The FIFA World Cup tournament was founded in 1930 and since then the famous cup has been won by eight different countries from a total of 19 FIFA World Cup tournaments. Out of this Brazil have won five times and been runner-ups twice and they are the only team, which was qualified to take part in all 19 tournaments.Spain is the current champion winning the tournament last held in South Africa where Shakira’s theme song “Waka Waka eh eh” became a hit number globally.
The Football World Cup tournament, played every four years, is the most widely viewed sporting event in the world. An estimated 715 million people watched the final match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany. Italy was the champion in this tournament. The next three World Cups will be hosted by Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022. The winner of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Brazil undertook a promotional tour in December 1997 and arrived in Riyadh with the prestigious trophy comprising 5kg of solid gold.
According to Arab News Dec. 16, 1997, a total of 80,000 fans had a glimpse of the FIFA World Cup while 10,000 held the trophy aloft in a photo session in the city of Riyadh, thanks to a leading international beverage brand, which sponsored it. Fans of all ages were able to have their pictures taken with the “dream trophy,” which countries yearn to win.
Accompanying my little grandson, Raed, I gave him the opportunity to feel the pleasure of carrying the much treasured trophy. When he got his turn, he nearly dropped it saying; “Grandpa it’s too heavy!” I rushed to his rescue to lift the 5 kg of solid gold and ended up in the picture with him. — S.H. Moulana, Riyadh
FIFA World Cup in Riyadh!
