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

World Cup Winners News 'Psychic' pig to make Euro tips - Reuters 'Psychic' pig to make Euro tips Reuters Paul, who has since passed away, shot to fame at the 2010 World Cup after his feeding behavior was used to correctly predict the winner of each of the Germany's seven matches. He also tipped World Cup winners Spain to beat the Netherlands in the final ... and more » Read more... Laid-back until it's time for the angry hat - Irish Times Irish Times Laid-back until it's time for the angry hat Irish Times Certainly, as World Cup winners go, there are few airs and graces about him. Wearing sandals and shorts, and that trademark beard, what you see with Afoa is what you get. A chilled, smiling lad, he and his wife (Theresa) and two young kids Mateo and ... and more » Read more... World Cup winners in danger: Villa, Pedro & Albiol must fight for their places ... - Goal.com India Goal.com India World Cup winners in danger: Villa, Pedro & Albiol must fight for their places ... Goal.com India Raul's absence has come to be expected ever since he was dropped by Luis Aragones in 2006, but like the former Real Madrid man, several of Spain's World Cup winners could be watching at home this summer as well. Left-back Joan Capdevila and centre-back ... Best line-up for Spain in Euro 2012 (Part 1)bettor.com (blog) all 88 news articles » Read more... Leinster, Ulster name teams for final - Irish Times The Guardian Leinster, Ulster name teams for final Irish Times Rugby: Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin has made two changes from the team that beat Edinburgh for tomorrow's Heineken Cup final against Leinster at Twickenham (5.0). World Cup winner and former All Black John Afoa returns after missing the semi-final ... Brad Thorn seeks historic treble at TwickenhamScotsman Ulster's climb to Heineken Cup final led by South African contingentThe Guardian Pienaar kicks Ulster's import critics to touchCITY A.M. European Rugby Cup -Planet Rugby all 542 news articles » Read more... London Olympics: 69 days to go: Villa Park to stage Community Shield - Daily News & Analysis London Olympics: 69 days to go: Villa Park to stage Community Shield Daily News & Analysis Sonja Pfeilschifter of Germany turned the tables on Katerina Emmons of the Czech Republic in winning the World Cup 50 metres rifle 3 positions on Friday. Emmons edged Pfeilschifter by just over a point for the 10m air rifle gold medal on Tuesday, ... and more » Read more...