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| Lucky Predictor Score |
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World Cup 2010 matches - Lucky predictor scores
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| World Cup 2010 Venues |
Introduction |  |
Map | |
Bloemfontein | |
Cape Town | |
Durban | |
Johannesburg | |
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Introduction to the venues
The 2010 world cup competition in South Africa will be staged at 10 venues in 9 cities.
The nine cities are:
Durban Pretoria Port Elizabeth Johannesburg Cape Town Bloemfontein Nelspruit Rustenburg Polokwane
Johannesburg will be home to two World Cup Stadiums (Soccer City and Ellis Park).
South Africa is bordered by northern neighbours Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and encompasses the independent mountain kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland. It is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the warm Indian Ocean on the east.
South Africa has a spectacular range of biodiversity. It enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate and is renowned for its natural beauty, wildlife and sunshine, and offers an incomparable range of experiences.
There are eight World Heritage Sights.
The country is often referred to as the "rainbow nation", a title which illuminates the country's cultural diversity. There are 11 officially recognised languages, with English spoken everywhere.
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Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein is known as "the city of roses", owing to the abundance of these flowers and the annual rose festival held there.
It is located in central South Africa on the southern edge of the Highveld at an elevation of
1,400 metres, bordering on the semi-arid region of the Karoo. The area is generally flat with
occasional hills and the general vegetation is Highveld grassland.
It experiences a continental climate, with hot summer days and cooler, dry winters.
It is an aristocratic city and the city centre is lined with historical buildings.
One of the best ways to appreciate the city’s many historic treasures is to follow the Rose Walk, which consists of two routes. The city is also the Judiciary capital of South Africa.
Bloemfontein is something of an oasis, as it is the only major city for miles around. It lies in the middle of Free State and indeed the country.
The way of life here is quite relaxed.
Airport: Bloemfontein
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Cape Town
Cape Town is located on the shore of Table Bay at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula, and is Africa's most popular tourist destination.
It is also famous for its well known landmarks such as the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, and Cape Point.
Table Mountain has vertical cliffs and a plateau at 1,000 metres, and the top is sometimes called tablecloth due to a frequent thin layer of white cloud.
The peninsula itself has several mountaineous peaks which end at Cape Point.
Cape Town's harbour is also well known.
The Cape Peninsula has a Mediterranean type climate, and thus well defined seasons.
With a cultural mix of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers, this beautiful city has a distinct flavour of its own.
Airport: Cape Town International
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Durban
Durban is a major gateway to Africa and is the third most populous city in South Africa. It is famous as the busiest port in Africa.
It is also a major centre of tourism.
It has a natural harbour, busy port and Golden Mile of impressive international hotels and glorious beaches, and has been compared in some respects to Miami Beach in the USA.
Durban is characterised by a mild subtropical climate with warm wet summers and mild moist
to dry winters, which are frost-free. The area is topographically hilly.
The Durban area has a large and diversified economy with strong manufacturing,
tourism, transportation, finance, government sectors, and export-related industries.
Durban is also a sporting paradise.
Airport: Durban International
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Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa. It is one of the world’s youngest major cities and the powerhouse of the African continent, and is one of the most prosperous cities in South Africa.
Johannesburg is located in the eastern plateau area of South Africa known as the Highveld, at an elevation of 1,750 metres.
The city has a subtropical highland climate and enjoys a dry, sunny climate, with the exception of occasional summer downpours.
Johannesburg is the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade. It is also a commercial, financial, and industrial hub.
The city has not traditionally been known as a tourist destination, but it is a transit point for connections to Cape Town, Durban, and the Kruger National Park.
There are leafy suburbs, (popular for their bohemian atmosphere, street life, restaurants and bars), sprawling malls, and restaurant-lined avenues. The inner city has many hawkers and street stalls.
Airport: O.R. tampa airport
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Nelspruit
The city lies in the fertile valley of the Crocodile River, 330 kilometres east of Johannesburg, and 100 kilometers west of the Mozambique border.
Nelspruit is a major stopover point for tourists travelling to the Kruger National Park and to Mozambique. Mpumalanga (the province in which Nelspruit lies) is the primary gateway to the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park,
which stretches over three countries.
Nelspruit is the trading centre for the surrounding fruit growing area. Fertile soils and subtropical
climate provide perfect conditions for citrus and tropical fruits.
