LMAO wrote:Imo, one reason Europe has been so dominate is there are simply more teams in the WC, so it's statistically more likely a European team will win (or have a deep run) than any other region.
UEFA generally dominates European World Cups, with CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, AFC, and CAF doing relatively well in non-European WCs. Going by history, there should be more variety in 2022 and 2026.
Yeah. Going by the same logic, only Germany and Spain have non-European World Cups. So, if we do a relative analysis—more European teams in World Cups usually—it's not against the norm for Europeans to dominate. I found it hilarious how some pundits were banging on about an all European SFs. Well, duh, you guys have 14 countries as opposed to 5 from South America, 5 from Africa, 5 from Asia, and 3 from North America.
The *World* Cup has also been hosted 11 times in Europe and 4 times in South America.
12 times Europe has won it, 9 times South America - despite Europe having a distinct home advantage in World Cups.
I agree with Elka's analysis that South Americans aren't producing enough midfielders but that's simply one of the issues. Football is a very cultural sport. Resources, management, and the environment of the country play major roles. If you look at the last three winners, they're all products of stability.
European success in world cups is a mathematical consequence. Top Europe countries also have more resources, better administration, better environment, and a more refined player development culture. Despite all that, the difference is marginal.
Seriously though, France winning this WC by parking the bus felt very underwhelming. History books will cherish them as the third European team with more than one star, but... Whatever.