Spain 1982
Spain hosted the 1982 World Cup with grand ambitions, but the campaign ended in frustration for a nation desperate for success on home soil. Naranjito, the smiling orange mascot, became a beloved symbol of the tournament, but the hosts' football did not match the festive mood. Spain topped their group unconvincingly, then were drawn into a brutal second-round group alongside West Germany and England. A 2-1 defeat to the Germans and a goalless draw with England eliminated Spain at the second group phase a bitterly disappointing exit for the host nation. The tournament itself, however, was a triumph of organisation and atmosphere, featuring Italy's dramatic title run and some of the most iconic matches in World Cup history. Spain would have to wait 28 years until South Africa 2010 to lift the trophy they had dreamed of winning on home soil.