World Cup Trivia: 11 things to know about USA soccer team

To USA: Good job in knocking out Portugal and surviving. 

Team USA does stand a good chance against Belgium in my opinion. They have trained hard and long. It is time for the US Men to share the same level of success as their Women's counterparts. I believe USA can win and qualify for quarterfinals. 

 

In preparation for the game tomorrow, here are 11 trivia about the stars and stripes that you probably didnt know about: 

 

 

1.The USA’s best finish at a World Cup was semis in 1930.

 

2. The only American to ever record a hat trick at the World Cup was Bert Patenaude. This happened in the 1930 World Cup against Paraguay .

 

3. The biggest loss for the USA came in 1934 when it lost to Italy 7-1.

 

4. In World Cup 1950, USA caused a big upset that is still remembered even today by beating England 1-0.

 

5. The USA's best goals-scored-average was in 1950 and 1990 at 2.7 goals.

 

6. The United States first hosted the World Cup in 1994, becoming the second CONCACAF nation, after Mexico, to host.

 

7. USA qualified for the 1990 World Cup, after 40 years of absence.

 

8. The United States has qualified for every World Cup finals since 1990.

 

9. Klinnsman effect - US coach for World Cup 2014, Jurgen Klinsmann, played in the German team that won the World Cup in 1990 and previously coached his native Germany to a semifinals finish in World Cup 2006 .

 

10. Landon Donovan is USA's golden boot with 5 goals in 12 games over three World Cup tournaments.

 

11. USA was previously eliminated by Ghana in 2006 and 2010, both by the scoreline of 2-1. In World Cup 2014, USA emerged victorious 2-1 in the group stage.

This match also created a couple more accolades. Clint Dempsey became became the first American player to score in three World Cups and also scored the fastest goal (30secs) by an American player. John Brooks became the first American substitute ever to score in a World Cup. 

EUFASS

World Cup Trivia is a series designed for the current World Cup 2014 to give fans more than one ways to savour the game. 

World Cup Trivia: Penalties – All you need to know

The first match of the quarterfinals between Brazil and Chile ended in a showdown via penalties. Julio Cesar was no doubt the hero of Brazil, having managed to save two penalties. Though Chile had the absolute chance to win, especially through the nerve-stealing shot that hit the crossbar in the final minute of the extra time, it was by no coincidence that they lost the penalties. Here’s why:

Brazil has had 3 Penalties shootout experience

Experienced World Cup winners like Brazil and Argentina would know best how crucial penalties are as a game-breaker. After 120 minutes of gruelling play, the concentration and power needed to convert the penalty is not as easy as it looks. The player is also subjected to enormous mental stress as victory lies on his shoulders. It is thus understandable, why even the best world-class soccer players can send the ball flying outrageously off target during this crucial moment.

Top 3 most epic and memorable penalty misses you should know:

1) Roberto Baggio

When: 1994 FIFA World Cup Finals: Italy Vs Brazil
How: Baggio, playing injured, missed the crucial last penalty to keep Italy’s hopes alive.

Watch here

2) David Beckham

When: 2004 Euro Cup: England Vs Portugal
How: This is deeply etched in me, as well as many among my generation. Then England captain, Beckham sent the shot very, very high.

No link, too painful to watch. (Verzon is a Manchester United fan)

3) Asamoah Gyan

When: 2010 World Cup Quaterfinals: Ghana Vs Uruguay
How: A shot that shaved off the crossbar, which could have brought Ghana to the semifinals for the first time.
Watch here

Year Penalties were introduced: 1978

Since penalties were introduced in 1978, there have been 22 shootouts in nine World Cup tournaments (before current World Cup 2014). Before penalties, matches that still ended in a draw after extra time were decided by replays.

Most penalties shootout (again, before current World Cup 2014): Germany, France, Argentina and Italy playing 4 rounds of penalty shootout

Germany have won all four penalties shootout in their World Cup History.

Now guess who lost all three of their World Cup shootouts: England

Technique behind the penalty: Mental Strength

The stark contrast of the penalty performance of Germany compared to that of England shows that the spot kick is not so much decided by luck, but rather clear technique.

