FIFA World Cup 1950 Final Group

fifa world cup 1950 poster Although FIFA disliked the idea of a final group stage, they were forced to agree by threats from the Brazilian organisers to back out. By a happy coincidence the last match of the tournament between the hosts and Uruguay turned out to be the title decider. The Maracanazo as the match became known, was considered a national disaster and only one of the players involved, José Carlos Bauer, would appear for Brazil again.

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Uruguay

Spain

Uruguay 2 Spain 2

Estádio do Pacaembu, São Paulo (45,000)
9 July 1950

The lead changed hands twice, Ghiggia putting Uruguay ahead in the 29th minute only for Basora to give Spain the lead at half-time with two goals in as many minutes. Varela struck back for Uruguay in the 73rd minute.

For this match the Uruguayan team had the crest of the Uruguay FA added to their shirts.

(Andre Silva, Gabriel Vogas, Marcelo Viana)

Brazil

Sweden

Brazil 7 Sweden 1

Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (139,000)
9 July 1950

Brazil put on a magnificent display in front of a huge crowd of adoring fans, simply blowing the Olympic champions away.

Brazil

Spain

Brazil 6 Spain 1

Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (153,000)
13 July 1950

Brazil once again turned on the style with an emphatic victory against a strong Spanish team.

Uruguay

Sweden

Uruguay 3 Sweden 2

Estádio do Pacaembu, São Paulo (11,000)
13 July 1950

Sweden took an early lead, which Ghiggia neutralised in the 39th minute only for Sunqvist to score within a minute of the restart. Two late goals by Miguez gave Uruguay victory and set up the final match with Brazil as the title decider.

Sweden

Spain

Sweden 3 Spain 1

Estádio do Pacaembu, São Paulo (11,000)
16 July 1950

Although the match was played simultaneously with the spectacular in Rio de Janeiro, there was really nothing to play for. Sweden ran out as comfortable winners to secure third place in the tournament.

Uruguay

Brazil

Uruguay 2 Brazil 1

Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (200,000)
16 July 1950

Having scored 13 goals in their previous two games, Brazil appeared unstoppable while Uruguay had struggled. The result was considered a foregone conclusion and when Friaça put Brazil into the lead two minutes into the second half, the supporters began their celebrations. The Uruguayan captain, Varela, managed to delay the restart by arguing with the referee long enough for the crowd to calm down and to rally his players. Uruguay then took control, exposing Brazil's weakness in defence. When Ghiggia put Uruguay into the lead with eleven minutes left the huge crowd (unofficially estimated at 210,000, the largest ever to have attended a sporting fixture) fell silent. After the final whistle, the Brazilian organisers left Jules Rimet standing on his own in the middle of the pitch and he had to call Varela out of the dressing room to receive the trophy.