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

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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

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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

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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

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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.