History Of The World Cup

Learn  about the History Of The World Cup. With the current 2010 World Cup Championship about to be decided, what an excellent time to learn about the history of the World Cup and the rules for international play that were actually formatted way back in the 1800's.

The first President of FIFA (as the league is currently named.) had lofty goals in mind for football. An international merging of countries with world peace as its primary focus was on the mind of President Jules Rimet. Notice what he said regarding soccer's potential, "Soccer could reinforce the ideals of a permanent and real peace." Clearly football was to be more than just a game, it was to help symbolize world unity and peace.

Enduring some initial delays the very first World Cup Championship took place a year or so later than originally planned. Instead of being played in 1929, the World Cup was held in 1930. At that time Uruguay defeated Argentina 4-2, making Uruguay the first ever World Cup Champions.

Throughout the years that followed, football grew and changed in different ways. For example a clear distinction was made between those who participated in Olympic soccer and those who represented their countries in World Cup play.  Olympic soccer became more known for its amateur status, whereas World Cup players came from all ages and skill levels, representing the best-of-the-best, from every participating country.

No doubt one of the biggest reasons the World Cup remains the most widely watched sports event in every hemisphere is because of its international flavor. While the USA considers football to be a physical sport involving quite a bit of tackling with defensive lines capable of crushing other players like a bug on the rug; the world recognizes football to be a sport of speed, finesse and skill. Not just brute force.

Although it was envisioned as a way to unite different countries throughout the world, The International Federation of Football did not always run smoothly.  The countries making up the British association had their feathers ruffled on more than one occasion. Consequently, Britain withdrew from the international league in the years 1920 and 1928. From 1946 onward however, everyone played nice and learned to get along so that withdrawing from the Federation has ceased in recent history.

From 1930-1970, the Jules Rimet Trophy was presented to the nation that emerged victorious. Then the trophy was  permanently retired and given to  the Brazilians and from 1970 onward the FIFA World Cup Trophy has been presented as the official trophy of the games.

Soon, yet another country will be the proud recipient of this prestigious award. Who will emerge victorious?  Netherlands will play the winner of the match between Germany and Spain, then the winner of that final match will be the newly crowned World Cup Champions of 2010. Another name will be added to the history books as soccer lovers anxiously await the arrival of the 2014 games.  By that time maybe the US team will be able to get further along and move beyond the final 16 teams. Anticipation was great this year, but unfortunately the dreams of many US soccer lovers were not realized ... this time.