ESPNsoccernet - World Cup History Index

Brazil lifted their fifth Cup in Japan four years ago. (ShaunBotterill/GettyImages)

How the World Cup was won

Soccernet has your definitive tournament-by-tournament guide, starting at the dawn of the world's greatest sporting event:

1930 | 1934 | 1938 | 1950 | 1954 | 1958 | 1962 | 1966 | 1970
1974 | 1978 | 1982 | 1986 | 1990 | 1994 | 1998 | 2002

RELIVING THE DREAMS

France united behind their team of all the talents as expected champions Brazil collapsed amid rumours about their star man.

A balmy Italian affair with plenty of memories but low in footballing spectacle, John Brewin casts his mind back to Italia '90.

Dominic Raynor explores England's checkered World Cup history.....after they finally decided to join in FIFA's tournament

THE LAST TIME

A new continent, surprise packages and a redemption. Steve Wilson is your guide this time.

HOW THE FINAL 32 GOT THERE

Look back into recent history to remember just how the 32 finallists got to Germany:

FROM THE TOP

World Cup 1966 - England
Well, you know who won - but what about the rest of the tournament? What about the amazing North Koreans, Eusebio and the fall of Brazil? [+]

World Cup 1962 - Chile
The samba men cement their dominance in a tournament best remembered for the notorious 'Battle of Bogota'. [+]

World Cup 1958 - Sweden
Records tumble as perhaps the game's greatest ever player emerges. And Wales make their only dent on the world stage. [+]

World Cup 1954 - Switzerland
Not for the first time in World Cup history, a German side wrecks the dreams of every romantics' choice. [+]

World Cup 1950 - Hosts Brazil
World War II resulted in a 12 year absence for the World Cup. It returned in 1950 with Brazil as ill-fated hosts and favourites.[+]

World Cup 1938 - Hosts France
Relives the Cup's first visit to France as the world sat on the brink of war. Italy were the reigning champions and favourites. [+]

World Cup 1934 - Hosts Italy
The second World Cup took place in Italy, and in the era of the fascist dictator only victory would satisfy Mussolini. [+]

World Cup 1930 - Hosts Uruguay
John Brewin looks back at each World Cup starting with 1930's inaugural event where Uruguay discovered the benefit of home advantage. [+]

WORLD CUP HISTORY IN PHOTOS
	World Cup 2002 Relive the story of the Japanese/Korean World Cup with the best images from a tournament that saw Brazil claim the crown once more.
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