Besides France, has anyone reached the final of the WC without actually winning its Group???

Question

At least in this World Cup, only Ukraine and France actually won games in the second round. All other round of 16 winners were group winners as well.

Answer 1

I have no idea but that's an interesting question.

Answer 2

Germany was second to Hungary in 1958 but they won the cup beating Hungary in fact 3:2 in the final. The group rivals became oppnents in the finals.

In 1978 here was amore interesting result. Argentina beat Netherlands in the final 3:1 and both teams were second int heir groups.

In 1982 Italy won the cup after finishing second in their group.

In 1986 Germany was second in their group but made it to the final but lost to Argentina.

In 1994 Italy was second again in its group but made it to the finals then lost to Brazil.

Chech republic made it to the finals in 1962

Germany also made it to the finals after being second in their group to then East Germany in 1974. they lost to Netherlands.

And thats it. Do I get 10 points :)

Answer 3

Yes.
1) Italy, in USA 1994, finished second in a very interesting situation. Everyone in the group had a 1-1-1 record. Mexico won the group with 3 goals scored. Italy and Republic of Ireland finished second with 2 goals scored. All three teams advanced. Italy lost to Brazil in the final on a penalty shootout.
2) In Italy 1990, Argentina also finished in a tie for second in the group with Romania. Both had 1-1-1 records. Cameroon won the group with a 2-0-1 record. Argentina lost to Germany 1-0 in the final.
3) In Mexico 1986, Germany finished second in their group behind Denmark. Denmark had a 3-0 record while Germany was 1-1-1. Germany lost to Argentina in the final, 3-2.
4) In Spain 1982, Italy tied for second in their group with Cameroon. Both had three draws. Italy advanced on goals scored. Italy went on to beat Germany 3-1 in the final.
5) In Argentina 1978, Argentina finished second in their group behind Italy. The Netherlands also finished second in their group, behind Peru. Argentina ended up beating the Netherlands 3-1 a.e.t. in the final.
6) In West Germany 1974, West Germany finished behind East Germany in their group. West Germany beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the final.
7) In Chile 1962, Brazil finished first in their group, ahead of Czechoslavakia. They would face eachother in the final, and Brazil won 3-1.
8) In Switzerland 1954, Hungary finished above West Germany in group play. They would face eachother in the final,and West Germany won 3-2.

Note: In the 1934 and 1938 tournaments, there was no group play.

Answer 4

There are many teams that have reached the final without being the first in their group:

Italy in 1994
Argentina in 1990
Germany in 1986
Czechoslovakia in 1962