The History Channel En Espanol(TM) Kicks-Off 'Campeones Del Mundo' (Champions of the World)

The History Channel En Espanol(TM) Kicks-Off 'Campeones Del Mundo' (Champions of the World)

A Six-Part Award-Winning Miniseries Celebrating the History of Soccer; Hosted by U.S. Men's National Team Star Pablo Mastroeni

'Raices' (Roots) - The First Episode to Air July 18

NEW YORK, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- This July, The History Channel en espanol(TM) kicks off its six-part soccer series, Campeones del Mundo. It's the history of soccer across Latin America, where the sport's fanatical followers live and die with every goal, the superstars are treated like gods, and the games are more like wars. Hosted by Argentinean-born Pablo Mastroeni, a member of the 2004 Major League Soccer All Star team, and a U.S. National Team star on the winning team in the 2002 Gold Cup (USA v. Portugal), the series highlights the greats of the game, the thrilling matches, the passionate fans and the cultural and tribal traditions. Campeones del Mundo airs Monday nights at 8/7C/9P, July 18 through August 26.

The miniseries debuts with Raices (Roots), a salute to the story of soccer across Latin America, a game viewed by many as "the most exciting and beautiful sport" in the world. The one-hour offers a rich, sweeping insight into the colorful legacy, and the passion that drives the dominance of the sport on the world stage -- irrespective of age, sex or culture. From superstar athletes and legends, like Pele, Garrincha, Romario, Ronaldo and Alfredo di Stefano to lesser known players, the compelling program closely follows the intense competition generated on and off the field. For fans, Raices is a tribute to soccer featuring replays of the sport's most magical goals, highlights from legendary World Cup matches and the artistry of its most celebrated players. (Raices airs July 18 at 8P EST; repeats July 22 at 8P EST)

In the five following episodes of the series, Campeones del Mundo tracks the history and development of soccer from its Latin American origins as a tribute to the Gods to the state of the sport today. Each episode focuses on a country famed for its champions, its culture and the goals that led to a place on the world stage.

The countries explored include:

* Brazil -- No other country in the world has captured the imagination and interest of football lovers more than Brazil. Their flamboyant style and level of success is unparalleled anywhere. The World Champions with a record five World Cups and an instinctive attacking flair, Brazil is home to the World's greatest player -- Pele. Its greatest asset has been its never-ending stream of precocious talent, players that have consistently made their mark in the game around the world. There have been many heirs-apparent to Pele's crown, but the name on many lips recently has been fellow countryman, Ronaldo, FIFA's player of the year. In Brazil, Football is also a prime motivator in improving social and racial tolerance. It is a multiracial nation that thrives off multiculturalism, where the rhythms of the samba and capoeira combine with the passion of over 150 million people for a game that, for some, has more influence than the government. (Brazil airs July 25 at 8P EST; repeats July 29 at 8P EST)

* Mexico -- A nation that has hosted the World Cup finals twice and whose cultural history has a link with the game stretching back over 4,000 years, Mexico's football origins followed a far more violent form, and was quite literally, a matter of life and death. Mexico has traditionally lived in the football shadows of its more illustrious southern neighbors, but its overriding passion in believing it can be number one, has made Mexico an increasingly formidable force, and a regular in the World Cup finals. The biggest event on the local calendar, however, is without a doubt, the classic between Club America's Eagles and Guadalajara's Chivas. A full house is guaranteed between the two giants of Mexican football. Many of Mexico's greatest players have come from both sides and it is often difficult for fans to separate their allegiance between club and country. (Mexico airs August 1 at 8P EST; repeats August 5 at 8P EST)

* Argentina -- In an endless stream of exported talent over the past 80 years, arguably the most famous, or infamous, is that of Diego Armando Maradona, who -- despite his shortcomings off the field -- virtually single-handedly won the World Cup for Argentina in 1986, and was voted the world's most popular footballer with Pele in 1999. Both Argentina and neighboring country Uruguay became the benchmark for world football during the 1920s and 30s, the first World Cup final contested between them in 1930. Such was the intense atmosphere, that death threats were made to Argentinean fans, and the Uruguayan embassy was stoned after Uruguay won the game, four goals to two. (Argentina airs August 8 at 8P EST; repeats August 12 at 8P EST)

* Uruguay -- Their victories as unofficial World Champions at the 1924 and 1928 Olympics, and the inaugural World Cup Champions in 1930 earned them the enviable title of "Los Invincibles." A further title in 1950 against heavily favored Brazil enshrined Los Invincibles in the record books forever. A nation of only 3.5 million, Uruguay's success defied the odds and its football legacy continues in the ongoing export of local players to the top clubs in Europe. (Uruguay airs August 22 at 8P EST; repeats August 26 at 8P EST)

* Colombia -- Much of Colombia's success in international football has been attributed to coach Francisco Maturana who, more than anyone, elevated the nation to a position of sporting respectability in the '90s. The 1994 World Cup in the USA was his team's true coming of age. A systematic destruction of Argentina in the qualifying rounds in Buenos Aires set the football world buzzing, but joy turned to tragedy in a later match when defender Andres Escobar scored on his own net, destroying Colombia's hope of World Cup glory. The mistake cost Escobar his life; he was killed in a bizarre shooting that stained Colombia's favorite pastime with mortifying corruption. Off-field conflict and the ever-present influence of the cocaine drug money has also been detrimental. (Colombia airs August 15 at 8P EST; repeats August 19 at 8P EST)

Campeones del Mundo has garnered numerous awards including: Premier Golden d'Or at Sportel, Monaco (equivalent of a Sports Oscar); Sports Journalists Premier Award at the Santander Sports Festival, Spain; and the Gold Medal at the New York International Broadcasting Festival.

The History Channel en espanol is a 24/7 network that features Spanish-language programming of interest to all Hispanics, including special features that focus on Latin American heritage and achievements as well as the Spanish-language versions of signature series from The History Channel. It is the latest addition to the brand that also includes The History Channel and History International.

Hispanic viewers of The History Channel en espanol can expect to see outstanding Spanish language programs such as the signature series Modern Marvels, Biography and Dangerous Missions; the life and times of the world's great leaders and celebrities including noted Latinos; specials such as Russia: Land of the Tsars; and topics that spotlight Latin American history such as Machu Picchu, the Inca and the Maya, and the soccer series, Campeones del Mundo.

About The History Channel en espanol

The History Channel en espanol is part of the A&E Television Networks family. A&E Television Networks, a joint venture of The Hearst Corporation, ABC, Inc. and NBC, is an award-winning international media company offering consumers a diverse communications environment ranging from television programming, to home videos/DVDs and music CDs, to Web sites, as well as supporting nationwide educational initiatives. AETN is comprised of A&E Network, The History Channel, The Biography Channel, History International, The History Channel en espanol, and AETN Consumer Products. The A&E web site is located at http://www.aetv.com/, the Biography web site is located at http://www.biography.com/ and The History Channel web site is located at http://www.historychannel.com/.

Source: History Channel

CONTACT: Kathie Gordon of The History Channel en espanol, +1-212-210-1320, kathie.gordon@aetn.com; or Martine Charles, +1-310-474-2701, martine@teamelevation.com; or Spanish language contact, Jeannette Castaneda, +1-201-982-8188

Web site: http://www.historychannel.com/ http://www.aetv.com/ http://www.biography.com/

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