Holland cements European dominance as India plunges further

India’s only win in the 1990 competition was against Canada (2-1) in the classification match before ending up 10th

1990, Lahore (Feb. 12-23)

Co-founder Pakistan finally got to host the tournament and deservedly reached the title clash against Holland in a repeat of the 1978 edition, but lost 1-3.

Holland won its second world title, riding on a brace by Floris Jan Bovelander, in a consolidation of European supremacy. The Indians, having to come through the qualifiers, failed to win a single game and managed just one draw, with the Soviet Union, in the league stage.

Their only win in the competition was against Canada (2-1) in the classification match before losing 0-1 to Argentina to end up 10th. The security situation and open hostility and heckling by the public made things worse for India.

Top three: Holland, Pakistan, Australia; India: 10th.

1994, Sydney (Nov. 23-Dec. 4)

A third World Cup final between Pakistan and Holland saw Pakistan take the honours on penalties after the score was 1-1 at the end of regulation time. It was the fourth and final title for Pakistan, the only one on artificial turf, making it the most successful team in World Cup history.