
The 21st edition of World Cup will take place in Russia from June 14 to July 15, 2018. With nine days remaining for the tournament, here are some lesser-known facts about the history of football World Cup which you probably did not know.
1- In 1983, the original Jules Rimet trophy was stolen from the display window and never recovered. It is believed that the trophy was melted and sold.
2- The first World Cup was played in 1930. Uruguay was both the tournament host and winner.
3- France's Lucien Laurent scored the first goal in World Cup history at the 1930 tournament in Uruguay.
4- The most goals ever scored by one player in a World Cup match is an impressive five, by Oleg Salenko of Russia.
5- The 2018 World Cup will be Russia’s 11th World Cup appearance and the World Cup in 2018 will mark the first time Russia has ever hosted this event.
6- This is the 21st edition of FIFA World Cup and Brazil holds the most titles with five.
7- For the first time in the history, the 2002 World Cup was held in two different countries: South Korea and Japan.
8- It is rumored that India withdrew from the 1950 tournament as they were not allowed to play barefoot.
9- The highest scoring game in World Cup history was in 1954 when Austria defeated Switzerland 7-5.