Lionel Messi and co’s defeat to Saudi Arabia in the Group C clash has doused the hopes of many thousand Argentina fans around the world who were expecting fireworks in what is possibly Messi’s last world cup. Coming off as favorites in the group, they were expected to sail through the match with ease, but Herve Renard’s men had different plans for the two-time world champions. 

However, losing the first group stage match is a bad start without a doubt, but it does not mean an end to their hopes. In fact, in the past, three teams have gone on to win the tournament despite a loss in their opening match at the FIFA World Cup. 

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Here’s a look at them, for those optimistic Argentina fans. 

1. Spain, 2010 FIFA World Cup

The legendary Spanish team which lifted the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history lost their opening match in the tournament to Switzerland. Although the tiki-taka barely allowed any possession to the Swiss team, a 52nd-minute goal by Gelson Fernandez proved to be the winner for them. 

Even though Spain lost the match 1-0, they did not lose a single match after that, and Andreas Iniesta’s 116th-minute goal in the final made them the winners of the tournament. 

2. England, 1966 World Cup

The only time the World Cup ever ‘came home’, in 1966, was not the most promising start for the Three Lions. They drew their opening fixture against Uruguay but went on to win the semi-final against Portugal 2-1, followed by a thrilling 4-2 win against West Germany in the final. 

Geoff Hurst scored a memorable hattrick, including two goals in extra time which first put England ahead and then sealed the win at the 120th minute of the match. 

3. Italy, 1982 World Cup

Five-time World Cup winners Italy won their third title at the 1982 World Cup in Spain even though they did not win a single match in the group stages. The Azzurri’s first match in the tournament was against Poland, and they drew it 0-0. Their next two games were against Peru and then Cameroon, and they drew both.

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Italy would not have qualified for the next round, but the poor goal difference of Cameroon and Peru in the group gave them a pass and they went on to win the tournament by defeating West Germany 3-1 in the final. 

Clearly, Argentine fans need not lose hope, and Messi and co have every chance of making a comeback on the big stage. Anything can happen in knock out tournaments, and may be, it was not the little man’s day against Saudi Arabia.