Interestingly, Geir Jordet did a research on successful and unsuccessful kicks in penalty shootouts of major tournaments and professed reasons such as emotional distress as to why players fail to take a good penalty. For example, English players tend to take their penalties faster, exhibiting the extent of mental stress causing them to want to quickly get the penalty over and done with. You can read more here.

Finally, let me end off with this quote by Baggio: Only those who have the courage to take a penalty miss them.”

EUFASS

World Cup Trivia is a series designed for the current World Cup 2014 to give fans more than one ways to savour the game. 

World Cup Trivia: Round of 16 matches in Singapore timings and my prediction

Tonight (Today for European, American readers) there won't be any World Cup matches as the tournament enters into the 2nd stage (Best of 16). I am sure many fans will experience an empty feeling, after several days of excitement in the group stage.

Moreover, its Friday! Not being able to watch a World Cup match on a Friday night is like going to Japan but not able to eat sushi. *Gasp*

Upcoming matches to look forward to (in SG timings GMT +8)

Jun 29th (Saturday night, Sunday morning)

12am
Brazil vs Chile 
Prediction: Chile is strong, but unfortunately their opponent is Brazil. Brazil play like they are on steroids at big matches and they have home ground advantage. No chance of an upset here.

4am
Colombia vs Uruguay 
Prediction: No bites expected in this match. My pick goes to Colombia, for their overall strength.

- Definitely a must watch, its the weekend too. -

Jun 30th (Sunday night, Monday morning)

12am
Netherlands vs Mexico
Prediction: Netherlands strong showing so far gives me the confidence that their steam will last them through to the quarterfinals at least.

4am
Costa Rica vs Greece
Prediction: Dark horse vs dark horse. This will be an interesting match. Expecting a draw with Greece emerging through penalties.

- Still the weekend, can watch -

Jul 1st (Monday night, Tuesday morning)

12am
France vs Nigeria
Prediction: France will be eager to vindicate the poor showing for the past World Cup. I am optimistic that they can proceed beyond here to secure at least a position in the semifinals.

4am
Germany Vs Algeria
Prediction: Germany.

- Not the weekend, but watch it anyway - 

Jul 2nd (Tuesday night, Wednesday morning)

12am
Argentina vs Switzerland
Prediction: With Messi in his pure unstoppable form, Argentina looks set to win.

4am
Belgium vs USA
Prediction: Potential upset here, I think USA might stand a chance to win.

- Already watching previous matches, why not tonight as well? - 

World Cup Trivia: Argentina to win the World Cup?

Argentina beat Nigeria 3-2, thanks to a double strike from Messi in one of the most exciting matches in the World Cup so far.

The Nigerians put up two counts of splendid comebacks by matching both Messi’s goals within 3 minutes. 

However, they failed to repeat the feat thrice, and a header from Marcus Roja in the 50^th minute sealed the victory.

That said, the Nigerians also advanced into the last 16, a result they well deserved.

Magic Messi

Messi opened the scoring at the 3^rd minute scored and another spectacular free kick seconds before the second half.

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi said, "Messi is from Jupiter, he is different." Jupiter or not, the addition of two goals into the tally propels Messi up to the top of the goalscoring chart at 4 goals, together with fellow Barcelona clubmate, Neymar.

With his current form, he looks set to bring Argentina into the World Cup.

(Just an interesting observation: Hands up if you noticed Messi’s simple celebration move of running around with arms wide open)

The Differentiating factor: Track Record

I previously also discussed whether Netherlands can win the world cup. If there anything that differentiates the power of Messi vs the twin strike force of Robben and Van Persie, it’s the track record.

The trends points to a very possible victory for the Albiceleste. Argentina has won the World cup 2 times, once in 1978 when they were hosts and the second time in 1986 in Mexico. It would not be a surprise for Messi to “do a Maradona” and lift the World Cup this time round in Brazil. Go Messi, prove the critics wrong.

Another interesting trivia tidbit is that out of the 15 previous appearances, Argentina has never lost in the Semi Finals. Thus if they make it that far, we can safely assume they will sail smooth into the finals. At least, I would say the odds will be higher than Suarez biting again in this world cup…

EUFASS

World Cup Trivia is a series designed for the current World Cup 2014 to give fans more than one ways to savour the game. 

