Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2014fwc Kit Teams Neutral
2014fwc Kit Teams Neutral
Participating Teams
As player
1982 FIFA World Cup Spain (YUG, 2 matches)
As coach
none
Formerly a forward with Nantes and Paris St-Germain, Vahid Halilhodzic represented
the Yugoslavian national team in two matches at the 1982 World Cup. Algeria are
the second team that the Bosnian tactician has taken to the World Cup, although he
was sacked as coach of Cte dIvoire after securing their qualification four years ago.
In previous editions Algeria had only ever been led by native coaches.
Argentina (ARG)
As player
none
As coach
2009 FIFA Club World Cup (Club Estudiantes de La Plata ARG; 2 matches)
During his playing career Alejandro Sabella turned out for River Plate, Leeds United and
Estudiantes, as well as the Argentinian national side. As coach of Estudiantes he lost
the final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2009 to Barcelona after extra time.
Australia (AUS)
Formerly a defender, Ange Postecoglou won several caps with the senior Australia
national team as well as the U-20 side (with whom he took part in the FIFA U-20
World Cup 1985). He has overseen Australian youth teams at six World Cups: three at
U-17 level and three at U-20 level.
Belgium (BEL)
Marc Wilmots is Belgiums all-time top scorer in the World Cup with five goals. Once
an attacking midfielder with Mechelen, Standard Liege, Schalke and Bordeaux,
Wilmots participated in four World Cups between 1990 and 2002, although he
didnt play in the 1990 edition.
As player
1982 FIFA World Cup Spain (YUG, 3 matches)
1990 FIFA World Cup Italy (YUG, 5matches)
As coach
None
Formerly a forward with Sarajevo and Paris St-Germain, Safet Susic represented
Yugoslavia at the 1982 and 1990 World Cups, scoring a goal against United Arab
Emirates at the latter finals.
Luiz Felipe Scolari has already won one FIFA World Cup TM at the helm of Brazil, back
in 2002, before taking Portugal to the semi-finals of the 2010 event. Last summer
Big Phil also guided A Seleo to victory in the FIFA Confederations Cup.
Cameroon(CMR)
As player
None
As coach
None
Volker Finke managed Freiburg for 16 years before taking over at Japanese club
Urawa Red Diamonds and subsequently Cologne. He has been in charge of
Cameroon since May 2013 and is the second German to coach the Indomitable Lions
at the World Cup, following Winfried Schaefer in 2002.
Chile (CHI)
As player
None
As coach
None
After clinching three Chilean league titles and one Copa Sudamericana in two years
with Universidad de Chile, Jorge Sampaoli was named head coach of La Roja in
December 2012.
Colombia (COL)
Jose Pekerman closed out his playing career in Colombia and is contesting his second
World Cup as a coach, having led his home nation Argentina in the 2006 edition.
Pekerman has managed Argentinian national youth sides at six World Cups (two U17 and four U-20), winning three global titles at U-20 level.
As a club coach Jorge Luis Pinto has won league titles in four different countries,
namely Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru and Venezuela. He oversaw eight qualifiers for
the 2010 World Cup with Colombia, plus another seven ahead of the 2006 finals
during a previous stint with the Costa Rican national team.
As player
None
As coach
None
Sabri Lamouchi played in France for Auxerre, Monaco and Marseille, as well as in
Italy for Parma, Inter and Genoa, before ending his playing career in Qatar. This is the
Frenchmans first major assignment as a coach.
Croatia (CRO)
Once a midfielder who built a glittering career in Germany with Hertha Berlin, Bayer
Leverkusen, Hamburg and Bayern Munich, Nico Kovac played for Croatia in the 2002
and 2006 World Cups. He was only appointed as head coach of his national team
shortly before their play-off against Iceland.
Ecuador (ECU)
Reinaldo Rueda guided his home nation Colombia at two FIFA U-20 World Cups, in
1993 and 2003. He is participating in his second consecutive World Cup, having also
qualified four years ago with Honduras.
England (ENG)
As player
None
As coach
1994 FIFA World Cup USA (SUI, 4 matches)
England are the fourth national team that Roy Hodgson has managed after
Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and Finland, and the second that he has taken to
the World Cup, following his qualification with Switzerland in 1994.
France (FRA)
As player
1998 FIFA World Cup France (6 matches)
As coach
None
As a player Didier Deschamps won 13 league and cup trophies with Marseille,
Juventus and Chelsea. He also captained France to the World Cup title in 1998 and
the European crown in 2000.
Germany (GER)
As player
None
As coach
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa (GER, 7 matches)
Formerly an attacking midfielder who enjoyed the best seasons of his career with
Freiburg, Joachim Low was assistant coach to Jurgen Klinsmann at the 2006 World
Cup, before becoming head coach himself. Low is competing in his second World
Cup at the helm of the German national team.
Ghana (GHA)
As player
None
As coach
None
Akwasi Appiah has been in the Ghanaian hot seat for the past two-and-a-half years,
having previously been one of the teams assistant coaches for almost five years.
During his playing days, the former defender was sought by a number of European
clubs but preferred to remain in his homeland.
Greece (GRE)
As player
None
As coach
None
Prior to being appointed head coach of the Greek national team in July 2010,
Fernando Santos honed his managerial skills with clubs in Portugal and Greece.
10
Honduras (HON)
As player
None
As coach
2006 FIFA World Cup Germany (ECU, 4 matches)
Olympic Football Tournament London 2012 (HON, 4 matches)
Luis Suarez is competing in his second World Cup, having previously called the shots
for Ecuador at the 2006 edition.
Iran (IRN)
Carlos Queiroz notably coached Portugal to two U-20 World Cup titles in 1989 and
1991, before enjoying success as assistant coach to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester
United. At the 2010 World Cup he took Portugal as far as the Round of 16.
Italy (ITA)
As player
None
As coach
FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 (ITA, 5 matches)
As a player Cesare Prandelli won three Serie A titles, one Italian cup and two
European cup competitions with Juventus. Since taking charge of Italy in August
2010, Prandelli led Gli Azzurri to the runners-up spot at the UEFA European
Championship 2012.
11
Japan (JPN)
As player
None
As coach
FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 (JPN, 3 matches)
Alberto Zaccheroni has coached in Serie A with Udinese, AC Milan (winning one
Scudetto), Lazio, Inter, Torino and Juventus. After taking charge of Japan in the
summer of 2010, the Italian supremo steered the Samurai Blue to the AFC Asian Cup
title in 2011.
Hong Myungbo played in four World Cups and has clocked up more appearances in
the event than any other Korean player. As a coach he contested FIFA finals
tournaments with the U-20 national side in 2009 and the Olympic team in 2012.
Mexico (MEX)
As player
None
As coach
None
Former defender Miguel Herrera won 14 caps for Mexico and took part in the Copa
America 1993. He was the fourth coach appointed during Mexicos troubled World
Cup qualifying campaign after Jose Manuel de la Torre, Luis Fernando Tena and
Victor Manuel Vucetich.
12
Netherlands (NED)
At club level Louis van Gaal has notably coached Ajax, AZ Alkmaar, Barcelona and
Bayern Munich, winning the Dutch, Spanish and German league titles. His managerial
resume also includes a UEFA Champions League trophy with Ajax in 1995. The Dutch
strategist is contesting his first global showpiece, having been reappointed as head
coach of the Netherlands in 2012, a decade after failing to qualify for the 2002
World Cup.
Nigeria (NGA)
As player
1994 FIFA World Cup USA (1 match)
As coach
FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 (NGA, 3 matches)
Stephen Keshi played two matches in the 1994 World Cup. As a coach he won the
CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, before securing Nigerias qualification for their
fifth World Cup.
Portugal (POR)
As player
2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan (3 matches)
As coach
None
Paulo Bento has been in charge of Portugal since September 2010. As a player he
featured in three matches at the 2002 World Cup.
13
Russia (RUS)
Fabio Capello has won cups and league titles as both a player and a coach with Roma,
Milan and Juventus. He took part in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, where he scored one
goal. Capello also guided Real Madrid to two Spanish league crowns. The Italian
tactician is appearing in his second successive World Cup as coach of a foreign team,
having already managed England at the 2010 finals.
Spain (ESP)
Winner of 16 league and cup titles as a player and then head coach of Real Madrid,
Vicente del Bosque steered Spain to victory at the 2010 World Cup and UEFA EURO
2012.
Switzerland (SUI)
As player
Olympic Football Tournament Munich 1972 (FRG, 6 matches)
As coach
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa (SUI, 3 matches)
Ottmar Hitzfelds coaching honours include a total of 25 league and cup titles with
Aarau, Grasshoppers, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. He is participating in his
second consecutive World Cup as head coach of the Swiss national team.
14
Uruguay (URU)
Oscar Tabarez has managed clubs in Uruguay, Argentina, Italy, Spain and Colombia. As
head coach of the Uruguayan national team he won the Copa America in 2011.
Tabarez is participating in his third World Cup and also his third as coach of Uruguay,
following on from the 1990 and 2010 editions.
USA (USA)
As a player with the German national team, Jurgen Klinsmann was crowned world
champion in 1990 and European champion in 1996. After taking the reins of USA in
the summer of 2011, Klinsmann clinched the continental title in 2013. He is appearing
in his second World Cup as a coach, having managed Germany at the 2006 finals.
