History of football part 1

Around the 3rd century BC marks the beginning of our journey. In China, an ancient ball game called Cuju was played, making it one of the oldest known ball games in history. This game involved two teams competing to send a ball filled with feathers into a net, all without the use of hands. Moving on to Ancient Greece, another ball sport called Episkyros was played between two teams consisting of 12 to 14 players. The objective of this game was to propel the ball over the opponent's line using both hands and feet. The Romans, inspired by Episkyros, developed their own game called Harpastum. In Harpastum, two teams aimed to maintain possession of the ball within their own camp for as long as possible, utilizing their hands and feet. In different parts of the world, various ball games were played with unique local rules. During the 12th century, a ball game known as Soule in French and Mob Football in English gained popularity in northwestern France and the British Isles. The rules of this game slightly differed from region to region. Globally, matches were organized between two villages, two parishes, or simply two teams, often consisting of numerous players. The objective was to successfully drop the ball into the opposing team's camp, which could be located in front of a local church door, a wall, or sometimes even a pond. Players were allowed to use both their feet and hands to manipulate the ball. However, these matches often resulted in chaotic and violent free-for-alls. In 1579, a match in Chesterton between Cambridge University students and villagers spiraled out of control, leading to unforeseen consequences.

Cambridge students subsequently restricted their games to their university field. In the early 19th century, team sports were viewed in British colleges and universities as an effective method to instill discipline, teamwork, and leadership in young individuals. Simultaneously, the industrial revolution and the introduction of the railroad system facilitated interactions. The concept of organizing inter-university matches emerged, but each team followed its own set of rules, leading to confusion during initial encounters, particularly between teams that emphasized dribbling (playing with feet) and those that favored handling (playing with hands). To ensure a successful match, it became imperative to either agree on rules in advance or split the game into two halves, with each team playing by their own rules in one half.

In Cambridge, students from various universities convene regularly to attempt to establish shared regulations. The Sheffield Football Club is established in 1857 as the inaugural independent club in history, unaffiliated with any university or institution. The club competes under its own regulations, which bear resemblance to contemporary football. In 1863, more comprehensive Cambridge regulations are released. However, shortly after, the newly formed Football Association, representing 11 London clubs and being the first federation in history, issues its own regulations inspired by the Cambridge rules. In 1871, clubs favoring handling gather to establish the Rugby Football Union as the rules shift towards dribbling. This event signifies the split between Rugby Football and the Football Association, now commonly referred to as Football or Soccer. In the same year, the Football Association hosts the inaugural FA Cup. Matches last 90 minutes and involve two teams of 11 players – including a goalkeeper for the first time. The first international match between England and Scotland occurs in 1872, resulting in a 0-0 draw. During this period, the United Kingdom holds a prominent position as the foremost economic and colonial power globally.

British citizens are deployed worldwide to serve the Empire. Railway workers in Latin America, students in Switzerland, and British communities abroad form clubs to play Football Association, Rugby Football, or a combination of both. In 1881, the first international women's football match occurs between England and Scotland. Despite the growing popularity of the sport globally, women playing football is met with disapproval. During a return match, a hostile crowd attacks the players, prompting them to escape in their omnibus. The sport continues to gain traction, leading to the establishment of numerous new clubs and federations. In 1902, the first international matches outside the UK are held, with Argentina defeating Uruguay 6-0 and the Austrian team triumphing 5-0 over Hungary. In 1904, the "Fédération Internationale de Football Association" (FIFA) is established in Paris, initially uniting 7 countries to organize international games. Despite rapid expansion, France opposes England's membership bid, advocating for each nation to have a single federation.

The United Kingdom possesses the four oldest federations in history, and they have no intention of merging. Eventually, England is granted separate admission after a vote. In 1908, during the London Olympic Games, Football is officially included for the first time. Due to the prohibition of professionalism at the Olympic Games, the England national amateur football team represents the country and secures the gold medal. In 1910, FIFA exceptionally accepts the applications of Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Consequently, the four British Federations are able to participate in international matches, but only the England amateur team can represent the country at the Olympic Games. In 1912, at the Olympic Games in Stockholm, England emerges victorious once again. In 1916, amidst World War I, Argentina commemorates its 100 years of independence by organizing a Football tournament with Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. This event leads to the establishment of CONMEBOL, the first continental confederation. In 1920, during the Antwerp Olympic Games, Egypt becomes the first non-European country to participate, and Belgium emerges as the winner. In 1924, in Paris, Uruguay secures the gold medal in its inaugural participation. Football gains immense popularity, resulting in the professionalization of numerous leagues. Consequently, an increasing number of players are unable to represent their country at the Olympic Games, which remain exclusively for amateurs. FIFA contemplates the creation of its own international competition exclusively for professional teams. In 1928, during the Olympic Games in Amsterdam, FIFA announces its plan to establish the World Cup. Uruguay, following its recent triumph at the Olympic Games, is selected as the host for the inaugural World Cup, scheduled to take place in 1930, coinciding with the country's centenary of independence. Uruguay commits to constructing a new stadium for this occasion. However, in Europe, players and federations display limited interest in this event, particularly due to the lengthy two-week journey by ship required to reach Uruguay, resulting in a total trip duration of two months.

After extensive negotiations, only four European countries agree to take part. The World Cup final is contested between Uruguay and Argentina, whose intense rivalry leads to a last-minute appointment of a referee, who agrees to officiate the match only under protection. Each team brings their own ball, with one half played using the Argentine ball and the other with the Uruguayan ball. Uruguay emerges victorious with a score of 4-2. Four years later, Mussolini's fascist Italy hosts the World Cup, which becomes the first tournament to be broadcast live on the radio. In response to the lack of interest shown by European countries, Uruguay chooses not to participate. In the final, Italy triumphs over Czechoslovakia with a score of 2-1. In 1936, FIFA selects France as the host for the next World Cup, causing anger among Latin American countries who advocate for alternating between the two continents. Consequently, Uruguay and Argentina decide not to participate. Spain, amidst a civil war, also abstains, and just months before the tournament, Austria, which had qualified, is annexed by Nazi Germany. Italy successfully defends its title by defeating Hungary 4-2 in the final. The outbreak of World War II halts the competition for the next 12 years. The World Cup resumes in 1950 in Brazil, with Germany and Japan being excluded due to occupation, and Eastern bloc countries opting not to participate due to the Cold War. Only 13 countries compete in the finals, including England, which had previously been in conflict with FIFA and participates for the first time. However, to everyone's surprise, England is eliminated in the group stage after losses to the United States and Spain.