World Cup Trivia: 5 Reasons to Remember Japan

Japan fans left Brazil yesterday with the heaviest heart as the Blue Samurai crashed out of the World Cup following a 4-1 defeat to Columbia.

Personally, I have been rooting for Japan in the World Cup. Here are 9 things I will remember Japan for:

1. Superb passes 

Some call it the tiki-taka style of play, but indubitably the team has an uncanny ability to produce the most telepathic passes, which allows them to have clear shots at goal. For the last match with Colombia, they created 24 shots while Columbia only manged 13 shots

2. Alluring Blue Jersey

Living up to their nickname, the Blue Samurais has one of the most attractive blue jerseys contrasted with neon orange.

3. Shinji Kagawa 

The star player of the Japanese team who is currently playing for Manchester United. Would have expected more magic from him this World Cup.

4. Their mascot -Pikachu! 

Kawaii... Isn't he cute!!

5. Graciousness of the fans. 

It should be publicised to every corner of the world by now, that the Japanese took the liberty to clean up their garbage after every match, leaving their area cleaner than before. Very wonderful manners and culture.


It's a pity to see Japan crashed out during the group stage, and I really hope to see them perform better in the next World Cup!

EUFASS

World Cup Trivia is a series designed for the current World Cup 2014 to give fans more than one ways to savour the game. 

World Cup Trivia: Netherlands to win the world cup?

Netherlands beat 2-0 Chile yesterday, and became the first team in this World Cup to qualify with 3 straight wins, and also the first team with double-digit number of goals scored.

Impressive, Disappointing, Impressive again

Their current results gave no indication that this was the same nation that crashed out of Euro 2012 during the group stage. Such a stark contrast that they were eliminated with 3 straight losses!

Back with a stronger team

This time round at World Cup 2014, they finally found themselves on the right foot again. Netherlands has assembled a team of quality players with the likes of veterans Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben as well as young talents like Memphis Depay. Most importantly, the team will be led by Louis Van Gaal, who is highly regarded for his track record in winning domestic titles in Netherlands and Spain.

They certainly made an instant statement thrashing title-defenders Spain 5-1 on their opening game.

3-time Finalist, Winner of None

However, the Oranje are still without a World Cup triumph, even though they’ve reached the finals 3 times previously. Seeing how Netherlands play, I am skeptical they can keep up with their current play – consistency is not their forte.

Netherlands will face Mexico in the last 16.

EUFASS

World Cup Trivia is a series designed for the current World Cup 2014 to give fans more than one ways to savour the game. 

World Cup Trivia: Who will qualify for last 16?

We are left with the final rounds of the group stage.

Now a quick snapshot of all the scenarios of who can qualify

Group A: Still a 3 way battle between Brazil, Mexico and Croatia

Group B: Netherlands and Chile have qualified!

Group C: Colombia have qualified.
For Japan to qualify, they need to beat colombia, and Ivory Coast to lose.

Group D: Costa Rica have qualified. Italy or Uruguay will fight it out in the next match. Uruguay needs a win.

Group E: France seems on track to qualify, unless they lose to Ecuador AND Switzerland win 99-0.

Group F: Argentina has qualified. Still a glimpse of hope for Iran to win Nigeria and qualify

Group G: Most uncertain group although it is highly likely that - hmmm after 2nd thought, still an open game here! Germany and USA can play to a draw and send Ghana and Portugal both packing.

Group H: Belgium has qualified. Russia must win Algeria to qualify.


EUFASS


World Cup Trivia is a series designed for the current World Cup 2014 to give fans more than one ways to savour the game. 

World Cup Trivia: Messi, the new Maradona?

Iran did well in holding star-studded Argentina off for 90 minutes, but their efforts came to naught when they gave Messi the slightest chance to perform his magic during injury time. Messi’s late goal reminded me of some cheat code which you can make the player score from any distance with the touch of a “power” button.

Messi: Rough Beginnings

Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at 11. However, though he was scouted by Argentine club River Plate, they were unwilling to pay for his medical fees. It was Barcelona, his current club, that offered to pay his medical fees and thus, Messi moved to Spain and became a sensation at Barcelona. It is no doubt one of the best investments Barcelona made in my opinon.

