Brazil 1950

CHAMPION: Uruguay

RUNNER-UP: Brazil

GOLDEN SHOE: Ademir (BRA)

TEAMS: 13

TOTAL MATCHES: 22

GOALS SCORED: 88 (4.0 per match)

AVERAGE ATTENDANCE: 47,431

SUPRISES: Uruguay beating host favorites Brazil in the final before over 200,000 at the Maracana, United States upsetting England 1-0 in Belo Horizonte.

1950 – After a 12 year hiatus due to World War II, the World Cup returned, this time being hosted by the mighty Brazilians. In order to celebrate the event, Brazil built the world’s largest stadium – the famous Maracana.

With the tournament being held in South America once again, a number of teams once again declined to make the trip so only 13 teams participated. France declined due to the fact that they were facing a monumental journey simply within Brazil between matches, while India passed when they learned they wouldn’t be allowed to play barefoot.

England were strong favorites to compete for the World Cup but were stunned by the U.S. 1-0 in their famous match in Belo Horizonte. Joe Gaetjens scored the goal that humiliated the Three Lions in their first World Cup appearance, and back home, newspapers concluded that the score they received over the wires was wrong and printed it up as a 10-1 victory for England.

Much to the delight of the home fans, Brazil put themselves in position to win the trophy when they faced old nemesis Uruguay in the final match of the final group. In front of more than 200,000 fans, the Brazilians were shocked as Uruguay won the match 2-1 to claim its second World Cup.

Format: Four group preliminary round, followed by a four-team final group which Uruguay won with five points.