Major industries in the area include the canning of citrus fruit, paper production, furniture manufacture and timber.
Places of interest include the Research Institute for Citrus and Subtropical Fruits, the Lowveld Botanical Gardens,
a crocodile farm, the Sudwala caves, a dinosaur park and cultural centre, and a Nature Reserve.
Nearest Airport: Kruger Mpumalanga & Nelspruit
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Polokwane
Polokwane means "place of safety" and lies at the centre of Limpopo province - the northern most province of South Africa. The city was previously called Pietersburg. The landscape of the area is mainly
grassland interspersed with granite rocky hills. The climate is tempered by its altitude of 1230 m. on a plateau
It is regarded as a colourful, busy and vibrant city, and agriculture, manufacturing and mining are its key economies. The original discovery of gold in the area helped the town to flourish.
It is also the home of the upside down tree (Baobab). Regarded as the largest succulent plant in the world,
the massive, cylindrical trunk gives rise to thick tapering branches resembling a root-system.
The area is regarded as a place of myths, legends and ancient civilizations. It is a popular ecotourist destination due to its many game viewing opportunities and safaris.
Airport: Polokwane/Pietersburg airport.
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Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is situated in the Eastern Cape Province and forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality.
It is nicknamed the Friendly City, the Windy City or just PE. The city has a subtropical climate.
PE has many fine beaches and is a popular tourist destination. It is located at the end of the picturesque Garden Route along the Cape coast.
PE is a major seaport, and also the home of S. Africa's motor vehicle industry.
PE has historic heritage, cultural experiences, scenic nature trails, and magnificent wildlife and game viewing experiences nearby.
The city has many fine sporting facilities, and is famous for its watersports.
Airport: Port Elizabeth
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Pretoria
Pretoria is one of the country's three capital cities, serving as the executive (administrative) and de facto national capital. (The others are Cape Town - the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein - the judicial capital).
This pretty leafy city is also nicknamed jacaranda city, due its many Jacaranda trees which line the streets.
Pretoria is in the transitional area between the Highveld and the Bushveld, 50 kms north of Johannesburg.
It lies in a warm, well sheltered, fertile valley, surrounded by the hills of the Magaliesberg range, 1,370 m above sea level.
The city has a subtropical climate with long, hot summers and short cool winters.
Pretoria is also a place of culture with theatres, museums and monuments. Its various architectural styles reflect diverse historical cultural influences.
There are also several parks and gardens. The city has access to a number of nearby Nature Reserves.
Nearest Airport: OR Tambo International Airport, which serves Johannesburg.
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Rustenburg
Rustenburg is the third oldest town of the former Transvaal Province. It is in the heart of the savannah bushveld and is
located on the Highveld Plateau at 1500m with low mountains and grasslands, nestled at the foothills of the Magaliesburg Mountains.
It retains a small town charm, and its streets are lined with the ubiquitous jacaranda tree.
It is the hub of a thriving agricultural (including wines) and mining industry (especially platinum).
Places of interest include the Rustenburg Museum, the Anglican Church, and the Dutch Reformed Church.
One can enjoy the Rustenburg Ramble – a meander that takes in craft galleries, farm stalls and places to eat; the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve; the Royal Bafokeng Sports Place and the Waterfall Mall.
There are a number of game parks nearby.
Rustenburg is also only 30 kilometres from the sensational Sun City - renowned as Africa's premier holiday resort.
Nearest Airport: Sun City (30 kms) or Johannesburg (120 kms)
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| World Cup 2010 Stadiums |
Introduction | |
Map | |
Bloemfontein | |
Cape Town | |
Durban | |
Johannesburg 1 | |
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Introduction to the stadiums
The ten stadiums are:
Free State Stadium (Bloemfontein) Green Point Stadium (Cape Town) Moses Mabhida Stadium (Durban)
Soccer City Stadium (Johannesburg) Ellis Park Stadium (Johannesburg) Peter Mokaba Stadium (Polokwane)
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (Port Elizabeth) Loftus Versfeld Stadium (Pretoria) Royal Bafokeng Stadium (Rustenburg)
The tournament will kick off with the opening game at the Soccer City Stadium Johannesburg on the 11th June 2010, and the final will be played at the same stadium on 11th July 2010.
The semi-finals will be played at Green Point Stadium Cape Town and Moses Mabhida Stadium Durban , on 6th and 7th July 2010 respectively. The third place play-off will be contested at Port Elizabeth on 10th July 2010.
