UPSC Prelims 2006 Q142: Current Affairs – Football
Which one of the following countries is not a participant team in the Football World
Cup - 2006 to be held in Germany in July 2006?
- (a) Russia
- (b) Togo
- (c) Ivory Coast
- (d) Switzerland
Answer: (a) Russia
Explanation
Teams at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany
| Country | Qualified for 2006? |
|---|---|
| Russia | No — failed to qualify |
| Togo | Yes, a first appearance |
| Ivory Coast | Yes, a first appearance |
| Switzerland | Yes |
Russia did not qualify for the 2006 World Cup, whereas Togo, Ivory Coast and Switzerland all took part.
Answer: (a) Russia.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Russia failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.
- (b) Incorrect. Togo qualified for the 2006 World Cup.
- (c) Incorrect. Ivory Coast qualified for the 2006 World Cup.
- (d) Incorrect. Switzerland qualified for the 2006 World Cup.
Key point
Russia did not qualify for the 2006 World Cup, while Togo, Ivory Coast and Switzerland did.
Remember
Russia did not play in the 2006 World Cup.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a football power like Russia automatically qualifies.
- Forgetting the debutants Togo and Ivory Coast.
- Confusing Switzerland's appearance with its absence in 2002 qualifiers.
Exam tip
2006 debutants: Togo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Ukraine, Angola, Trinidad and Tobago.
Sources
- FIFA — 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany: qualifying competition and qualified teams
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — FIFA World Cup