FIFA WORLD CUP

GROUPS AND TEAMS

MATCH SCHEDULE

PICTURES

ARCHIVES 1930-1962

ARCHIVES 1966-1990

ARCHIVES 1994-1998

CLASSIC GAMES
FIFA WORLD CUP ARCHIVES

Uruguay 1930
FIFA's decision to hold the first FIFA World Cup in Uruguay did not meet universal acclaim, as Europe was plunged in the midst of an economic crisis. Participation in a FIFA World Cup taking place overseas involved a long sea journey. Moreover, for some clubs it meant having to go without their best players for two months a problem that is still topical today. The organisation of the first FIFA World Cup looked rather different from today's with no qualifying competition, the 13 teams entered by invitation and the final draw was not made until the teams arrived in Uruguay.



Italy 1934 France 1938
Italy, one of the unsuccessful applicants for the honour of staging the 1930 tournament, was chosen as host by the FIFA for the second FIFA World Cup.
Italy's triumph left both Argentina and Brazil disenchanted after travelling 8,000 miles (13,000 km) for just one game each in the first round. Italy beat Czechoslovakia 2-1 after extra time in the final after trailing 1-0 until eight minutes from time.

 		The third FIFA World Cup was played in France as the war clouds gathered throughout Europe and politics kept away a number of top nations. Austria qualified, but withdrew though some of their players appeared in the colours of Germany and Spain was ravaged by civil war. Argentina and Uruguay also stayed away. Brazil and Poland produced one of the greatest games of all time in Strasbourg with the South Americans triumphing 6-5 after extra time, thanks to four goals from Leonidas who played barefoot for a spell. In the final, Italy beat Hungary 4-2 in Paris.


Brazil 1950 Switzerland 1954
Throughout the Second World War the Italian Vice President of FIFA, Dr. Ottorino Barassi, hid the FIFA World Cup trophy in a shoe-box under his bed and thus saved it from falling into the hands of occupying troops. The qualifying competition turned into something of a farce with teams qualifying then withdrawing and teams already eliminated being offered places. India withdrew because FIFA would not let them play in bare feet. So only 13 teams participated in the final tournament.
 		Four years after the frenzy of the Maracana stadium, the Jules Rimet trophy returned to Europe to a calmer atmosphere in Switzerland. The field of play, however, produced breathtaking entertainment. This fifth FIFA World Cup was unforgettable for its sensational high-scoring games, and a surprise win for the German Federal Republic. It was also the first time in history that all players wore a number on their shirt. Hungary were the favourites with a team including Puskas, Bozsik, Kocsis and Hidegkuti, unbeaten in 28 internationals and Olympic champions. But after the infamous "Battle of Berne" with Brazil three players were sent off and the teams fought afterwards in the dressing rooms the Hungarians were rattled.



Sweden 1958 Chile 1962
After Switzerland, Sweden was named host country for the 1958 FIFA World Cup a Cup which, on 16 October 1956, lost its founding father, when Jules Rimet died in Paris at the age of 83. Brazil, inspired by a 17-year-old youngster called Pelé, won the trophy for the first time. Pelé scored against Wales, hit a hat-trick in a 5-2 win over France in the semi-finals and struck two more in the final, a 5-2 triumph over the hosts.

Another Brazilian triumph, but Pelé played in only the opening game against Mexico before being injured. Brazil beat Czechoslovakia 3-1 in the final in Santiago with goals from Amarildo, Zito and Vava. The tournament also staged one of the most notorious matches in FIFA World Cup history the Battle of Santiago between Italy and Chile, in which two Italians were sent off and one had his nose broken by a solid left-hook from a Chilean player.