World Cup 1st Match

[Max Tractor]

Hi

Just checked the BBC world cup schedule, it shows

Group A
Germany v Costa Rica
1700, Munich

This is the first match? I always thought that the previous winner kicked off in the first match?

[charlaph]

That is the first match, must be because they're hosts although I always thought it was the previous winners who kicked off too. Brazil's first match is on the 13th.

[beanbandit]

This is the first match? I always thought that the previous winner kicked off in the first match?

That used to be the case, but FIFA have had a rule change. The previous winner does not get a place in the finals anymore, they have to qualify like everyone else (with exeption of the host nation) So its possible that the previous winner could be eliminated in the qualifiers. So it kind of makes sense for the host nation to kick of the tournement.

[Max Tractor]

Thanks both for the info