All stadiums will each stage five group matches, and one round of 16 match, with the exception of Nelspruit and Polokwane (four group matches only).
The quarter finals will be at Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and both Johannesburg stadiums.
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Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
The Free State Stadium was upgraded from a capacity of 38,000 to 45,000. A second tier was added to the main grandstand on the western side of the ground.
New turnstiles have been erected, the floodlights upgraded, electronic scoreboards installed and the sound system has been revamped.
The stadium will feature the following matches:
14-June-2010 Group E Match ( E3 - E4 )
17-June-2010 Group B Match ( B4 - B2 )
20-June-2010 Group F Match ( F4 - F2 )
22-June-2010 Group A Match ( A4 - A1 )
25-June-2010 Group H Match ( H2 - H3 )
27-June-2010 Round of 16
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Cape Town
This is a brand new stadium in the suburb of Greenpoint, 500 metres from the Atlantic Ocean, with Table Mountain as a backdrop.
It has a concave roof, bending inwards. The outer facade, linking to the down bending roof, is covered in a white ETFE noise reduucing membrane.
The wavy motion of the compression ring (what holds the roof in place) above the facade is a beautiful, simplistic image. Capacity: 70,000
The Greenpoint stadium will feature the following matches:
11-June-2010 Group A Match ( A3 - A4 )
14-June-2010 Group F Match ( F1 - F2 )
18-June-2010 Group C Match ( C1 - C3 )
21-June-2010 Group G Match ( G4 - G2 )
24-June-2010 Group E Match ( E4 - E1 )
29-June-2010 Round of 16 3-July-2010 Quarter Final 6-July-2010 Semi Final
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Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
This newly-built 70,000 capacity stadium is a multifunctional and world-class and arena located in the heart of the Kings Park Sporting Precinct.
It takes its design inspiration from the South African flag, with its grand arch representing the unity of this sport-loving nation.
There is a cable car which ascends to a viewing platform (106m above the pitch) at the top of the expansive arch.
From this vantage point, visitors can experience spectacular panoramic views of the nearby shoreline and the city.
13-June-2010 Group D Match ( D1 - D2 )
16-June-2010 Group H Match ( H1 - H2 )
19-June-2010 Group E Match ( E1 - E3 )
22-June-2010 Group B Match ( B2 - B3 )
25-June-2010 Group G Match ( G4 - G1 )
28-June-2010 Round of 16 07-July- 2010 Semi Final
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Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
Johannesburg has two stadiums in the World Cup 2010. Soccer City was built in 1987. Recent upgrades involved extending the
upper tier to increase the capacity to 94,700; adding 99 more suites to bring the number to 184; constructing an
encircling roof; adding new changing room facilities and installing new floodlighting.
It is one of the most artistic and awe-inspiring football venues on the African continent.
The ground's design is inspired by the iconic African pot known as the calabash, and its aesthetic appeal will be heightened
when the stadium is lit at night.
11-June-2010 Group A Match ( A1 - A2 )
14-June-2010 Group E Match ( E1 - E2 )
17-June-2010 Group B Match ( B1 - B3 )
20-June-2010 Group G Match ( G1 - G3 )
23-June-2010 Group D Match ( D4 - D1 )
27-June-2010 Round of 16 02-July-2010 Quarter Final 11-July-2010 Final
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Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Ellis Park Stadium is located in the centre of Johannesburg and has hosted many epic sporting events. It was rebuilt and constructed in 1982 as a modern, integrated stadium offering outstanding sight lines from every seat.
For 2010, new upper tiers were constructed behind each of the goals, increasing the net capacity to 60,000.
It has state-of-the-art media facilities, team whirlpools, top-class VIP areas for dignitaries, accessibility for disabled fans, a new pitch and a top-notch audio-visual setup.
12-June-2010 Group B Match ( B1 - B2 )
15-June-2010 Group G Match ( G1 - G2 )
18-June-2010 Group C Match ( C4 - C2 )
21-June-2010 Group H Match ( H1 - H3 )
24-June-2010 Group F Match ( F4 - F1 )
28-June-2010 Round of 16 03-July- 2010 Quarter Final
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Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
The Mbombela Stadium is a brand new stadium on open land, eight km north of Nelspruit and twelve km from the Kruger-Mpumalanga Airport. The ground also enjoys a close proximity to various game parks.
