World Cup Countdown Quiz #7

Just 91 days to go...

1. Like other major sports tournaments, doping controls are in place at the World Cup. Since when has the World Cup conducted drug testing?

A) since 1966
B) since 1974
C) since 1982

Scroll down...

A) Since 1966. Above, Diego Maradona is seen in a recent photo proclaiming his innocence. Maradona was dismissed from the 1994 World Cup after failing a doping control and did not play a World Cup game again.

2. Despite scoring 58 goals in 82 games for Brazil, this player, who wore the #10 made famous by during the 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cups, was not able to lead Brazil to a World Cup title. He was:

A) Dirceu
B) Socrates
C) Zico

Scroll…

C) Zico. His World Cup career came to a sad end as he missed a penalty kick after entering a game as a substitute. After 1047 senior games, he eventually retired in 1990 and was appointed his country's Sports Minister. Rumour has it that he's partially responsible for the dress code of Brazilian fans at World Cup matches, and he deserves our respect.

3. After hosting the 1970 World Cup, they hosted it again in 1986 after another country's officials declared that they could not afford it. Which country was it?

A) Colombia
B) Peru
C) Canada

Scroll down…

A) Colombia. Colombia was slated as early as 1974 to be the hosts of the 1986 World Cup, but in 1982 they had to step back. In early 1983, Mexico was selected to become the first country to host more than one World Cup. Pictured is Colombian star midfielder Carlos Valderrama, a brilliant passer who didn't get to play a World Cup in his home country, but did appear in the 1990, 1994 and 1998 World Cups. He was not hard to spot.

4. Which of the following countries has not hosted two World Cups?

A) Mexico
B) Brazil
C) Italy
D) France

Scroll…

B) Brazil. The tournament was held there once (1950), but in recent history, the trophy merely resides there. Brazil has won the tournament a record five times. The Brazilians travel well. They know not to pack a lot of clothing.

World Cup Countdown Quiz #6

Less than 100 days to go now…

1. This forward scored 22 goals in his first 44 international games for the Netherlands and currently plays in the English Premier League. He is…

A) Dennis Bergkamp
B) Ruud van Nistelrooy
C) Robin van Persie

Scroll down...

B) Ruud van Nistelrooy of Manchester United. Yes, "van Nistelrooy" is his full name; there is no truth to the rumour that his nickname is "Van" due to his large turning radius.

2. Franz Beckenbauer of West Germany was able to achieve a double of sorts by being a World Cup champion as a player (1974) and as a coach (1990). He was not the first person to do this, preceded by, no surprise, a Brazilian. Who was he?

A) Socrates
B) Mario Zagalo
C) Zico

Scroll down…

B) Mario Zagalo. Zagalo (second from right, bottom row) was twice a World Cup winner (1958 in Sweden, 1962 in Chile), played in 1966, and then won as a coach (1970 in Mexico) wearing the obligatory track suit (seen on the left) popular in the day.

3. During the 1930s, England was not a member of FIFA and therefore did not take part in the first three World Cup tournaments. England finally made their World Cup debut in 1950 (Brazil) and shockingly lost their second match against what unheralded team (500-1 underdogs)?

A) North Korea
B) San Marino
C) United States of America

Scroll down...

C) United States of America. Below is the English team returning home after failing to go past the first group stage. They lost not only to the United States (0:1) but also to Spain (0:1) after having beaten Chile (2:0).

4. 16 years later (England 1966), England became the World Cup champions, winning 4:2 against West Germany (4:2). England's classy offensive leader, Bobby Charlton played a big part in the victory. His brother also played in the final against West Germany. Name him.

A) Allan Charlton
B) Jack Charlton
C) Peter Charlton

Scroll down…

B) Jack "Jackie" Charlton. In the picture above, Jackie and Bobby are sporting uniforms in a style that England will be wearing this summer in Germany. As a further aside, combovers have been banned by FIFA since 1992.