World Champs

History of Soccer

Traditionally, something resembling soccer was said to have been played in China around the year 200. There is also evidence that the Greeks and Romans are said to have participated in something similar to soccer where a player was permitted to carry the ball. Soccer as we know it today comes out of England, and the first soccer ball is actually reported to have been the head of a Danish brigand. The size of the field as well as the basic rules differed from place to place and changed over time as the game became more structured and defined. In 1870 the 11 player team was established with 9 forwards and 2 defenders. On October 26, 1863 eleven clubs met in London to form a formal Football Association, which paved the way for the formation of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association(FIFA) in 1904. This fostered international competition, leading to the institution of the World Cup in 1930. Today, soccer is the most popular sport in the world.

At times, soccer was even banned due to excessive violence. I say, what violence?

World Cup '06

Del Piero Totti Iaquinta Materazzi Perrotta