The decade started with a FIFA World Cup in 2010. Spain’s winning streak post Euro 2008 continued and they went on to win their first ever World Cup in 2010. Their dominance continued for a few more years as they defended their Euro title in 2012.
Spain, however, were knocked out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in the group stages itself. Germany became the first European nation to win a World Cup in South American soil and they did it in style. Their 7-1 victory over hosts Brazil and 1-0 extra-time win over another South American powerhouse Argentina in the final gave them the title for a fourth time.
However, Germany was knocked out in the group stages in the 2018 World Cup IN Russia. France, who had entered the tournament as one of the favourites, went on to win the title, defeating a determined Croatia side 4-2 in the final.
The previous decade also witnessed unprecedented growth in the women’s game. While U.S. finished runners up to Japan in the 2011 World Cup, they won back to back titles in 2015 and 2019. All this when more people than ever before were thronging the stadiums to support their stars.
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