Football

Whenever I Think about an outdoor game, the only one which comes in my mind is Football..! The most popular and the most charming outdoor game, in my opinion, is the one and only "FOOTBALL" which is no doubt a most viewed sport in the world. Mainly youth has a craze of football. Future of football is so bright as many countries and organizations are contributing to its promotion by arranging international and non-international events through out the world.

History and Origin

          Football being an interesting game, posses an interesting history too. Many sources says that it was firstly introduced in England in 1170 A.D. Moreover in China there was an ancient form of football type game known as "Tsu'Chu" in which the players used a leather ball filled with feathers and hairs. The aim of the game was to throw the ball in a small net fixed on to bamboo canes. The game had attracted a large pubic and especially youth by the fourteenth century. Even a King of the time banned the football just because that he thought that his youth was distracted by the game and it was harmful for their expertness in the archery. Football at the time was not much civilized. Matches at that time mostly ended in an uncivilized manner because both the opponents often used to fight with each other. They usually quarelled with each other and even destroyed their properties!! The reason was that there were no rule and referee. 

          Even a highway act was introduced in 1830 that imposed a fine on playing football on highways. In 1848 first effort was made to set the rules for the game all of which are still included today. These small steps made the way for the rise of the football club teams and the national and international games and championships. The first ever recorded match of football was played in Argentina against Paris in 1867. Afterwords football started to be played internationally in an organized manner. In the late nineteenth century women football continued to grow in Britain and abroad and now-a-days football has become a much love part the British culture. Every child knows about football and talks about football.

Top 10 Most famous Football Events

10. Copa Del Ray

         Also knows as "King Cup" is one of the most famous football Competitions in Europe. This cup is said to be the "Cup of his Majesty the King". This competition was founded in 1903 and that's how it is the oldest  football event of Spain. The winner of the competition gets a chance to qualify for the UEFA Championship. BARCELONA are the current Copa Del Ray Champions, who won their 27th Copa Del Ray against Athletic Bibao at Nou.

9. FIFA Confederation Cup:

           FIFA Confederation Cup stands at number 9 in this list because of its widespread popularity.The tournament was founded in 1992 and the BRAZIL, being the team with 4 title is the most successful team of the tournament. This competition is held after every four years. The current champions of this tournament are BRAZIL.

8. FA Cup

          FA Cup is the most famous domestic competition in the world and probably is also the most ancient domestic. It was founded in 1871-72. The tournament is opened for all the teams belonging to Europe. It is a knock-out type football competition.

          ASERNAL is the running champion of this tournament of FA Cup who beated Aston Villa by 4-0 and made a second consecutive win. 

7. Africa Cup Of Nations

          No doubt Africa is also a great football loving continent and that's why the Africa Cup of Nations stands at number 7 in the world's most famous football tournaments . The events was founded in the year 1957. Total sixteen teams take part in the event which are divided in further four groups and the top 2 teams of each group are promoted to the knock-out round of the tournament. The current Africa Cup title is occupied by the EQUATORIAL GUINEA. While EGYPT having 7 titles have become the successful team of the event. 

 6. UEFA Europa League

          UEFA Europa League previously known as the "UEFA Cup" is an anual football competition which is participated by 27 clubs. This Event was firstly held in 1971 and SEVILLA are the most successful team with four titles in their showcase. Due to its widespread popularity it is ranked on number 6 in list of most famous football events and tournaments through out the world.

5. Copa Libertaders

          This event belongs to South America and is the most prestigious football tournaments of the region. It is currently sponsered by Bridgestone and that's why it is known as "Copa Bridgestone Libertaders"    AREGENTNA CLUB SAN LORENZO are the current champions of the tournament while ARGENTINA FOOTBALL CLUB is the most successful club in Copa Libertaders having Seven titles.

4. Copa America

          Copa America is the oldest continental football tournament of South America which is participated by twelve teams. The tournament was firstly held in 1993 and from then till now URUGUAY is the most Successful team having fifteen titles of the event in their showcase. On the other hand CHILE is the current Ruler of the event.

3. UEFA European Championship

          It is commonly known as "THE EUROS" which is a highly rated football tournament that helps to determine the real football champions of the continent of Europe. The event was started in 1960 and it is held after every 4 years. Total fourteen teams participate in the tournament of The Euros among whom    GERMANY and SPAIN posses two titles and are called the most successful teams of the event. Currently the title is occupied by the great team of SPAIN.

