FIFA World Cup: 5 Best Teams To Have Never Won The Trophy

#2 Brazil (1982)

Brazil's Socrates

Brazil had not won the World Cup since 1970. Twelve years was way too long for them, and for the 1982 edition in Spain, they brought together attacking firepower rarely seen before - Zico, Eder, Socrates, Falcao and the like.

The first round saw them score eleven goals in four games. But more importantly, it seemed to the average viewer that the Brazilians had magic dust sprinkled on their boots. They were playing football from a different planet and leaving everyone in their wake. Fans who were lucky enough to watch them play unanimously declared them the winner even before the second round was played, where the Brazilians were drawn against Italy and Argentina.

The game against arch-rivals Argentina was billed as a showdown between Diego Maradona and Samba flair, and the former was no match for the latter. Brazil blew away Argentina 3-1 and went into the game against Italy knowing that a draw would take them to the semifinals. The Italians led twice, both goals scored by Paolo Rossi, and on both occasions, Brazil clawed back to equalize.

With the scores level at 2-2, any other team needing a draw would've been content. Not Brazil - they went for the winner and were still committed to attacking. Alas, World Cups are won on pragmatism, something this idealist Brazil side didn't have. Their constant attacks left spaces at the back for the Italian forwards, which they duly exploited - Paolo Rossi scored the winner for Italy, bundling out the magical Brazilian side who surely deserved the Cup.

Their philosophical midfielder Socrates, however, was unrepentant at the manner in which they exited - to him, "what matters is joy", and they gave fans of the beautiful game plenty of it.