World cup 1930 - Uruguay
THE DREAM COMES TRUE
13 countries participated in the first ever World Cup in Uruguay. It was no qualification at that time, the hosts invited teams to the cup. Because of the distance, only four European countries decided to take part in the cup. Most countries rejected to spend several weeks on a ship to cross the Atlantic ocean. In Montevideo the hosts had built a beautiful stadium that could hold 95.000. The work had been delayed because of heavy rain, so the stadium wasn't completed until 5 days into the tournament. It was appropriate, for several reasons, that Uruguay should be chosen to host the first tournament. They were the holders of the Olympic title, good enough credentials in its own right. Furthermore, in July 1930 the country was celebrating the centenary of its independence. It was certainly going to be carnival time in Montevideo during the two weeks of the World Cup, because the entire tournament would be held in the capital of Uruguay.
Only four teams from Europe participated in this first World Cup, and none of them were expected to win the cup. Powerful nations like Italy, Germany, Holland, England and Spain stayed home. One of the entrants, Romania, even had their team picked by his Royal Highness King Carol himself! However, he would have little to celebrate for in this tournament.
France and Mexico played in the first ever World Cup game, and the French won 4-1 with Lucien Laurent of France scoring the first ever World Cup goal. But the two teams who dominated this tournament were Argentina and Uruguay. They both topped their groups easily. Stábile was this tournament's best player, originally a substitute, he came into the side and scored a hat-trick against Mexico. The semifinals saw Argentina trash the United States by 6-1, and Uruguay won by the same score versus Yugoslavia. There was no bronzematch at that time, so both USA and Yugoslavia shared the third place. In the final Argentina looked like the better side in the first half, but the hosts came back in the second half to win the title 4-2.
Topscorers:
Guillermo Stábile (ARG) 8 goals
Pedro Cea (URU) 5 goals
Guillermo Subiabre (CHI) 4 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 18
Total goals scored 70
Average per game 3,88
Sendings off 1
Own goals 1
Total attendance 434,500
Average attendance 24,139
World cup 1934 - Italy
EUROPE'S TURN TO PLAY HOST
Now the World Cup came to Europe. At a FIFA congress in October 1932, after eight lengthy conferences, Italy was chosen as the venue for the second World Cup. At the time Italy was under the fascist rule of Benito Mussolini, Il Duce, who had taken power in 1922. The awarding of the World Cup to his country was seen by the dictator as a great propaganda platform and he ensured that Italy would provide a footballing spectacle that would be the envy of the world. But even the hosts had to qualify to be allowed to participate in their own tournament! The organizing committee breathed a sigh of relief when Italy beat Greece 4-0 in the decisive match. What an anticlimax it would have been with the hosts not participating.
Uruguay didn't participate in this cup, because many European nations refused to go to Uruguay for the previous World Cup, and therefore still remain the only champions not to defend their title. The British associations were still at loggerheads with FIFA, and neither England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland entered the qualifying rounds.
Qualification was now necessary for the first time. 32 nations wanted to participate. 16 nations qualified, only four were non-European. The exceptions were USA, Brazil, Argentina and Africa's first ever team, Egypt. There was no groupstage in this World Cup, just ordinary knock-out competition with extra-time in case the teams were level after 90 mins, and a replay if they were level after 120 minutes. No penalty shoot-outs at that time. Unlike in 1930 when all the matches were played in one city, the Italians spread the games all over the country with Rome as headquarters.
Italy got a brilliant start when they trashed USA by 7-1 on the tournament's opening day. It was clear that the South American dominance in the first World Cup would not repeat itself. After the first round only European countries were left in the competition. One of the reasons to Europe's superiority, was the fact that Uruguay didn't enter and Argentina fielded a team full of reserves. Their stars from 1930 had moved to Europe, among them Guillermo Stábile the top-scorer of World Cup 1930 and Monti.
However, new stars would show up in this tournament. Italy with Raimundo Orsi, Angelo Schiavio and Giuseppe Meazza proved to be unbeatable in their own World Cup. Spain's goalkeeper Ricardo Zamora and the Czech striker Oldrich Nejedly were other names that people of that time remember. Nejedly secured his country a place in the final when he scored a hat-trick against Germany in the semifinal. In the final Italy waited. It was not going to be a great final. Italy came back from being 1-0 down to win by 2-1 in extra-time.
Topscorers:
Oldrich Nejedly (CZE) 5 goals
Angelo Schiavio (ITA) 4 goals
Edmund Conen (GER) 4 goals
Raimundo Orsi (ITA) 3 goals
Leopold Kielholz (SWI) 3 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 17
Total goals scored 70
Average per game 4,12
Sendings off 1
Own goals None
Total attendance 395,000
Average attendance 23,235
World cup 1938 - France
ITALY DEFEND THEIR TITLE
This World Cup held in France was the last before World War II. In 1934, Mussolini had used the World Cup in Italy to full advantage as a propaganda platform. Two years later, Adolf Hitler tried to do the same with the Berlin Olympics. Now, with Europe teetering towards the brink of war, FIFA had to be diplomatic over its choice of venue for the 1938 World Cup. Argentina had applied to stage the finals and, believing the venue would alternate between South America and Europe, they were confident of playing host to the world's leading soccer tournament. But FIFA were mindful of the problems with the first competition in Uruguay, not to mention the travelling difficulties. There was now 57 nations with membership in FIFA and most of those were from Europe. It therefore made sense to give the third World Cup to a European country, and that honour fell to France. FIFA's choice was probably out of loyalty to Jules Rimet, the man who played a big part in getting the tournament started in the first place.
The tournament schedule was the same as in Italy four years earlier, with knockout stage all the way. Argentina and Uruguay were still absent from South America. Argentina snubbed the competition because they had not been allocated the tournament. Only Brazil represented that continent. 15 nations took part, and that meant one nation had to get a free passage into the next round. Sweden was the lucky country. It was to a very tight round, as five of the seven first round matches needed extra time or a replay. Italy was in one of those matches, they played Norway and were lucky not to get eliminated when Norway got a late goal disallowed for offside. Brazil beat Poland 6-5 when Leonidas and Willimowski scored four goals each for their countries. Cuba surprised many by beating Romania after a replay, and Germany were also knocked out after a replay when they lost to Switzerland.
