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Maple Leafs & England: A 50-Year Curse?
14 Jul
Summary
- Both teams share long championship droughts, since 1966 and 1967.
- Both experienced infamous, heartbreaking losses in major tournaments.
- Both teams have a high number of recent painful, close-game defeats.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and England's national football team exhibit remarkable parallels, drawing comparisons as teams with long-standing championship droughts. England, currently competing in the World Cup semifinals, last secured victory in 1966.
The Maple Leafs' last Stanley Cup win dates back to 1967, mirroring England's extensive wait. Both teams have experienced significant historical heartbreaks, including infamous controversial plays that led to crucial losses.
Furthermore, statistics reveal a trend of repeated painful defeats. Toronto has the most Game 7 losses since 1990, while England leads in shootout losses during the same period. These similarities fuel fan hopes and shared anxieties.
As England faces a critical semifinal match on Wednesday against Lionel Messi's Argentina, their performance could begin to put this enduring comparison to rest, offering a potential turning point.