Messi VS Maradona

Frequently compared to Diego Maradona, Messi exhibited skills, power, agility and goals which easily rival that of the Argentine soccer legend. However, one key difference still remains – Messi has yet to win a World Cup. One match against Iran is not enough. His liberation will only come if he is able to take Argentina to the finals and win, a feat that Maradona accomplished in 1986.  

Now, take some time to enjoy some of the greatest goals scored by Messi, and notice the stark similarity of the last goal to this sensational one of Maradona's. 

Regardless, Argentina has produced two undisputable soccer geniuses. 

EUFASS

World Cup Trivia is a series designed for the current World Cup 2014 to give fans more than one ways to savour the game. 

World Cup Trivia: Costa Rica - From no-hope to top of the table

1 goal. 1 goal from Costa Rica was all that was required to power them up Group D, the group of Death. Everyone though the 3-1 win over Uruguay was a lucky shot. But now, with a solid win over 4-time World Cup winners Italy, the Los Ticos has shown that they are a force to be reckon with this Tournament.

Some trivia

This is the fourth time Costa Rica qualified for the group stage in the World Cup.

The last three were in 1990 (Last 16), 2002 (Group stage), 2006 - (Group stage). They did not qualify for the 2010 World Cup at South Africa.

For this current edition of the World Cup, Costa Rica finished second during the qualifying stages, behind the USA in the CONCACAF group. 

The man who scored the winner yesterday, wearing the no.10 jersey is called Bryan Ruiz. He is on loan from English side Fulham to Dutch club PSV Eindhoven. 

The team is nowhere near one of big names or superstars. In fact going down the squad list, only Joel Campbell from Arsenal catches my eye. Yet they perform when they are required to perform, and that is what's important.

Costa Rica - Pride of the Central Americans

Costa Rica was the first Central American soccer team to win a game at a World Cup tournament
Costa Rica is the only Central American football team to qualify for next round in FIFA World Cup 

This time round, Costa Rica is in a group with 3 former world cup champions. Their victory essentially sent two former world cup champions packing.

Underdogs? Maybe. But as I said previously, underdogs always find some way up.... Uruguay now joins one of the 4 teams that has qualified for last 16, and I won't be surprised seeing them going beyond that.

World Cup Trivia: Accurate prediction by blue jellyfish from Japan?

Came across an interesting news article by Asahi News today:

For the recent World cup match between Japan and Greece, an aquarium in Yamagata prefecture (Japan) did a prediction of the results using jellyfish that shared the same colour as the Blue Samurais. Guess what?

2 jellyfish were released and out of 8 containers, both the blue jellyfish settled into one of the 2 containers indicating the result is a draw. For those who caught the match this morning, the score was 0-0, and indeed a draw!

You can watch the video and read the article here. It is written in Japanese though.

Japan must win Colombia next to qualify for the next round... Go Japan!!

EUFASS

World Cup Trivia is a series designed for the current World Cup 2014 to give fans more than one ways to savour the game. 

World Cup Trivia: How are jersey numbers assigned?

Jersey numbers are assigned from 1 to 11 for the starting team. This practice was first implemented in the 1954 World Cup (Now who hosted the 1954 World Cup? Find your answers here). Traditionally speaking, each number represents the position the player fills.

1 – Goalkeeper

2 – Right defender

3 – Left defender

4 – Center defender

5 – Center defender

6 – Defending midfielder

7 – Right midfielder

8 – Central midfielder

9 – Striker

10 – Attacking midfielder

11 – Left midfielder

12 and above- substitutes

But hey, soccer is about having fun and creative plays. Did you expect every country to follow this guideline? No chance!

Argentina was known for allocating jersey numbers based on the alphabetical order of their players. But it seems fated that Maradona got the prestigious number 10.

The respective leagues in various countries have also stopped following the 1-11 traditional numbers. Rather than the number representing the position, players are tied to a specific number which follows them throughout their time in the club.

Up next on World Cup Trivia: They say birds of the same feather flock together. How very true in terms of jersey numbers. I’ll take you through the famous players that wear the same number on their backs! Stay tuned.