15
Preparation games
Algeria (ALG)
3 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
31.05.2014
04.06.2014
City
BLIDA (ALG)
SION (SUI)
GENEVA (SUI)
Match
Algeria Slovenia 2:0
Algeria Armenia 3:1
Algeria Romania 2:1
Argentina (ARG)
3 Preparation matches
Date
City
05.03.2014
BUCHAREST (ROU)
04.06.2014
LA PLATA (ARG)
07.06.2014
BUENOS AIRES (ARG)
Match
Romania Argentina 0:0
Argentina Trinidad & Tobago 4:0
Argentina Slovenia 2:0
Australia (AUS)
3 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
26.05.2014
06.06.2014
City
LONDON (ENG)
SYDNEY (AUS)
SALVADOR (BRA)
Match
Australia Ecuador 3:4
Australia South Africa 1:1
Croatia Australia 1:0
City
BRUSSELS (BEL)
GENK (BEL)
SOLNA (SWE)
BRUSSELS (BEL)
Match
Belgium Cte dIvoire 2:2
Belgium Luxembourg 5:1 NOT A MATCH
Sweden Belgium 0:2
Belgium Tunisia 1:0
Belgium (BEL)
4 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
26.05.2014
01.06.2014
07.06.2014
City
INNSBRUCK (AUT)
ST. LOUIS (USA)
CHICAGO (USA)
Match
Bosnia and Herzegovina Egypt 0:2
Bosnia and Herzegovina Cte dIvoire 2:1
Mexico - Bosnia and Herzegovina 0:1
City
JOHANNESBURG (RSA)
GOIANIA (BRA)
SAO PAULO (BRA)
Match
South Africa Brazil 0:5
Brazil Panama 4:0
Brazil Serbia 1:0
16
City
LEIRIA (POR)
KUFSTEIN (AUT)
KUFSTEIN (AUT)
MOENCHENGLADBACH (GER)
YAOUNDE (CMR)
Match
Portugal Cameroon 5:1
FYR Macedonia Cameroon 0:2
Cameroon Paraguay 1:2
Germany Cameroon 2:2
Cameroon Moldova 1:0
City
COQUIMBO (CHI)
STUTTGART (GER)
SANTIAGO DE CHILE (CHI)
VALPARAISO (CHI)
Match
Chile Costa Rica 4:0
Germany Chile 1:0
Chile Egypt 3:2
Chile Northern Ireland 2:0
Chile (CHI)
4 Preparation matches
Date
22.01.2014
05.03.2014
30.05.2014
04.06.2014
Colombia (COL)
3 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
31.05.2014
06.06.2014
City
BARCELONA (ESP)
BUENOS AIRES (ARG)
BUENOS AIRES (ARG)
Match
Colombia Tunisia 1:1
Colombia Senegal 2:2
Colombia Jordan 3:0
City
COQUIMBO (CHI)
LOS ANGELES (USA)
SAN JOSE (CRC)
TAMPA (USA)
FOXBOROUGH (USA)
Match
Chile Costa Rica 4:0
Costa Rica Korea Republic 0:1
Costa Rica Paraguay 2:1
Costa Rica Japan 1:3
Costa Rica Republic of Ireland 1:1
City
BRUSSELS (BEL)
ST. LOUIS (USA)
MIAMI (USA)
Match
Belgium Cte dIvoire 2:2
Bosnia and Herzegovina Cte dIvoire 2:1
El Salvador - Cte dIvoire 1:2
City
ST. GALL (SUI)
OSIJEK (CRO)
SALVADOR (BRA)
Match
Switzerland Croatia 2:2
Croatia Mali 2:1
Croatia Australia 1:0
Croatia (CRO)
3 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
31.05.2014
06.06.2014
17
City
LONDON (ENG)
AMSTERDAM (NED)
ARLINGTON (USA)
MIAMI GARDENS (USA)
Match
Australia Ecuador 3:4
Netherlands Ecuador 1:1
Mexico Ecuador 3:1
Ecuador England 2:2
City
LONDON (ENG)
LONDON (ENG)
MIAMI GARDENS (USA)
MIAMI GARDENS (USA)
Match
England Denmark 1:0
England Peru 3:0
Ecuador England 2:2
England Honduras 0:0
City
PARIS/SAINT-DENIS (FRA)
PARIS/SAINT-DENIS (FRA)
NICE (FRA)
LILLE (FRA)
Match
France Netherlands 2:0
France Norway 4:0
France Paraguay 1:1
France Jamaica 8:0
City
STUTTGART (GER)
HAMBURG (GER)
MOENCHENGLADBACH (GER)
MAINZ (GER)
Match
Germany Chile 1:0
Germany Poland 0:0
Germany Cameroon 2:2
Germany Armenia 6:1
England (ENG)
4 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
30.05.2014
04.06.2014
07.06.2014
France (FRA)
4 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
27.05.2014
01.06.2014
08.06.2014
Germany (GER)
4 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
13.05.2014
01.06.2014
06.06.2014
Ghana (GHA)
4 Preparation matches (not including the six African Nations Championship matches played in South Africa)
Date
City
Match
04.01.2014
WUBDGIEJ (NAM)
Namibia Ghana 0:1
05.03.2014
PODGORICA (MNE)
Montenegro Ghana 1:0
31.05.2014
ROTTERDAM (NED)
Netherlands Ghana 1:0
09.06.2014
MIAMI (USA)
Ghana Korea Republic
Greece (GRE)
4 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
31.05.2014
03.06.2014
06.06.2014
City
PIRAEUS (GRE)
LISBON (POR)
CHESTER (USA)
HARRISON (USA)
Match
Greece Korea Republic 0:2
Portugal Greece 0:0
Greece Nigeria 0:0
Greece Bolivia 2:1
2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
18
City
SAN PEDRO SULA (HON)
WASHINGTON DC (USA)
HOUSTON (USA)
MIAMI GARDENS (USA)
Match
Honduras Venezuela 2:1
Honduras Turkey 0:2
Honduras Israel 2:4
England Honduras 0:0
City
TEHRAN (IRN)
KAPFENBERG (AUT)
HARTBERG (AUT)
HARTBERG (AUT)
SAO PAULO (BRA)
Match
Iran Guinea 1:2
Iran Belarus 0:0
Montenegro Iran 0:0
Iran Angola 1:1
Iran Trinidad and Tobago 2:0
City
MADRID (ESP)
LONDON (ENG)
PERUGIA (ITA)
Match
Spain Italy 1:0
Italy Republic of Ireland 0:0
Italy Luxembourg 1:1
City
TOKYO (JPN)
SAITAMA (JPN)
TAMPA (USA)
TAMPA (USA)
Match
Japan New Zealand 4:2
Japan Cyprus 1:0
Costa Rica Japan 1:3
Japan Zambia 4:3
Iran (IRN)
5 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
18.05.2014
26.05.2014
30.05.2014
08.06.2014
Italy (ITA)
3 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
31.05.2014
04.06.2014
Japan (JPN)
4 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
27.05.2014
02.06.2014
06.06.2014
City
LOS ANGELES (USA)
SAN ANTONIO (USA)
CARSON (USA)
PIRAEUS (GRE)
SEOUL (KOR)
MIAMI (USA)
Match
Costa Rica Korea Republic 0:1
Mexico Korea Republic 4:0
USA Korea Republic 2:0
Greece Korea Republic 0:2
Korea Republic Tunisia 0:1
Ghana Korea Republic
19
City
SAN ANTONIO (USA)
ATLANTA (USA)
GLENDALE (USA)
MEXICO CITY (MEX)
ARLINGTON (USA)
CHICAGO (USA)
FOXBOROUGH (USA)
Match
Mexico Korea Republic 4:0
Mexico Nigeria 0:0
USA- Mexico 2:2
Mexico Israel 3:0
Mexico Ecuador 3:1
Mexico Bosnia and Herzegovina 0:1
Mexico Portugal 0:1
City
PARIS/SAINT-DENIS (FRA)
AMSTERDAM (NED)
ROTTERDAM (NED)
AMSTERDAM (NED)
Match
France Netherlands 2:0
Netherlands Ecuador 1:1
Netherlands Ghana 1:0
Netherlands Wales 2:0
Netherlands (NED)
4 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
17.05.2014
31.05.2014
04.06.2014
Nigeria (NGA)
5 Preparation matches (not including the six African Nations Championship matches played in South Africa)
Date
City
Match
04.01.2014
ABUJA (NGA)
Nigeria Ethiopia 2:1
05.03.2014
ATLANTA (USA)
Mexico Nigeria 0:0
28.05.2014
LONDON (ENG)
Nigeria Scotland 2:2
03.06.2014
CHESTER (USA)
Greece Nigeria 0:0
07.06.2014
JACKSONVILLE (USA)
USA Nigeria 2:1
Portugal (POR)
4 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
31.05.2014
06.06.2014
10.06.2014
City
LEIRIA (POR)
LISBON (POR)
FOXBOROUGH (USA)
NEW YORK (USA)
Match
Portugal Cameroon 5:1
Portugal Greece 0:0
Mexico Portugal 0:1
Republic of Ireland - Portugal
City
KRASNODAR (RUS)
ST. PETERSBURG (RUS)
OSLO (NOR)
MOSCOW (RUS)
Match
Russia Armenia 2:0
Russia Slovakia 1:0
Norway Russia 1:1
Russia Morocco 2:0
Russia (RUS)
4 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
26.05.2014
31.05.2014
06.06.2014
20
City
MADRID (ESP)
SEVILLE (ESP)
WASHINGTON DC (USA)
Match
Spain Italy 1:0
Spain Bolivia 2:0
El Salvador Spain 0:2
City
ST. GALL (SUI)
LUCERNE (SUI)
LUCERNE (SUI)
Match
Switzerland Croatia 2:2
Switzerland Jamaica 1:0
Switzerland Peru 2:0
City
KLAGENFURT (AUT)
MONTEVIDEO (URU)
MONTEVIDEO (URU)
Match
Austria Uruguay 1:1
Uruguay Northern Ireland 1:0
Uruguay Slovenia 2:0
City
CARSON (USA)
KHARKOV (UKR)
GLENDALE (USA)
SAN FRANCISCO (USA)
HARRISON (USA)
JACKSONVILLE (USA)
Match
USA Korea Republic 2:0
Ukraine USA 2:0
USA Mexico 2:2
USA Azerbaijan 2:0
USA Turkey 2:1
USA Nigeria 2:1
Switzerland (SUI)
3 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
30.05.2014
03.06.2014
Uruguay (URU)
3 Preparation matches
Date
05.03.2014
30.05.2014
04.06.2014
USA
6 Preparation matches
Date
01.02.2014
05.03.2014
02.04.2014
27.05.2014
01.06.2014
07.06.2014
Status as of 08.06.2014
21
1962
Year Host
Participation &
Ranking
1964
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
1934
ITA
22
1938 FRA
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
1966* ENG
16 / 7
1970 MEX
4-0
vs Rwanda
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
Group stage
1986 MEX
Group stage
1990 ITA
6 / 12
1994 USA
2-1
vs Germany FR in 1982
1998 FRA
2002 JPN/KOR
2006 GER
2010 RSA
Group stage
2014 BRA
Qualified
Confederation
CAF
12
8 (6 0 2)
1982
9 (2 2 5)
Top Scorer
All-time FIFA World Cup
Ranking
Best FIFA World Cup
achievement
3-2
vs Chile in 1982
6 caps
Mahmoud GUENDOUZ
Faouzi MANSOURI
Rabah MADJER
2 goals
Salah ASSAD
47
Group stage in 1982, 1986 &
2010
Team Manager
22
ALGERIA (ALG)
FIFA World Cup Background
This is Algerias fourth FIFA World CupTM finals campaign and the second time they have qualified for back-toback editions (1982-1986 and 2010-2014).
