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

Free Soccer Skills News SoccerNationExpo is the Largest FREE Soccer Expo in USA - SoccerNation.com SoccerNationExpo is the Largest FREE Soccer Expo in USA SoccerNation.com All these soccer experts will be at the Largest FREE soccer lover's event in the USA on February 25 and 26, 2012. If you love soccer, you should come. Bring the family. With demonstrations, exhibitors and seminars for all to enjoy, everyone will have a ... Read more... PORTER COUNTY SPORTS BRIEFS: K of C district champs crowned - nwitimes.com PORTER COUNTY SPORTS BRIEFS: K of C district champs crowned nwitimes.com VALPARAISO | A spring indoor soccer skills camp for boys and girls aged 5 to 12 will be held from 5:30 to 7 pm on Mondays and Thursdays during March in the South Haven Christian School gymnasium, 786 Juniper Road. Cost is $85, which includes ... and more » Read more... Merrick PAL offering free soccer program - liherald.com liherald.com Merrick PAL offering free soccer program liherald.com Designed to teach soccer fundamentals in a “fun and structured environment,â€� the curriculum ensures that PAL's youngest soccer players learn foot skills and ball techniques at an early age, giving them the foundation they need to have a “richer soccer ... Read more... SOTN 79 - Love Dies - Vitalfootball SOTN 79 - Love Dies Vitalfootball I didn`t have a brilliant strike rate, but didn`t do too badly and ended up finishing the three years with an impressive tally for someone with such stupidly poor skills where talking to women were concerned. Very few stand out. Read more... Community Calendar: Activities for all ages in the Treasure Valley - The Idaho Statesman Community Calendar: Activities for all ages in the Treasure Valley The Idaho Statesman Kavemen Baseball Skills Camp: For ages 9-14, March 26-28 at Kuna High. Cost is $60. Contact Dale at drippy@kunaschools.org, 955-0200 or go to www.kunaschools.org/schools/khs/athletics/baseball. James A Dodge Memorial Baseball Tournament: June 7-10 at ... Read more...