Reaching the World Cup final, or any final for that matter, is one thing, but winning it is another. Just ask the Netherlands, who have appeared in three World Cup finals (1974, 1978, 2010) and yet have never lifted the trophy. They are one of five nations who have gone all the way and ended as runners-up.

Then there’s England and Spain, semifinalists in the current edition. They are the only teams to to have reached the final once and won it.

The team to have played the most finals

The World Cup final conjures images of the teams who have dominated this tournament - Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Germany and France. Brazil are the most successful with five titles but interestingly, they are not the team to have reached the most finals.

That honor is held by Germany. Die Mannschaft have played in eight finals - the first five as West Germany. They reached their first final at the 1954 edition held in Switzerland. West Germany beat Hungary 3-2 in Bern to become the third nation to lift the trophy.

The first final defeat came 12 years later against England at Wembley. Geoff Hurst struck twice in extra-time to give the Germans their first bitter taste of losing a World Cup final.

In 1974, West Germany followed Uruguay, Italy and England as the fourth host nation to be crowned champions, beating the Netherlands in the final.

Between 1982 and 1990, West Germany made it to three consecutive finals. They lost the first two - a 3-1 defeat to Italy at Spain ‘82, and a 3-2 defeat to Argentina at Mexico ‘86.

At Italia 90, West Germany got their revenge, beating Argentina in Rome to make it three wins from six.

The seventh final and first as reunified Germany was at Japan/Korea 2002. Mesmerized by Ronaldo, and possibly by his new haircut as well, the Germans crashed 0-2 in the final.

Another victory over Argentina, on this occasion after extra-time, allowed Germany to clinch their fourth title at Brazil 2014.

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