Defending champions Italy beat the hosts 3-1 in the quarterfinal, while Sweden finally entered the competition and beat Cuba 8-0. Brazil beat the runners-up from the last World Cup, Czechoslovakia after a replay. Italy marched on to the final after beating Brazil in the semifinal with 2-1. Brazil unbelievably had left the topscorer Leonidas out of the team, to save him for the final! It was one of the most controversial managerial decisions in World Cup history. The other semifinal was between Sweden and Hungary. Sweden with lots of confidence after their victory over Cuba had a disappointing afternoon as Hungary trashed them 5-1 with Zsengeller getting a hat-trick.
Leonidas was back in the team for the bronzematch against Sweden and scored two goals as the South Americans won the game 4-2. The final in Paris produced six goals, four to Italy who defended the title.
Topscorers:
Leonidas (BRA) 8 goals
Gyula Zsengeller (HUN) 7 goals
Silvio Piola (ITA) 5 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 18
Total goals scored 84
Average per game 4,67
Sendings off 4
Own goals 1
Total attendance 483,000
Average attendance 26,833
World cup 1950 - Brazil
URUGUAY SHOCK THE HOSTS
Brazil was the host for the first World Cup after World War II. In the FIFA congress in Luxembourg in July 1946, Brazil was the only candidate to host the World Cup in 1950, although it was originally planned to be held in 1949. The decision to stage the fourth World Cup in South America stemmed from the fact that a large part of Europe was still in turmoil after the war. The choice of Brazil was to be a good one. They were reigning South American champions and interest in football was reaching remarkable levels of fanaticism in that vast country. FIFA was confident Brazil would stage a spectacular carnival of football. At this 1946 congress, FIFA also announced that, from 1950, the World Cup trophy would in the future be known as the Jules Rimet Cup, although it was subsequently referred to as the Jules Rimet Trophy. This was to mark Rimet's 25th anniversary as FIFA president.
This 1950 Cup also finally saw the entrance of British teams. After Great Britain had beaten Rest Of Europe 6-1 in a match in 1947, England arrived as one of the hottest favourites to win. This tournament had a strange schedule. Some nations withdrew from the cup after the draw of various reasons. India, for example withdrew because FIFA wouldn't let them play in bare feet! This made the groups look weird, with two groups of four, one with three and one with only two teams. The groupwinners would progress to a final pool where the winners were crowned champions.
One of the biggest shocks in World Cup history came on June 29th when England were beaten by USA by 1-0. Uruguay who were lucky enough to only have one opponent in the groupstage, took advantage of that and trashed Bolivia by 8-0 with their starplayer Schiaffino scoring four of the goals. Sweden and Spain also showed class and topped their groups.
This World Cup has been the only one without a real final. When Uruguay met Brazil in the last match, the hosts needed only a draw to win the World Cup. They had beaten Sweden by 7-1 and Spain by 6-1 in their two earlier games in the group and were favourites. Uruguay had drawn against Spain and beaten Sweden by a single goal. A World record 200.000 spectators watched the game and couldn't believe the outcome. Uruguay stunned the crowd and won 2-1 after coming from behind.
Topscorers:
Ademir (BRA) 9 goals
Juan Schiaffino (URU) 5 goals
Estanislao Basora (SPA) 5 goals
Chico (BRA) 4 goals
Telmo Zarra (SPA) 4 goals
Omar Miguez (URU) 4 goals
Alcides Ghiggia (URU) 4 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 22
Total goals scored 88
Average per game 4,00
Sendings off None
Own goals None
Total attendance 1,337,000
Average attendance 60,773
World cup 1954 - Switzerland
WEST GERMANY'S SWEET REVENGE
Switzerland was the obvious choice of venue for the fifth World Cup. FIFA's headquarters were in Zurich and 1954 marked the 50th anniversary of its formation. The Swiss had been granted the tournament at FIFA's first post-war congress in 1946, and they had spent eight years building new stadiums for the great occasion. They did not live up to their promise and were not really up to the organizational requirements of such a tournament. Nevertheless, the competition proved to be a financial success, despite the fact that most stadiums had small capacities. The tournament received limited TV coverage for the first time and the Swiss showed a piece of marketing know-how by having special commemorative coins minted.
FIFA now had a new president, Rodolphe Seeldrayers of Belgium, and once more the governing body found it necessary to change the format, reverting to a pool and knock-out system. The 16 teams were divided into four groups with two teams in each group seeded. The two seeded teams, strangely enough, did not need to play eachother in the group. Also remarkable was that extra time was needed if the scores were level in the group matches!
In this first World Cup held in Europe after World War II, Hungary were the new force to be reckoned with. They banged in goals with a frequence never seen before in a World Cup. They beat West Germany 8-3 and South Korea 9-0. Never has a team been a bigger favourite to win the cup than this. The world was introduced to players like Puskas, Kocsis, Hidegkuti and Czibor. Another team among the favourites was Uruguay. They still hadn't lost a match in World Cup history at this stage and their run continued also after the groupstage after beating Czechoslovakia and Scotland.
The quarterfinal match between Austria and Switzerland brought a new World Cup record. Austria won 7-5, that's the highest number of goals ever in a World Cup match, it's still unbeaten. Uruguay beat England 4-2, and Hungary beat Brazil by the same score in one of the most brutal matches ever. It's later dubbed "The Battle of Berne", as three players got sent off and the fighting continued also after the final whistle. West Germany who had recovered after they got trashed by Hungary in the first round, beat Yugoslavia.
The semifinal between Hungary and Uruguay, who participated in a World Cup on European soil for the first time, is regarded to be one of the best ever in a World Cup. Hungary won 4-2 after extra-time and with that, Uruguay's unbeaten run was broken. The Germans had hit topform and trashed their neighbours Austria by 6-1 and the stage was set for a great final. Austria recovered quickly and surprisingly beat Uruguay and secured the bronzemedals. The final turned out to be dramatic. Hungary were leading 2-0 early on and everything looked safe, but then West Germany in well-known style pulled back both goals and scored a winner to win their first World Cup.
