Every FIFA World Cup Ranked From Worst To Best

The 1982 World Cup was the last to feature the dreaded two group stage format and was notable for the absence of two-time finalists Holland.

However, there was plenty to admire, not least Northern Ireland, who scored a famous 1-0 victory over the hosts to book their unlikely passage to the second group phase.

England started brightly too before fading as the tournament entered the business end, which was in stark contrast with eventual winners Italy.

The Azzurri drew all three matches of the first round, with star striker Paolo Rossi also drawing a blank. But the second round was another story, defeating Argentina 2-1 before claiming a thrilling 3-2 win over a brilliant Brazil side, courtesy of a Rossi hat-trick, in an iconic World Cup clash.

A 2-0 win over Poland in the semis, sealed by a brace from Rossi, then set up a final with the villains of the piece, West Germany.

The Germans had done little to endear themselves to neutrals, having previously played out a 1-0 win over neighbouring Austria that ensured both qualified for the second round at the expense of Algeria in a game dubbed the Disgrace of Gijón.

They then beat Michel Platini's France in the World Cup’s first ever penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw marred by goalkeeper Toni Schumacher’s brutal challenge on Patrick Battiston.

Few tears were shed when Italy triumphed 3-1 in the final, with another goal from tournament top scorer Rossi and an iconic Marco Tardelli strike.