The 46,000 capacity stadium has been designed to ensure it enjoys a prosperous life beyond the tournament as an adaptable, relevant multi-sport, entertainment and exhibition venue.
It is a compact and attractive stadium and takes its name from the local municipality which incorporates the city of Nelspruit.
The stadium will feature the following matches:
16-June-2010 Group H Match ( H3 - H4 )
20-June-2010 Group F Match ( F1 - F3 )
23-June-2010 Group D Match ( D2 - D3 )
25-June-2010 Group G Match ( G2 - G3 )
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Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
The stadium was built next to the old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The newly-built Peter Mokaba stadium is situated approximately 5km from the city centre, with a seating capacity of 45,000.
The design of the largely concrete structure is inspired by the locally iconic Baobab tree, with the steel structure supporting the roof plane gathered together at each corner of the stadium and supported by giant "trunk" structures which accommodate vertical circulation ramps and service cores.
It has first rate equipment, including an electronic scoreboard in the northern stand, new floodlights, a modern sound system and a fire detection and protection system.
13-June-2010 Group C Match ( C3 - C4 )
17-June-2010 Group A Match ( A4 - A2 )
22-June-2010 Group B Match ( B4 - B1 )
24-June-2010 Group F Match ( F2 - F3 )
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Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
The newly-built Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will have a capacity of 49,500 and will be a multi purpose
facility. It is set on the shores of the North End Lake and is the first football dedicated stadium in the city or surrounding areas.
The stadium has an eye-catching, unique roof-structure and a spectacular view, overlooking the Lake.
The playing field is made of natural grass with the surrounding area is artificial turf.
12-June-2010 Group B Match ( B3 - B4 )
15-June-2010 Group G Match ( G3 - G4 )
18-June-2010 Group D Match ( D1- D3 )
21-June-2010 Group H Match ( H4 - H2 )
23-June-2010 Group C Match ( C4 - C3 )
26-June-2010 Round of 16 02-July-2010 Semi Final 10-July-2010 3rd/4th place
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Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
The main west stand of the Loftus Versfeld stadium was completely rebuilt in 1977, and the other three stands have been rebuilt since, creating an impressive arena,
which incorporates some of the country's finest facilities for corporate hospitality. The capacity is now 50,000.
The floodlights, sound system and scoreboards have also been improved.
The stadium has been used for major sporting events for a great many years.
It will feature the following matches:
13-June-2010 Group D Match ( D3 - D4 )
16-June-2010 Group A Match ( A1 - A3 )
19-June-2010 Group E Match ( E4 - E2 )
23-June-2010 Group C Match ( C2 - C3 )
25-June-2010 Group H Match ( H4 - H1 ) 29-June-2010 Round of 16
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Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg
Minor renovations have made to the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace for the world cup. These include installation of new electronic scoreboards and upgrading of
the floodlights and public address system. The capacity is 42,000.
The stadium is named after the Bafokeng people who live in the area.
It is 12 kilometers from the Rustenburg city centre and a 25 minute drive from Sun City.
It will feature the following matches:
12-June-2010 Group C Match ( C1 - C2 )
15-June-2010 Group F Match ( F3 - F4 )
19-June-2010 Group D Match ( D4 - D2 )
22-June-2010 Group A Match ( A2 - A3 )
24-June-2010 Group E Match ( E2 - E3 ) 26-June-2010 Round of 16
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| World Cup History |
Introduction | |
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1934 | |
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1954 | |
1958 | |
1962 | |
1966 | |
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The idea of bringing the world's national football teams together to compete for the title of World Cup Champions is credited to Jules Rimet, who headed a group of French football administrators in the late 1920's.
At the 1929 FIFA congress, Uruguay was chosen to arrange the first ever World Cup in 1930. Since then, football's most prestigious prize has gone from strength to strength.
Since the advent of the World Cup in 1930, there have been two trophies.
The original prize was simply known as the World Cup, but was renamed in 1946 to honour Jules Rimet. It was 35 cm high, weighed 3.8 kg, designed by Abel Lafleur, made of pure gold, and incorporated a statuette of Nike (ancient Greek goddess of victory).
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During World War II, the trophy was held by Italy, and hidden in a shoe-box under the bed of Ottorino Barassi, an Italian Football official. In 1966 in England the trophy was stolen and later found in a dustbin by a dog named 'pickles'.
Brazil won this trophy in perpetuity in 1970, having won the competition three times. (The cup was stolen yet again in 1983 and has never been recovered).
