History In 1928 FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) decided to have a World Championship called the World Cup. Jules Rimnet, a French lawyer, who was FIFA president at the time, is credited with the idea. The World Cup trophy bears his name. The first World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay attracted only 13 entrants, partly because of the time required to get there by boat. The hosts were the first winners. {A victory by the host country was repeated by Italy 1934, Brazil 1950, England 1966, Germany 1974, Argentina 1978, France 1998}. The 1934 and 1938 finals stages were both held in Europe and dominated by European teams with Italy winning and retaining the trophy. The World Cup was not held in 1942 or 1946 because of the World War, restarting in 1950. 1958 saw the emergence of Brazil and the 17 year old Pele as a major force. Brazil retained the trophy in 1962 and won it again in 1970. The Netherlands were the team of the 1970’s, with their ‘total football’ but with nothing to show for it. They reached the final in 1974 and 1978 losing each time to the hosts. In 1974 they lost by a single goal to West Germany and in 1978 took Argentina to extra time before losing. The 1990 World Cup was unsatisfactory with both semi-finals between Italy and Argentina and England and West Germany ending 1-1 after extra time. Germany and Argentina progressed on penalties and Germany won the final by a late penalty. Argentina had two players sent-off in the final. Brazil’s achievement in becoming the first team to win a fourth World Cup in 1994 was somewhat demanded by a scoreless final which was only settled on penalties. Bulgaria were the surprise package reaching the semi-finals with a victory over Germany in the last 8, coming from 0-1 to win 2-1. Hosts France were in the end convincing winners in 1998, with Zinedine Zinane scoring twice as they beat Brazil 3-0 in the final. Earlier France had needed an extra time golden goal to defeat Paraguay and a penalty shoot-out to defeat Italy. Brazil too needed a penalty shoot-out to beat the Netherlands in the semi-final.