In many cases the first game of the World Cup is traditionally set up as a celebration for the holders to trounce some lowly opposition and the same scenario is set up this year. But check out some of these past results from opening matches since they started placing the holders in the opening game in 1970.
1970: England 1:0 Romania
1974: Brazil 0:0 Yugoslavia
1978: West Germany 0:0 Poland
1982: Argentina 0:1 Belgium
1986: Italy 1:1 Bulgaria
1990: Argentina 0:1 Cameroon
1994: Germany 1:0 Bolivia
1998: Brazil 2:1 Scotland
Remember that in 1970 the finals only had 16 sides. In 1982 24 sides were invited and in 1998 the finals were expanded to the the 32 sides we have today. Therefore the competition has gotten more watered down so the first game opponents are arguably weaker.
Still, the results show 3 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses including a 5 game stretch where holders went 0-3-2. Also worth noting is that no holder has opened the competition with a win by more than 1 goal.
Of course the theory on the poor results is that the holders haven't had to qualify, and therefore their form against top competition could be off.
1970: England 1:0 Romania
1974: Brazil 0:0 Yugoslavia
1978: West Germany 0:0 Poland
1982: Argentina 0:1 Belgium
1986: Italy 1:1 Bulgaria
1990: Argentina 0:1 Cameroon
1994: Germany 1:0 Bolivia
1998: Brazil 2:1 Scotland
Remember that in 1970 the finals only had 16 sides. In 1982 24 sides were invited and in 1998 the finals were expanded to the the 32 sides we have today. Therefore the competition has gotten more watered down so the first game opponents are arguably weaker.
Still, the results show 3 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses including a 5 game stretch where holders went 0-3-2. Also worth noting is that no holder has opened the competition with a win by more than 1 goal.
Of course the theory on the poor results is that the holders haven't had to qualify, and therefore their form against top competition could be off.
