At 6.1kg, World Cup proves too heavy for Africa

African players are generally regarded as physically strong, but lifting the 6.1kg all-gold World Cup trophy has proved to be a gargantuan task. Egypt became the first African side to compete in a World Cup in 1934, but went out after losing 4-2 to Hungary. 

Signs of progress have been visible since Tunisia became the first African side to register a victory at the World Cup finals in 1978, coming from 1-0 down at half time, to see off Mexico 3-1.