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English Professional Football League
The English Football League, EFL, was founded by William McGregor. He looked to create a competitive league for clubs. The original league consisted of 12 teams. This event provided the foundation of modern football. -
Penalty Kick
The penalty kick was introduced into soccer to prevent defenders from deliberately fouling the offending team near the goal. It was originally marked 12 yards from the goal line. Overtime, the penalty kick evolved into one of the most important moments in soccer. -
FIFA
FIFA was founded in Paris, France to create another organization for soccer. It wanted to create a set standard for global soccer. It now is in charge of the World Cup tournament and acts as a government for soccer. -
First FIFA World Cup
The first FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay. There were 13 teams that participated. Uruguay ended up winning the final by defeating Argentina 4-2. This event marked the start of the biggest tournaments in modern history. -
Miracle on Grass
The “Miracle on Grass” occurs as the U.S. defeats England 1-0 in the World Cup. England was one of the tournaments favorites, while the U.S. was looked at as amateurs. There was only one goal scored in all of 90 minutes, which was then later recognized as one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. -
Brazil’s 1st World Cup Title
A 17-year-old Pelé leads Brazilian to their first World Cup title. They defeated Sweden 5-2 in the final. This made the attention towards Brazil in the soccer fandom rise due to their style and skill. -
Brazil wins its 3rd World Cup
Brazil wins its third World Cup, led by Pelé, cementing his legacy. They defeated Italy 4-1. This win also lead Brazilian to a higher reputation as the greatest football-nation to rise. -
“Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century”
Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” occur in the World Cup quarterfinal against England. In the 51st minute, Maradona scored a controversial goal by imitating a header but instead using his hand to score. Just a few minutes after, he put away another goal by attacking past 5 English players. -
FIFA Women’s World Cup
The first FIFA Women’s World Cup is held in China, won by the U.S. They defeated Norway with a score of 2-1. This event helped grow women’s soccer on a global scale and was just the start of future tournaments. -
English Premier League
The English Premier League (EPL) is founded, revolutionizing club football. The decision was made by 20 clubs that were at the highest level. This league was essentially created for financial benefits, but soon grows to become a very popular league in the soccer community. -
FIFA World Cup in the U.S.
The FIFA World Cup is hosted in the U.S. for the first time. There was a total of 24 teams that participated. Brazil ended up beating Italy in a penalty shootout to then, give Brazil their fourth World Cup win. This helped influence the popularity of soccer in the United States. -
Brazil wins its 5th World Cup Title
Brazil wins its fifth World Cup; first tournament hosted in Asia as well. They defeated Germany 2-0 with Ronaldo scoring both of them. Brazil’s wins solidified their reputation of being the most successful team in World Cup history. -
Spain wins UEFA
Spain wins the UEFA European Championship, beginning their international dominance. They beat the Soviet Union 2-1 in the final. This game took place in Madrid. It was the first international trophy won by Spain and it was the start of the dominant force they would soon bring to the soccer community. -
Chelsea wins UEFA
Chelsea wins their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. They defeated Bayern Munich 4-3 in a penalty shootout. This match was a historical moment for the club, for they have never won such a large tournament before. -
Germany wins FIFA world cup
Germany defeats Argentina 1-0 in double overtime, in Brazil. This was their fourth world cup title and it began to highlight their style of play to the world. -
USWNT wins the Women’s World Cup
The USWNT wins the FIFA Women’s World Cup, defeating Japan 5-2. Carli Lloyd scored a hat-trick in the final. This was the third world cup title for the United States. It solidified the reputation of the women’s team being one of the most successful in the women’s soccer industry. -
Portugal wins Euro 2016
Portugol wins its first major trophy at Euro 2016. They defeated France 1-0 in double overtime. Portugal listed their caption, but was still able to pull out with a win. -
Italy wins the UEFA
italy wins the UEFA European Championship in a dramatic penalty shootout against England. They won 3-2. Italy’s goalkeeper was known as a hero because he was able to keep Italy in the game throughout the shootouts. This was their second UEFA title. -
Argentina Wins the World Cup
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, wins the World Cup in Qatar in a dramatic final against France. The score was 4-2 and Lionel Messi scored twice. This gave Argentina their third World Cup title. -
Manchester City wins the Treble
Manchester City wins the treble. This is the winning of the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. This historic achievement marked the first time Manchester City has won the treble.