In 1982 (the year on which everything hinges)  Italy  won the World Cup. 4 years before and 4 later it was won by[b] Argentina[/b] . 8 years before (1974) and 8 later (1990) Germany  took it. 12 before (1970) and 12 later (1994) it was  Brazil . 16 before (1966) and 16 later (1998) the host nations won  (England, France). 20 before (1962) and 20 later (2002), again Brazil . 24 before (1958) and 24 later (2006), the Champion beat the host (Brazil beat Sweden in the final match in 1958 and Italy knocked out Germany in the semi-final in 2006). In 1954 Germany  took the Cup, so it would be their turn again in 2010. In 1950 Uruguay beat the host, Brazil, 2-1 in the famous match known as the Maracanazo. In 2014 the host nation is again Brazil. The spooky thing about this historical symmetry is that in 1946 there was no World Cup (World War II had ended the year before) and the same thing happened in 1942. So let’s hope we’re not in a similar situation in 2018 and 2022. Just in case, somebody had better make sure Germany doesn’t win the World Cup this year.

This cup is meant for Germany then and don't ask me for reference please.   

There was symmetry up to 12-before/after, then. . . . . . .

@pharoh

Wow dat's brilliant hey!!