Topscorers:
Sandor Kocsis (HUN) 11 goals
Max Morlock (GER) 6 goals
Josef Húgi (SWI) 6 goals
Erich Probst (AUT) 6 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 26
Total goals scored 140
Average per game 5,38
Sendings off 3
Own goals 4
Total attendance 943,000
Average attendance 36,269
World cup 1958 - Sweden
PELÉ MAKES HIS ENTRANCE
The World Cup stayed in Europe. Sweden hosted it and for the first time, the tournament received international television coverage. None was to be disappointed as the tournament turned out to be the best so far. The format of the competition changed yet again. The 16 teams were split into four groups as in 1954, but now all the teams in the group played eachother. If teams tied for second and third place, the outcome was decided by a play-off. Thankfully, extra-time was not played in pool matches this time. The top two of each group progressed to the quarterfinals, and from then on it was knock-out competition. The teams were not seeded as in 1954, but each of the four groups contained one team from Western Europe, one from Eastern Europe, one from the United Kingdom and one from Latin America. England found themselves in a nightmare group with Brazil, Russia and 1954 bronze medalists, Austria. Hungary were no longer the force they were four years earlier. Leading players like Puskas, Kocsis and Czibor all left the country in 1956 when the Soviet Union invaded their country. The Soviets, on the other hand, entered the World Cup for their first time and were installed as one of the favourites.
This World Cup saw the emergence of the great Pelé. Brazil started the tournament without him though, but he was brought into the side after Brazil's match against England which ended 0-0. That was by the way the first ever goalless draw in a World Cup match! Brazil were the clear favourites to win the World Cup. they brought with them the innovative 4-2-4 system. It didn't take long until the rest of the soccer world employed the same formation.
Remarkable was the way Frenchman Juste Fontaine banged in goals. France scored 11 goals in the groupstage and qualified easily for the quarterfinals. Host nation Sweden qualified as did Hungary from their group. Four British teams participated in this cup, and few would have expected that the two qualifying for the quarterfinals were Northern Ireland and Wales. England disappointingly and Scotland had to book the earliest possible flight home.
The quarterfinals saw no surprises, the Germans predictably knocked out Yugoslavia, the hosts eliminated the Soviets, France with a sparkling Fontaine trashed a brave Irish team, while Pelé scored his first ever World Cup goal when Brazil beat Wales by a single goal.
It was goals galore in the latest stage of the cup. The last four games in the cup saw 27 goals! Sweden beat West Germany in a tight semifinal, when the Germans were one man short the last 30 mins. Brazil finally stopped Fontaine & Co when Pelé scored a superb hat-trick in the 5-2 win. Fontaine added 4 more goals in the Bronzematch to take his tally to 13, the highest ever in World Cup history. Pelé and Brazil went on to beat the hosts in the final by 5-2.
Topscorers:
Juste Fontaine (FRA) 13 goals
Pele (BRA) 6 goals
Helmut Rahn (GER) 6 goals
Peter McParland (NIR) 5 goals
Vava (BRA) 5 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 35
Total goals scored 126
Average per game 3,60
Sendings off 3
Own goals 1
Total attendance 868,000
Average attendance 24,800
World cup 1962 - Chile
BRAZIL DEFEND THEIR TITLE
At the 1956 FIFA congress in Lisbon, three nations formally applied to host the 1962 World Cup - Argentina, Chile and West Germany. It was generally agreed that the tournament couldn't be held in Europe for the third successive time, so the Germans application was rejected. Argentina had better cards on their hands, because of their footballing heritage, larger stadiums and a tremendous interest in the game amongst its people. They were the hot favourites, but in May 1960 Chile was rocked by dreadful earthquakes which claimed 5000 lives. This tragedy, one would have thought, would have made Argentina even stronger candidates, but powerful pleading by the Chilean FA president, Carlos Dittborn, won the sympathy of FIFA and Chile were declared hosts for the 1962 tournament. Dittborn said: "We have nothing - that is why we must have the World Cup."
The Chileans set about building new stadiums and the magnificent National Stadium in Santiago was completed in time for the start of the tournament. For a poor nation, Chile did not disappoint FIFA as World Cup hosts. But the organizers could do little about the football.
This World Cup in Chile brought us little new, only one surprise and that was in the qualification. Sweden who were runners-up four years earlier failed to qualify. Brazil came to Chile with a team very much like the one who won in 1958. Only one major addition, Amarildo, who would take over after Pelé who got injured already in the second match. June 2nd was a black day in World Cup history. Chile met Italy in front of nearly 70.000 spectators in Santiago. They were witnessing discraceful scenes on the field as Latin temperament took over. Only two players were sent off, both Italians, but it should have been a lot more. The English referee Aston said the match was uncontrollable as the players were punching and kicking eachother. The teams needed the police to get escorted off the field safely. The hosts won the football match 2-0.
In the quarterfinals Yugoslavia and West Germany met again for the third time running. On both the previous occasions, the Germans had ended up winning. This time a Radakovic goal three minutes before time sent Yugoslavia through. Brazil with a sparkling Garrincha beat England, the Czechs beat Hungary and Chile surprisingly beat the Soviet Union and now found themselves in the semifinal.
There they met Brazil who looked unstoppable and Garrincha and Vava scored two goals each to send Brazil to yet another final. Czechoslovakia won the other semifinal against Yugoslavia. Chile captured the bronzemedals with a winning goal which was the last kick on the ball in the match. It was a great achievement for Chile who didn't expect their team to go this far. Garrincha who was sent off in the semifinal eventually was allowed to play in the final. Even though Czechoslovakia took the lead early on, Brazil looked like the better team and came back and won the final 3-1. Even without Pelé for most of the tournament, Brazil managed to defend their title.
