After 12 years without a World Cup, it was the South American continent who once again prepared to play the host for the 1950 World Cup. The honour was left to Brazil and this was the first time the remainder of the globe got to see some Brazilian samba although the Brazilians had to settle for runners-up as their South American counterparts, Uruguay, won the tournament to secure their second and last World Cup title to date.

FIFA were eager to get the competition back up and running as soon as possible but had difficulties finding a host as most of Europe lay in ruins after the second World War. No one was even slightly interested in hosting the first World Cup since the World War until Brazil stepped up with a proposal to host in 1950 instead of 1949 as previously planned by FIFA.

The 1950 finals was the first time the Jules Rimet trophy was introduced to mark the 25th anniversary of Rimet’s presidency of FIFA. Uruguay lifted the trophy although they were the first country to win a four-team group final and this was the first and last time this was used.

Final:

Uruguay 2 – 1 Brazil – Estadio do Maracana ~ 199,954

Goalscorers:

Uruguay – Schiaffino, Ghiggia
Brazil – Friaca

Third Place Play-Off:

Sweden 3 – 1 Spain

Goalscorers:

Sweden – Sundqvist, Mellberg, Palmer
Spain – Zarra

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