Fifa World Cup 1950 - Host Nation Brazil

The start of a new era following the end of the second World War and Brazil was a good choice as the host country as the World needed a celebration of sport and what better place to go.

In World Cup history one of the most interesting facts was that after India qualified for the tournament they withdrew because FIFA would not let them play in bare feet, how strange was that! There was also a very strange group make up with two groups of four, one with three and one with only two teams. The group winners would progress to a final pool where the winners were crowned champions.

Once again the England team underperformed and were beaten by USA of all teams. Uruguay made no mistake in their 2 team group! And they trashed Bolivia by 8-0 with their star player Schiaffino scoring four of the goals. Sweden and Spain also showed class and topped their groups.

The World Cup in 1950 lacked a final as Uruguay met Brazil in the last match with the hosts needed only a draw to win the World Cup. They had beaten Sweden by 7-1 and Spain by 6-1 in their two earlier games in the group and were favourites. Uruguay had drawn against Spain and beaten Sweden by a single goal. A World record 200.000 spectators watched the game and couldn't believe the outcome. Uruguay stunned the crowd and won 2-1 after coming from behind.