Every 4 years, the world comes together in this cosmic event. Over the span of a month, 32 national teams compete in 64 matches to win the claim and title of the best soccer team in the world – for at least 4 years. And as Malaysians, nothing is more amazing than sitting in someone’s hall, mamak or a bar, cheering on your favourite team! But of course, there’s more to the World Cup and being the best football team for 4 years so let’s find out!
1. No Sex
It’s unsurprising that many coaches ban their players from having sex during the World Cup. Coaches from Germany, Spain, Mexico and Chile have all forbidden their players from doing the dirty because they claim sex is a distraction and a waste of the player’s energy. Brazil’s Luiz Felipe Scolari takes a mixed approach, stating that his players can shag but are to abstain from more ‘acrobatic’ forms of sex. Right…
2. Almost 50% Of The World Watches The Cup
Roughly 46% of the world’s population watched more than 1 minute of the 2010 World Cup, and according to FIFA, this makes the tournament the world’s most widely viewed sporting event. Whilst 46% is an amazing number, it’s arguably more incredible that 2 billion people (29%) sat down to watch more than 30 minutes of the Cup.
3. The $35-Million-Dollar Payout
Ever wonder how much money the winning team gets? Well, that much… and also 4 years of bragging rights. In a small attempt to offset disappointments, FIFA awards the runner-up $25 million too. Generally, every team who participates takes home a multi-million-dollar cheque, and in face, just competing in group play will secure your team $8 million already! It might sound insane to you, but it does make a lot of sense considering how much FIFA actually makes every World Cup.
4. Increased Birth Rates In Host Countries
If you really think about it, this isn’t that surprising. 9 months after Germany hosted the World Cup in 2006, their country’s birth-rate increased more than 10%. It doesn’t seem that much, but birth rates are something that’s actually pretty stable, hence a hike like that is actually quite a big deal. What’s more, Germany’s birth-rate is one of the lowest in the EU. Why the sudden hike? Well… one of the reasons is beer. Fun and exciting events make people happy, and when women are happy, biologically, it makes it easier for them to get pregnant. Just remember people… don’t get too drunk that you forget contraception!
5. 2 Teams Have Won Almost 50% Of The Tournaments
Brazil and Italy have a combined 9 World Cup titles, whilst one of these 2 team has won 47% of the 19 tournaments held. Brazil has won the most titles with 5 wins from 1958 till 2002, and have appeared in every World Cup since 1930. Italy has taken home 4 titles, making them the 2nd most winning country with victories ranging from 1934 till 2006. And Germany comes in 3rd with 3 wins, followed by Argentina and Uruguay with 2 wins apiece.
If you combine those 5 teams, you get a total of 15 wins, meaning that of the 196 countries, 5 have won roughly 79% of the World Cup tournaments.
6. FIFA
Short for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (International Federation of Association Football in English), FIFA was founded in 1904 and is governed by Swiss law. Their claim, “For the Game. For the World,” is backed up by 3-pillared mission statements:
To develop football everywhere and for all
To organize inspiring tournaments
To care about society and the environment
And with 209 member countries, it is often called the “United Nations of Football.” But accolades and million statements aside, their reputation is far from spotless; they have been called dishonest and corrupt with multiple scandals surrounding the organisation, including allegations of bribery. But tell me something new?
7. Does Hosting The Match Improve A Country’s Image?
When asked if the World Cup could improve their country’s image, Brazilians were divided. A study showed 39% of participants feeling that the tournament will hurt the country’s image, 35% said that it would improve the image, and only 23% thought it wouldn’t have an impact. The remaining 3% stated that they didn’t know.
Header image source: Forbes
