Journey through FIFA World Cup
What was once termed as ‘an unpopular sport’ by the International Olympics Association has now blossomed into not only the most followed game on the planet, but also one that enjoys the highest number of audience in the world. Although the inaugural edition of the World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930, the game had humble beginnings as it was contested by only 13 teams, all of which were invited by the FIFA.
Following the expansion of the game, the event has multiplied, and this year, the 19th edition of the World Cup will feature as many as 32 teams which have managed to reach the finals, a process which was preceded by a two-year qualifying process, involving nearly 200 teams from all over the world.
But there was a time when football wasn’t even considered for the Olympic Games. The 1932 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, did not plan to include football as part of the programme due to its low popularity in the United States. A disagreement between FIFA and the IOC saw the game removed from the Olympics. Olympic football eventually returned in the Summer Olympics of 1936, but could not compare to the prestigious World Cup. The inaugural FIFA World Cup event, the brainchild of President Jules Rimet, was held in Uruguay in 1930, the success of which not only stunned FIFA but the IOC as well. The final was played in front of a crowd of 93,000 people in Montevideo, where the home team downed Argentina 4-2, and became the first nation to win a World Cup.
The 1934 World Cup, held in Italy, was the first to include a qualification stage. As many as 16 teams qualified for the event, but the defending champions Uruguay boycotted the event as they believed the European teams played poorly in the inaugural event. The absence of Bolivia and Paraguay allowed future powerhouses Argentina and Brazil to go to the finals without playing any qualifying matches. The hosts won the event, defeating Czechoslovakia 2-1 in the final.
Uruguay and Argentina boycotted the 1938 World Cup held in France as they believed that it was South America’s turn to host the event. It was the first time the hosts did not win the competition, as Italy retained their title, beating Hungary 4-2 in the final.
After missing two editions due to the World War and its after-effects, the FIFA World Cup resumed with the 1950 edition in Brazil. The 1930 champions Uruguay returned and surprisingly downed Brazil 2-1 to become champions for the second time. Television braced the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland which was the first to be televised. West Germany managed to clinch the title, defeating Olympic champions Hungary 3-2 in the final.
The rise of Pelé saw Brazil win the 1958 World Cup held in Sweden. The legendary footballer scored 2 goals in the final and although he missed part of the next event due to an injury, Brazil managed to retain the title 4 years later as well, defeating Czechoslovakia 3-1.
England hosted and won the 1966 World Cup, which was the first to feature a mascot and an official logo. England outclassed West Germany 4-2 in the final, with Geoff Hurst becoming the first and the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final.
The 1970 World Cup was held in Mexico and was won by Brazil who defeated Italy 4-1 in the final. Pelé played an important role in reclaiming the trophy for Brazil, and the South Americans were awarded the trophy permanently on becoming the first nation to win three World Cups.
Hosts West Germany took the new trophy in 1974 by beating Netherlands 2-1 in the final, whereas Argentina defeated the Dutch in 1978 to win the event held at home ground. The 1982 World Cup in Spain was the first to feature 24 teams, the first expansion since 1934. Italy won the event by defeating West Germany 3-1 in the grand finale.
The 1986 World Cup in Mexico will be remembered for the two remarkable goals by current Argentinean coach Diego Maradona who literally used his hand and feet to get his side the trophy they desired. His controversial Hand of God goal, as well as the fantastic ‘Goal of the Century‘ stunned the English in the quarterfinals, as well as the Germans in the final, where Argentina emerged winners by 3-2.
West Germany took their revenge in 1990 when they defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final played in Italy. The 1994 World Cup, held in USA, was the first to be decided on penalties. Inspired by the brilliance of Romario, Bebeto and Ronaldo, Brazil edged out Italy 3-2 on penalties.
France played the hosts to the first World Cup to feature 32 teams in 1998. They also won the tournament by beating Brazil 3-0 in the final. Brazil returned to their winning ways in the 2002 World Cup, hosted jointly by Japan and South Korea, beating Germany 2-0 in the final for their fifth title.
The 2006 World Cup was held in Germany where Italy had the last laugh, winning the final 5-3 on penalties against France. The match is most famous for French captain Zinedine Zidane’s head-butt to the chest of Italian defender Marco Materazzi. To date, Brazil holds the most World Cup titles with five, defending champions Italy are second with four, while West Germany/Germany comes third with three World Cup titles.
FIFA World Cup has grown to become one of the most inspiring sporting events in the world. With less than 2 weeks remaining to the 2010 event, it remains to be seen which team has what it takes to take home the Cup. The game’s afoot!
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