At Spain 1982, Algeria became the first CAF side to beat a previous world champion, taming Germany FR 2-1 in
their maiden match, as well as the first Africans to win two opening-round games during a single edition of the
tournament.
Algeria exited at the group stage in their three previous participations. They have recorded two victories from
nine games played, both of which came in the 1982 edition. The Algerians ongoing five-match goal drought in
the World Cup equals the tournament record set by Bolivia in terms of number of games, although the South
Americans goalless run lasted 517 minutes of play compared to 481 for Les Fennecs.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
23
Argentina (ARG)
FIFA World Cup Team History
1893
Year Host
Participation &
Ranking
Team Manager
1912
1930 URU
Runners-up
CONMEBOL
1934 ITA
First round
1938 FRA
1 (2007/2008)
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
Group stage
1962 CHI
Group stage
16 (9 5 2)
1966 ENG
Quarter-finals
35 / 15
1970 MEX
4-0 vs Ecuador
1974 FRG
Second round
1978* ARG
Champions
1982** ESP
Second round
1986 MEX
Champions
1990** ITA
Runners-up
123 / 80
1994 USA
Round of 16
6-0
vs Peru in 1978
vs Serbia & Montenegro in 2006
1998 FRA
Quarter-finals
2002 JPN/KOR
Group stage
21 caps
Diego MARADONA
2006 GER
Quarter-finals
10 goals
Gabriel BATISTUTA
2010 RSA
Quarter-finals
Top Scorer
2014 BRA
Qualified
Confederation
FIFA World Ranking position
June 2014
Best ever FIFA World Ranking
position (year)
Preliminary competition facts
Preliminary participations
12
15
1930
70 (37 13 20)
4
Champions in 1978, 1986
*
**
Qualified by default
Qualified automatically as host
Qualified automatically as defending champions
Continental achievements
South American champions in 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937,
1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993
Other FIFA mens tournaments (excl. Futsal, Beach Soccer)
Olympic Football Tournament: 1928, 1960, 1964, 1988, 1996,
2004, 2008
FIFA Confederations Cup: 1992, 1995, 2005
FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1979, 1981, 1983, 1989, 1991, 1995,
1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2011
FIFA U-17 World Cup: 1985, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997,
2001, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013
In bold: tournament champions
24
ARGENTINA (ARG)
FIFA World Cup Background
Brazil 2014 will be Argentinas 16th FIFA World CupTM campaign and the 11th in a row since their last absence
in 1970. La Albiceleste have reached the Final four times and won the title twice, in 1978 and 1986.
To date, four Argentinians have played and later coached in the World Cup. The first was Guillermo Stabile, who
reached the 1930 Final as a player before managing his countrymen at the 1958 edition. In 1974 Argentina
were stewarded by Vladislao Cap, who had worn the Albiceleste shirt himself at Chile 1962. Daniel Passarella
guided his home nation at France 1998 after winning the 1978 Trophy and playing in the 1982 edition. The final
member of the quartet is Diego Maradona, who starred in four tournaments as a player between 1982 and
1994 before returning to South Africa 2010 as head coach.
The last hat-trick in the World Cup was netted by an Argentinian, Gonzalo Higuain, in the 4-1 win over Korea
Republic in 2010. It was also the only treble scored at the South Africa finals.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
25
Australia (AUS)
FIFA World Cup Team History
1961
Year Host
Participation &
Ranking
1963
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
1934 ITA
62
1938 FRA
14 (Sep 2009)
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
14 (8 4 2)
1966 ENG
25 / 12
1970 MEX
4-0
vs Jordan
1974 FRG
Group stage
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
Confederation
FIFA World Ranking position
June 2014
Best ever FIFA World Ranking position
Preliminary competition facts
Preliminary competitions
13
1974
10 (2 3 5)
8 / 17
1994 USA
3-1
vs Japan in 2006
1998 FRA
Top Scorer
7 caps
Jason CULINA
Lucas NEILL
Scott CHIPPERFIELD
3 goals
Tim CAHILL
Team Manager
Round of 16
2010 RSA
Group stage
2014 BRA
Qualified
44
Round of 16 in 2006
Continental achievements
OFC Nations Cup winners in 1980, 1996, 2000, 2004
Other FIFA mens tournaments (excl. Futsal, Beach Soccer)
FIFA Confederations Cup: 1997, 2001, 2005
Olympic Football Tournament: 1956, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000,
2004, 2008
FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1991, 1993,
1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013
FIFA U-17 World Cup: 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995,
1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2011
26
AUSTRALIA (AUS)
FIFA World Cup Background
This will be Australias fourth finals and their third in a row, but only their second since joining the Asian Football
Confederation.
A 32-year interval separated the Socceroos first two campaigns, at the 1974 and 2006 finals, both of which
were held in Germany.
In the 2006 edition Australia recorded their maiden victory in the competition, 3-1 over Japan, which helped
them get beyond the opening round for the first and only time to date. The Socceroos were then eliminated in
the Round of 16 by the eventual world champions Italy.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
27
Belgium (BEL)
FIFA World Cup Team History
1895
Year Host
Participation &
Ranking
Team Manager
1904
1930 URU
First round
Confederation
UEFA
1934
ITA
First round
1938 FRA
First round
1950* BRA
1954 SUI
Group stage
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
10 (8 2 0)
1966 ENG
18 / 4
1970 MEX
Group stage
3-0 vs Serbia
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
Second round
1986 MEX
Semi-finals (4th)
1990 ITA
Round of 16
46 / 63
1994 USA
Round of 16
3-0
vs El Salvador in 1970
1998 FRA
Group Stage
2002 JPN/KOR
Round of 16
2006 GER
2010 RSA
2014 BRA
Qualified
11
5 (Oct 2013)
18
11
1930
36 (10 9 17)
17 caps
Enzo SCIFO
5 goals
Marc WILMOTS
19
4th in 1986
28
BELGIUM (BEL)
FIFA World Cup Background
Belgium last qualified for the FIFA World CupTM in 2002, when their title charge was derailed by future
champions Brazil in the Round of 16. The 2014 edition will be Belgiums 12th global finals.
The Belgians achieved their best finish of fourth at Mexico 1986, when they lost the match for third place
against France after extra time. At France 1998 Les Diables Rouges were eliminated without losing a game,
having drawn all three of their fixtures.
The FIFA award for the tournaments top goalkeeper was first awarded in 1994, when it was known as the
Yashin Award, and the inaugural winner was Belgian stopper Michel Preudhomme. Subsequently at the 2002
finals, Belgium collected the FIFA Fair Play Award.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
29
Bosnia-Herzegovina (BIH)
NEWCOMER
FIFA World Cup Team History
1992
Year Host
Participation
Team Manager
& Ranking
1996
1998 FRA
Confederation
UEFA
2002 JPN/KOR
21
2006 GER
13 (Aug 2013)
2010 RSA
2014 BRA
Qualified
30 / 6
8-1 vs Liechtenstein
Top Scorer
30
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (BIH)
FIFA World Cup Background
This is Bosnia-Herzegovinas first foray in a European or world finals tournament.
For the eighth consecutive edition there will be a European debutant in the World Cup. Bosnia-Herzegovina
follow in the footsteps of Denmark (1986), Republic of Ireland (1990), Greece (1994), Croatia (1998), Slovenia
(2002), Ukraine (2006) and Slovakia (2010).
UEFA have sent more representatives to the global showpiece than any other confederation, with BosniaHerzegovina being the 33rd. CAF (Africa) are next with 13.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
31
Brazil (BRA)
FIFA World Cup Team History
Participation &
Team Manager
Ranking
Pindaro DE CARVALHO
Group stage
(BRA)
1914
Year
Host
1923
1930
URU
CONMEBOL
1934
ITA
First round
1938
FRA
Semi-finals (3rd)
1950* BRA
Runners-up
1954
SUI
Quarter-finals
1958
SWE
Champions
Confederation
FIFA World Ranking position
June 2014
Best ever FIFA World Ranking
position (year)
11
1962** CHI
Champions
1966** ENG
Group stage
1970
Champions
19
1930
Semi-finals (4th)
1978
ARG
Semi-finals (3 )
210 / 88
1982
ESP
Second round
7-1
vs Sweden in 1950
1986
MEX
Quarter-finals
20 caps
CAFU
1990
ITA
Round of 16
15 goals
RONALDO
1994
USA
Champions
Runners-up
1974** FRG
97 (67- 15 15)
MEX
1st
Champions in 1958, 1962,
1970, 1994, 2002
1998** FRA
rd
2002
KOR/JPN Champions
2006
GER
Quarter-finals
2010
RSA
Quarter-finals
DUNGA (BRA)
Qualified
2014* BRA
*
**
Continental achievements
South American champions in 1919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997,
1999, 2004, 2007
Other FIFA mens tournaments (excl. Futsal, Beach Soccer)
FIFA Confederations Cup: 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2009,
2013
FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1977, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989,
1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009,
2011
FIFA U-17 World Cup: 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1995, 1997,
1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013
Olympic Football Tournaments: 1952, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972,
1976, 1984, 1988, 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012
In bold: tournament champions
32
BRAZIL (BRA)
FIFA World Cup Background
Brazil are the only team to have taken part in every global showpiece since 1930. They hold the records for the
most titles won (five), the most goals scored (210) and the most victories (67). A Seleo are also the only team
to have won World Cups organised by four different confederations, namely UEFA (1958), CONMEBOL ( 1962),
CONCACAF (1970 and 1994) and AFC (2002).
