Spain have exited the 2014 FIFA World Cup after just two games. Is there a hangover effect of winning a tournament that makes it near impossible to go back-to-back?
There are a two similar cases in recent tournaments, in particular the capitulation of France in 2002 where they finished winless after winning in 1998.
Italy, after lifting the Jules Rimet trophy in 2006, surrendered meekly four years later with a first round exit in South Africa, including a 1-1 draw with New Zealand.
To a lesser extent, Brazil underperformed in 2006 after winning in 2002.
So is this phenomenon real or merely perceived?
There are many factors that can affect the performance of teams from World Cup to World Cup and just because a team is the cup holder it does not make them immune.
First up, we must consider that each World Cup is in a new continent to the previous tournament.
Using the examples above, France and Italy faltered after winning the World Cup with the next tournaments held in Asia and Africa respectively.
They were in climates and stadia where they would have had very little experience. This factor plays a big part in opening up a tournament.
Another factor that may play a part is complacency or lack of hunger. Do World Cup winners expect to do it easy in the group stages only to get sucker punched by emerging teams looking to make a run?
The final factor and major cause of the four-year syndrome is the hero complex that national team coaches may suffer following a victory.
After winning the big one, the players take on an almost mythical status and naturally enjoy strong affection from fans and officials.
This causes pressure on coaches to retain these players, which can lead to them returning for another tournament when in fact they may be past their use by date.
A prime example of this is Fabio Cannavaro, who in 2010 was a shadow of the 2006 version, where he was a giant.
We have seen this in the Spain squad in particular with Iker Casillas.
Everyone had their pick of who will win the World Cup next month, is there a team who can repeat the feat in 2018?
SM
Guest
I see you've chosen to completely ignore Spain winning Euro 2012 and France Euro 2000. Strange considering that the European Championships are arguably the most competitive international tournament that there is in football.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Del Bosque needed to make the tough calls in order for Spain to continue to prosper. It is hard after there incredible success the last 6 years. However as noted in this piece, we have seen champions surrender meekly as old guards have stayed on too long, happens in many sports. Spain have so much talent coming through and depth. Del Bosque stuck with old guard one tournament too many. He should have seen this after the Confeds Cup Final. They won't be down for long. The youngsters should have played at this World Cup.
Midfielder
Guest
You may have a good point .. also with age wanting to ensure they are fit for their own season ...
sheek
Roar Guru
I think hunger, or lack of, has a lot to do with it. I've read a lot of articles from former players, coaches, managers, etc, whereby they say the hardest thing is motivating the group to "climb the mountain again." Those who can climb the proverbial mountain again & again, deserve special praise. It's a very difficult thing to do. Spain didn't become bad overnight. The core of the team triumphed in 2008, 2010, 2012. I'm guessing the hunger just isn't there for the majority of players.