Argentina will aim to make history this evening as the world champions look to secure consecutive World Cup titles.
The World Cup is the biggest prize in football and winning successive editions is an almost impossible feat. Throughout the tournament’s near-century of history, only two teams have ever defended the World Cup. No nation has achieved the feat since 1962.
Italy – 1934 and 1938
Italy became the first European winners of the FIFA World Cup after lifting the 1934 tournament on home soil. The Azzurri overcame Czechoslovakia in the final after extra time to become world champions for the first time.
The Italians benefitted from the decision of reigning champions Uruguay to boycott the tournament, following the lack of European attendees at the inaugural finals, hosted by the eventual winners.
Italy enjoyed a golden period of success following their maiden World Cup win, emerged victorious at the 1966 Olympic football tournament and in the 1938 World Cup hosted by France.
Brazil – 1958 and 1962
Brazil became world champions for the first time during an unforgettable 1958 tournament. The South Americans were inspired by the 17-year-old talent of Pele, who became a household name in Sweden.
Pele scored six goals to finish as runner-up for the Golden Boot and earned the tournament’s Best Young Player prize. He netted the decisive goal in a quarter-final win over Wales, a semi-final hat-trick against a heavily-favoured France, and two more as host nation Sweden were defeated in the final.
Four years later, Pele was part of the team that defended their crown. Brazil beat Czechoslovakia 3-1 in the final, recovering from a goal down to seal a second straight success in Chile.
After England won the 1966 World Cup on home soil, Brazil were champions again in 1970 to make it three World Cup wins in four tournaments.
Read more – Iconic Performances: A teenage Pelé conquers the world
See more –Â The nations with the most FIFA World Cup final appearances
