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 Players News Kim Kardashian won't ever date a football player - Daily Mail Celebrity Dirty Laundry Kim Kardashian won't ever date a football player Daily Mail By Mail Today Reporter Kim Kardashian isn't secretly dating Mark Sanchez... she's not interested in Tim Tebow - in fact, sources say the reality star is completely DONE with football players in general... all thanks to Reggie Bush. Kim Kardashian Will Never Date Another Football Playerearsucker Kim Kardashian is Not Dating Mark Sanchez or Any NFL Player - Is Tiger Woods Next?National Ledger Is Kim Kardashian Totally Over Dating Sports Players?Celebrity Dirty Laundry all 317 news articles » Read more... Swedish National Team Member Highlights Women's Soccer 2012 Signing Class - FGCU Athletics FGCU Athletics Swedish National Team Member Highlights Women's Soccer 2012 Signing Class FGCU Athletics During her prep career, Roddar played for the Shattuck St. Mary's soccer team in Minnesota but has a wide array of international experience as a native of Sweden. She has made 20 appearances for the Swedish National Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 ... and more » Read more... American soccer players abroad: Sacha Kljestan scores for Anderlecht - Washington Post (blog) American soccer players abroad: Sacha Kljestan scores for Anderlecht Washington Post (blog) By Steven Goff By Steven Goff | 02:54 PM ET, 02/05/2012 Washingtologists consistently post thought-provoking, timely comments on events, communities, and trends in the Washington area. This commenter is a Washington Post editor, reporter or producer. and more » Read more... Eye on POY: Vermont girls soccer - ESPNHS.com (blog) Eye on POY: Vermont girls soccer ESPNHS.com (blog) The fall soccer season may have concluded, but the search for Gatorade State Girls Soccer Players of the Year is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character ... and more » Read more... Lady Topper Soccer Announces 2012 Recruiting Class - WKU Athletics Lady Topper Soccer Announces 2012 Recruiting Class WKU Athletics WKU women's soccer head coach Jason Neidell announced on Monday the signing of five student-athletes for the Lady Topper soccer team. Chandler Clark of Edgewood, Ky., Alanna Clancey of Carmel, Ind., Haley Haffner of Noblesville, Ind., Lauren Moats of ... and more » Read more...