Since 1974, a second trophy, known as the FIFA World Cup, has been in use. It is 36cm tall, weighs 5 kg, designed by Silvio Gazzaniga and made of 18 carat gold with a malachite base, and depicts two human figures holding up the Earth.
The winners receive it on loan for four years and get a replica to keep. There are sufficient name plaques at the base of the cup to last until 2038.
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Jules Rimet winners: Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970), Uruguay (1930, 1950), Italy (1934, 1938), West Germany (1954), England (1966)
FIFA winners: West Germany (1974, 1990), Argentina (1978, 1986), Brazil (1994, 2002), Italy (1982, 2006), France (1998)
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1930 World Cup in Uruguay
The first Football World Cup was staged in 1930 by Uruguay as they were the Olympic champions at the time and were also celebrating the centenary of their independance.
This World Cup was the only one without qualification - teams were invited. Thirteen teams participated, including only four European teams due to the long and costly three week trip across the Atlantic.
The teams were: Argentina, Brazil, France, Belgium, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, United States, Romania, Mexico, Yugoslavia, Bolivia, Peru
The teams were drawn into four groups. The group winners (Argentina, Yugoslavia, Uruguay, and USA) moved to the semifinals, where Argentina beat the USA and Uruguay beat Yugoslavia, by identical scores (both 6-1). There was no third place match for the only time in World Cup history.
The hosts had built a fantastic Centenario stadium, holding 95,000, in Montevideo for the final, although it was only finished five days after the World Cup had started.
There was a pre-final controversy regarding who should provide the match ball. It was decided that the Argentina would provide the ball for the first half, and Uruguay would provide the second half ball.
Uruguay became the inaugural champions, after coming from behind in the final to beat Argentina 4-2.
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1934 World Cup in Italy
The hosts for 1934 were Mussolini's Italy, but they still had to qualify. The reigning World Cup holders Uruguay declined an invitation to participate as a mark of defiance against the European snub from the previous World Cup in 1930.
The number of participating nations this time more than doubled from the previous tournament in 1930, although only 10 of the 32 nations came from outside the continent of the host nation.
The contest raised a few eyebrows. Players such as Orsi, Monti, and De Maria from Argentina were drafted into the Italian squad after it was found they had dual nationalities. And Mussolini's influence is said to have extended to the choice of referees for Italy's matches.
The preliminary round took the form of a knockout stage, and eight European teams advanced (Austria, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland). Italy squeezed through the semi-final after an initial draw in extra-time with Spain, and a subsequent replay, whilst Czechoslovakia beat Germany 3-1.
Italy became the second World Cup champions at the Del Partiti stadium, beating Czechoslovakia in the final, in extra time, 2-1. On historical reflection it has often been suggested that the championship was no victory for football, but Mussolini no doubt was pleased with the outcome.
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1950 World Cup in Brazil
In 1950, after World War II, much of Europe lay in ruins. Brazil presented the only bid to stage the venue.
Several teams who qualified, later withdrew. Germany and Japan, were not allowed to compete as they were effectively under at least partial occupation.
Turkey also withdrew. India did likewise as they were not allowed to play barefoot.
England were strong favourites, but lost 1-0 to the USA (500-1 underdogs) in the group stages. This is regarded as one of the greatest upsets in football history.
This is the only world cup which did not have a final in the true sense.
There was instead a final group stage, involving all teams who won their individual group stages (Brazil, Spain, Sweden, and Uruguay). The overall winner needed to finish on top of this final group.
Brazil beat Sweden 7-0 and won 6-1 against Spain, and were very firm favourites and soon top of this final grouping. However Uruguay were only one point behind, going into the final match of the group (often referred to as the final itself) between themselves and Brazil.
Uruguay came from behind to win 2-1 (in a match which Brazil only needed to draw) and were crowned World Cup winners in front of an estimated 200,000 in the Estádio Maracanã. This is also regarded as quite a major upset in the history of the competition.
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1954 World Cup in Switzerland
The 1954 competition had television coverage and was appropriately played in Switzerland, as this was the 50th anniversary of FIFA and was the home of the governing body.
Sixteen teams qualified for the tournament, broken up into four groups of four. In a seeding system the two teams ranked highest in the world standings in each group would not have to play each other.
If any game in the group stages ended in a draw, extra time would be played.
