History of the World Cup

The Early Years
The 1934 World Cup took place in Italy, and was actually the very first World Cup to feature a qualification stage, only 16 teams qualified for the competition, and this process was repeated right up until the 1982 finals, where the number increased to 32. Uruguay, who had won the trophy in 1930, were still upset about the poor European showing at their hosted finals, and therefore boycotted Italy 1934. Bolivia and Paraguay were absent, which meant that powerhouses Argentina and Brazil were allowed to progress directly to the finals without having to play a single game!

The competition made history as the first African team to compete were included, Egypt, however, they lost to the very strong Hungary in the first round. Not surprisingly, Italy won the competition fairly comfortably, but a scandal hit the football world afterwards. The hosts were said to have won the competition unfairly, and biased officiating took place in the eyes of many. Benito Mussolini was said to have influenced the choice of referees for his country’s matches. In 1938, the tournament was held in Europe, much to the dismay of teams from South America – Uruguay and Argentina boycotted. Only 15 nations competed due to Austria’s involvement in the Anschluss in April 1983, and England declining the free space. France ended up hosting the competition, however it was Italy who retained their title, defeating Hungary in the final. Again, the World Cup made history, as Polish striker Ernest Willimowski became the first place to score four goals in the competition during his team’s 6-5 defeat to Brazil. He record was later equalled by other players, however was only bettered in the 1994 World Cup, some 56 years later.

Everyone will be looking to Spain as favourites, they are the current European champions and have class players such as Torres, Villa and Iniesta. England have the potential to perform well but always seem to snap under the pressure of the big tournaments, despite an impressive qualifying campaign. Or will the trophy finally be going back to South America? Argentina and Brazil always pose a threat and possess some of the greatest players in the world - but can they overcome the might of the Europeans?
Penalty Shootout Games

Totesport online betting odds

Brazil Soccer News 4 men wounded by gunshots in Brazil fan violence - SI.com BBC News 4 men wounded by gunshots in Brazil fan violence SI.com SAO PAULO (AP) - Four Botafogo fans were wounded by gunshots after the team's game against Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro during a weekend marked by violence between rival supporters and police across Brazil. Authorities in Rio say the four fans were ... Brazil awards $14 bln in key airport upgradesReuters Brazil Raises $14 Billion in Airport Auction for World CupBusinessWeek all 74 news articles » Read more... Brazilian police surround legislature in Salvador - AFP Wall Street Journal Brazilian police surround legislature in Salvador AFP Sunday, a 40-member elite unit of the federal police arrived in Salvador, one of the 12 Brazilian cities that will host matches of the 2014 soccer World Cup, under orders to arrest the strike leaders that are demanding an amnesty, higher pay and better ... Police Strike Leaves Brazilian Tourist City on EdgeWall Street Journal Brazil Police Strikes Signal Lack of Security InvestmentInSight Crime Crime erupts as police strike in Brazil's Bahia -reportsReuters all 428 news articles » Read more... Blatter wants to reinstate Egypt football leaders; calls dismissals political ... - Washington Post ESPN Blatter wants to reinstate Egypt football leaders; calls dismissals political ... Washington Post ASUNCION, Paraguay — FIFA President Sepp Blatter said he will seek to reinstate fired Egypt soccer federation leaders, calling their dismissal “direct interferenceâ€� by the Cairo government. Blatter spoke Sunday in the Paraguay capital, ... FIFA to step in to reinstate Egypt FA – BlatterDAWN.com Blatter wants to reinstate Egypt football leadersGreenwich Time Dube to meet Blatter at AfconNewsDay The Seattle Times all 111 news articles » Read more... US Women's Soccer & Where The Narrative Should Lie…. - The Shin Guardian US Women's Soccer & Where The Narrative Should Lie…. The Shin Guardian WPS or no—is the state of women's soccer in America still strong? In my view, that discussion brings us back to the central questions that lingered after the American loss to Japan in Frankfurt last summer. In the aftermath of that loss, ... and more » Read more... Rexel Becomes a Leader in the Brazilian Market Through Two New Acquisitions - Industrial Distribution Rexel Becomes a Leader in the Brazilian Market Through Two New Acquisitions Industrial Distribution The size of Brazil's domestic market, its wealth in raw materials and its growth rate, combined with the opportunities linked to hosting major international events such as the Soccer World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016, offer strong growth ... and more » Read more...