World Cup 2010 South Africa

World Cup 2010

The World Cup 2010, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international football competition contested by the men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the first tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946, because of World War II.

The current format of the tournament involves 32 teams competing for the title at venues within the host nation(s) over a period of about a month – this phase is often called the World Cup Finals. A qualification phase, which currently takes place over the preceding three years, is used to determine which teams qualify for the tournament together with the host nation(s). The World Cup is the most widely-viewed sporting event in the world, with an estimated 715.1 million people watching the 2006 final.

Of the 18 tournaments held, seven nations have won the title. Brazil are the only team to have played in every tournament and have won the World Cup a record five times. Italy are the current champions and have won four titles, and Germany are next with three. The other former champions are Uruguay, winners of the inaugural tournament, and Argentina, with two titles each, and England and France, with one title each.

The most recent World Cup was held in Germany in 2006. The next World Cup will be held in South Africa, between 11 June and 11 July 2010, and the 2014 World Cup will be held in Brazil.

World Cup News

Nelsen ponders international future June 25th, 2010

New Zealand captain Ryan Nelsen’s own international future is uncertain after their 2010 FIFA World Cup™ exit but he is sure his country will go from strength to strength.

The All Whites were ridiculed in some quarters before the tournament for travelling to South Africa with a squad which included part-time and amateur players. However, Ricki Herbert’s side, ranked 78th in the world, carved out creditable draws against Slovakia, Paraguay and, most significantly, defending champions Italy in a memorable campaign.

Paraguay seal top spot with Kiwi draw June 24th, 2010

Paraguay did what they had to do to top Group F with a scoreless draw with New Zealand in Polokwane on Thursday. The South Americans finished with five points, one ahead of Slovakia, who knocked out holders Italy in the group’s other match, while the All Whites go out unbeaten after their third consecutive draw.

Chile ease past New Zealand June 9th, 2010

Chile beat New Zealand 2-0 in a FIFA World Cup™ build-up match today thanks to goals from Gonzalo Fierro and Estedan Parades.

Brown rejoins All Whites June 9th, 2010

Tim Brown’s 2010 FIFA World Cup™ dream remains alive after he was given the go-ahead to join his New Zealand team-mates in South Africa having made good progress in his recovery from a fractured shoulder. The 29-year-old All Whites vice-captain, who suffered the injury during his side’s friendly against Australia, underwent surgery to insert three screws into his damaged right shoulder two weeks ago.

Herbert’s warning for group rivals June 6th, 2010

Ricki Herbert claims FIFA World Cup™ group opponents Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay will underestimate New Zealand at their peril in South Africa.

The All Whites departed for the tournament on Saturday ready for their first taste of the FIFA World Cup since 1982.

Herbert upbeat despite defeat June 6th, 2010

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert remains bullish about his side’s chances at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ despite going down 3-1 to Slovenia in a warm-up match in Maribor on Friday.

Two excellent free-kicks from star Milivoje Novakovic, and a tap-in from Andraz Kirm following a goalkeeping error from Mark Paston, was enough to see off the challenge from the New Zealanders, who saw Rory Fallon drive home their solitary goal in the 20th minute.

New Zealand shock Serbia May 31st, 2010

Shane Smeltz shocked Serbia as his goal led New Zealand to an unlikely friendly 1-0 win.

Brown clings to World Cup hope May 31st, 2010

Injured midfielder Tim Brown, still hoping to make New Zealand’s 2010 FIFA World Cup™ line-up, aims to be back in the gym on Monday, four days after having three screws inserted into an injured shoulder.

Aussies edge New Zealand May 25th, 2010

Substitute Brett Holman struck with the last kick of the game to give Australia an undeserved 2-1 victory in their FIFA World Cup™ farewell friendly against New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Kiwis at full strength for Socceroos test May 19th, 2010

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert has indicated he will field his strongest possible line-up in their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ warm-up match against Australia.

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