EUFASS

World Cup Trivia: List of World Cup hosts and winners

The First World Cup was hosted in 1930 Uruguay and incidentally, Uruguay was the first World Cup champions. Below is the list of the 20 World cups hosts and winners:

1930       Host: Uruguay
                Winner: Uruguay

1934       Host:  Italy
                Winner: Italy

1938       Host:  France
                Winner: Italy

1942       Cancelled

1946       Cancelled

1950       Host: Brazil
                Winner: Uruguay

1954       Host:  Switzerland
                Winner: West Germany

1958       Host: Sweden
                Winner: Brazil

1962       Host: Chile
                Winner: Brazil

1966       Host: England
                Winner: England

1970       Host: Mexico
                Winner: Brazil

1974       Host: West Germany
                Winner: West Germany

1978       Host: Argentina
                Winner: Argentina

1982       Host: Spain
                Winner: Italy

1986       Host: Mexico
                Winner: Argentina

1990       Host: Italy
                Winner: West Germany

1994       Host: United States
                Winner: Brazil

1998       Host: France
                Winner: France

2002       Host: Japan and South Korea
                Winner: Brazil

2006       Host: Germany
                Winner: Italy

2010       Host: South Africa
                Winner: Spain

2014       Host: Brazil
                Winner: I’d say BRAZIL

Some interesting trivia

It is interesting to note that out of the previous 19 World Cups, 6 have seen the hosts also winning the Cup. That gives Brazil more than 30% chance by the same logic and with their skills and showing so far, I’d say they have a good shot!

You also be surprised to know that Uruguay was chosen to host the first ever World Cup simply because all the other contenders withdrew for some reason.

In fact, out of the 20 World Cups, 9 did not require a voting as there was only one choice. 1930 – Uruguay, 1934 – Italy, 1950 – Brazil, 1954 – Switzerland, 1958 – Sweden, 1974 - West Germany, 1978 - Argentina, 1982 – Spain, 1986 – Colombia. (However Colombia eventually did not host the World Cup due to economical challenges.)

The more recent bids for hosting rights have seen stronger competition of 4-5 countries. Possibly because of the sheer publicity World Cup can give as well as more countries are economically able.

Hope this was useful for you!
EUFASS                

World Cup Trivia(WCT) is a series designed for the current World Cup 2014 to give fans more than one ways to savour the game.

World Cup Trivia: Who is Pelé?

In one sentence, Pelé is a retired Brazilian footballer recognised as one of the best player of all time.

What is Pelé's full name?

Pelé’s full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento. Now then why is Pele called Pele? In an article, he explained that the nickname transpired from mispronouncing the name Bilé, a goalkeeper which he aspired to be.

What’s so great about him?

• Only player to win the World Cup three times (1958, 1962 and 1970).
  
• At 17 years, he is the toungest player to play in a World cup Final (Quite interesting to watch a 1958 soccer match). Not to mention he found the net two times.

• Still holds the record for leading goalscorer for Brazil. 

• Shares the title of FIFA ‘Player of the 20th Century’ with Diego Maradona. Regarded by many as the best player of all time.

• In my opinion, he is great not only in soccer, but as a person. After retiring from soccer, he has done a lot of humanitarian work  for the poor.

If Pelé's the best player, who would you think is 2nd best?

EUFASS

World Cup Trivia(WCT) is a series designed for the current World Cup 2014 to give fans more than one ways to savour the game.

World Cup Trivia: Which countries qualified for World Cup 2014? and 32 interesting trivia

(All photos courtesy of photo.elsoar.com)

If you are new to the World Cup and wondering which countries are in the running this year, here's a guide to help you understand the game a bit better. For those of you who are no stranger to the World Cup, scroll down and enrich yourself with some good old trivia.

In one sentence:

64 matches, 32 Countries, 1 World Cup trophy.

