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THE WORLD CUP - A VERY BRIEF HISTORY
By Stephen Corry
FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) was set up in 1904,
with one of their main objectives being the creation of an international
football championship.
In 1930, such a championship began, thanks largely to the work of Jules
Rimet who was FIFA's president of the time.
The first "World Cup" was held in Uruguay, and this trophy became known as
the "Jules Rimet Cup" (named in the man's honour).
Sadly, in 1966, this cup was stolen from a London exhibition centre, but
was found in 1970 by a dog!
Unfortunately, it was again stolen, this time in 1983, and has since never
been found.
The current trophy was created in 1974, and will need to be replaced in the
year 2042, because it only has room for 17 names.
PAST COMPETITIONS
YEAR HOST FINALISTS RESULT
1930 Uruguay Urguguay V Argentina 4-2
1934 Italy Italy V Czechoslovakia 2-1 AET
1938 France Italy V Hungary 4-2
1942/1946 No competitions because of World War II
1950 Brazil Brazil V Uruguay 1-2
1954 Switzerland Germany V Hungary 3-2
1958 Sweden Brazil V Sweden 5-2
1962 Chilie Brazil V Czechoslovakia 3-1
1966 England England V Germany 4-2 AET
1970 Mexico Brazil V Italy 4-1
1974 Germany Germany V Holland 2-1
1978 Argentina Argentina V Holland 3-1 AET
1982 Spain Italy V Germany 3-1
1986 Mexico Argentina V Germany 3-2
1990 Italy Argentina V Germany 0-1
PREDICTION TIME
It's interesting how, in most cases, the host country has qualified for the
final. But the USA certainly won't go all the way.
Looking at the form of the current competitors - I don't feel Argentina
have the class to make it this far in '94 either.
But I'd say it'll be Italy and Germany in the semi-finals, and provided
Rudd Gullit's impressive form returns, Holland too will be there.
But I'll predict that it will be Italy in the final, and they will lift the
cup (just)!