Topscorers:
Garrincha (BRA) 4 goals
Valentin Ivanov (SOV) 4 goals
Leonel Sanchez (CHI) 4 goals
Vava (BRA) 4 goals
Florian Albert (HUN) 4 goals
Drazan Jerkovic (YUG) 4 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 32
Total goals scored 89
Average per game 2,78
Sendings off 6
Own goals None
Total attendance 776,000
Average attendance 24,250
World cup 1966 - England
FINALLY ENGLAND
Finally in 1966 it was England's turn to host the World Cup. The FA organized the tournament in an exemplary manner and the stadiums used were probably the best overall selection of stadiums used for any World Cup celebration up to date. The attendance figures were amongst the best ever recorded. But the teams of this 1966 tournament failed to produce the excitement and skills of what some of the past great teams like the Hungarians in 1954 and Brazil of 1958 and 1962 had. England were the best team of a rather poor selection of entrants. Sadly, the game had become more defensive, and individual skills had to make way for those of the tacticians.
The months leading up to the tournament contained lots of drama. The Jules Rimet trophy was stolen at an exhibition in March and FIFA prepared themselves to stage the World Cup without the trophy! Thankfully a dog named
Pickles found it wrapped up in newspaper in some bushes in South London just a week after the theft.
The tournament got underway with England and Uruguay playing a goalless draw at Wembley. England qualified from their group as winners without conceding a goal. The new top team in world football was Portugal. The won all their three first round games and even knocked out twice winner's of the cup Brazil. Pelé just as in 1962 got kicked out of the competition. Another surprise was North Korea's contribution to this World Cup. Their victory over Italy is one of the all-time greatest shocks in world football. The defeat sent Italy home as well.
England beat Argentina in a match England coach Alf Ramsey described the South Americans as "Animals". He refused to let his players swap shirts with them after the match! North Korea led 3-0 over Portugal at one stage and looked like reaching the semis, but then Eusebio knocked in four goals and Portugal eventually won 5-3.
The semifinals saw the Germans beat the Soviet Union 2-1. A young Franz Beckenbauer scored West Germany's second goal. Bobby Charlton stopped Portugal and Eusebio's run in the World Cup when he scored twice to send England to the final. Eusebio scored his ninth goal in the bronze match when Portugal beat the Soviet Union, and that was some consolation. The final produced lots of drama as England faced West Germany at Wembley. England eventually won in extra-time and became the third host nation to win the World Cup.
Topscorers:
Eusebio (BRA) 9 goals
Helmut Haller (GER) 5 goals
Geoff Hurst (ENG) 4 goals
Franz Beckenbauer (GER) 4 goals
Valeri Porkujan (SOV) 4 goals
Ferenc Bené (HUN) 4 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 32
Total goals scored 89
Average per game 2,78
Sendings off 5
Own goals 2
Total attendance 1,614,677
Average attendance 50,459
World cup 1970 - Mexico
A FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL
The choice of venue for the ninth World Cup was a two-nation contest between Argentina and Mexico and at a FIFA congress during the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Mexico, already selected as hosts for the 1968 Olympic games, were granted the tournament. However, there were many delegates, particularly from Europe, who were unhappy with the choice of venue, largely because of Mexico's high altitude and the problems it might cause. Fortunately, most teams soon acclimatized to the thin air and intense heat often up to 100F/37c during matches.
The format of this World Cup was exactly the same as in England four years earlier, but now international soccer had become a "13-a-side game" following the introduction of substitutes. The only minor change was the tossing of coin to decide winners if teams were level after extra-time in quarter- and semifinal matches. Thankfully, such a method was not needed.
This World Cup held in Mexico is rated by many to be the best of all time. Fair play dominated and no player was sent off during these weeks. Attacking football returned, notably from those talented Brazilians and the West Germans. Mexico and the Soviet Union played the opening game under a broiling mid-day sun. No goals were scored, but that game was not going to symbolize this World Cup. The opening ceremony was spectacular with 50.000 coloured balloons realeased. This was the first of the spectacular opening ceremonies now associated with major soccer events.
Brazil had a marvellous team and with Pelé back in form after he was kicked out in England in 1966. Brazil infact beat defending champions England in an entertaing game which is perhaps best known for Gordon Banks' fantastic save from a Pelé header. Peru also had an exciting team with Cubillas as their biggest profile. They showed a remarkable ability of recovery when they trailed 0-2 against Bulgaria, but won 3-2!
The first of the quarterfinals was a replay of the final 4 years earlier. England and West Germany once again needed extra-time. West Germany's goal machine Gerd Müller scored the winner deep into extra-time and at the same time got their revenge from the Wembley final. Italy hadn't impressed very much in the first round, but when they hammered the hosts 4-1, most people thought they could even win the trophy. Brazil beat Peru comfortable 4-2 in a great game and Uruguay beat the Soviet Union in the last minute of extra time. It was a dubious goal, as the ball seconds before may have crossed the line for a goalkick.
This Italy - West Germany semifinal is a classic match in World Cup history. One of the best ever and Italy eventually won it after extra time 4-3. Brazil beat Uruguay 3-1 after coming from behind. The bronzematch was decided by a goal from Wolfgang Overath. The final is also a classic one. Pelé crowned himself king of soccer when he collected his third winner's medal. He scored one and assisted two when they beat Italy 4-1. This victory meant that Brazil had won the Jules Rimet Cup three times. Back in 1930 they said, the first nation to win it three times would keep it forever.
Topscorers:
Gerd Múller (GER) 10 goals
Jairzinho (BRA) 7 goals
Teofilio Cubillas (PER) 5 goals
Pele (BRA) 4 goals
Anatoliy Bishovets (SOV) 4 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 32
Total goals scored 95
Average per game 2,97
Sendings off None
Own goals None
Total attendance 1,673,975
Average attendance 52,312
World cup 1974 - West-Germany
THE ARRIVAL OF TOTAL-FOOTBALL
After the intense heat and high altitude of Mexico, it was to be the wet conditions of West Germany for the tenth World Cup. Munich had been hosting the Olympics two years earlier, but the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes ruined one of the world's sporting spectacles. Consequenlty the security for the 1974 World Cup was tighter than ever before soccer's greatest event.
Three days before the opening ceremony FIFA voted for its presidency and out went Sir Stanley Rous, after 13 years. For the first time in 70 years, the post was held by a non-European, Joao Havelange of Brazil. Not only did FIFA have a new president, but they also had a new World Cup trophy. Names for the new trophy like Stanley Rous Cup and Churchill Cup were put forward, but FIFA called it, the FIFA World Cup, thus reverting it to its original name.
