How the World Cup Works, for the Soccer Newbie

Extensive qualifying campaigns. The opaque World Cup draw. And how do points (no, we don't mean goals) work, anyway? The logistics and technicalities of Earth's biggest sporting event can be a bit mystifying to the soccer newbie. That's where we come in

Here's how the World Cup works

See also: Firsthand Proof That Brazil Is World Cup Soccer's True Home

There are three general phases to the World Cup: qualifying, group play and the knockout stage. Now let's go into more detail

*Qualifying*

United States forward Clint Dempsey (8) watches his second goal enter the net while being pursued by Guatemala defender Ruben Morales (2) during the first half of a World Cup qualifying soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012.

Image: Reed Hoffmann/Associated Press Read more...

More about Soccer, World Cup, Entertainment, and Sports Reported by Mashable 1 hour ago.