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Jan 1, 700
Soccer played for the first time
The first football (soccer) game was played in Britain in the 700s. They created it based on a game they played kicking around the severed head of a Danish prince after defeating him in war, and it was very violent. However, it was significant because it was the first time a name was established for the game and it later became a very popular sport.
Resource: topendsports.com -
The rules of soccer are established
Football had become legal again in England in 1605, so Eton College created a set of rules to go along with the game. The rules that were established are very similar to the ones we use in soccer today.
Resource: topendsports.com -
Soccer played in the U.S.
In 1820, soccer was played at the American universities of Harvard, Princeton, Amherst, and Brown. This was the first time the sport was played in the U.S.
Resource: soccermaniak.com -
First national soccer game
The United States and Canada played a soccer match against each other. This was the first national soccer game to take place outside the British Isles.
Resource: soccermaniak.com -
The penalty kick is introduced
The penalty kick was established in 1888. This is something still used in games today, and can be very useful if someone has made a foul inside the penalty box because they get a chance to restart the game.
Resource: athleticscholarships.net -
First Olympics soccer game
Soccer was played at the Olympics for the first time. This was a huge event, and since then, soccer has existed on almost every Olympics program and several players from around the world, including the U.S., have won medals in the sport.
Resource: topendsports.com -
FIFA joins International Board
FIFA became a member of the International Board. They have increased their influence on the rules of soccer since then.
Resource: athleticscholarships.net -
First American women's team wins Olympics
In 1996, the American women's team won the first-ever soccer event at the Olympics. This was very important for the female soccer players, and it was the first time women could participate in the soccer tournament.
Resource: topendsports.com -
FIFA Confederations Cup
FIFA organized the FIFA Confederations Cup, a tournament held every two years. It's still being held today, only now it's every four years.
Resource: wikipedia.org -
U.S. women defeat Brazil in the World Cup
The U.S. women's team was very successful during the Women's World Cup in Germany. They defeated Brazil, with Abby Wambach scoring the latest goal ever in a World Cup match, six minutes into stoppage time. This was very exciting for Americans.
Resource: wikipedia.org
