Are we witnessing sporting history? With the quarter-finals ahead, the FIFA president has called this World Cup the best ever.
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The greatest spectacle since the gladiators
Are we witnessing sporting history? With the quarter-finals ahead, the FIFA president has called this World Cup the best ever.
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What's happening?
It is set to be a "fabulous Friday". The first of the World Cup quarter-finals will take place today.
There have been shock wins and big battles. This week, FIFAThe Federation Internationale de Football Association is the world's highest governing body of association football.'s president called the group stage "the best ever".
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But others say there has been no really amazing moment yet - no goals that everyone will still remember in 50 years.
And there is strong competition for the best moment in sporting history. In the Roman times, the ColosseumA vast stadium built by the Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus. It could seat between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. It was used to hold gladiatorial contests and even mock sea battles. was opened with 100 days of celebrations. GladiatorsAncient Roman fighters who would stage battles and duels for the entertainment of large crowds. Although this is often thought of as a bloody sport, in reality it was quite rare for gladiators to be killed: their aim was to incapacitate their opponent. fought for their lives. And the stadium was even filled with water for a huge boat battle.
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Are we witnessing sporting history?
Yes! This World Cup has it all - great players, close matches and shock losses. Everyone will remember it.
No! Most people still have football fever. But this World Cup will not be remembered above all the others.
Keywords
Fifa - The Federation Internationale de Football Association is the world's highest governing body of association football.
Colosseum - A vast stadium built by the Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus. It could seat between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. It was used to hold gladiatorial contests and even mock sea battles.
Gladiators - Ancient Roman fighters who would stage battles and duels for the entertainment of large crowds. Although this is often thought of as a bloody sport, in reality it was quite rare for gladiators to be killed: their aim was to incapacitate their opponent.
The greatest spectacle since the gladiators
Fabulous Friday: This weekend will see a showdown between the world's top football players. Glossary
Fifa - The Federation Internationale de Football Association is the world's highest governing body of association football.
Colosseum - A vast stadium built by the Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus. It could seat between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. It was used to hold gladiatorial contests and even mock sea battles.
Gladiators - Ancient Roman fighters who would stage battles and duels for the entertainment of large crowds. Although this is often thought of as a bloody sport, in reality it was quite rare for gladiators to be killed: their aim was to incapacitate their opponent.