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On June 9th, 32 nations from all across the globe will assemble in Germany to compete in the 18th World Cup Soccer tournament. This is a time where blood, sweat, tears and passion will be shed for 30 days to gain soccer’s most ultimate prize, and not just by the players. Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts)
It is estimated that the World Cup draws a cumulative audience of 3.7 billion viewers, and to most fans, this is much more than a sporting event; this is a religion and a time to come together, sing, dance, cheer and cry. But we wouldn’t have the chance to enjoy and live this experience every four years if it wasn’t for a man by the name of Jules Rimet. Rimet was the president of the World Football Federation in the 1920’s, and with the help of five other officials, the first World Cup tournament was laid out and finalized in 1928. Uruguay had been named the host of the tournament based on their successful Olympic record. The first World Cup consisted of 13 teams, made up of four European teams, seven from South America including the hosts, plus the United States and Mexico. The first game kicked off on July 13th, 1930 at Pocitos Stadium, where France went on to defeat Mexico 4-1. The hosts would eventually go on to win the first-ever World Cup, downing Argentina 4-2 in the final. After the 1938 World Cup in Italy, the competition would take a 12-year break due to World War II, but would return in 1950 to rapidly become the world’s greatest sporting event. Sixteen nations would consistently compete in the event every four years, until 1982 when the tournament would expand to 24 teams and then again to 32 in 1998. Another change in the World Cup was made in May 1996, when the Executive Committee chose South Korea and Japan to be co-hosts for the 2002 World Cup. This marked the first time the event was held outside of Europe and the Americas. Out of the 17 previous tournaments, only seven different nations have won the event. Brazil leads the way with five victories, and Italy and Germany follow with three championships apiece. There may have been a dearth of different champions, but the World Cup has produced some great competition and upsets over the years. Most notably, the United States’ win over England in 1950, Italy’s loss to North Korea in 1966, and Senegal’s upset victory over the defending champs, France, in the last World Cup. Fans shouldn’t be disappointed with this summer’s tournament either as seven first-timers are in the competition (including the Czech Republic as well as Serbia and Montenegro’s first appearances as independent countries). Based on the colorful history of this global football gathering, expectations remain high for signature drama and unexpected upsets. Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts) |