Brazil hold the records for the most consecutive victories (11 between 2002 and 2006) and the longest unbeaten
run (13 games between 1958 and 1966).
A number of Brazilian players hold individual World Cup records, including Ronaldo, who is the competitions alltime top scorer with 15 goals, and Cafu, who won the most games in the tournaments history (16) and is the
only person to have played in three Finals (1994, 1998 and 2002). The legendary Pele also set a host of records
in 1958, when he became the youngest scorer and the youngest player to net a hat-trick, as well as the
youngest finalist and scorer in a Final.
Team Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
33
Cameroon (CMR)
General Association Facts
1959
Year Host
participation
& Ranking
1962
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
1934
ITA
56
1938 FRA
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
1966* ENG
Confederation
FIFA World Ranking position
June 2014
Best ever FIFA World Ranking
position (year)
CAF
12
8 (5 2 1)
Team Manager
12 / 4
1970 MEX
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
Group stage
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
Quarter-finals
Valeri NEPOMNYASHCHI
(URS)
17 / 34
1994 USA
Group stage
1998 FRA
Group stage
11 caps
Francois OMAM-BIYIK
2002 JPN/KOR
Group stage
1982
20 (4 7 9)
Top Scorer
2006 GER
5 goals
Roger MILLA
2010 RSA
Group Stage
28
2014 BRA
Qualified
Quarter-finals 1990
34
CAMEROON (CMR)
FIFA World Cup Background
This is the seventh global showpiece to involve Cameroon, who have clocked up more World Cup finals
campaigns and matches (20) than any other African team.
Cameroon are the only African side to have been eliminated from the tournament without suffering a defeat.
This happened on their first World Cup foray in 1982, when they ground out three straight draws in the first
group stage against Peru (0-0), Poland (0-0) and Italy (1-1). Although the Indomitable Lions ended the round
equal on points with the eventual world champions, the fortunate Azzurri went through by virtue of having
scored two goals to Cameroons one.
Roger Milla is without doubt one of Africas most influential figures in the history of the World Cup. As well as
being his continents all-time leading marksman at the finals with five goals, the quick-footed striker is also the
oldest footballer to have appeared in the competition. Furthermore he holds the distinction of being the
tournaments oldest goalscorer, having found the net aged 42 years and 39 days against Russia in the 1994
contest.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
35
Chile (CHI)
General Association Facts
1895
Year Host
Participation
& Ranking
Team Manager
1913
1930 URU
Group stage
1934
Confederation
CONMEBOL
14
ITA
1938 FRA
1950 BRA
Group stage
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI*
16 (9 1 6)
1966 ENG
Group stage
29 / 25
1970 MEX
3-0 vs Venezuela
1974 FRG
Group stage
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
Group stage
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
1994 USA**
Suspended
1998 FRA
Round of 16
9 caps
Elias FIGUEROA
Leonel SANCHEZ
2002 JPN/KOR
2006 GER
4 goals
Marcelo SALAS
Leonel SANCHEZ
2010 RSA
Round of 16
2014 BRA
Qualified
6 (Apr 1998)
14
1930
29 (9 6 14)
34 / 45
Top Scorer
All-time FIFA World Cup Ranking
Best FIFA World Cup achievement
20
rd
3 place in 1962
36
CHILE (CHI)
FIFA World Cup Background
Chile are taking part in their ninth World Cup. La Roja also participated in the South Africa edition and this is the
second time they have contested back-to-back finals, following consecutive appearances in 1962 (as the host
country) and 1966.
Chiles best placing remains third spot in the 1962 edition on home soil. After losing their semi-final encounter
against the title holders and subsequent winners Brazil, the Chileans overcame Yugoslavia in the match for third
place.
The first penalty saved in the history of the FIFA World Cup was kicked by Chilean midfielder Carlos Vidal on 10
July 1930 and parried to safety by French keeper Alex Thepot.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
37
Colombia (COL)
General Association Facts
1924
Year Host
Participation
& Ranking
1936
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
1934 ITA
1938* FRA
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
Group stage
16 (9 3 4)
1966 ENG
27 / 13
1970 MEX
5-0 vs Bolivia
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
Round of 16
14 / 23
1994 USA
Group stage
2-0
vs UAE in 1990
vs Switzerland in 1994
1998 FRA
Group stage
2002 JPN/KOR
10 caps
Carlos VALDERRAMA
Freddy RINCON
2006 GER
2010 RSA
2014 BRA
Qualified
Confederation
CONMEBOL
8
3 (Jul/Aug 2013)
15
1962
13 (3 2 8)
Top Scorer
2 goals
Bernardo REDIN
Adolfo VALENCIA
38
Round of 16 in 1990
Team Manager
38
COLOMBIA (COL)
FIFA World Cup Background
Colombia are participating in their fifth World Cup after an absence of 16 years, having last appeared at France
1998.
In their only previous foray beyond the opening round in 1990, Los Cafeteros were eliminated after extra time by
Round of 16 opponents Cameroon.
In 1962 Colombia were involved in the joint-highest scoring draw in the World Cup history, a 4-4 stalemate
against Soviet Union, which equalled the record set by England-Belgium in 1954.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
39
1921
Year Host
Participation &
Ranking
1927
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
1934 ITA
1938* FRA
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
16 (8 4 4)
1966 ENG
27 / 12
1970 MEX
7-0 vs
Guyana16.10.2012
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
Round of 16
12 / 21
1994 USA
2-0
vs China PR in 2002
1998 FRA
2002 JPN/KOR
Group stage
2006 GER
Group stage
2010 RSA
2014 BRA
Qualified
Confederation
CONCACAF
28
17 (2003, 2004)
15
1990
10 (3 1 6)
40
Round of 16 in 1990
Team Manager
40
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
41
1960
Year Host
Participation
& Ranking
1964
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
1934
ITA
23
1938 FRA
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
8 (5 3 0)
1966 ENG
19 / 7
1970 MEX
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
Confederation
CAF
10
2006
6 (2 1 3)
Team Manager
9/9
1994 USA
3-0
vs Korea DPR in 2010
1998 FRA
2002 JPN/KOR
2006 GER
Group Stage
2010 RSA
Group Stage
2014 BRA
Qualified
Top Scorer
All-time FIFA World Cup
Ranking
Best FIFA World Cup
achievement
6 caps
Aruna DINDANE
Emmanuel EBOUE
Yaya TOURE
Didier ZAKORA
2 goals
Aruna DINDANE
Didier DROGBA
50
Group Stage in 2006 and 2010
Continental achievements
Continental Champions in 1992
Other FIFA mens tournaments (excl. Futsal, Beach Soccer)
FIFA Confederations Cup: 1992
Olympic Football Tournament: 2008
FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1977, 1983, 1991, 1997, 2003
FIFA U-17 World Cup: 1987, 2005, 2011, 2013
42
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
43
Croatia (CRO)
General Association Facts
1912
Year Host
Participation &
Ranking
Team Manager
1992
1998 FRA
Semi-finals (3rd)
Confederation
UEFA
2006 GER
Group stage
2010 RSA
2014 BRA
qualified
18
3 (1999)
14 / 9
2-0
vs Wales, Serbia and
Iceland
1998
13 (6 2 5)
15 / 11
3-0
vs Germany in 1998
11 caps
Dario SIMIC
6 goals
Davor Suker
27
3rd Place in 1998
44
CROATIA (CRO)
FIFA World Cup Background
Croatia make their return to the FIFA World CupTM finals after missing out on the last edition in 2010. Prior to
that, the Croats had qualified for three successive global showpieces from 1998 to 2006. During their maiden
campaign in France, the Vatreni became the first debutants to finish third since Portugal in 1966.
The top scorer at the 1998 tournament was Croatian. Davor Suker struck six times to top the goal chart ahead
of Gabriel Batistuta and Christian Vieri on five.
Croatia have contested 13 matches at the World Cup finals and have already faced five world champions. The
only former winners they have not played yet are England Spain and Uruguay.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
45
Ecuador (ECU)
General Association Facts
1925
Year Host
Participation
& Ranking
1926
1930 URU
1934
ITA
1938 FRA
1950* BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
16 (7 4 5)
1966 ENG
20 / 16
1970 MEX
4-1 vs Paraguay
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
7/8
1994 USA
3-0
vs Costa Rica 2006
1998 FRA
7 caps
Ulises DE LA CRUZ
Edison MENDEZ
2002 JPN/KOR
Group stage
2006 GER
Round of 16
3 goals
Agustin DELGADO
2010 RSA
2014 BRA
Qualified
Confederation
CONMEBOL
26
10 (Apr-Jun 2013)
14
2002
7 (3 0 4)
Top Scorer
All-time FWC Ranking
Best FWC achievement
Team Manager
42
Round of 16 in 2006
46
ECUADOR (ECU)
FIFA World Cup Background
Ecuador are participating in their third global showcase, having already appeared in the 2002 and 2006 editions.
La Tri got beyond the opening round in Germany before losing 1-0 to England in the Round of 16 following a
David Beckham goal.
Ecuadors World Cup track record stands at three wins and four defeats from seven matches played. That trio of
victories came in consecutive games, from the Ecuadorans last match at the 2002 edition (against Croatia) to
their first two in 2006 (against Poland and Costa Rica).
