The attention of sports fans across the globe will be on Brazil as the 2014 FIFA World Cup
Soccer teams will give it their all during the month-long tournament, in the hopes of winning one of the most distinguished prizes in the world of sports: The FIFA World Cup
While field-action will take immediate precedent, the ultimate goal of each team is to hoist the trophy above their heads after the final whistle blows. Yet the winners better be careful — dropping 13.61 pounds of 18-carat gold (75 percent pure) would be painful to anyone.
The FIFA World Cup Trophy stands 14 inches high, and it features two athletes lifting the Earth above their heads. Each winner since 1974 has had its country name and year engraved on the bottom side of the trophy.
Why only since 1974? After all, the World Cup’s inaugural tournament was held in 1930 and nine winners have been decided since then.
The answer? Because the current trophy is second generation to the original, which was known as the Jules Rimet Cup. It was made of gold and stones, and featured the goddess of victory lifting a vessel above her.
The trophy lived an eventful life — it was hidden in a box during World War II and was retrieved after being stolen in England in 1966 — before regulations allowed Brazil to become the permanent owner of the cup, following its third victory in 1970. The country held the trophy for 13 years, until it was stolen in 1983 and rumored to be melted by thieves.
When Brazil took ownership of the Jules Rimet Cup, a new trophy was commissioned to take its place in 1974. Seven countries submitted 53 designs. The winner was Silvio Gazzaniga of Italy, and the trophy has become one of the most coveted in all of sports.
Teams are no longer allowed to own the unique trophy because FIFA regulations state it must stay in the governing body’s possession.
Winners receive gold-plated replicas, while second and third place teams are awarded silver and bronze. Probably a good thing, since the FIFA World Cup Trophy is worth an estimated $187,847 — if our math is correct.
Facts About the World Cup:
- Brazil is the most successful team in tournament history, winning five titles
- Brazil is the only team to participate in all 20 World Cup tournaments
- Spain is the defending champion after it won for the first time in 2010
- Russia is set to host in 2018, followed by Qatar in 2022
- During the three off-years, a qualification phase takes place where teams play to enter the tournament
- Champions were not awarded in 1942 and 1946 because of World War II
- The highest total attendance for one tournament belongs to the United States in 1994, when 3,587,538 attended the national event
- Germany is second with 3,359,439
Who do you think will win?
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