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 Field Map News Avi Creditor: Kljestan's brilliance in Belgium merits look from Klinsmann - SI.com Avi Creditor: Kljestan's brilliance in Belgium merits look from Klinsmann SI.com The same tactic can be applied to American soccer players and their cases for inclusion on the US national team. Take this brief example, for the aptly named Player A: • Player A has essentially followed Jurgen Klinsmann's road map for young, ... and more » Read more... Egyptian Soccer Riot Kills More Than 70 - New York Times Independent Online (blog) Egyptian Soccer Riot Kills More Than 70 New York Times CAIRO — At least 73 people were killed in a brawl between rival groups of soccer fans after a match in the city of Port Said on Wednesday, the bloodiest outbreak of lawlessness since the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak one year ago. Egypt soccer riot: Thousands march in protest of violenceLos Angeles Times Egypt in turmoil as protests rage over soccer deathsSydney Morning Herald Egyptian Riots After Soccer Game Result in 74 Dead, Hundreds InjuredComplex.com (blog) Irish Times -Independent Online (blog) all 6,098 news articles » Read more... Springfield area moves into warmer temperature zone - The State Journal-Register Springfield area moves into warmer temperature zone The State Journal-Register The crew was working on the edge of athletic fields that are leased out by UIS for youth soccer. By TIM LANDIS Much of the Springfield region just moved into a warmer temperature zone. The US Department of Agriculture recently revised its national ... Read more... National Signing Day is not just for football - The Birmingham News - al.com National Signing Day is not just for football The Birmingham News - al.com "In the classroom she had the grades, on the field she has the ability. It's very important for our program and it gets us a little publicity and lets people know Fairhope is on the soccer map more than people realize. It also gives other kids at ... and more » Read more... Otero JC to add women's soccer - La Junta Tribune Democrat Otero JC to add women's soccer La Junta Tribune Democrat While earning his soccer credentials on the field at Chico State, Ribaudo also earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in kinesiology from the college. Upon graduation, he began teaching for the kinesiology department for Chico State, ... and more » Read more...