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

Year Soccer Started News Memo to FIFA -- soccer is big in U.S. - ESPN (blog) Moneycontrol.com Memo to FIFA -- soccer is big in U.S. ESPN (blog) 2, isn't much aware of the prodigious progress soccer in the US has made since drawing a record number of fans to the 1994 edition. "When we start talking ... YOU CAN QUOTE ME What they said at FIFA inspection conferenceBig Apple Soccer Soccer Capsules: FIFA inspectors arrive to assess US World Cup bidBrownsville Herald all 226 news articles » Read more... Girls Soccer Countdown: No. 1 IHA - NorthJersey.com Girls Soccer Countdown: No. 1 IHA NorthJersey.com "I had the greatest opportunity freshman year to start and play with the team. Knowing I couldn't do that the next year, I was in tears for so long. ... and more » Read more... Light Blue soccer star Sophie Resier plays in the big leagues - CU Columbia Spectator Light Blue soccer star Sophie Resier plays in the big leagues CU Columbia Spectator Reiser dominated the field in her four years of play as a Columbia Lions. Her junior year, Reiser started all 17 games, scored 12 goals and ... and more » Read more... MCLA soccer teams starting strong - Berkshire Eagle MCLA soccer teams starting strong Berkshire Eagle MCLA started the year 3-1 in its four non-conference games, and then proceeded to win only one of its first five conference tilts. a little. ... and more » Read more... Girls Soccer Preview: Ridgefield - NorthJersey.com Girls Soccer Preview: Ridgefield NorthJersey.com The transition started last year by moving two players to new positions. Senior Angie Blanco made the switch to goalkeeper for the first time last year and ... and more » Read more...