1950 World Cup Brazil Review
Uruguay Break Brazilian Hearts, Grab Second World Cup Title
Jun 29, 2009
Uruguay joined Italy as two-time World Cup winners as they knocked off host nation Brazil 2-1 in the decisive game of a new tournament format. The World Cup was carried out for the first time since 1938, ending a 12-year hiatus due to World War II.
Only 13 Teams, No Eastern Europeans, Argentina Or France
The fourth World Cup was returning to the South American continent, and the Brazilians were ready for glory, building the 200,000-seat Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Only 13 teams showed up though as no Eastern Europeans came while Argentina withdrew. France also backed out in objection to a 3,500 kilometer trip between matches. England were making their World Cup debut while Scotland and Turkey both qualified but turned down invitations. India also declined appearing because FIFA would not let them play in bare feet. The tournament ran from June 24-July 16, 1950.
Trophy Survived World War Under Bed
While war ravaged Europe, the World Cup trophy survived as it was hidden away in a shoebox under the bed of Italian FIFA vice president Dr. Ottorino Barassi. With peace now returned, the trophy was renamed the Jules Rimet Cup after FIFA president to honor the event's survival.
First Round Groups
The format of the tournament was changed to a first round group stage and then a four-team mini-league with the final four teams. The 13 teams were broken in one group of four teams, two with three sides and Uruguay and Bolivia in the fourth group.
Uruguay, Brazil, Spain, Sweden Into Final Round
Uruguay only had to play one game to reach the final round with an 8-0 thrashing of Bolivia as Oscar Miguez scored a hat-trick and Juan Schiaffino added two goals. Brazil beat Mexico 4-0 but then drew 2-2 with Switzerland and needed a victory over Yugoslavia to advance. And Ademir scored early and Zizinho doubled for the 2-0 win. Estanislao Basora and Zarra combined for all six of Spain's goals in three first round wins over United States (3-1), Chile (2-0) and England (1-0). The 1948 Olympic champions Sweden also advanced to the final round with a decisive 3-2 win over defending champions Italy, who were missing a number of their top players after the 1949 Superga air crash which claimed the lives of 19 Torino players.
English Shocked By Americans
England were making their World Cup debut and opened it with a strong 2-0 win over Chile. But then the English suffered a shocking 1-0 loss to the United States on Joe Gaetjen's first half goal. And then England lost 1-0 to Spain to be sent home.
Final Round, Mini-League Format
Unlike in the previous three World Cups, the 1950 event did not have semi-finals and a final but instead a round-robin four team mini-league to determine the title.
Brazil, Uruguay Reach Decisive Showdown
Brazil opened the final round in superb fashion as Ademir scored four of his Golden Shoe winning eight goals and Chico added two goals in a 7-1 victory over Sweden. Uruguay needed an Obdulio Varela goal with 17 minutes to grab a 2-2 draw against Spain. Ademir and Chico both scored twice in Brazil's next win - a 6-1 drubbing of Spain. Uruguay meanwhile fell behind Sweden 2-1 at the half but Oscar Miguez scored twice within eight minutes to reverse the score for a 3-2 victory and set up the decisive match against Brazil to decide the champion.
Uruguay Come Back Again For Title
Brazil were supremely confident they would finally grab their first World Cup crown, Flavio Costa's team knowing they only needed a draw for the title. And things looked good for the 174,000 fans on hand as Friaca gave the Selecao the lead in the 47th minute. But Uruguay equalized in the 66th minute as Alcides Ghiggia got by Bigode on the right side before centering to Juan Schiaffino for the score. And Juan Lopez's Uruguayans grabbed the lead with 11 minutes to play as Ghiggia beat Bigode again down the right side and then beat Brazil keeper Barbosa to the near post for the winner.