Format of the game

1. Group stage: The game is currently at the group stage (June 16). The 32 countries have emerged from the qualifying rounds where around 200 countries compete for a spot in this stage. They are subsequently drawn randomly into 8 groups of 4 teams each. Teams will play in round robin format within the group, and the top 2 of each group will qualify for the best of 16.
2. Best of 16: Teams proceed to a knockout format; winner enters the quarterfinals
3. Quarterfinals: The winning team proceeds into the semi-finals
4. Semi-finals: Well done in making it this far: Just an interesting tidbit: Argentina has never lost in the semi-finals (if they make it)
5. Finals: The deciding match where the whole world watches on… 

32 Countries that qualified for World Cup 2014 and some interesting trivia.

Group A

photo.elsoar.com

Brazil

Trivia: Being the host country, Brazil automatically qualifies to the group stage. Not that they need it anyway.

Croatia
Trivia: Performance peaked in 1998 where they accomplished 3^rd place.

Mexico
Trivia: Soccer is said to be introduced by English miners in the earlier years.

Cameroon
Trivia: Home country to four-time African player of the year , Samuel Eto.

Group B

photo.elsoar.com

Spain
Trivia: Reigning world champions in both the World Cup and Handsome boys cup.

Netherlands
Trivia: Came so close to the trophy 3 times and have never won the Cup.

Chile
Trivia: Arguably the hottest gir  fans at this World Cup are from this country.

Australia
Trivia: Lowest ranked side in this World cup with a FIFA world ranking of 59. Can they perform beyond their ranking?

Group C

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Japan
Trivia: Japan’s Women team won the 2011 Women’s World cup – Can the men repeat the feat?

Colombia
Trivia: They are ranked 5^th in the FIFA World Ranking, surprising?

Greece
Trivia: Everyone who watched Euro 2008 will remember how Greece won the cup as the underdog.

Ivory Coast
Trivia: Have some big names such as Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure, but yet to go beyond group stage in history.

Group D

(Why is Group D called the group of Death? Because there are 3 strong countries competing within this group: Uruguay, England and Italy. However apparently, Costa Rica is proving critics wrong…)

photo.elsoar.com

Uruguay
Trivia: Hosted and won the first World cup in 1930.

Costa Rica
Trivia: Underdog in Group D. But the last time I heard underdogs always find their way up?

England
Trivia: Homeground of the English Premier League. Ladies, this country is what’s keeping your boyfriends away from you every Saturday and Sunday night (Singapore time). And since it’s England, I’ll add another trivia – England usually disappoints their fans big time in major tournaments like this.

Italy
Trivia: Won the World Cup four times but never in South America.

Group E

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Switzerland
Trivia: Rank 8^th in the FIFA World Ranking, but yet to reach quarterfinals since 1954.

Ecuador
Trivia: Lowest scoring among all the South American teams who qualified for this World Cup.

France
Trivia: They experienced good times (champions, 1998) and bad times (lost all matches/ internal conflicts, 2010). And oh, you might have heard of the legendary headbutt by Zidane – he’s French.

Honduras
Trivia: Honduras only qualified 2 times previously, making their appearance in 1982 and 2010.

Group F

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Argentina
Trivia: You should know their very famous soccer prodigies, Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Trivia: Appearing for the first time in the World Cup since independence in 1995.

Iran
Trivia: Ranked above fellow Asian countries Japan and Korea. Oil production might have more links to soccer than you thought.

Nigeria
Trivia: Finished bottom of their group in the last 2 World Cup appearances in 2002 and 2010.

Group G

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Germany
Trivia: Highest scoring European team in the qualifying round.

Portugal
Trivia: Closest to a one-man team with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ghana
Trivia: One of the 3 African nations every to reach the quarter finals, the other 2 being Senegal(2002) and Cameroon(1990).

USA
Trivia: Home of the Major League Soccer where David Beckham played in his later years.

Group H

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Belgium
Trivia: Shares the same nickname as Manchester United, Red Devils. They are also a force to be reckon with like Manchester United.

Algeria
Trivia: Nicknamed desert foxes, their national animal.

Russia
Trivia: Though a frequent World Cup visitor, Russia have not qualified in the past 2 World Cups.

South Korea
Trivia: This is their 8^th consecutive entry into the World Cup and they are also the Asian country with the most number of entries into the World Cup.

Know of something interesting worth sharing? Leave your comments below!
EUFASS

World Cup Trivia(WCT) is a series designed for the current World Cup 2014 to give fans more than one ways to savour the game.