Sport in Chile that have been popular throughout the country. The country has some experience as host of major global sporting events such as the 1959 Basketball World Cup. The first sport played in Chile was "palín" (similar to hockey), first practiced by the Mapuche before the discovery and conquest of the country. The game was later called "Chueca" by the Spanish conquerors. Years later Europeans introduced other sports unknown in this country. Valparaíso is Chile's main port, and due to the emerging nitrate industry in the north, it became a crossroads for ships coming from Europe, bringing equipment and personnel for newspapers,
Sport in Mauritania Sport in Mauritania The most popular sport in Mauritania is football, which is run by the Fédération de Foot-Ball de la Républic Islamique de Mauritanie. The association administers the Mauritanian national football team, as well as the Mauritanian Premier League. Mauritania has an international football team who play and train at the Olympic Stadium. They play against other African international teams for a spot in the African Cup of Nations. Mauritania's premier national tournament is the "Coupe de Presidente de la Republique" (President's Cup). The nation's best-known and most successful team is ASC Garde Nationale of the Mauritanian Premier League.