WORLD CUP 1950

With no competitions being held in 1942 or 1946 due to the Second World War, 1950 saw the first World Cup for twelve years take place in Brazil. Thirty-four teams entered the competition and once again sixteen qualified, and they were to play in four groups of four teams in the first round, as the straight knockout system was abandoned. There would be no knockout matches as the group winners would play in a "Final Pool" to decide the champions. Three teams, India, Scotland and Turkey, withdrew prior to the finals so only thirteen teams actually took part.

Overwhelming favourites in Group A were the hosts Brazil, expected to win the whole tournament. Having brushed aside Mexico 4-0 in their first match, they were surprisingly held to a draw by Switzerland. With Yugoslavia having won their first two matches, Brazil found themselves having to win their last match to reach the final group. Ademir gave them an early lead, and Zizinho added a second goal with a minute left to seal Brazil's victory.

Group B favourites were England, taking part for the first time, but having seen off Chile in their first match they were astonishingly beaten 1-0 by the U.S.A. Spain were the beneficiaries of England's failure, needing just to draw the final match to go through, and won 1-0 to finish with three wins out of three.

Group C was down to three teams after India's withdrawal, and Sweden took charge early on by beating the defending champions Italy 3-2 in the first match. Despite being held to a draw by Paraguay, they moved through to the final group when Italy beat Paraguay in the final game, as the holders failed in their bid for a third title in a row. With Scotland and Turkey both withdrawing from Group D, just two teams were left. Bolivia were no match for Uruguay, who cruised into the final group with an 8-0 win.

When the final pool got underway, it looked as if the home crowds would be celebrating a Brazilian title as the hosts crushed Sweden and Spain 7-1 and 6-1 respectively. With Spain holding Uruguay to a draw, Brazil needed only to draw with their South American rivals in their final match to take the title. After a goalless first half, Brazil took the lead early in the second period through Friaça, but their tactical deficiencies were to cost them. Continuing to attack rather than holding their lead, Juan Schiaffino equalised for Uruguay midway through the second half and when Alcides Ghiggia gave the underdogs the lead with eleven minutes left, Brazil had no answer. Uruguay won 2-1, and took the title for the second time in only the second tournament they had entered.