2. UEFA Champions League

          Widely known as the Champions League is the most viewed football tournament which is held every year. Event was firstly organized in 1955 and the top-division European Clubs take part in this inspiring and prestigious event. The Champions League starts every year during the month of July which consists of three knock-out rounds. BARCELONA is the current champion team of the Champions League while on the other hand SPANISH GIANT REAL MADRID is the most successful team of the event possessing 10 title of the Champions League in their showcase.

1. FIFA World Cup

          Who is not known to the great tournament of the FIFA World Cup. No tournament of football can be as much popular as the FIFA World Cup. The world has craze of the FIFA World Cup. It is a fact that every footballer dreams to be selected for the great tournament of the FIFA World Cup. This event was firstly held in 1930 and now is held after every 5 years. GERMANY is the current FIFA World Cup champion having their fourth title. BRAZIL with its five title is the most successful team of the event. The amazing event of FIFA World Cup has no other match in the world and that's why people especially the youth counts every single day to watch this great even.

FIFA World Cup Winner Teams:

 

 Top 10 Most Prestigious Teams According to the FIFA World Ranking:

The following rankings shows the top 10 most heroic football teams in the world which can create thrill at every moment. Another thing to be remembered is that the following rankings is based on the FIFA World Ranking according to which Germany stands at number 1 while Austria at number 10.

 

10. Austria

          "Austrian Football Association" controls the National Football Team of Austria which represents the country in the competitions of association football. Austria has appeared in seven World Cups. Their biggest win is against Malta when they defeated them by 9-0.   

9. England

 

          England's National Football Team is among the two oldest Football Teams of the world. They played the first ever International Football Match against Scotland in 1872. England won the World cup of 1966. Wembley Stadium, London is the home ground of England and Roy Hodgson is the current team manager.

8. Brazil

          The Nationla Football team of Brazil is controlled by the "Brazilean Football Confederation" Brazil owns the title of the most successful team in the history of FIFA World Cups having 5 championships and a win of 70 matches out of 104 matches. Brazil have played all the FIFA World Cups without any absence. Brazil have a win streak of 35 consecutive matches and this record is same as that of Spain. The biggest win of Brazil was against Nicaragua in which Brazil won by 14-0 in Mexico.

7. Colombia

          

          "Columbian Football Federation" controls the National Football Team of Columbia which represents Columbia in International competitions. Columbia have improved a lot and hence they have managed to reach the list of top 10 teams for the first time after 2002. Columbia is the Champion of the Copa America 2001 and also the runners-up of COBCACAF Gold Cup 2000. Their biggest win is against Bahrain when they beated them by 6-0.

6. Spain

          "Royal Spanish Football Federation" is the governing body for Football in Spain and the National Football Team of the Spain is also controlled by this Federation. The team is also known a "La Roja (The Red)" by the locals They have appeared in fourteen FIFA World Cups. Spain won their first FIFA World Cup in 2010 defeating Netherland by 1-0. They are the current champions of the European Championship.

5. Chile

          Chile National Football Team which is controlled by the "Federation de Futbol de Chile", represents the country in all major International Football events. They have participated in nine World Cup tournaments and third place is the highest position they have ever reached. They are the current Copa America Champions and due to this win they have qualified for the FIFA Confederation Cup 2017.

4. Portugal

 

          Portugal National Football Team, controlled by the "Portuguese Football Federation", represents Portugal in the association football. The best performance of the Portugal Team was against Liechtenstein when they won by 8-0. They have also been the runner-ups of the World Cup of 2004 which is their highest position they have ever reached in a World Cup. In addition, Estadio Nacional, Oeiras is the home ground of Portugal.

3. Argentina

         "Argentina Football Association" is the governing body for Football in Argentina. The National Football Team of Argentina has reached to the finals of five World Cups. Argentina have proved themselves as the most successful team in Copa America by winning its 14 titles. They have also won the 'extra' South America Championship 3 times. Their biggest win is against Equador whom they beated by 12-0.

2. Geramny

 

          The National Football team of Germany, which has been representing Germany in several International Events since 1908, is governed by "German Football Association". The National team of Germany is among the most successful national teams having four World Cups and three European Championships. They have also got second position three times in the European Championship and four times in the World Cup. Germany is the only nation who have won both the men's and women's World Cups. Current head coach of the German team is Toachim Low.

1. Belgium 

 

          The National Team of Belgium has achieved First Position in the FIFA World Ranking for the first time. The team has been representing Belgium since 1904. They have won the Olympic Football Gold Medal in 1920. They have also been qualified for the end stages of the FIFA World Cup twelve times but unfortunately they are unlucky to get the title till now. The squad have been given the name of "Red Devils" since 1906 due to their performance.