World Cup Opening Games

[ZeekLTK]

Costa Rica has a great chance to beat Germany 1-0 if the past is any indicator of the future.

Last several World Cups, opening game:

2002 - Senegal upsets Defending Champions France 1-0.
1998 - Defending Champions Brazil beat Scotland 2-1.
1994 - Defending Champions Germany beat Bolivia 1-0
1990 - Cameroon upsets the Defending Champions Argentina 1-0.
1986 - Bulgaria holds Defending Champions Italy to a 1-1 draw.
1982 - Belgium upsets Defending Champions Argentina 1-0.
1978 - Poland upsets Defending Champions West Germany 1-0.
1974 - Yugoslavia holds Defending Champions Brazil to a 0-0 draw.

The favorite in each opening game has only won twice, gotten two draws, and lost four times (all 1-0 losses) in the last eight World Cups. Costa Rica has a good chance! Come on Ticos!

At the very least, expect a one goal game. :p

[unclesox]

1978 - Poland upsets Defending Champions West Germany 1-0.
Match ended goalless. ;)

[CheveLoco]

why isn't the champion playing the first game of the cup this time?

[joebarnin]

Because the defending champ didn't automatically qualify. So when they made the schedule template (more than 2 years ago), they couldn't be sure that Brazil would qualify (yeah, right). So they put the host nation for the opening game.

[PirateJohn]

The favorite in each opening game has only won twice, gotten two draws, and lost four times (all 1-0 losses) in the last eight World Cups.However, no host nation has ever lost its opener.