Top 10 interesting facts on FIFA world cup

The FIFA World Cup 2014, in its 20^th edition, will kick off in Brazil on 12^th June. Since 1930, the FIFA World Cup has been held consecutively after every four year. It only took a pause only in 1942 and 1946 because of World War II. The FIFA World Cup has come to be the most popular sporting event in the world with over 1 billion people from all parts of the World. Here, we look at the top 10 interesting facts on the FIFA World Cup soccer competition.

1.Europe: Continent with most final appearances

It is only one time in FIFA World Cup history that a European country has not been in the final which is in 1930. From that time, a European representative has always been in the in the ultimate game, which include the last two finals which were both European Nations: in 2006, Italy versus France and Spain against Netherlands in 2010.

2.6: The number of host countries crowned champions

In all 19 FIFA World Cups up to date, 6 host nations have been crowned World Cup champions: Uruguay in1930, Italy in 1934, England in 1966, Germany in 1974, Argentina in 1978 and France in 1998, much to the home fans delight.

3.0: No of foreign coaches to win a World Cup

There has never been a foreign coach who has ever led a national team to World Cup glory. Each of the 18 winning coaches of the World Cup has been in charge of their home country so far. Amongst all the Coaches, Vittorio Pozzo, Italy’s coach, is the only coach to lift the trophy twice both in 1934 and 1938.

4.India: Only country to miss the World Cup because of shoes

In 1950, India, despite earning them a spot at the World Cup, refused to play because they were used to play barefoot and the rules spelled out that every player had to wear shoes. The withdrawal of India may have been because of financial problems

5.Brazil: Country with biggest final winning margin

The 2014 hosts were part of three FIFA World Cup finals which had the biggest winning margins. In 1958, they crushed Sweden 5-2 and went ahead to beat Italy 4-1 in 1970. Nevertheless, in 1998, the Brazilians were on the receiving end when they were beaten 3-0 by France which was inspired by Zinedine Zidane.

6. 15: Highest no of goals scored in the FIFA World Cup

Brazilian veteran, Ronaldo in three World Cup appearances has the title of the most goals scored in the FIFA World Cup. His 15 goals are the most recorded in the history of the competition. Still, Miroslav Klose who is still active has netted 14 goals equaling his German counterpart Gerd Muller.

7.171: Most goals scored in a single tournament

France, 1998, seizes the record for the highest number of goals scored in a sole event with 171 goals in 64 playoffs. However, Switzerland 1954, when we look at averages, still has the lead with 140 goals in only 26 matches: a remarkably impressive average of 5.38 for each game.

8. Brazil: Only country to appear in all World Cups

Up to date, 76 national teams have participated in at least one FIFA World Cup. Brazil is the only country that has been present in all World Cup editions. It is followed by Germany and Italy who have both been part of 17 out of possibly 19 World Cup tournaments.

9.Technology

Soccer is the most notorious sport for its lack of technology. The 2014 World Cup for the first time ever will have goal line technology: 14 high-speed cameras are set to be employed throughout the tournament, each goal will have 7. The placing of the ball will be followed up in 3D, and after the ball goes past the goal line, refs will be alerted in just a second by a vibration on the watches they will be wearing.

10. Robots and drones

In the 2014 World Cup, to guarantee the safety of the massive number of fans attending the playoffs, extra security actions will be in use by incorporating robots and drones. These devices can be controlled by using remotes and will be used to keep an eye on the crowds for security reasons. They are capable of finding and examining objects that cause suspicion and exploring possible unsafe surroundings.

The World Cup has the a way of creating new memories and setting new records so all we can do right now is wait for the kick off and see what is awaiting us on Brazil on the 12^th of June. We are all excited to see what FIFA has in store for us.