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 Hints News Egypt's military hints at earlier presidential election - Los Angeles Times Egypt's military hints at earlier presidential election Los Angeles Times At least 13 people have been killed in clashes with security forces since Thursday in nationwide demonstrations that blamed the police and military for not preventing the soccer riot in Port Said. Anger over lack of security has intensified calls for ... and more » Read more... Beckham re-signs with the Galaxy, hints at future ownership in MLS - Soccer By Ives Beckham re-signs with the Galaxy, hints at future ownership in MLS Soccer By Ives "Part of this conversation was and is trying to sort through the fact that he has the right and he has made it very clear to us that he is going to exercise his option to be an owner in Major League Soccer," said Leiweke. "Unless I'm mistaken, ... and more » Read more... Andre Reed's Hall of Fame chances dwindling - Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Andre Reed's Hall of Fame chances dwindling Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Hints of putting teams in foreign countries is even more ridiculous. It would be like putting teams in British soccer's Premier League in New York or Los Angeles. Why? And the hint of possibly playing a future Super Bowl in London or any other foreign ... and more » Read more... United hit halfway point of preseason - CSNwashington.com United hit halfway point of preseason CSNwashington.com "I watched all types of soccer," Pontius said Friday. "You've got a lot of time to kill, so you try and sharpen your mind up. You sit there and watch the position you play and how guys in the top leagues are playing it and just take little hints from ... and more » Read more... Fuss over turning Egypt's soccer professional - Egyptian Gazette Fuss over turning Egypt's soccer professional Egyptian Gazette Meanwhile, Ahly, Wady Degla, Smouha, El-Gouna and MCSD have been ignoring hints from the EFA to postpone the creation of a professional league till next season, as they have already held a meeting to discuss the matter and take a decision. Read more...