The format for the 1974 tournament changed again. The teams were divided into four groups as they had done ever since 1950, but now there would be no knock-out stage to follow. The four groupwinners and the runners-up were divided into two further groups with four teams in each. The winner of each group would play the World Cup final and the runners-up would play in the bronze match. For the first time goal-difference was used to separate teams on equal points.
This World Cup saw the arrival of those great Dutchmen. Johann Cruyff & Co played some great attacking football, but they were not alone in that. The Hosts West Germany also had a great team with quality players up front, as well as Sweden and Poland who enjoyed some great weeks in West Germany. Brazil and Yugoslavia kicked off the World Cup in Frankfurt with a boring goalless draw. Not that it was a surprise, the two previous opening games had also ended goalless. Yugoslavia would not go goalless off the field in their next game against Zaďre. After half and hour the Europeans led 5-0! Seven different players scored in the game Yugoslavia won 9-0. The biggest victory in World Cup history (Hungary equalled it in 1982 when they beat El Salvador 10-1). East Germany's victory over the neighbours from West and Italy's exit already in the first round were the two major surprises in this tournament.
Phase Two saw some great games. Holland showed class by beating Argentina, East Germany and Brazil in their group without conceding a goal. In the other group West Germany beat Yugoslavia and then Sweden in the tournament's best match, before Poland awaited in a decisive match. The Germans would go to the final with a draw, the Poles had to win. A Gerd Müller goal towards the end sent West Germany to the final. The bronzematch was played between Brazil and Poland. The Brazillians had a bad year by their standards. No Pelé, Tostao or Gerson this time and they were outplayed by Holland when they met. In this bronzematch they lost thanks to a brilliant goal by the tournament's top scorer Grzegorz Lato. This tournament was the start of a 10 year long period where Poland were among the best nations in the world. They copied these bronzemedals in Spain 8 years later.
The final in Munich was a dramatic one. The English
referree gave Holland a penalty after barely a minute which Neeskens converted. The Germans charateristically came back and turned the game and won their second World Cup.
Topscorers:
Grzegorz Lato (POL) 7 goals
Andrzej Szarmach (POL) 5 goals
Johann Neeskens (HOL) 5 goals
Gerd Múller (GER) 4 goals
Ralf Edström (SWE) 4 goals
Johannes Rep (HOL) 4 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 38
Total goals scored 97
Average per game 2,55
Sendings off 5
Own goals 3
Total attendance 1,774,022
Average attendance 46,685
World cup 1978 - Argentina
THE HOSTS WIN AGAIN
Argentina had been promised the 11th World Cup in 1966, but ten years later, a military junta headed by General Videla ousted Isabella Perón amidst charges of corruption. The country was under a state of siege and an estimated 5000 people lost their lives with many more jailed and tortured. With two years to the start of the World Cup, then, it was a worrying time for FIFA and some European countries, notably Holland, talked openly about boycotting the tournament if it was staged in Argentina. But FIFA gave the go-ahead for the final stages to take place as planned. The new Argentinian regime had guaranteed a trouble-free tournament, but the delivery of such an undertaking looked unlikely when General Omar Actis, the president of the Argentina World Cup Organizing Committee was assassinated by guerrillas. Happily, all the pre-tournament worries were unfounded and the 11th World Cup was to pass without a major incident.
The format of the 1978 World Cup was the same as the one in West Germany four years earlier. More than 100 countries took part in the qualifying and the 15 best teams made the journey to Argentina to join the hosts in the 16 team tournament held in South America for the first time since 1962.
The World Cup finalists from the previous tournament in 1974, West Germany and Holland arrived in Argentina without their captains Cruyff and Beckenbauer. Still they looked good enough to go all the way in this World Cup. Argentina had an exciting young attacking team, so too had Italy who infact beat the hosts in the first round. Also in that group was France, with a young Platini, but they found it too hard to go through from that group. Tunisia made history when they beat Mexico 3-1 in group B. That was the first ever victory for an African side in a World Cup match. Rob Rensenbrink of Holland was honoured to score the 1000th goal in World Cup history, when he converted a penalty against Scotland. Peru with Cubillas played some superb soccer in the early stages and topped Holland's group.
However, in the second phase of the tournament, the star of Mundial 1978 woke up. His name was Mario Kempes. He scored both goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Poland, then after a violent goalless draw with Brazil he scored two more as Argentina beat Peru by 6-0 and qualified to to the final. Argentina had to win that match by four goals, otherwise Brazil would have qualified to the final instead. In the other second phase group, an all European by the way, Holland trashed Austria by 5-1, while Italy and West Germany battled in 90 minutes without scoring a goal in a drab match. When Holland held the Germans to a draw in
Cordoba, it meant that West Germany couldn't reach the final. Instead Italy and Holland played a decisive match for the right to play Argentina in the final. Ernie Brandts scored an own goal, but then made it up again with a goal at the other end to make it 1-1. Then Arie Haan from over 40 yards put Holland in front with one of the greatest goals in World Cup history. Holland held on to the lead and would play in the final yet again. Brazil beat Italy in the bronzematch, once again a long range shot beat Zoff. The final itself was dramatic and went to extra time. Kempes scored two goals and became topscorer of the tournament. Holland once again beaten by the hosts in a World Cup final.
Topscorers:
Mario Kempes (ARG) 6 goals
Teofilio Cubillas (PER) 5 goals
Rob Rensenbrink (HOL) 5 goals
Leopoldo Luque (ARG) 4 goals
Hans Krankl (AUT) 4 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 38
Total goals scored 102
Average per game 2,68
Sendings off 3
Own goals 3
Total attendance 1,610,215
Average attendance 42,374
World cup 1982 - Spain
ROSSI WOKE UP JUST IN TIME
In April 1970, Sir Stanley Rous said the World Cup would be better balanced with 24 teams. 12 years later there was an opportunity to see whether he was right or not, because at the FIFA congress just before the 1978 tournament started, it was agreed to increase the number of teams to either 20 or 24 depending upon the host nation's ability to cater for the extra matches. Spain hosted the 12th World Cup with 24 competing nations for the first time. Some people said this was at least a few qualifiers too many, but apart from El Salvador, none of the "new" nations made a fool of themselves. Cameroon held eventual winners Italy to a draw and were eliminated only on less goals scored than the Italians. Algeria shocked the world by beating West Germany and Honduras held host nation Spain to a draw.