In the quaterfinals, the favourites Hungary beat Brazil 4-2 in one of the ugliest matches in football history, which became known as the 'Battle of Berne'. In the bad-tempered and physical second-half, the
Hungarian captain and two Brazilian players were sent off. After the match brawls continued and the Brazilian squad scuffled with the Hungarians in the opposition's dressing room.
Also, Austria beat the host nation 7-5, in a game that saw the most goals in any world cup.
In the final, Hungary's magical 'Magyars', who were undefeated in 31 games over 4 years, met West Germany. Hungary had previously defeated West-Germany by 8-3 in a group match. However quite amazingly,
West Germany beat Hungary 3-2 to win the trophy. The legendary Hungarian team was regarded as one of the best ever, but their destiny was to never win the trophy. They subsequently kept on winning and winning
until Russian tanks rolled into Budapest in 1956. Germany regard the final as the 'Miracle of Berne'.
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1958 World Cup in Sweden
The 1958 world cup was hosted by Sweden and a 17 year Brazilian boy called Pele marked his debut on the world stage.
Sixteen teams qualified in four groups of four, but there was no seeding, and no extra-time in the event of a draw.
Russia appeared for the first time and reached the quarter-finals. Four British teams also played this time around, but only Wales and Northern Ireland made it to the last eight. Fontaine of France scored 13 goals in this competition,
and this record still stands today. France lost 2-5 to Brazil in the semi-finals however, but went on to beat West Germany 6-3 for the third place spot.
Sweden showed good performances throughout the matches, but Brazil were even better thanks to the likes of Zito, Didi and Pele.
In the final against the hosts, Pele scored two of Brazil's goals in their 5-2 win. The semi-final and final belonged to Pele, and the Cup belonged to
Brazil with their star studded team. Brazil's ball control and skills were indeed quite awesome, and a sheer pleasure to watch.
Pele would arguably become
football's greatest player ever.
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1962 World Cup in Chile
Chile were the hosts for 1962 and new stadiums were built for the event. (Two years earlier on 22nd May 1960, Chile suffered the largest earthquake ever recorded, measuring 9.5 ). The format of the competition was the same as in 1958.
It was expected that Pele would put in a strong effort, but he was injured in the first group game, and did not play for the rest of the tournament.
Some of the games involving Argentina, Italy and Uruguay were a little rough at times, and the Italy-Chile game was especially bad with both teams needing police protection to leave the pitch.
Brazil, Czechoslovakia, USSR, Yugoslavia, Hungary, England, West Germany and Chile made it through to the quarter finals.
In the absence of Pele, Brazil's Garrincha became a star with a brilliant performance in a 3-1 win against England. Only 6,000 spectators watched Czechoslovakia beat Yugoslavia 3-1 in one semi-final, which contrasted sharply to the 75,000
who watched Brazil beat the hosts 4-2 in the other match (which saw Garrincha being sent off). Chile finished third.
In the final at Santiago's Estadio Nacional, Brazil successfully defended their title with an impressive 3-1 win against Czechoslovakia. Even without their 1958 star Pele, Brazil proved far too strong for the rest of the world.
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1970 World Cup in Mexico
The 1970 World Cup in Mexico is often regarded as the best ever. The competition format remained the same as in 1966 (ie. 16 teams qualified, divided into four groups of four; and the two top teams in each group would advance to the quarterfinals).
The qualification stages had led to a spat between Honduras and El Salvador. West Germany, England, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Italy, Peru and the USSR made it to the quarter finals.
The greatest match of the tournament was the semifinal between Italy and West Germany. Germany equalised the score 1-1 in the 90th minute. During extra time the lead changed twice before Italy emerged as 4-3 winners.
Germany's Franz Beckenbauer had played with a sling and a broken clavicle after a bad foul.
In the final, the skillful Brazilians overcame the tactical and physical Italians 4-1 in another memorable match.
The striker of the tournament was West Germany's Gerd Müller with 10 goals, whilst Brazil's Jairzinho scored at least one goal in each of Brazil's six games. Pele was truly inspirational throughout.
This was Pele's third and final World Cup victory, and Brazilian coach Mario Zagallo was the first footballer to become World champion as a player (1958, 1962) and as a coach. Brazil kept the Jules Rimet trophy, since they had now won the competition
a total of three times. The Cup was subsequently stolen, never to be recovered.