Despite having played relatively few games on footballs greatest stage, Ecuador managed to avoid conceding a
goal for 307 consecutive minutes thanks to their three victories spanning the 2002 and 2006 editions.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
47
England (ENG)
FIFA World Cup Team History
1863
Year Host
Participation
& Ranking
1905
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
Confederation
UEFA
1934
ITA
10
1938 FRA
3 (Aug-Sep 2012)
1950 BRA
Group stage
1954 SUI
Quarter-finals
1958 SWE
Group stage
1962 CHI
Quarter-finals
1966 ENG*
Champions
1970 MEX**
Quarter-finals
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
Second round
1986 MEX
Quarter-finals
15
10 (6-4-0)
31/4
8-0 vs San Marino
13
1950
59 (26-19-14)
Team Manager
th
1990 ITA
Semi-finals (4 )
77/52
1994 USA
3-0
vs Denmark in 2002
vs Paraguay in 1986
vs Poland in 1986
1998 FRA
Round of 16
2002 JPN/KOR
Quarter-finals
2006 GER
Quarter-finals
2010 RSA
Round of 16
2014 BRA
Qualified
17 caps
Peter SHILTON
10 goals
Gary LINEKER
*
**
Champions in 1966
Other FIFA mens tournaments (excl. Futsal, Beach Soccer)
FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1981, 1985, 1991, 1993, 1997, 1999,
2003, 2009, 2011, 2013
FIFA U-17 World Cup: 2007, 2011
48
ENGLAND (ENG)
FIFA World Cup Background
This will be Englands 14th World Cup and their fifth in a row, although their longest uninterrupted run of
appearances was six, between 1950 and 1970. The Three Lions won the title in 1966 on home turf and reached
the semi-finals in 1990, when they went on to finish fourth.
Of all of the winners of the World Cup, England made their tournament debut the latest, on 25 June 1950 at
the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, where they outfought Chile 2-0. The first of the Three Lions 77 goals
scored at the World Cup finals was netted in that match by Stan Mortensen.
Peter Shilton, along with French keeper Fabien Barthez, has kept more clean sheets than any other custodian in
the tournaments history. Englands most capped player did not concede a goal in ten of his 17 World Cup
appearances between 1982 and 1990.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
49
France (FRA)
FIFA World Cup Team History
1904
Year Host
Participation &
Ranking
Team Manager
1904
1930 URU
Group stage
Confederation
UEFA
1934 ITA
First stage
1938* FRA
Quarter-finals
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
Group stage
1958 SWE
Semi-finals (3rd)
1962 CHI
10 (6 2 2)
1966 ENG
Group stage
18 / 8
1970 MEX
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
Group stage
1982 ESP
Semi-finals (4th)
1986 MEX
Semi-finals (3rd)
1990 ITA
1994 USA
1998* FRA
Champions
2002** JPN/KOR
Group stage
2006 GER
Runners-up
17 caps
Fabien BARTHEZ
Thierry HENRY
2010 RSA
Group stage
2014 BRA
Qualified
17
1 (2001, 2002)
16
13
1930
54 (25 11 18)
96 / 68
7-3
vs Paraguay in 1958
Top Scorer
4-0
vs Northern Ireland in 1958
13 goals
Just FONTAINE
*
**
7
Continental achievements
Champions in 1998
European Champions in 1984, 2000
Other FIFA mens tournaments (excl. Futsal, Beach Soccer)
FIFA Confederation Cup: 2001, 2003
Olympic Football Tournament: 1908, 1920,
1924,1928,1948,1952,1960,1968, 1976, 1984, 1996
FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1977, 1997, 2001, 2011, 2013
FIFA U-17 World Cup: 1987, 2001, 2007, 2011
In bold: tournament champions
50
FRANCE (FRA)
FIFA World Cup Background
France are competing in their 14th World Cup finals. This is a fifth consecutive outing for Les Bleus, who
fluctuated between finalists and first-round flops in their last four participations. World champions at home in
1998 and runners-up in 2006, the French failed to get beyond the opening stage in 2002 and 2010.
France have made the title First time in World Cup history their own by scoring the competitions first goal
(Lucien Laurent netted in the 19th minute in their 4-1 win over Mexico on 13th July 1930), saving the first
penalty (Alex Thepot against Chile on 19 July 1930), scoring the first penalty in extra time (Georges Verriest in
the 116th minute against Austria in 1934), scoring the first penalty in a penalty shoot-out (Alain Giresse in the
1982 semi-final against Germany FR), saving the first penalty in a penalty shoot-out (Jean-Luc Ettori, also in the
1982 semi-final) and, finally, scoring the first golden goal through Laurent Blanc in 1998s Round of 16 match
against Paraguay.
Just Fontaine holds the record for the most goals bagged by a player in a single edition of the tournament,
having struck 13 in 1958.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
51
Germany (GER)
General Association Facts
1900
Year Host
Participation
& Ranking
1904
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
Confederation
UEFA
1934 ITA
1938 FRA
First round
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
Champions
1958 SWE**
1962 CHI
Quarter-finals
10 (9 1 0)
1966 ENG
Runners-up
36 / 10
1970 MEX
1974 FRG*
Champions
1978 ARG**
Second round
1982 ESP
Runners-up
1986 MEX
Runners-up
1990 ITA
Champions
1994 USA**
Quarter-finals
1998 FRA
Quarter-finals
2002 JPN/KOR
Runners-up
2006 GER*
2010 RSA
2014 BRA
Qualified
1 (1993/1994)
13
17
1934
99 (60 19 20)
206 / 117
8-0
vs Saudi Arabia in 2002
25 caps
Lothar MATTHAEUS
14 goals
Miroslav KLOSE
2
Champions in 1954, 1974, 1990
Team Manager
52
GERMANY (GER)
FIFA World Cup Background
Germany are participating in their 18th global showpiece and have attended every finals since missing out on
Brazil 1950. Germany lie third in the all-time title ranking with three World Cup triumphs, behind only Brazil on
five and Italy on four, and have played the most Finals (seven) along with Brazil. Die Nationalelf also boast the
most top-four finishes, no fewer than 12, which is two more than Brazil.
The all-time player and coach appearance records are both held by Germans, namely Lothar Matthaeus and
Helmut Schoen respectively, who each contested 25 World Cup games. Their compatriot Uwe Seeler holds
another honour, albeit one that he shares with Pele, for having scored in four different editions.
The opening match in Brazil will be the 100th World Cup game played by Germany, who are the first team to
reach this milestone.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
53
Ghana (GHA)
General Association Facts
1957
Year Host
participation
& Ranking
1958
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
1934
ITA
37
1938 FRA
14 (2008)
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
8 (6 0 - 2)
1966 ENG
25/6
1970 MEX
7-0 vs Lesotho
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
9/10
1994 USA
2-0
vs Czech Republic in 2006
1998 FRA
2002 JPN/KOR
2006 GER
Round of 16
2010 RSA
Quarter-finals
2014 BRA
Qualified
Confederation
CAF
12
2006
Matches
(win/ draw / loss)
9 (4-2-3)
Top Scorer
All-time FIFA World Cup
Ranking
Best FIFA World Cup
achievement
9 Caps
Richard KINGSON
John PANTSIL
4 goals
Asamoah GYAN
Team Manager
34
Quarter-finals in 2010
54
GHANA (GHA)
FIFA World Cup Background
Ghana are competing in their third consecutive global showpiece. They got beyond the opening round in both
the 2006 and 2010 finals, eventually going out in the Round of 16 against Brazil in Germany and at the quarterfinal stage in South Africa, after losing to Uruguay on penalties.
In 2010 Ghana became the third African team to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, following
Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal in 2002.
Asamoah Gyan was the first player to miss two penalties in the World Cup. In 2006 he struck the post against
Czech Republic, although Ghana went on to win 2-0. In the 2010 quarter-finals against Uruguay, Gyan hit the
crossbar in the last minute of extra time. If the Ghanaian striker had converted that spot-kick, his team would
have become the first African side to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Instead, the Black Stars went on to be
eliminated in the subsequent shoot-out. Despite those penalty misses, Gyan scored in both matches.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
55
Greece (GRE)
FIFA World Cup Team History
1926
Year Host
Participation
& Ranking
1927
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
Confederation
UEFA
1934* ITA
12
1938 FRA
8 (2008, 2011)
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
12 (9 2 1)
1966 ENG
16 / 6
1970 MEX
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
1994 USA
Group stage
1998 FRA
2002 JPN/KOR
2006 GER
2010 RSA
Group stage
1 goal
Dimitrious SALPINGIDIS
Vasileios TOROSIDIS
2014 BRA
Qualified
18
2-0
vs Lithuania
vs Liechtenstein
3-1
vs Romania
Team Manager
1994
6 (1 0 5)
2 / 15
2-1
vs Nigeria in 2010
61
Group stage 1994, 2010
56
GREECE (GRE)
FIFA World Cup Background
This will be Greeces third World Cup finals campaign and their second in a row. The Greeks made their
tournament bow in 1994. In both of their previous outings, To Piratiko were eliminated in the opening round.
None of Greeces six previous finals matches ended drawn, producing one victory and five defeats for the
Hellenics.
The Greeks earned their only World Cup win during the most recent edition in South Africa. On 17 June 2010 in
Mangaung/Bloemfontein they came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1. That was also the only one of Greeces six
World Cup games in which they scored. The historic maiden goal was netted by Dimitrios Salpingidis.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
57
Honduras (HON)
General Association Facts
1951
Year Host
Participation
& Ranking
1946
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
1934
ITA
33
1938 FRA
20 (Sept 2001)
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
16 (7 5 4)
1966 ENG
25 / 15
1970 MEX
8-1
vs Canada
1974 FRG
1978* ARG
1982 ESP
Group stage
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
2/6
1994 USA
1998 FRA
2002 JPN/KOR
1 goal
Eduardo LAING
Hector ZELAYA
2006 GER
2010 RSA
Group stage
59
2014 BRA
Qualified
Confederation
CONCACAF
13
1982
6 (0 3 3)
Team Manager
58
HONDURAS (HON)
FIFA World Cup Background
Honduras are participating in their third global showcase and the second in a row. A 28-year interval separated
the Hondurans first two World Cup campaigns, at Spain 1982 and South Africa 2010. Los Catrachos squared up
to Spain in both of those editions, conceding a penalty equaliser in a 1-1 draw in 1982 before losing 2-0 to the
eventual world champions in 2010.