Because of the increased number of nations, there was yet another new format. The 24 nations were divided into six groups of four. The top two teams then went into four further groups with three teams in each, with the group winners progressing into the semifinal knock-out stage. Spain spent Ł40 million on revamping their stadiums which were in excellent condition by the time the World Cup started. The tournament was a success from the administrative viewpoint.
Brazil came to Spain with their best team since 1970 and played some entertaining soccer with the likes of Zico, Eder, Socrates and Falcao. Defending champions Argentina lost the tournament's opening game against Belgium, but qualified easily to the next round anyway, with a rising star Maradona. Poland and France also had good sides and were expected to go far in this tournament.
The system of a second groupstage won few friends in Spain. Thankfully this system was not going to be used in future world cups. However, Italy were placed in a group with heavyweighters like Brazil and Argentina. None gave them a chance, but Enzo Bearzot's side surprised everybody and beat both the South American giants. Paolo Rossi woke up and scored a hat-trick in Italy's 3-2 victory over Brazil, where the Brazillians only needed a draw to reach the semifinal. England went out unbeaten in the tournament, thanks to two goalless draws, while the Germans beat Spain and qualified. France had little trouble in eliminating Austria and Northern Ireland, while Poland continued to impress with a hat-trick by Boniek against Belgium. A draw against Soviet Union sent them to the semifinals.
Paolo Rossi emerged as the star of the World Cup when he knocked in two more against Poland in the semifinal and sent Italy to the final. The other semifinal between West Germany and France has been described as perhaps the most dramatic in World Cup history. It was the first match ever to be decided on penalties in the World Cup. German keeper Schumacher became famous world wide when he knocked Battiston to the ground and escaped without even a caution. West Germany came back from 3-1 down in extra time, to win the following penalty shoot-out. Poland with Boniek back from suspension, won the bronzematch against France who played with many reserves. The Poles celebrated as if they had won the final itself. They had all reason to, they had played entertaining and achieved great results. Italy beat West Germany and won the World Cup for their third time, with Rossi getting another goal which established him as the topscorer of the tournament with six goals.
Topscorers:
Paolo Rossi (ITA) 6 goals
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (GER) 5 goals
Zbigniew Boniek (POL) 4 goals
Zico (BRA) 4 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 52
Total goals scored 146
Average per game 2,81
Sendings off 5
Own goals 1
Total attendance 1,842,250
Average attendance 35,428
World cup 1986 - Mexico
MARADONA LIFTS ARGENTINA TO GLORY
Colombia was originally given the 13th FIFA World Cup, but had to withdraw because of economical reasons. On short notice Mexico was given the job to stage the tournament. Only eight months before the cup, Mexico suffered an earthquake and an estimated 25.000 people died. Still they managed to stage the greatest event in the world and did it very well, even though some aspects of the TV coverage left a lot to be desired and technicians from other countries were eventually called in to help iron out the problems.
The new rules in the tournament meant that only eight teams would be eliminated after the first round. The four best third placed teams could advance to the second round now. Defending champions Italy met Bulgaria in a boring opening match which ended 1-1. Maradona showed early on that this was to become his World Cup as he scored or assisted all Argentina's goals in the first round! Denmark, Morocco and the Soviet Union were other teams that sparkled in the early stages. The Danes trashed twice World Cup winner Uruguay by 6-1, while the Soviets humiliated Hungary by 6-0. Morocco topped England's group and their keeper Zaki Badou was one of best in the tournament. Brazil came to Mexico with an ageing side, but still won all their first round matches. In their group Northern Ireland failed to produce the play that took them so far in 1982. France and West Germany progressed through without any major trouble.
Mexico topped their group, and the optimism increased even more when Manuel Negrete scored one of the greatest goals of the tournament against Bulgaria in the second round. Belgium beat the Soviet Union 4-3 after extra-time in an entertaining game, England and Lineker continued to impress and beat Paraguay comprehensively by 3-0. Spain destroyed Denmark by 5-1 after the Danes took the lead and a Matthäus free-kick marked an end to Morocco's brave efforts in this World Cup. Brazil danced through this round as well with 4-0 against Poland. France knocked out Italy and Argentina beat old enemies Uruguay.
Three of the four quarterfinals went to penalties. Zico, Socrates and Platini missed penalties in the clash between France and Brazil, one of the best matches ever played in soccer history. Belgium beat Spain on penalties, as did West Germany with Mexico. England and Argentina met in the Azteca stadium where Maradona became the man in the spotlight once again. Two legendary goals, "The Hand of God" and the wonderful soloraid from inside his own half. Lineker got one back and won the Golden Boot as topscorer with 6 goals.
The first semifinal was a replay of the one four years earlier in Spain between France and West Germany. This match never lived up to the standard of the match in Seville, but the outcome was the same. The Germans won, this time by 2-0 after Völler scoring the second goal in injury time. In the other semifinal, it was more Maradona magic. Two brilliant goals by him, the first a little flick with the outside of his left foot, and the other was another proof of his dribbling brilliance. Four men were left stranded as he slotted the ball past goalkeeper Pfaff.
The bronzematch was as in 1982 an entertaining one. France beat Belgium after extra time by 4-2. The big final in the Azteca stadium between West Germany and Argentina was an exciting game. A capacity crowd of 115.000 people watched the game. Maradona crowned himself king of soccer as Argentina ran out 3-2 winners. The Germans ended up as losers in the final for the second time in a row.
