achieved through performance, not verbal and unilateral recognition. Even a strong team like , Brazil, , came from a novice step by step. Before 1958, Brazil had never reached a World Cup final (Brazil won the runner-up in the 1950 World Cup, but the competition system at that time did not have a final). Only starting in 1958 did Brazil begin to create its own dynasty.
So the question is, since strong teams need to accumulate knowledge, then when they are still in the novice stage, if they win the championship, can they be defined as dark horses?
Having said that, let us mention another famous World Cup runner-up, Hungarian .
Although Hungary won the runner-up in the 1954 World Cup, they were completely different from Sweden, Czech Republic . Sweden and the Czech Republic lost the finals because their opponents were too strong (both were Brazil), and they should be satisfied with their runner-up results. But Hungary is different. At that time, Hungary was the best team in the world, and they didn't need to add one. They were determined to win the World Cup, so they were shocked when they lost the final.
Therefore, the team that defeated them in the final can be regarded as a classic case of a dark horse winning the championship.
This team is Germany.
When we think of Germany, we immediately think of its glorious resume of four World Cup championships. Looking at the world of football, there are very few teams with better results than Germany. Germany can be said to be a strong team among strong teams. It is not only strong but also has a deep foundation. So in the World Cup, if Germany wins, it will just be a return to tradition, nothing to make a fuss about.
But the only exception was 1954.
Before this World Cup, Germany's performance was not outstanding. Although they have reached the semi-finals, compared with Uruguay , Italy and other teams, their presence is not strong. Therefore, in the 1954 World Cup, Germany was not considered a top team.
By coincidence, Germany and Hungary met in the group stage, and Germany did suffer a bloody blow and was humiliated by Hungary 8:3. How could any of the previous World Cup champions lose so miserably in the group stage? It can be seen that the strength gap between the two sides is not small.
Therefore, that final was called the Miracle of Bern. Germany scored three goals in a row after falling behind 0:2, completely reversed the match 3:2 and won the championship. Overthrowing the world's best team, isn't this story a dark horse counterattack?
Therefore, regardless of how brilliant Germany was later, judging from the time point of 1954, Germany was indeed a dark horse. Since then, the pattern of the World Cup has been basically finalized, and no dark horse can win the championship.
Of course, there are many legends and secrets about the Miracle in Bern, which we will not discuss here. In short, Germany's championship is a sure thing and cannot be changed.
There is Greek mythology in the European Cup. If you find the corresponding myth in the World Cup, it is the Miracle of Bern. There is an essential difference between the two. After the Miracle in Bern, Germany gradually grew from a dark horse to a top team; while Greece, after completing its myth, still maintained its status and capabilities as a second-tier team. It can be seen that the two myths have the same beginning but different endings. In the Miracle of Bern, the myth has not declined since it bloomed, and has become stronger and stronger; while Greek mythology is just an epiphyllum.
