Chapter 1
The bizarre history of the World Cup trophy
Chapter 2
Unbelievable matches and weird player rules
Chapter 3
The quirky world of mascots and superstitions
YOUR GOAL
Master of Secrets of the World Cup
Ch 3 · The quirky world of mascots and superstitions
gus World Cup Mascots and Rituals
Before each '98 match, what did Blanc do? / Kissed Barthez's head for luck, oh-oh!
Fun Fact
Psychic octopus: In 2010, an octopus named Paul correctly predicted the winner of all seven of Germany's matches and the final.
Glossary
superstition (noun)
A belief that specific rituals or charms can magically influence a match's outcome. It's the reason some World Cup stars wear lucky socks or refuse to touch the trophy.
A belief that specific rituals or charms can magically influence a match's outcome. It's the reason some World Cup stars wear lucky socks or refuse to touch the trophy.
Quiz
What animal was World Cup Willie, the very first official mascot in World Cup history in 1966?
Quiz
What famous lucky ritual did French player Laurent Blanc perform before matches in the 1998 World Cup?
Quiz
Which country's team refused to stay in a hotel during the 1994 World Cup unless they could bring their own security and food?