The FIFA World Cup is the most\u002Dwatched sporting event in the world and dates back to the first tournament held in Uruguay in 1930
The 2018 World Cup also generated an estimated $4.8 billion in revenue for FIFA and the tournament in Qatar is projected to surpass it, getting up towards the $6 billion range.
As popular as the World Cup tournament is now, the event had humble beginnings. FIFA was formed in 1904 when countries began organizing international matches against each other. As a lead in to the tournament in Qatar, where Canada will participate for the first time in 36 years, Postmedia will run a preview series every week up until the opening game on Nov. 20 between the hosts and Ecuador.
The teams were divided into four groups, with Argentina, Chile, France and Mexico placed into a group of four and getting an extra first-round game. Argentina and Brazil made the trip to Italy and joined European sides Austria, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland along with the hosts. The United States and Egypt were the only teams outside of Europe and South America to participate.
Only three non-European countries participated in the tournament, which was reduced to 15 teams when Austria was annexed by Germany prior to the event. A unified team was entered into the tournament minus one of the first superstars of the game, Austria’s Matthias Sindelar, who refused to play. The city of Rio commissioned the construction of the fabulous Maracana Stadium, which at 200,000 capacity, was the largest soccer stadium in the world.
Uruguay, however, shocked Brazil and came back from a goal down to win 2-1. Alcides Ghiggia scored with 11 minutes left to become a legend in Uruguay and send the Brazilians into despair. During the group stage, Hungary defeated Turkey 4-1, pounded South Korea 9-0 and blasted Germany 8-3. And as luck would have it, the final was played in the rain under terrible conditions, which helped level the playing field against the talented Hungarian. Puskas was also on the mend, having sustained an ankle injury in the first game against Germany.
The Germans held on to win, while the Hungarians felt cheated. It still stands as one of the most controversial World Cup finals of all time.Photo by STAFFThe nine-year-old Brazilian boy, who promised his father a World Cup championship turned into a 17-year-old phenom by 1958. Up 2-1, Pele took a long pass off his chest, flicked the ball over the head of a defender and hammered a shot in past the goalkeeper. Pele broke down in tears after the game having fulfilled the promise to his father, which endeared him to soccer fans around the world.
England were Brazil’s first victims in the knockout rounds, losing in the quarter-final, while Chile fell in the semifinal to the defending champions.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tom Brady Shades Himself And ‘Old’ Cristiano Ronaldo in Hilarious FIFA World Cup CommercialTom Brady's cameo in a Fox Sports commercial promoting the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar lasted all of two seconds, but that's all he needed to make a self-deprecating joke! The 45-year-old NFL star appears at the halfway mark of the 1-minute commercial featuring Jon Hamm as Santa Claus. Why Santa Claus? Well, the World Cup…
Read more »
2022 FIFA WORLD CUP PREVIEW: A look back at history of tournamentThe FIFA World Cup is the most\u002Dwatched sporting event in the world and dates back to the first tournament held in Uruguay in 1930
Read more »
2022 FIFA World Cup: Spain's shortcomings in front of goalSpain is known for its short passing and high possession style but too often, its fans are left waiting for a goal that may never come. Spain will be able to find many scoring chances in Qatar but will it be able to finish them? Find out when the World Cup begins November 20 on TSN and CTV.
Read more »
FIFA reveals sites for World Cup fan viewing partiesCopacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro and Dubai Harbour in the United Arab Emirates are among six locations worldwide that stage fan festivals during the World Cup in Qatar.
Read more »
Canadian women faces two former champions at FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in IndiaTwo former champions await Canada at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in India with 2012 winner France first up Wednesday.
Read more »
Another victory for Canada on the road to 2023 FIFA Women's World CupCanada with another good performance in a 4\u002D0 exhibition win against Morocco as they head towards 2023 FIFA Women\u0027s World Cup.
Read more »