Honduras are yet to win a World Cup match. In six games played, the Central Americans have collected three
draws and three defeats, besides having failed to score in their last four fixtures.
In 2010 Honduras set an unusual World Cup record by naming three brothers in their 23-man squad. Jerry,
Johnny and Wilson Palacios were all involved in the South Africa showpiece, although the youngest brother
Johnny didnt get any playing time.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
59
Iran (IRN)
FIFA World Cup Team History
1920
Year Host
Participation
Team Manager
& Ranking
1948
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
1934
ITA
43
1938 FRA
15 (Jul/Aug 2005)
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
16 (10 4 2)
1966 ENG
30 / 7
1970 MEX
6-0 vs Bahrain
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
Group stage
1982* ESP
1978
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
6 / 18
1994 USA
2-1
vs USA in 1998
1998 FRA
Group stage
Confederation
AFC
9 (1 2 6)
6 caps
Mehdi MAHDAVIKIA
2006 GER
Group stage
Top Scorer
2010 RSA
53
2014 BRA
Qualified
60
IRAN (IRN)
FIFA World Cup Background
Iran are participating in their fourth finals after the 1978, 1998 and 2006 editions. In each of their previous three
outings, Team Melli failed to make it past the opening round.
Irans only victory in nine matches was a 2-1 win over USA in 1998 in Lyon, courtesy of goals from Hamid Estili
and Mehdi Mahdavikia.
Iran made their World Cup debut at the 1978 edition and earned their first point with a 1-1 draw against
Scotland. During that encounter, Iraj Danayfar scored Team Mellis historic first goal in the competition.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
61
Italy (ITA)
FIFA World Cup Team History
1898
Year Host
Participation &
Ranking
1905
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
Confederation
UEFA
1934 ITA
Champions
1938** FRA
Champions
1 (1993, 2007)
1950** BRA
Group stage
1954 SUI
Group stage
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
Group stage
10 (6-4-0)
1966 ENG
Group stage
19/9
1970 MEX
Runners-up
1974 FRG
Group stage
15
Team Manager
1978 ARG
Semi-finals (4 )
1982 ESP
Champions
1986** MEX
Round of 16
80 (44-21-15)
1990* ITA
Semi-finals (3rd)
126 / 74
1994 USA
Runners-up
7-1
vs USA in 1934
1998 FRA
Quarter-finals
23 caps
Paolo MALDINI
2002 JPN/KOR
Round of 16
2006 GER
Champions
2010 RSA
Group stage
2014 BRA
Qualified
17
Top Scorer
All-time FIFA World Cup
Ranking
Best FIFA World Cup
achievement
1934
9 goals
Roberto BAGGIO
Paolo ROSSI
Christian VIERI
3
Champions 1934, 1938, 1982,
2006
62
ITALY (ITA)
FIFA World Cup Background
This will be Italys 18th global finals and their 14th in a row since 1962. The four-time world champions are
second only to Brazil in terms of titles won and have played out the most draws (21) and extra-time matches (11)
in World Cup history.
All four of Italys Trophy wins have come on the Old Continent, on home soil in 1934, in France in 1938, Spain
in 1982 and Germany in 2006. Italy were the first world champions to defend their crown, notching consecutive
titles in 1934 and 1938, as well as the first defending champions to suffer the ignominy of a first-round exit
(1950).
On 11 July 1982 in Madrid, Dino Zoff became the oldest player to compete in a World Cup Final at the ripe old
age of 40 years and 133 days.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
63
Japan (JPN)
FIFA World Cup Team History
1921
Year Host
Participation &
Ranking
1929
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
AFC
1934 ITA
46
1938 FRA
9 (Feb/Mar1998)
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
14 (8 3 3)
1966 ENG
30 / 8
1970 MEX
8-0 vs Tajikistan
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
Confederation
FIFA World Ranking position
June 2014
Best ever FIFA World Ranking
position (month/year)
Preliminary competition facts
Preliminary competitions
13
1998
14 (4 3 7)
Team Manager
12 / 16
1994 USA
2-0
vs Tunisia in 2002
3-1
vs Denmark in 2010
1998 FRA
Group stage
2002* JPN/KOR
Round of 16
2006 GER
Group stage
ZICO (BRA)
2010 RSA
Round of 16
2014 BRA
Qualified
Top Scorer
10 caps
Hidetoshi NAKATA
2 goals
Keisuke HONDA
Junichi INAMOTO
32
64
JAPAN (JPN)
FIFA World Cup Background
In two of their four previous participations, in 2002 and 2010, Japan managed to get beyond the opening round
only to be eliminated in the Round of 16 each time. The Samurai Blue were edged out 1-0 by Turkey in the
Korea/Japan edition, before going out on penalties against Paraguay at the last finals in South Africa.
The only Asian goalkeepers to have saved a penalty in the finals of the World Cup are both Japanese. Yoshikatsu
Kawaguchi kept out a Darijo Srna spot-kick in 2006, whereas Eiji Kawashima parried an effort by Jon Dahl
Tomasson in 2010 (but couldnt prevent the Dane from scoring the rebound).
During the 3-1 group-match victory over Denmark in 2010, Japan managed to score three goals in a FIFA World
Cup game for the first and only time to date.
Team Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
65
1933
Year Host
Participation &
Ranking
1948
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
AFC
1934 ITA
57
1938 FRA
17 (Dec 1998)
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
Group stage
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
1966** ENG
Confederation
FIFA World Ranking position
June 2014
Best ever FIFA World Ranking
position (month/year)
Preliminary competition facts
Preliminary competitions
13
14 (8 3 3)
Team Manager
27 / 11
1970 MEX
6-0 vs Lebanon
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
Group stage
1990 ITA
Group stage
1994 USA
Group stage
1998 FRA
Group stage
2002* JPN/KOR
Semi-finals (4th)
2006 GER
Group stage
2010 RSA
Round of 16
2014 BRA
Qualified
1954
28 (5 8 15)
28 / 61
2-0
vs Poland in 2002
vs Greece in 2010
16 caps
HONG Myung Bo
Top Scorer
All-time FIFA World Cup
Ranking
Best FIFA World Cup
achievement
3 goals
AHN Jung Hwan
PARK Ji Sung
26
th
4 in 2002
*
Qualified automatically as co-host
**
withdrew from the preliminary competition without
playing a single match
Continental achievements
Asian Champions in 1956, 1960
Other FIFA mens tournaments (excl. Futsal, Beach Soccer)
FIFA Confederations Cup: 2001
Olympic Football Tournament: 1948, 1964, 1988, 1992, 1996,
2000, 2004, 2008, 2012
FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1979, 1981, 1983, 1991, 1993, 1997, 1999,
2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013
FIFA U-17 World Cup: 1987, 2003, 2007, 2009
66
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
67
Mexico (MEX)
FIFA World Cup Team History
1927
Year Host
Participation &
Ranking
Team Manager
1929
1930 URU
Group Stage
1934
Confederation
FIFA World Ranking position
June 2014
Best ever FIFA World Ranking
position (year)
CONCACAF
20
1938 FRA
1950 BRA
Group stage
1954 SUI
Group Stage
1958 SWE
Group Stage
1962 CHI
Group stage
1966 ENG
Group stage
1970 MEX*
Quarter-finals
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
Group stage
1982 ESP
1986 MEX*
Quarter-finals
1990 ITA
Disqualified
52 / 89
1994 USA
Round of 16
4-0
vs El Salvador in 1970
12 caps
Rafael MARQUEZ
4 goals
Luis HERNANDEZ
1998 FRA
Round of 16
2002 JPN/KOR
Round of 16
2006 GER
Round of 16
2010 RSA
Round of 16
2014 BRA
Qualified
15
18 (10 5 3)
31 / 14
5-0
vs Guyana
14
1930
49 (12 / 13 / 24)
ITA
14
Quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986
68
MEXICO (MEX)
FIFA World Cup Background
Only four teamsBrazil, Germany, Italy and Argentinahave taken part in more World Cups than Mexico. This
will be the Mexicans 15th outing and their sixth in a row.
Besides Brazil, who have appeared in every edition, Mexico are set to become the only team to have played in all
five of the World Cups held in South America, namely Uruguay 1930, Brazil 1950, Chile 1962, Argentina 1978
and now Brazil 2014.
In each of their last five finals appearances, Mexico were eliminated in the Round of 16. El Tri lost to Bulgaria on
penalties in 1994, Germany in 1998, USA in 2002 and Argentina after extra time in both the 2006 and 2010
editions.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
69
Netherlands (NED)
FIFA World Cup Team History
1889
Year Host
Participation &
Ranking
1904
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
Confederation
UEFA
1934 ITA
First round
15
1938 FRA
First round
1 (Aug 2011)
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
10 (9 1 0)
1966 ENG
34 / 5
1970 MEX
8-1 vs Hungary
1974 FRG
Runners-up
1978 ARG
Runners-up
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
Round of 16
1994 USA
Quarter-finals
1998 FRA
Semi-finals (4th)
2002 JPN/KOR
2006 GER
Round of 16
2010 RSA
Runners-up
2014 BRA
Qualified
17
1934
43 (22 10 11)
Top Scorer
All-time FIFA World Cup
Ranking
Best FIFA World Cup
achievement
71 / 44
5-0
vs Korea Republic in 1998
14 caps
Ruud KROL
Wim JANSEN
Johnny REP
7 goals
Johnny REP
8
Team Manager
70
NETHERLANDS (NED)
FIFA World Cup Background
The Netherlands are contesting their third consecutive World Cup finals and the tenth overall.
The Oranje hold the record for playing in the most Finals without winning, having finished runners-up in 1974,
1978 and 2010. They lost the 1974 and 1978 deciders against the host team and were taken into extra time in
1978 and 2010.
The 1000th goal in the history of the World Cup finals was a penalty dispatched by Oranje striker Rob
Rensenbrink, 34 minutes into the showdown with Scotland on 11 June 1978.
On the four occasions that the Netherlands have played extra time in this competition, they have failed to score.
