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

Soccer Celebrations News Death toll in latest Egypt clashes up to 12 - Ynetnews msnbc.com Death toll in latest Egypt clashes up to 12 Ynetnews AP Egyptian security forces on Saturday fired tear gas from armored trucks at protesters demanding an end to military rule, as anger over a deadly soccer riot fueled a third day of clashes that have killed at least 12 people. The day in picturesUSA TODAY Egyptian police clash with protesters angry over soccer riot as 3-day death ...Newser Death toll in latest Egypt clashes climbs to 123News NZ Detroit Free Press -KTAR.com all 3,097 news articles » Read more... Super Bowl champion New York Giants celebrate with Seal but no Stetsons - The Guardian The Guardian Super Bowl champion New York Giants celebrate with Seal but no Stetsons The Guardian As is customary at these events, the Giants were not left alone to celebrate their triumph but instead easily outnumbered by a horde of journalists, PR people, former players, family members and Seal. Yes, in among the already gratuitous madness of a ... and more » Read more... Reflections on two sides of a tournament - Boston.com (blog) Reflections on two sides of a tournament Boston.com (blog) Stirring, last-minute hometown victories and unexpected advances to the knockout round sent local supporters into delirium, with dancing and celebrations spilling onto the streets. For the media, the reception was welcoming and facilities modern, ... and more » Read more... Two die in soccer frenzy - Zambia Daily Mail Two die in soccer frenzy Zambia Daily Mail “The bus hit five pedestrians who were standing by the roadside, celebrating the qualification of Zambia for the semi-finals of the continent's premier soccer tournament. “Out of the five, two died on the spot, while three are severely injured and in ... Read more... Soccer always Josh Gatt's first love - Fox News Soccer always Josh Gatt's first love Fox News That celebration came eight years after Gatt first told his parents he would one day be a professional soccer player and play in a World Cup, and seven years after that fateful football game that convinced his father soccer was going to stay a part of ... and more » Read more...