History Of The World Cup Football 1930 to 2010

Football has changed greatly from the first World Cup in 1930. Players are fitter than ever before, football gear has changed from baggy shorts to tight fitting jerseys,  rules have changed to suit the attacking team, and believe it or not the roundness of the simple football has become something of a science all in itself.

The balls that were used in the 1930s are very much different from what we are used to now, literally made from a pig's bladder, they are now put together with the science and preciseness of space age technology.

Here is a brief history of the development of the one device that the game cannot exist without.

Profiles Of The Great and Good: Arthur Friedenreich: The Original “Black” Pearl.

What do you get if you cross a German Footballer and a Brazilian Footballer? You get Arthur Friedenreich, the greatest goalscorer the world has ever seen. He scored more goals than Pele, furthered civil rights, had a 26 year career and got his teeth kicked in.

South Africa 2010: Analysis of Every World Cup Group

The World Cup draw has produced not one but two "Groups of Death", as well as handing England and Italy the best possible routes to the knockout phases.

Over 190 countries tuned in to watch the World Cup draw as Charlize Theron and FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke drew the eight groups for next year's finals. The duo barely got through the process without throwing the balls at each other, with Valcke in particular making some very strange insulting comments towards the Hollywood star.

But who really cares, let's look at the draw...

The Fast and the Furious: The Fastest Goals in Football

There have been many column inches dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo's wonder goal against Porto in the UEFA Champions League. A goal of such breathtaking beauty that it left even the most experienced of journalists scrambling for words to describe the strike.

At 65mph, the ball left Ronaldo's foot like an exocet missile and shook the back of the net while the 'keeper just looked on like a spectator. Everyone was in agreement that it was a special goal, especially Ronaldo.

But was it one of the fastest goals ever scored?

Profiles Of The Great and Good: Arthur Friedenreich: The Original "Black" Pearl

What do you get if you cross a German Footballer and a Brazilian Footballer? You get Arthur Friedenreich, the greatest goalscorer the world has ever seen. He scored more goals than Pele, furthered civil rights, had a 26 year career and got his teeth kicked in.