| The history of the world cup is steeped in | | | | Host nation Germany defeated Portugal 3–1 |
| tradition and controversy it is without doubt the | | | | to finish third. The 2006 World Cup was also one |
| biggest sporting spectacle in the world. | | | | of the most watched event in television history. |
| The tournament started in 1930 with the finals | | | | Korea and Japan 2002 |
| being played in Uruguay,since then weve seen | | | | For the very first time the World-Cup went in |
| great spectacles played in | | | | Asia. And for the very first time it was split |
| Mexico,Italy,France,Brazil,England and many other | | | | between two nations, Japan and South-Korea. |
| countries.France, Mexico and Italy have hosted | | | | Argentina was the big favourite, followed by the |
| the finals twice. | | | | title holders France, and as always Brazil. But this |
| This years event will be held in South Africa for | | | | turned up to be the World-Cup were the |
| the first time and the event will be one of the | | | | favourites failed. Both France and Argentina failed |
| biggest in sporting history in this country. | | | | to qualify through the first rounds. And an |
| Spain are predicted by most to be the favs after | | | | incredible comeback of Ronaldo helped Brazil to |
| their recent European championship win,however | | | | the final. In the final Brazil faced Germany and |
| the competition looks wide open and we may | | | | won 2-0 after two goals by Ronaldo. |
| even geta major shock with one of the leser | | | | France 1998 |
| known countries coming out winners. | | | | France is one of football world powers even |
| Recent winners include Italy,Brazil,France,Germany | | | | though their national league is rather poor. FIFA |
| and Argentina.Traditionally the big nations come | | | | was created in an alley in Paris in 1904, UEFA was |
| out on top so it would be nice to see one of the | | | | created by Frenchmen. Because of that France |
| underdogs come out winners in South Africa | | | | was chosen as World-Cup hosts. This World-Cup |
| Coverage for the game will be worldwide and | | | | should be the big breakthrough for the French |
| record viewing figures are expected,every game | | | | playmaker Zinedine Zidane. Norway shocked the |
| can be watched online for free at | | | | world by beating Brazil in the first round. Even |
| Here are some snapshots of historic moments in | | | | though Brazil passed through and made it to the |
| the competition | | | | final. They faced a strong French side and lost 3-0 |
| The 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany was | | | | after two goals by Zidane. |
| number 18 in the history of the FIFA World Cup. | | | | United States 1994 |
| Germany last held the World Cup in 1974. Italy | | | | In many ways the World-Cup in USA represented |
| defeated France 5–3 in a thrilling penalty | | | | something new. For the first time it was hosted in |
| shootout in the final, after full time and extra time | | | | another place than Europe and South-America and |
| had finished 1–1. It was the first time Italy | | | | also the first time in a country were the interest |
| won a World Cup match on penalties after three | | | | was rather small. And Norway was qualified for |
| failed attempts. | | | | the first time in modern time. Brazil and Italy |
| Zinedine Zidane became the fourth player in World | | | | clashed together in the final. Italy, led by Roberto |
| Cup history to score in two different finals, along | | | | Baggio struggled through after beating Bulgaria in |
| with Pel้, Paul Breitner and Vavแ, in addition | | | | the semi finals. Brazil, led by striker Romario sent |
| to being tied for first place with Vavแ, Pel้ | | | | Sweden out in the semi. For the first time the |
| and Geoff Hurst with three World Cup final goals. | | | | final ended 0-0, and a penalty shootout had to |
| In the final against Italy he was sent off in the | | | | decide a winner. Brazil won for the fourth time. |
| 110th minute for headbutting Marco Materazzi. | | | | So who will be making history on this occasion |
| Despite the red card and the controversy that | | | | and which players will produce the goods or make |
| followed, Zidane was awarded the Golden Ball as | | | | a terible error to decide a game ? |
| the best player of the competition. | | | | |