At the 1938 event, their first-round encounter with Czechoslovakia ended 0-0 after 90 minutes and 3-0 to the
eastern Europeans after 120 minutes. In the 1978 Final the Oranje battled to a 1-1 draw with Argentina, before
conceding two goals to the hosts in extra time. In the 1998 semi-final against Brazil, the sides remained
deadlocked at 1-1 throughout the additional half-hour before A Seleo prevailed on penalties. Finally against
Spain in the 2010 decider, the teams remained goalless after normal time, before the Dutch lost 1-0 following
an Andres Iniesta goal on 116 minutes.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
71
Nigeria (NGA)
General Association Facts
1945
Year Host
Participation
& Ranking
1960
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
1934
ITA
44
1938 FRA
5 (April 1994)
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
1966* ENG
Confederation
CAF
13
8 (5 3 0)
Team Manager
11 / 4
1970 MEX
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
1994
14 (4 2 8)
17 / 21
1994 USA
Round of 16
3-0
vs Bulgaria in 1994
1998 FRA
Round of 16
2002 JPN/KOR
Group stage
2006 GER
2010 RSA
Group stage
2014 BRA
Qualified
Top Scorer
9 caps
Jay Jay OKOCHA
2 goals
Daniel AMOKACHI
Emmanuel AMUNIKE
Kalu UCHE
37
Round of 16 in 1994 and 1998
72
NIGERIA (NGA)
FIFA World Cup Background
This is Nigerias fifth participation in the World Cup. The only edition the Super Eagles missed out in since 1994
was Germany 2006.
The west Africans have notched all four of their wins in the World Cup against European sides, namely Bulgaria
(3-0 in 1994 and 1-0 in 1998), Greece (2-0 in 1994) and Spain (3-2 in 1998).
Nigeria got beyond the opening round in both of their first two participations, exiting in the Round of 16 against
Italy in 1994 and Denmark in 1998, but suffered opening-round eliminations in their last two outings, in 2002
and 2010. The Nigerians last victory in the World Cup dates back to 19 June 1998, when they edged Bulgaria 10. Since then the Super Eagles have failed to win in eight games and mustered just two draws, 0-0 against
England in 2002 and 2-2 with Korea Republic in 2010.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
73
Portugal (POR)
FIFA World Cup Team History
1914
Year Host
Participation &
Ranking
1923
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
Confederation
UEFA
1934 ITA
1938 FRA
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
12 (8-3-1)
1966 ENG
Semi-finals (3rd)
24/11
1970 MEX
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
Group stage
1990 ITA
1994 USA
1998 FRA
2002 JPN/KOR
Group Stage
2006 GER
Semi-finals (4th)
2010 RSA
Round of 16
2014 BRA
Qualified
19
3-0
vs Luxembourg
vs Azerbaijan
Team Manager
23 (12-3-8)
39/22
7-0
vs Korea DPR in 2010
11 Caps
SIMAO
Top Scorer
9 goals
EUSEBIO
1966
18
3rd in 1966
74
PORTUGAL (POR)
FIFA World Cup Background
This is Portugals fourth consecutive outing in the World Cup finals and their sixth overall. The Lusitanians
achieved their best placing in their debut participation back in 1966, when they finished third. In 2006 they
reached the semi-finals before ending in fourth spot.
Portugal are one of just two teams that have won a World Cup match from three goals down. Just 25 minutes
into the quarter-final on 23 July 1966, Portugal were already three goals behind against Korea DPR, but
managed to turn the tables and triumph 5-3. The only other team to have performed this feat are Austria, who
trailed Switzerland 3-0 after 23 minutes of the 1954 quarter-final before battling back to win 7-5.
In 2010 Portugal achieved their most emphatic World Cup win to date, beating Korea DPR 7-0. During that
victorythe seventh biggest in the tournaments historysix Portuguese players were on target, namely Raul
Meireles, Simao, Hugo Almeida, Tiago (twice), Liedson and Cristiano Ronaldo. The record is held by Yugoslavia,
who netted through seven different players in their 9-0 win over Zaire in 1974.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
75
Russia (RUS)
FIFA World Cup Team History
1912
Year Host
Participation
Team Manager
& Ranking
1912
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
Confederation
UEFA
1934
ITA
19
1938 FRA
3 (1996)
1950 BRA
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
Quarter-finals
1962 CHI
Quarter-finals
10 (7 1 2)
1966 ENG
Semi-finals (4th)
20 / 5
1970 MEX
Quarter-finals
1974 FRG
Disqualified
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
Second Round
1986 MEX
Round of 16
1990 ITA
Group Stage
1994 USA
Group Stage
1998 FRA
15
4-0
vs Luxembourg
vs Israel
1958
37 (17 6 14)
64 / 44
6-0
vs Hungary in 1986
13 caps
Lev YASHIN
6 goals
Oleg SALENKO
12
2010 RSA
2014 BRA
Qualified
th
4 in 1966
1958-1990 Soviet Union (URS)
Continental achievements
European Champions in 1960
Other FIFA mens tournaments (excl. Futsal, Beach Soccer)
Olympic Football Tournament: 1912, 1952, 1956, 1972, 1976,
1980, 1988
FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1977, 1979, 1983, 1985, 1989, 1991,
1993, 1995
FIFA U-17 World Cup: 1987, 2013
In bold: tournament champion
76
RUSSIA (RUS)
FIFA World Cup Background
Russia will be taking part in their tenth World Cup, including participations as Soviet Union. Their last
appearance was in 2002, when they were eliminated in the group round. The Russians failed to get beyond the
opening stage during their last three World Cup outings, in 1990, 1994 and 2002. Their best tournament was in
1966 when Soviet Union finished fourth, having lost to Germany in the semi-finals and Portugal in the match for
third place.
At the 1970 edition, substitutions were allowed for the first time and the use of yellow and red cards was
introduced. The then Soviet Union were the first team to receive a yellow card, when Kakhi Asatiani was
cautioned against Mexico, as well as the first to make a substitution, when Anatoli Puzach replaced Viktor
Serebryanikov at half-time in the same match.
The record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup finals match belongs to Russias Oleg Salenko, who
fired in five during the 6-1 win over Cameroon in 1994.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
77
Spain (ESP)
General Association Facts
1913
Year Host
Participation
& Ranking
1904
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
Confederation
UEFA
1934
Quarter-Finals
1950 BRA
Semi-finals (4th)
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
Group stage
8 (6 2 0)
1966 ENG
Group stage
14 / 3
1970 MEX
4-0
vs Belarus
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
Group stage
13
1982* ESP
Second round
1934
1986 MEX
Quarter-Finals
1990 ITA
Round of 16
88 / 59
1994 USA
Quarter-finals
1998 FRA
Group stage
2002 JPN/KOR
Quarter-finals
2006 GER
Round of 16
2010 RSA
Champions
2014 BRA
Qualified
Preliminary participations
17
56 (28 12 16)
16 caps
Andoni ZUBIZARRETA
8 goals
David VILLA
1938 FRA
1
1 (2008/2009/2010/2011
2012/2013/2014)
ITA
Team Manager
6
Champions in 2010
Continental achievements
European Champions in 1964, 2008, 2012
Other FIFA mens tournaments (excl. Futsal, Beach Soccer)
Olympic Football Tournament: 1920, 1924, 1928, 1968, 1976,
1980, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2012
FIFA Confederations Cup: 2009, 2013
FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1977, 1979, 1981, 1985, 1989, 1991,
1995, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013
FIFA U-17 World Cup: 1991, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003,
2007, 2009
In bold: tournament champions
78
SPAIN (ESP)
FIFA World Cup Background
Spain are taking part in their 14th World Cup and the tenth in a row since 1978. La Roja earned their first world
title at South Africa 2010, following a previous best finish of fourth at the 1950 edition in Brazil.
Iker Casillas is one of three goalkeepers who have saved two penalties in normal or extra time in the FIFA World
Cup. However, in contrast to Polands Jan Tomaszewski in 1974 and United States Brad Friedel in 2002, Casillas
did it in two different editions, against Republic of Ireland in 2002 and Paraguay in 2010. At the South Africa
finals, the Spanish stopper also won the adidas Golden Glove as the tournaments top keeper.
Of the nine players who have represented two different nations in the history of the World Cup, the most
famous was undoubtedly legendary striker Ferenc Puskas. The man nicknamed the Galloping Major played in
Spains colours at Chile 1962, eight years after being a runner-up with Hungary.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
79
Switzerland (SUI)
General Association Facts
1895
Year Host
Participation
& Ranking
1904
1930 URU
No preliminary competition
Confederation
UEFA
1934
ITA
Quarter-finals
1938 FRA
Quarter-finals
3 (Aug 1993)
1950 BRA
Group stage
1954* SUI
Quarter-finals
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
Group stage
10 (7 3 0)
1966 ENG
Group stage
17 / 6
1970 MEX
2-0
vs Albania, Iceland, Norway &
Slovenia
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
1994 USA
Round of 16
1998 FRA
2002 JPN/KOR
2006 GER
Round of 16
2010 RSA
Group stage
2014 BRA
Qualified
18
Team Manager
1934
29 (9-6-14)
38/52
4-1
vs Romania in 1994
vs Italy in 1954
8 caps
Kiki ANTENEN
6 goals
Sepp HUEGI
21
Quarter-finals in 1934, 1938, 1954
80
SWITZERLAND (SUI)
FIFA World Cup Background
This is Switzerlands third consecutive participation and their tenth overall. The Helvetians achieved their best
placing in 1934, 1938 and 1954 when they reached the quarter-finals.
After failing to keep a clean sheet in their first 22 games played in footballs showpiece event, Switzerland
conceded no goals in their four matches at Germany 2006, thus becoming the first team to be eliminated from
the World Cup without letting in a goal. Having reached the Round of 16 with three shutouts from their three
group matches, Switzerland were ousted on penalties by Ukraine following a 0-0 stalemate. That 3-0 spot-kick
defeat by Ukraine in 2006 was also the first time that a team had failed to score in a penalty shoot-out in the
history of the World Cup.
