Losing in the Cup opener is usually not a good omen. Until the 2022 World Cup, only one team defeated in the first game managed to start towards the title in history: Spain, in 2010.
Argentina is trying to repeat the feat after the scare in the debut of Group C, against Saudi Arabia, when they opened the scoring, had several goals annulled and allowed the comeback in the second half.
After the defeat, the Argentines beat Mexico and Poland (this Wednesday, 30th) and still got the first place in the bracket.
12 years ago in South Africa, Spain started the tournament with a 1-0 defeat against Switzerland. Afterwards, the Spaniards beat Honduras, by 2 to 0, and Chile, by 2 to 1. With 6 points, the Spaniards qualified for the round of 16 in first place, ahead of Chile, for having a goal difference .
In the final phase, the Spaniards overthrew all rivals by the minimum score: 1-0 against Portugal, in the round of 16; 1 to 0 against Paraguay, in the quarterfinals; 1-0 against Germany, in the semi-final; and finally, 1-0 against the Netherlands, in overtime, with a goal by Iniesta.
After winning first place in Group C, Argentina will face Australia in the round of 16.
Other teams that debuted with a defeat in Qatar and qualified for the round of 16 were Senegal and Australia itself. The two countries, however, passed in second place.
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