Topscorers:
Gary Lineker (ENG) 6 goals
Emilio Butraqueno (SPA) 5 goals
Diego Maradona (ARG) 5 goals
Careca (BRA) 5 goals
Preben Elkjćr-Larsen (DEN) 4 goals
Igor Belanov (SOV) 4 goals
Jorge Valdano (ARG) 4 goals
Alessandro Altobelli (ITA) 4 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 52
Total goals scored 132
Average per game 2,54
Sendings off 8
Own goals 1
Total attendance 2,184,522
Average attendance 42,010
World cup 1990 - Italy
GLORY AT THIRD ATTEMPT FOR THE GERMANS
On May 19th 1984, Italy were unanimously chosen as hosts for the 1990 World Cup, only the second nation after Mexico to be awarded two tournaments. England, the Soviet Union and Greece also had bids, but failed to live up to the standard of the Italians. As many other hosts before them, the Italians were well behind schedule in terms of rebuilding the stadiums, but they were all ready in time for kick-off in June 1990.
When talks come to great World Cups, this tournament held in Italy will certainly not be mentioned. Even if all previous champions were present, very few teams relied on attacking football, not even Brazil. Cameroon was the team who would cause surprise. On the tournament's opening day, they beat defending champions Argentina by 1-0. The South Americans relied heavily on Maradona and his new attacking partner up front, Claudio Caniggia. Italy was also an exception. They played some great attacking football in the 1st round and won all their games without conceding a goal. A new star also was introduced - Salvatore Schillaci. Brazil also won all their 1st round matches, but not convincingly. West Germany trashed UAE and Yugoslavia before Colombia stole a point from them in the last match to go through as well. In Group F lottery was needed as Ireland and Holland were on equal points and goals. Both went through and Holland unfortunately drew the Germans in the second round. Ireland "escaped" with Romania.
Cameroon made history as being the first African nation to reach the quarterfinal, when they beat Colombia after extra-time. A 38 year old substitute called Roger Milla scored both goals in their 2-1 win. He took his tally to four in the tournament. Tomas Skuhravy scored a hat-trick as a brave Costa Rican team was knocked out by the Czechs. 10 secs of Maradona brilliance was enough to send Argentina through against Brazil when he set up Caniggia to score the winner shortly before the end. West Germany beat Holland in a classic match in Milan, Italy had no problems beating Uruguay and David Platt sent England though when he scored the winner against Belgium in the last minute of extra-time. Ireland beat Romania on penalties after two hours without a goal.
More drama involving penalties in the quarterfinals. Argentina beat Yugoslavia on penalties after the two stars Maradona and Stojkovic had missed in the shoot-out. Matthäus scored the only goal of the match against Czechoslovakia on a penalty, and England stopped the popular "Lions" from Cameroon by winning 3-2 in extra-time. Three of the goals came from the penaltyspot. Italy won the last quarterfinal against Ireland after a goal from Schillaci, not from a penalty infact.
Both semifinals were decided on penalties. Italy let in their first goal of the tournament against Argentina after a header from Caniggia. That was about to cost them. Donadoni and Serena missed in the shoot-out for the hosts and Argentina won the game played at Maradona's homeground in Naples. The other semifinal also ended 1-1 after extra time and in the shoot-out, the Germans kept their nerves under control. Pearce and Waddle missed for England and the Germans were through to their third consecutive World Cup final! Italy won the bronzematch by 2-1, with Schillaci scoring his 6th goal giving him the golden boot as top - scorer of the tournament.
In every World Cup final from 1930-86, at least three goals had been scored. In this final, only one! And it was once again from the penaltyspot. Brehme converted it and gave West Germany their third title. Argentina who had played miserable during the tournament had 4 players suspended in the final and got two players sent off in the final.
Topscorers:
Salvatore Schillaci (ITA) 6 goals
Tomas Skuhravy (CZE) 5 goals
Michel (SPA) 4 goals
Roger Milla (CMR) 4 goals
Gary Lineker (ENG) 4 goals
Lothar Mattháus (GER) 4 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 52
Total goals scored 115
Average per game 2,21
Sendings off 16
Own goals None
Total attendance 2,515,168
Average attendance 48,369
World cup 1994 - United States
BRAZIL FOR THE FOURTH TIME
Many people were sceptical when the United States were awarded the World Cup. They thought most matches would be played with stadiums filled with less than half the capacity. They couldn't be more wrong. Even though the stadiums were huge, people turned up and filled the stadiums for every game in this World Cup. On the field, this World Cup was also a success. Four years after the miserable tournament in Italy, experts feared that this cup would be even more defensive and boring.
Thankfully it didn't happen, and the tournament got underway when Germany beat Bolivia 1-0 in the opening game where Klinsmann scored the winner. USA the hosts opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, both goals from superb free-kicks (Wynalda and Bregy). Brazil looked strong from the start. After a second round exit in 1990, they wanted to show the world they were much better. In Brazil's group we also found Sweden, Russia and Cameroon. The Swedes had a brilliant team and infact scored the most goals in this World Cup in total. The match between Russia and Cameroon was a game to remember, as three World Cup records were broken. Oleg Salenko scored 5 goals in the game, Roger Milla became the oldest player to participate in a World Cup match (age 42), and he also became the oldest goalscorer when he scored Cameroon's consolation goal in their 6-1 defeat. In Group D Argentina with Diego Maradona looked good. Comfortable victories over Greece and Nigeria gave proves good enough. But
then Maradona was caught for drug abuse and Argentina fell apart. A sad ending for may be the greatest ever footballer. In Group E, later dubbed as the "Group of Death" all teams ended on the same amount of points and goaldifference! It was the first time in World Cup history anything like that had happened. Norway finished bottom on 4 points and (1-1) in goaldifference. Mexico won the group on (3-3). Saudi Arabia surprised many by finishing runners-up in Group F after Holland, but in front Belgium.
The second round saw some great matches. Romania beat Argentina in may be the best match of the tournament, Brazil struggled against USA on their national day, but a Bebeto goal settled the game for Brazil. Nigeria had Italy on their knees until the 89th minute when Roberto Baggio levelled the game. He struck once more in extra-time and sent the Africans home. Bulgaria beat Mexico after a penalty shoot-out, Germany as usual stumbled through against Belgium, Spain trashed Switzerland and Sweden beat the brave Saudi Arabians.
