That you called it soccer Or football, one thing is certain: it is the most popular sport in the world. According to some estimates, there are at least three billion football fans global. The 2018 male World Cup final was watched by more than 3.5 billion viewers, while the female championship match in 2019 exceeded 1 billion. (By way of comparison, 2016 Super bowl drew around 165 million viewers.) Football matches at 2020 games in Tokyo should also attract a huge number. But before you connect, brush certain football facts.
While the origins of football date from ancient China, the modern game is from the 1800s in Great Britain – and some reports claim that it was launched by prisoners in Newgate prison whose weapons had been amputated for having stolen. At the end of the century, the game had propagated practically in the world. Its growth was helped in 1904 by the creation of FIFA, which became the World Sports Authority. FIFA then created the World Cupwhich Make his debut In 1930 and became the first football event. The quadrennial tournament was dominated by Europe and South AmericaWith Brazil holding the title of most of the championships: five. Three of his winning teams from the World Cup presented Peeledwho was the first superstar in sport. In 1991 the Women’s World Cup was presented, the American team winning three of the first seven tournaments.
Male football made its Olympic debut at 1900 games in Pariswhere Great Britain won the first gold medal and was disputed since – except for 1932 Games in Los AngelesWhen a dispute between the Olympic International Committee (IOC) and FIFA on amateur regulations have led to the deletion of the list event. The initial ban on professional players has resulted in certain improbable results. The most successful country of the male event is Hungary with five medals, including three. Brazil, however, has never won. Since the 1992 Olympic Games in BarcelonaThe IOC allowed professional players to participate. Although an age limit has been set at 23, each team is entitled to three players “attraction”. Despite the change of rule, however, many countries are forced to compete without their stars. Unlike the World Cup, the Olympic Games are not an official FIFA event, and clubs are therefore not required to leave the players attend.
Women’s football was presented as an Olympic sport at 1996 Games in Atlanta. The United States won the first gold medal and became the dominant team, winning in 2004, 2008 and 2012.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, 16 countries participate in the male event, while the women’s team has 12 participating countries.