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1974 World Cup in West Germany
The 1974 tournament marked the introduction of the current trophy, the FIFA World Cup. The previous trophy, the Jules Rimet Trophy, was awarded permanently to Brazil after their third triumph (in 1970).
The quarterfinals differed for this competition, in that the eight teams were split into two groups of four; the winners of each group played each other in the finals, and the second place finishers in the third place match.
Players with long hair, and with some sporting beards, were also a characteristic of the 1974 contest.
The Dutch made a name for themselves as a 'total football' side with skillful players such as Johan Cruyff.
The first round saw East and West Germany playing each other in the same group, but East Germany failed to go beyond the second round.
In the final West Germany, led by Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller, managed to beat the gifted Dutch team 2-1, but the latter team won many fans with their passing football.
Poland beat Brazil 1-0 to win the third place spot, and Poland's Grzegorz Lato was the tournament's leading scorer with seven goals.
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1978 World Cup in Argentina
Argentina was a slightly controversial selection for 1978, as there had been a military coup there two years earlier. FIFA wished to continue alternating the venue between Europe and South America, but several countries (especially the Netherlands) were worried about the
economical and political situation in Argentina. However in the end all qualified teams did attend, although the Netherlands star Johan Cruyff did not appear. England had failed to qualify for 1978. The format of the competition was the same as in 1974. The hosts Argentina
won the final.
Italy, West Germany, Netherlands, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Austria, and Poland made it to the second round. Scotland had a memorable first round game against the Netherlands but the 3-2 win was not sufficient for them to proceed.
There was some controvesy surrounding Argentina's last second round match against Peru. Argentina, who had only scored six goals thus far in the competition, needed to win by four goals to reach the final on goal difference (instead of Brazil). In addition, Peru had only conceded six goals upto this point, and their
goalkeeper Ramon Quiroga was born in Argentina. To many people's surprise Argentina emerged 6-0 winners.
Brazil beat Italy 2-1 for third place. In the final Argentina beat the Netherlands 3-1 after extra-time. This was the second consecutive time that the Netherlands had lost to a host nation in the final.
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1990 World Cup in Italy
The format of the 1990 world cup in Italy remained the same as in 1986. This year's event was not regarded very highly and some of the teams were somewhat cynical. There were few goals, a lot of defensive
play, and 16 red cards. Italy were favourites, and Brazil and Argentina had high hopes, but West Germany emerged as winners.
Argentina, Yugoslavia, Italy, Republic of Ireland, England, Cameroon, West Germany and Czechoslovakia made it to the quarterfinals. Cameroon were the surprise team but lost to England 2-3 after extra time.
Both semi-finals were decided on penalties, with Argentina beating Italy, and West Germany beating England.
Italy beat England 2-1 for the third place spot.
West Germany won the final against Argentina 1-0.
Thus German team manager Franz Beckenbauer became the second footballer, after Mario Zagallo of Brazil, to become World Champion as a player (in 1974) and as team manager.
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1994 World Cup in USA
The decision to hold the 1994 event in the USA was something new and surprised a few people. It broke the tradition of alternating between Europe and South America, but in fact the attendance was actually a rousing success.
The format was the same as in 1990 but now three points were awarded for a win, instead of two points.
Saudi Arabia, Greece and Nigeria played in the world cup for the first time. And also for the first time there was no British team playing.
Brazil became the first country to win the world cup four times.
Germany, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Romania, Mexico, Bulgaria, Italy, Nigeria, USA, Brazil, Netherlands, and Republic of Ireland were the teams in the round of sixteen, where Brazil edged the
the USA hosting nation 1-0. Brazil and Italy won the semi-finals, and Sweden claimed third place position against Bulgaria.
In the final Brazil beat Italy 3-2 on a penalty shootout, the match having finished 0-0 after extra time. This was the first time a penalty shootout had to decide a winner in the final.
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2006 World Cup in Germany
The format of the tournament followed that of previous ones since 1998 - namely 32 qualifying teams, with a group stage, followed by a knockout stage of 16 teams (group winners and runners-up).
However it was the first time that a previous world cup winner had to qualify.
In the final, Italy beat France 5-3 on penalties following a score of 1-1 after extra time. The final was marred by the late sending off of French captain Zinedine Zidane, who was later named player of the competition.
France had beaten Spain and Brazil en route to the final. Germany beat Portugal 3-1 to claim third spot. The hosts were also the top scorers with 14 goals in the tournament.
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