Türkiye's World Cup Disaster: Ranking the Most Valuable Flops in Football History
The World Cup has claimed its first major victim, with Türkiye being eliminated from the competition after a 1-0 defeat to Paraguay. Despite having one game left to play against the United States, the European giants were knocked out due to the head-to-head rules and their prior 2-0 defeat to Australia.
With a squad market value of €473.7 million, Türkiye entered the World Cup as the thirteenth most valuable nation. Their elimination just 10 days after the opening game ranks them ninth in the all-time table of most valuable national teams to fall at the first hurdle of a World Cup.
Other notable teams to have suffered early exits include France and England, who were both knocked out of the World Cup with identical squad market values of €475m. Italy, Belgium, and Spain have also experienced similar disappointments, with Germany being the biggest flop, stumbling out of the tournament in 2022 and 2018 with squad market values of €1.14b and €1.19b.
This year's elimination serves as a reminder that a star-studded squad is not always a guarantee of success at the World Cup.
With a squad market value of €473.7 million, Türkiye entered the World Cup as the thirteenth most valuable nation. Their elimination just 10 days after the opening game ranks them ninth in the all-time table of most valuable national teams to fall at the first hurdle of a World Cup.
Other notable teams to have suffered early exits include France and England, who were both knocked out of the World Cup with identical squad market values of €475m. Italy, Belgium, and Spain have also experienced similar disappointments, with Germany being the biggest flop, stumbling out of the tournament in 2022 and 2018 with squad market values of €1.14b and €1.19b.
This year's elimination serves as a reminder that a star-studded squad is not always a guarantee of success at the World Cup.
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