waroffutbol

  In many ways, the 1986 World Cup can be regarded as the precursor to the modern era of football’s biggest tournament. This applies not only to the competition format but also to other features that have since become common, such as the emergence of dark horses capable of reaching the semi-finals and the frequent surprises that characterize the finals today. Originally, the 1986 edition was not supposed to be hosted by Mexico. FIFA had awarded the tournament to Colombia in 1974. However, the South American nation withdrew in1983 due to financial constraints. Colombia was only willing to stage a 16-team tournament, while FIFA had already expanded the competition to 24 teams beginning with Spain 1982. As a result, the world governing body quickly sought a replacement host. Three CONCACAF nations submitted bids: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Ultimately, Mexico was selected. 1986 World Cup Facts and Trivia Compared to other editions, the 1986 tournament may not boast ...

  The 1978 World Cup was the first edition widely marked by controversy since the 1934 tournament in Italy. Much of this stemmed from the influence of the military junta led by Jorge Rafael Videla, who had seized power in Argentina two years earlier. The regime’s oppressive policies cast a long shadow over the tournament and raised serious concerns among participating nations. Argentina had been chosen as host during the 1966 FIFA Congress in London, and the 1978 edition was the last to feature 16 teams. However, the presence of the military government created a tense atmosphere. The regime’s notorious practice of “disappearing” perceived opponents claimed a significant victim when the head of the World Cup organizing committee, Omar Actis, was assassinated. Fortunately, no major incidents disrupted the tournament itself. Trivia of the 1978 World Cup The Argentina 1978 edition featured several notable facts: * Iran and Tunisia made their World Cup debuts. * Several star p...

  A few players have been fortunate in his career when they emerge to stardom under his father who happens to be the manager of their club. Football runs deep and certainly can run in the family. There have been a number of players who play for the team alongside their brothers or under their father as the team boss.  Not all manage to break into the first team under their fathers. Recently, one of Argentina internationals thrives under his father/manager at the club has been the regular member of Albiceleste squad. He is none but Guiliano Simeone , the son of Atletico Madrid boss, Diego . He owed his recent prominence to his father. He joined Los Rojiblancos initially in the reserve team before spending his loan spells in two Segunda Division sides, Alaves and Real Zaragoza before eventually being promoted to the first team last season. The right winger has been indispensable in Metropolitan with 67 appearances so far, registering eight goals and 14 assists. He e...

  The 2007 FIFA U20 World Cup remains one of Argentina’s most memorable editions, as it marked the last time the Albiceleste lifted the coveted trophy. Since then, the once-dominant youth powerhouse has struggled to replicate that success — not even reaching a semifinal. The tournament in Canada also marked the fourth occasion in which Argentina excelled both collectively and individually. Once again, their talismanic forward swept both major individual awards — the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot. With the exception of 1979, when Diego Maradona was named the best player and his strike partner Ramón Díaz claimed the top scorer award, Argentina produced three double winners: Javier Saviola in 2001 , Lionel Messi in 2005, and Sergio Agüero in 2007. All three went on to shine at senior level, especially El Diego and La Pulga. Facts and Figures The 2007 edition was filled with off-pitch drama and record-breaking moments, making it one of the most eventful tournaments in U20 histo...