Legend has it that England went to the 1970 World Cup more heavily favoured to win it than the 1966 team had been. The young Alan Ball had matured into a title winner with Everton, and others like Mullery, Labone, Franny Lee and Jeff Astle were bound to bring the trophy home.
In 1982, several of Argentina's World Cup winners like Ardiles and Kempes were now playing in Europe, and Argentina also had the mercurial young Diego Maradona.
And in 2002, similarly, quite a lot of what was a relatively young French side from 1998 were now established star players at their clubs, or even galacticos.
Fair assessment? Any other defending champions fall into this set?
In 1982, several of Argentina's World Cup winners like Ardiles and Kempes were now playing in Europe, and Argentina also had the mercurial young Diego Maradona.
And in 2002, similarly, quite a lot of what was a relatively young French side from 1998 were now established star players at their clubs, or even galacticos.
Fair assessment? Any other defending champions fall into this set?
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