1. Germany 7 Brazil 1 (2014)
What was meant to be a dream World Cup ended up a nightmare for hosts Brazil. The five-time champions were booed as fans cried after their team equalled its worst defeat in 100 years of competitive football. A shambolic defensive performance allowed Germany to score four goals in just six minutes in the first-half — three of them in just 179 seconds.
2. Uruguay 2 Brazil 1 (1950)
The game that came to be known as the “Maracanazo” may be seen as less of a traumatic defeat now after yesterday’s hammering. Hosts Brazil were tied 1-1 and under the old format were just 10 minutes from winning their first World Cup in the Maracana. However, their hopes and that of a nation were dashed as Alcides Ghiggia lashed in a shot to make it 2-1.
3. United States 1 England 0 (1950)
England arrived at their first World Cup finals appearance hailed as potential winners having lost just four times in 30 matches. Faced with a team of part-timers, England selectors rested star player Stanley Matthews. Matthews sat helplessly on the sidelines as Haiti-born Joe Gaetjens, who earned his keep washing dishes in a restaurant, secured the Americans a 1-0 win.
4. Cameroon 1
Argentina 0 (1990)
As defending champions, Diego Maradona-led Argentina opened the 1990 tournament in Italy against a Cameroon side that had few recognised stars. However, Francois Omam-Biyik’s headed goal — helped by an awful goalkeeping error by Nery Pumpido — gave them an astonishing 1-0 win, even after having two men sent off.
5. West Germany 3 Hungary 2 (1954)
In 1954, Hungary were the undisputed kings of the football world. Unbeaten in six years, they were clear favourites to win the final — especially having obliterated West Germany 8-3 in the group stages. But after Hungary raced to an early 2-0 lead, Max Morlock and Helmut Rahn levelled things up before half-time. Rahn struck again in the 84th minute to hand West Germany their first World Cup trophy.