The four quarterfinals turned out to be tight games, althogh only one of them went to penalties. Italy beat Spain after Roberto Baggio once again had been the match winner. Brazil beat Holland in a dramatic match. The South Americans lead 2-0, but the Dutch pulled back both goals. Then left-back Branco fired home a marvellous free-kick to send Brazil through. Bulgaria shocked the world by beating Germany after coming from behind. A Letchkov header sent the Germans home much earlier than they had expected. And the last quarterfinal was decided on penalties, were Sweden's goalkeeper Thomas Ravelli was the hero saving two penalties.
Italy with a sparkling Roberto Baggio looked unstoppable now after a slow start in the tournament. Roberto Baggio scored two more goals and sent Italy to the final. Romario's header 10 minutes before time settled the other semifinal between Brazil and Sweden. Sweden trashed Bulgaria in the bronzematch to take the third place. They celebrated as if they had won the cup. They had all rights to, they had been superb. Brazil won their 4th World Cup after beating Italy on penalties - the first ever shoot- out in a final. Roberto Baggio was the unlucky man to miss the last penalty.
Topscorers:
Hristo Stoitchkov (BUL) 6 goals
Oleg Salenko (RUS) 6 goals
Romario (BRA) 5 goals
Roberto Baggio (ITA) 5 goals
Júrgen Klinsmann (GER) 5 goals
Kennet Andersson (SWE) 5 goals
Gabriel Batistuta (ARG) 4 goals
Martin Dahlin (SWE) 4 goals
Florin Raducioiu (ROM) 4 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 52
Total goals scored 141
Average per game 2,71
Sendings off 15
Own goals 1
Total attendance 3,587,538
Average attendance 68,991
World cup 1998 - France
THE TROPHY FINALLY COMES HOME
The 16th FIFA World Cup held in France turned out to be one of the best ever. 32 nations participated for the first time, and the same questions were asked as in 1982 when the number was increased from 16 to 24. Was this a qualifier too many? The answer had to be "No". There were no humiliating scorelines and it turned out to be one of the tightest World Cups of all time, which confirmed how tough the international game had become. The popularity of the tournament has increased every time, and the total TV audience of the 64 matches was estimated to be 37 billion(!) viewers, averaging 578 million viewers per game, with the final itself watched live by 2 billion people, or every third human being! Simply staggering numbers which outclass any other TV event.
The tournament got underway with Brazil beating Scotland 2-1 at the Stade de France a beautiful stadium built for the occasion with an 80.000 capacity. Norway were supposed to be Brazil's main opponent in their group. Having drawn to both Scotland and Morocco, Norway had to beat Brazil in their last match to qualify for the next round. And so they did! A Rekdal penalty gave Norway a 2-1 win, and Brazil's first defeat in a first round match for 32 years. Rigobert Song of Cameroon became the first man to be sent off twice in World Cup history. He received a marching order against Brazil in 94, now he received another one against Austria.
Host nation France had little trouble in their group, winning all their games, even though Zidane was sent off against Saudi Arabia. Spain was this World Cup's biggest disappointment. They failed to reach the second round. Even though they hammered Bulgaria 6-1, it didn't help, because Paraguay won thier game. South Korea yet again failed to win a World Cup match, Holland topped that group in front of Mexico, while Belgium went home undefeated. The ageing German side recovered from 0-2 down to 2-2 against Yugoslavia and eventually won the group. USA lost all their games and failed to live up to coach Sampson's predictions that they were underestimated. England and Romania qualified from group G, while Argentina won all their games without conceding a goal in group H. Batistuta scored a hat-trick in their 5-0 victory over Jamaica and became the only player to do so in this tournament. Croatia finished in second place and also qualified.
10 of the 16 nations qualified for the second round were Europeans. Italy beat Norway 1-0 after a goal by Christian Vieri. His 5th goal in just four matches, may be we would have the first topscorer to get past the 6 goal mark for 24 years? Ronaldo gave a very good performance in Brazil's 4-1 victory over Chile, scoring two goals. Chile's star Marcelo Salas scored their consolation goal. His 4th goal of the World Cup. Laurent Blanc became the first man to decide a game on Golden Goal when he scored for France against Paraguay. Argentina beat England on penalties in one of the best World Cup matches of all time. Michael Owen scored perhaps the best goal of the tournament when he gave England 2-1. But Ince and Batty failed to convert their penalties and England went out.
Penalties were also necessary in the France - Italy game. France won and Italy went out for the third World Cup running - on penalties! Brazil beat Denmark in an entertaining match 3-2, and Holland beat Argentina 2-1 after a brilliant Bergkamp goal in the last minute. Just seconds earlier, Ortega had been sent off for headbutting the Dutch keeper van der Sar. It was a sad ending for one of the best players in this World Cup. It was also a sad ending for Lothar Matthäus who played his 25th World Cup match (record). Croatia won 3-0, the Germans had one player sent off in the first half, but the best team won.
Brazil played Holland in Marseille in the first of the semifinals. Ronaldo gave Brazil the lead, Kluivert equallized three minutes from the end. No goals in extra-time meant penalties again. Ronald de Boer missed the decisive penalty for Holland, and Brazil were in the final again. The day after in the Stade de France, the hosts were one goal down, when Lilian Thuram struck twice to turn the game and send France to a first ever World Cup final. Never had he scored for France, then what an occasion to score his first two in! Croatia were having a brilliant World Cup and Davor Suker in particular. He scored his 6th goal of the tournament in the bronzematch against Holland, a goal that gave him the Golden Boot as top scorer. Croatia won the game 2-1. In the final itself, France outplayed Brazil and won 3-0 after goals by Zidane (2) and Petit.
Topscorers:
Davor Suker (CRO) 6 goals
Gabriel Batistuta (ARG) 5 goals
Christian Vieri (ITA) 5 goals
Marcelo Salas (CHI) 4 goals
Ronaldo (BRA) 4 goals
Luis Hernandez (MEX) 4 goals
Other statistics:
Number of games 64
Total goals scored 171
Average per game 2,67
Sendings off 22
Own goals 4
Total attendance 2,775,400
Average attendance 43,366
World cup 1930-1998
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