Every FIFA World Cup Ranked From Worst To Best
17. Switzerland 1954
It might be the ultimate underdog story of the World Cup but the 1954 finals remain a source of frustration to historians of the beautiful game.
This was the tournament that should have seen the iconic Hungary team of Ferenc Puskás and Sándor Kocsis rightly crowned world champions.
Hungary were the team of the tournament, scoring 17 goals in the group stage before knocking out Brazil and Uruguay en route to a semi-final against a strong Austria.
But even they were no match for the innovative tactical nuances of the Magnificent Magyars who swept to victory with a 6-1 win.
Similar was expected against West Germany in the final.
After all, Hungary had beaten them 8-3 in the group stages. Yet despite taking a 2-0 lead, an injury to Puskas coupled with general fatigue saw the Germans draw level within 18 minutes.
Helmut Rahn’s equaliser should arguably have been disallowed for an earlier foul, but there was no debating his second goal and, ultimately, Germany’s winner six minutes from time.
Dubbed “The Miracle of Bern”, the final remains ensconced in German football folklore. Hungary haven’t come close to a World Cup title since.