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

Where Did Soccer Originate News Senior Art Shows: four seniors share struggles, inspirations - Chimes Chimes Senior Art Shows: four seniors share struggles, inspirations Chimes Q: Where did the title of your show originate from? A: Gravisque is a word in Latin that isn't really translated well into English, and it means several things. It means heavy, loaded, pregnant, deep, dignified; all those things together. Read more... The Max Payne Comics Will Explain Why Rockstar's Hard-Boiled Cop Is So Messed-Up - Kotaku The Max Payne Comics Will Explain Why Rockstar's Hard-Boiled Cop Is So Messed-Up Kotaku There were more: Tintin (Hergé is an undoubted visual genius), Asterix, Lucky Luke, Roy of the Rovers, (an old British soccer comic - I know - it's not very cool - but I did love it when I was 9) Dan Dare, the Commando series, Warlord (both fantastic ... and more » Read more... Chilean exiles of Colo Colo Helsinki soccer team inspire inclusi... - Santiago Times Chilean exiles of Colo Colo Helsinki soccer team inspire inclusi... Santiago Times “At that time, immigration to Finland was not very systematic, but it is said that approximately 200 Chileans moved to Finland after the start of the Pinochet military junta.â€� The majority of the Chilean settlers returned to Chile in the early 1990s, ... Read more... When aliens intercept earthling TV - Korea Times Korea Times When aliens intercept earthling TV Korea Times The earthling's imagination about extraterrestrial life, or life that does not originate from Earth, out there might be far more scientifically advanced than humans on Earth isn't fictitious any more. Steven Spielberg knew it when he directed the movie ... Read more... The Cage collaborates with SMU students to launch first of its kind iOS app ... - e27 The Cage collaborates with SMU students to launch first of its kind iOS app ... e27 When SMU students approached us to collaborate on a Cage App for local SME business we were extremely excited to see a platform originate from the soccer fans themselves.â€� The app enables booking of soccer pitches and facilities for customers and ... and more » Read more...