Goal takes a look at the most shocking group stage exits in the tournament's history
The World Cup has offered plenty of surprises throughout the years.
We've seen underdogs going far and we've seen favourites crashing out early.
But what have been biggest shocks the tournament has given us throughout its illustrious history?
Let's take a look at some of the most dramatic group-stage exists ever!
Twitter @SeFutbol 1Spain – 1978
The Spanish national side were by no means the international powerhouse they are now considered when they qualified for the 1978 World Cup, though they didn't expect to be toppled by Austria in their opening game of the tournament and dumped out of the competition after three games.
The sting of failing to get out of their group was made worse at the 1980 European Championship in Italy as La Roja picked up a single point before being eliminated at the bottom of Group Two.
Advertisement2Belgium – 1998
Belgium had made it out of their group in three consecutive World Cup tournaments going into France '98 and would have fancied themselves to finish at least second in a group made up of the Netherlands, Mexico and South Korea.
The Red Devils failed to pick up a single victory, however, and were sent home with three draws to their name.
3USA – 1998
The U.S national team were fancied to make it out of a relatively easy group at the 1998 France World Cup but would be undone in a politically-charge clash with Iran in their second fixture.
Brian McBride's late strike was not enough to earn his side anything in a 2-1 defeat during a particularly hostile tie, and the U.S ended the campaign with three losses from three.
Germany and Yugoslavia both beat the U.S to nil in what was a miserable tournament for Steve Sampson's side.
Getty Images4Portugal – 2014
Portugal's performances at World Cup finals had been mixed coming into the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
They ended the 2006 finals in fourth place before progressing into the round of 16 in 2010, but in 2014 Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. failed to get out of a group consisting of Germany, the U.S national team and Ghana.
While Portugal ended joint on points with the U.S, their 4-0 hammering at the hands of Germany earlier in the competition would see them eliminated with a inferior goal difference.