FIFA World Cup: 5 most underwhelming teams in history  

2018 FIFA World Cup trophy delivered to Moscow
FIFA World Cup trophy

#1 Spain (2014 FIFA World Cup)

Spain v Chile - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
Spain v Chile - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

La Roja were set to begin their 2014 World Cup campaign from where they left it 4 years ago in Johannesburg as they played the Dutch in the opening game. Everything was going according to the plan as Spain continued to play their traditional passing game and took the lead through a penalty awarded to them in the 27th minute.

It was in the 44th minute of the game that things started looking shaky for Spain as an inch-perfect cross into the edge of the box by Daley Blind was put in the back of the net by a flying Van Persie header. It marked the beginning of Spanish downfall as La Roja conceded 4 more goals in the second half and lost 5-1 which is the biggest margin of defeat for a defending champion. This loss was also Spain's second worst defeat in the World Cup after the 6-1 loss to Brazil in the 1950 World Cup.

In the second match against Chile Spanish players were still recovering from the shock defeat in Salvador and ended up losing yet again by 2-0 and this confirmed their elimination from the World Cup after playing only 2 matches. In the final group game against Australia, they managed to win by 3-0 but it was all too late.

This marked the end of Spain's dominant era that began with the Euro 2008 triumph and saw world class players such as Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets dominating the midfield with tiki-taka style of play.

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