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What was “The Soccer War”?

The Soccer War, also known as the 100 Hours War, was a five-day war between El Salvador and Honduras in 1969. It was caused by political conflicts between the two nations, namely issues concerning immigration from El Salvador to Honduras. Tensions boiled over into rioting at two qualifying matches between the nations for the 1970 World Cup, on June 8 and 15. Many people erroneously believe the war was a result of these soccer riots, but the truth was the opposite. The riots resulted from earlier tensions; indeed, by July 14, the Salvadoran air force had begun launching attacks into Honduras. The conflict lasted until a ceasefire was arranged on July 18, leaving 6,000 dead and 12,000 wounded.

Quickies

Did you know …

that upon returning to his hotel after his team’s defeat in the quarter-finals in the 1970 World Cup, disappointed English player Alan Ball threw his tournament medal out his room window?

Which was the first sub-Saharan African nation to play in a World Cup finals?