FIFA World Cup 2022: Greatest show on Earth returns
At its best and its worst, the FIFA World Cup is more thrilling than any other event can conjure up. A live performance unequalled in its vigour and trickery, the thralling geometry of its movement a mere foil to the violent earnestness of its combat. From 1930 to 2022, from Pele to Zidane to Mbappe, here's a walk down the lanes of the history of the beautiful game
By: Madhu Kapparath
1938
A black salut to the Manifesto
Italian team’s unpopularity was plainly evident by the protests that ensued when they arrived in France for the 1938 World Cup. Aware of the game’s cross-national appeal and powers of propaganda, dictator Mussolini was determined to make a show of his men’s skills. Coach Vittorio Pozzo’s training camps were more akin to the armed forces, encapsulating fascism’s single-minded, uncompromising approach. When Italy won the final, retaining the Cup, the men donned black shirts and gave the fascist salute. An urban myth is Mussolini’s telegram to the boys simply instructing them to “ Win or Die”.