During the 2010 event, Switzerland were the only team to defeat the eventual world champions Spain, having
edged the Iberians 1-0 in the opening group game. The Swiss subsequently lost their second match 1-0 to Chile
following a 75th-minute winner from Mark Gonzalez. It was the first goal that Switzerland had conceded for
559 minutes of play, a tournament record that topped the 550-minute run of invincibility previously achieved by
Italy.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
81
Uruguay (URU)
General Association Facts
1900
Year Host
Participation
& ranking
Team Manager
1923
1930 URU*
Champions
1934
ITA
1938 FRA
2 (Jun 2012)
1950 BRA
Champions
1954 SUI**
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
Group stage
1966 ENG
Quarter-finals
30 / 25
1970 MEX
5-0
vs Jordan
1974 FRG
Group stage
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
Round of 16
1990 ITA
Round of 16
Confederation
CONMEBOL
15
18 (8 5 5)
11
1930
Matches
(win / draw / loss)
47 (18 12 17)
76 / 65
1994 USA
8-0
vs Bolivia in 1950
13 caps
Ladislao MAZURKIEWICZ
8 goals
Oscar MIGUEZ
1998 FRA
9
Champions in 1930 & 1950
2006 GER
2010 RSA
2014 BRA
Qualified
*
**
Continental achievements
South American Champions in 1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924,
1926, 1935, 1942, 1956, 1959, 1967, 1983, 1987, 1995, 2011
Other FIFA mens tournaments (excl. Futsal, Beach Soccer)
FIFA Confederations Cup: 1997, 2013
FIFA U-20 World Cup:1977, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1991, 1993,
1997, 1999, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013
FIFA U-17 World Cup: 1991, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013
Olympic Football Tournaments: 1924, 1928, 2012
In bold: tournament champions
82
URUGUAY (URU)
FIFA World Cup Background
Uruguay won ten of their first 11 matches played in world football's premier competition, during the 1930 and
1950 editions when they finished both campaigns as world champions. The South Americans then declined to
take part in the Italy 1934 and France 1938 events.
At the 2010 global showpiece Diego Forlan scored five goals to become the first Uruguayan to finish a FIFA
World Cup as tournament top scorer, albeit alongside Spains David Villa, Germanys Thomas Mueller and
Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands.
The last time Uruguay defeated European opponents in the World Cup was way back in 1970, when they edged
out Soviet Union 1-0 after extra time in the quarter-finals. Since then La Celeste have recorded six draws and
nine defeats against UEFA teams.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
83
USA (USA)
FIFA World Cup Team History
1913
Year Host
Participation &
ranking
Team Manager
1914
1930 URU
Semi-finals (3rd)
CONCACAF
1934 ITA
First round
13
1938 FRA
4 (Apr 2006)
1950 BRA
Group stage
1954 SUI
1958 SWE
1962 CHI
16 (11-2-3)
1966 ENG
26/14
1970 MEX
1974 FRG
1978 ARG
1982 ESP
1986 MEX
1990 ITA
Group stage
1994* USA
Round of 16
1998 FRA
Group stage
2002 JPN/KOR
Quarter-finals
2006 GER
Group stage
2010 RSA
Round of 16
2014 BRA
Qualified
Confederation
FIFA World Ranking position
June 2014
Best ever FIFA World Ranking
position (year)
Preliminary competition facts
Preliminary competitions
17
1930
29 (7-5-17)
32/56
3-0
vs Belgium in 1930
vs Paraguay in 1930
12 caps
Landon DONOVAN
5 goals
Landon DONOVAN
25
Semi-finals in 1930
*
Continental achievements
Continental Champions in 1991, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013
Other FIFA mens tournaments (excl. Futsal, Beach Soccer)
Olympic Football Tournament: 1924, 1928, 1936, 1948, 1952,
1956, 1972, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2008
FIFA Confederations Cup: 1992, 1999, 2003, 2009
FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1981, 1983, 1987, 1989, 1993, 1997, 1999,
2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2013
FIFA U-17 World Cup: 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997,
1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011
84
USA (USA)
FIFA World Cup Background
This will be USAs tenth foray in the World Cup finals and their seventh in a row since 1990. The Americans
achieved their best performance at the 1930 edition, when they reached the semi-finals. More recently in 2002,
they qualified for the quarter-finals.
The first hat-trick in World Cup history was scored by an American player, Bert Patenaude, who struck all three
goals in the victory over Paraguay in 1930.
USAs most prestigious victory, also because it was one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, was a 1-0
win over England in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, in 1950. The winning goal was scored by Joe Gaetjens.
Player Kit
Goalkeeper Kit
85
13
Belgium
11
11 15 13
14
Chile
15
Switzerland
16
USA
17
Korea Republic
18
Croatia
19
Cameroon
20
Japan
21
Ghana
22
Nigeria
23
Colombia
24
Costa Rica
25
Ecuador
26
Australia
27
Algeria
28
Cote d Ivoire
29
Iran
30
Honduras
31
Greece
2010
South Africa
14
Portugal
2006
Mexico
12
Germany
11
2002
Korea/Japan
Russia
1998
10
France
11
1994
Uruguay
USA
1990
Italy
13
Netherlands
1986
France
Mexico
1982
13
Spain
Spain
1978
Argentina
13
1974
England
Germany FR
1970
15
Mexico
17
Argentina
1966
Italy
England
1962
17
Chile
Germany
1958
Sweden
1938
14 3
1954
France
1934
Switzerland
Italy
1930
19
1950
Uruguay
Brazil
Brazil
Participations
11
10
12
15
26
11
10
18
13
10
12
10
17
12
28
29
15
11
Team
10
8
5
7
10
9
6
13
10
11
13
10
14
11
13
2
13
12
13
12
16
11
12
13
7
16
9
7
16
13
16
16
10
17
26
18
13
10
11
11
11
22
13
19
11
15
14
21
11
14
16
10
15
10
16
22
17
10
16
3
12
16
20
17
14
10
19
23
14
32
25
12
22
20
30
17
15
23
22
22
25
20
31
14
12
19
21
13
14
31
28
13
27
27
19
31
24
12
16
13
22
21
28
19
14
20
18
17
25
30
24
25
19
Bosnia and Herzegovina are newcomers to the FIFA World Cup 2014
86
All-time Ranking
Rank
Conf
Team
MP
GF
GA
Pts.
Avg. Pts.
Part.
Brazil
97
67
15
15
Germany
99
60
19
20
210
88
216
2.23
19
206
117
199
2.01
17
Italy
80
44
21
Argentina
70
37
13
15
126
74
153
1.91
17
20
123
80
124
1.77
15
England
59
26
Spain
56
28
19
14
77
52
97
1.64
13
12
16
88
59
96
1.71
France
54
13
25
11
18
96
68
86
1.59
13
Netherlands
Uruguay
43
22
10
11
71
44
76
1.77
47
18
12
17
76
65
66
1.4
11
10
11
Sweden
46
16
13
17
74
69
61
1.33
11
Serbia
43
17
18
64
59
59
1.37
12
11
Russia
37
17
14
64
44
57
1.54
13
Poland
31
15
11
44
40
50
1.61
14
Mexico
49
12
13
24
52
89
49
14
15
Hungary
32
15
14
87
57
48
1.5
16
Czech Republic
33
12
16
47
49
41
1.24
17
Austria
29
12
13
43
47
40
1.38
18
Portugal
23
12
39
22
39
1.7
19
Belgium
36
10
17
46
63
39
1.08
11
20
Chile
29
14
34
45
33
1.14
21
Switzerland
29
14
38
52
33
1.14
22
Paraguay
27
10
10
30
38
31
1.15
23
Romania
21
30
32
29
1.38
24
Denmark
16
27
24
26
1.62
25
USA
29
17
32
56
26
0.9
26
Korea Republic
28
15
28
61
23
0.82
27
Croatia
13
15
11
20
1.54
28
Cameroon
20
17
34
19
0.95
29
Scotland
23
12
25
41
19
0.83
30
Bulgaria
26
15
22
53
17
0.65
31
Turkey
10
20
17
16
1.6
32
Japan
14
12
16
15
1.07
33
Peru
15
19
31
15
34
Ghana
10
14
1.56
35
Republic of Ireland
13
10
10
14
1.08
36
Northern Ireland
13
13
23
14
1.08
37
Nigeria
14
17
21
14
38
Colombia
13
14
23
11
0.85
39
South Africa
11
16
10
1.11
40
Costa Rica
10
12
21
10
41
Morocco
13
12
18
10
0.77
42
Ecuador
1.29
43
Norway
1.12
44
Australia
10
17
0.9
87
Rank
Conf
Team
MP
GF
GA
Pts.
Avg. Pts.
Part.
45
Senegal
1.6
46
47
German DR
1.33
Algeria
12
0.89
48
Saudi Arabia
13
32
0.62
49
Ukraine
1.4
50
Cote d Ivoire
1.17
51
Tunisia
12
17
0.58
52
Wales
1.2
53
Iran
18
0.56
54
Cuba
12
1.33
55
Slovakia
56
Slovenia
10
0.67
57
Korea DPR
21
0.57
58
Jamaica
59
Honduras
0.5
60
New Zealand
14
0.5
61
Greece
15
0.5
62
Angola
0.67
63
Israel
0.67
64
Egypt
0.5
65
Kuwait
0.33
66
0.33
67
Bolivia
20
0.17
68
Indonesia
69
Iraq
70
Togo
71
Canada
72
11
73
China PR
74
Haiti
14
75
Congo DR
14
76
El Salvador
22
772
2208
MP
W
D
L
GF
GA
Pts.
Matches played
Wins
Draws
Losses
Goals for
Goals against
Points
2.86
Confederation
UEFA
CONMEBOL
CONCACAF
AFC
CAF
OFC
88
Graphics
FIFA World Cup matches played by the participating teams
Bosnia and Herzegovina are debutants at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
89
Average goals scored per match at the FIFA World Cup by the participating teams
Bosnia and Herzegovina are debutants at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
90