Rare FIFA World Cup Records: Nations Winning Consecutively

Winning two World Cups in a row is so tough that only two nations have ever done it, and none for many decades. But in that time, there have been three instances where a country has won two out of three, and as the saying goes, that ain't bad. Brazil did it in 1962 and 1970, having missed out in 66. Argentina did it in 1978 and 1986. And then Brazil did it again, winning in 1994, missing in 98 before winning again in 2002. On each occasion, the eight-year gap has meant the two winning teams have borne little similarity. The only member of Brazil's 1962 squad to still be around for the 1970 tournament was Pele, but he didn't play in the 62 final because of injury. The only Argentinian to play in both the 1978 and 1986 tournaments was Daniel Passarella, but he didn't play in the 1986 final. And only two players, Ronaldo and Cafu, were in both of Brazil's 1994 and 2002 squads, although Ronaldo didn't play a single game in That leaves Cafu the only person to have played in winning World Cup finals eight years apart. And he's also the only person to have ever played in three World Cup finals in a row, part of Brazil's losing 1998 World Cup final team. More than that, he's Brazil's most capped player and was captain in 2002, the first to hold up the trophy. I felt at the time we took this photo, it was such an incredible happiness I felt at the time we raised that cup. The whole world looking at you and saying, you are good, you are winners, you were the champions. That moment crowned all the hard work done here in this room during all this time. Everyone has dreams while young. And when you raise the World Cup trophy, you see your dreams came true. That moment represents a dream coming true, the feeling of having the job done on behalf of your nation. Back in 94, Cafu was used mainly as a substitute, but played most of the final against Italy, coming on at the 21 minute mark after Jorinho was injured. The 94 World Cup was played in the United States and was generally a high scoring and attractive tournament. The irony being that for the first time ever, the final was nil-nil at the end of extra time and the first to be decided on penalties. Brazil were unquestionably the best team in the tournament. Forwards Romário and Bebeto are often judged a step below Brazil's greatest match winners like Pelé, Garrincha, Ronaldo and Neymar. But they performed admirably. The Seleção topped their group with Romário scoring in all three matches, while Bebeto was the scorer in their win over USA in the round of 16. And they combined for three goals in the quarterfinal, before Romário sent them into the final with an 80th minute goal against Sweden in the semi. Italy, on the other hand, were fortunate to even make it out of the group stage, losing their first match to the Republic of Ireland, beating Norway with a single goal to Dino Baggio and only drawing with Mexico. For the only time in World Cup history, the four teams in the group finished with the same points. Italy sneaking through as one of the best third place teams. They only just made it through their round of 16 match against Nigeria too. Trailing until the 88th minute when Roberto Baggio drew them level before his 102nd minute penalty gave them the win. But they found their rhythm in the quarter and semi-finals with sound victories, thanks to a goal each from Dino and Roberto Baggio against Spain and two to Roberto against Bulgaria. For Italy, the pain of losing the penalty shootout in the final was exacerbated by the fact that their captain Franco Baresi missed the first penalty and their best shooter Roberto Baggio missed the last. But for Cafu and his Brazilian teammates, it was pure joy. You play for your country, your nation, while millions are watching. Millions of people are watching what you do in a World Cup. For those who have never been to a FIFA World Cup, those who are going for the first time, for those who have already been there and could not become champions, I can say that becoming a world champion is the best thing on the planet. There is no greater thrill than to raise the trophy and say, I am a world champion. In 1998, Brazil would make the final again. But the sensational mystery ailment which afflicted the world's best player Ronaldo would cost them the chance of beating France. But nothing could stop Ronaldo, captain Cafu and the rest of the Brazilians in 2002. By any measure, the 2002 Brazilian team was superior to the 1994 victors. The three Rs, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho all won the Ballon d'Or and formed one of the great attacking trios of all time. While one of the greatest left-backs in history, Roberto Carlos, created beautiful balance with the breakneck pace of Cafu on the right. Ronaldo was in no doubt the 2002 team was the best of the four World Cup squads he was in. But his respect for Pelé stopped him short of declaring it the best ever. I dare to say the team of 2002 was better than all the others Brazil sent to a World Cup. Except for the 1970 team.