Know about soccer

The Romans played a game named 'harpastum' which can be said to be the ancestor of the modern game of soccer. In the early days of the game, referees used to wave a handkerchief to control the players, and whistles were introduced in the game only in the year 1878. Undoubtedly, the sport is most popular in Europe and South America, however, its origins can be traced to China, more than 2000 years ago. Here's one fun fact about soccer, in 14th century England, the game was banned for being too violent, but ironically, the first ever soccer match was played in Derby, England itself. Soccer became an Olympic sport in the year 1908.








Facts About Football :

• A typical football ground is 100 to 130 yards long and 50 to 100 yards wide.
• A single soccer player runs about 7 miles during an entire game.
• The soccer ball is measured to be around 28 inches in its circumference, and I bet, you didn't know that more than 80% of the world's soccer balls are produced in Pakistan.
• The World Cup, held in a different country after every 4 years, is the biggest and the most desired event amongst the game's fans.
• The first ever soccer World Cup was held in the year 1930, which was won by the host country, Uruguay. The number of spectators was 300.
• Mexico is the only country to host the soccer World Cup event twice.
• Brazil has won 5 World Cups, whereas Argentina has won 2.
• An interesting fact is that European countries have always been in the World Cup finals, except for the years 1930 and 1950.

• The first live coverage of a soccer match shown on television, was in the year 1937. It was a practice match of Arsenal and was played at Highbury stadium.
• During a match played in Paraguay between Sportivo Ameliano and General Caballero, a total of 20 red cards were shown.
• Norman Whiteside was the youngest player ever to play the game of soccer. He broke Pele's record by playing at the age of 17 years and 47 days.
• Rotherham United goalkeeper Arthur Wharton, born in Ghana, was the first black professional player, in 1889.
• Liberian player, George Weah paid for the team's uniforms and all the expenses, so that the team could play in the 1996 African Nations' Cup.
• Nigerian born Chelsea player Celestine Babayaro, injured his leg while celebrating his debut goal in a preseason match, while Luigi Riva, Italian international player, broke an arm of a spectator due to his powerful shot.
• In the year 1978, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, was fired for swearing at a lady during a match. However, the actual story takes a different turn which states that that wasn't the 'only' reason he was asked to leave.
• Italian striker Giuseppe Meazza's shorts fell when he was taking a penalty shot in a semifinal match in the 1938 World Cup. However, he continued calmly on to take the shot and score the goal.
• Michael Laudrup was a part of the Barcelona team when they won against Real Madrid 5 - 0. He was also a part of the Real Madrid team when they won 5 - 0 against Barcelona as well.