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2010

The first African FIFA World Cup kicks off in South Africa

The first African FIFA World Cup kicks off in South Africa.

1987

First ever Rugby World Cup kicks off with New Zealand playing Italy at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand

First ever Rugby World Cup kicks off with New Zealand playing Italy at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.

1995

Rugby World Cup: South Africa defeats New Zealand and Nelson Mandela presents Francois Pienaar with the Webb Ellis Cup i

Rugby World Cup: South Africa defeats New Zealand and Nelson Mandela presents Francois Pienaar with the Webb Ellis Cup in an iconic post-apartheid moment.

1986

The famous Hand of God goal, scored by Diego Maradona in the quarter-finals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup match between Arg

The famous Hand of God goal, scored by Diego Maradona in the quarter-finals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and England, ignites controversy. This was later followed by the Goal of�

1932

Pik Botha, South African lawyer, politician, and diplomat, 8th South African Ambassador to the United States (died 2018)

2012

Roy Padayachie, South African lawyer and politician, South African Minister of Communications (born 1950)

1901

Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, South African general and politician, 1st President of the South African Republic (born 1819

Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, South African general and politician, 1st President of the South African Republic (born 1819)

1904

Paul Kruger, South African politician, 5th President of the South African Republic (born 1824)

2010

Spain defeated the Netherlands 1–0 after extra time to win their first FIFA World Cup title (pictured lifting the…

Spain defeated the Netherlands 1–0 after extra time to win their first FIFA World Cup title (pictured lifting the trophy).

2010

In Johannesburg, Spain defeat the Netherlands 1–0 after extra time to win their first FIFA World Cup title.

1998

France defeated the defending champions Brazil 3–0 to win their first FIFA World Cup title.

1930

The first FIFA World Cup was opened in Uruguay.

2018

Croatian Mario Mandžukić scored the first own goal in a FIFA World Cup final in their defeat to France.

1930

In Montevideo, Uruguay wins the first FIFA World Cup by beating Argentina.

1952

Thé Lau, Dutch singer-songwriter and guitarist (died 2015)

1968

South African Airways Flight 228 crashed shortly after take-off from Windhoek in South West Africa, resulting in 123 dea

South African Airways Flight 228 crashed shortly after take-off from Windhoek in South West Africa, resulting in 123 deaths.

1962

During the FIFA World Cup, police had to intervene multiple times in fights between Chilean and Italian players in one o

During the FIFA World Cup, police had to intervene multiple times in fights between Chilean and Italian players in one of the most violent games in football history.

1985

Becky Sauerbrunn, American footballer; twice a winner of the FIFA Women's World Cup, also an Olympic gold medallist

1954

The FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match between Hungary and Brazil, highly anticipated to be exciting, instead turns viole

The FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match between Hungary and Brazil, highly anticipated to be exciting, instead turns violent, with three players ejected and further fighting continuing after the game.

1950

The United States defeated England during the FIFA World Cup in one of the greatest upsets in the competition's history

The United States defeated England during the FIFA World Cup in one of the greatest upsets in the competition's history.

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