Comme's History of the World Cup- Switzerland 1954

Switzerland 1954

In 1954 the World Cup returned to a Europe still adjusting after the Second World War. Perhaps it was natural then given the events of previous years that neutral Switzerland should be chosen as host, although the fact that Switzerland was also home to FIFA celebrating its 50th anniversary in 1954 may also have played a part.

After 1950’s tournament without a final,the tournament evolved yet again in Switzerland , and yet again the changes were contentious. FIFA retained the group structure of 4 groups of four teams, but now two teams in each group were seeded and so did not have to face each other. However, with each side only playing two games the possibility of two teams achieving the same number of points always existed and as it was this resulted in a number of extra play-off games.

The favourites from the start were Hungary, the “Magical Magyars”, who were the Olympic Champions and had not lost since 1950. In their 28 games without defeat the Hungarians had most notably beaten England 6-3 at Wembley, the first time England had ever lost to a foreign team in England, and then annihilated them 7-1 at home in their last game before the World Cup. The significance of these results cannot be overstated. Until the game at Wembley all of England still believed they were the world’s greatest side, despite their poor showing at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. That match shattered the aura of invincibility forever and sent shockwaves around the footballing world. The key to victory on that occasion was Nandor Hidegkuti, Hungary’s deep-lying centre-forward but he was far from their only superb player. Their captain and inspiration was the fabulous Ferenc Puskas, a short, rotund man whose stature belied his genius and who possessed a canon of a left foot. Leading the line alongside him was Sandor Kocsis, nicknamed the “Golden Head” for his aerial prowess but who also possessed superb talent on the deck. Wide on the left was Zoltan Czibor, blessed with blistering pace and mesmerising ball control he provided many of the crosses from which Kocsis had earned his name. Their playmaker was right-half Josef Boszik whose range of passing was exceptional and was so often able to find his great friend and Honved team-mate Puskas. Their other great star was goalkeeper Gyula Grosics who though infrequently called upon always met the challenges he was presented with.

Also well fancied were Uruguay the defending champions and still possessing, in Pep Schiaffino and skipper Obdulio Varela, two of the game’s leading lights. Brazil, runners up four years earlier had brought a strong team, but one without their sensational forward line of Zizinho, Jair and Ademir that had wowed the world before. Instead they now had Didi whose fohla seca free-kicks became a trade mark and who was able to pull the strings from midfield. In addition Julinho, a sensational outside-right was in the squad, while at the back Nilton Santos, the “encyclopedia of football”, and Djalma Santos stood strong. England were in attendance again and for the first time Scotland participated, deigning to take part despite finishing second in the Home Championship again.

West Germany were allowed back into the fold, having been excluded from 1950 due to their warmongering. They were not widely considered a major threat though despite possessing in Fritz Walter an excellent inside-right and captain and had qualified against Norway and the ultimate minnows, the Saar. Their cousins the Austrians were also there, but their team centred on centre-half Ernst “Clockwork” Ocwirk and Ernst Happel. The Austrians were an excellent team, the second Wunderteam, but there was a feeling in some quarters that they were not quite at their best.

Group stages

Group A

The tournament got underway in Lausanne as France faced rivals Yugoslavia. France were sorely missing Rene Vignal of Racing Club, Antoine Cuissard of Nice and Cesar Ruminski of Lille, but had been impressive in qualifying. Yugoslavia took the lead after 15 minutes through a low drive from Milutinović, and they continued to press but were thwarted by Remetter the French goalkeeper. Sadly for France they offered little going forward and failed to really threaten the Yugoslav goal. The game ended 1-0.

Meanwhile Mexico faced Brazil in the group’s other game in Geneva. The Brazilians went in front through Baltazar midway through the first half as he smashed the ball past Mota from the edge of the area. Didi doubled their advantage shortly after with a trademark free kick, before ********** scored two goals to give Brazil a 4-0 lead at the break. Right at the death Julinho scored an exceptional goal after bamboozling two defenders with clever trickery and then firing in an accurate shot into the top left-hand corner. It was an impressive start for Brazil’s campaign.

When France played Mexico both sides knew that they needed to win and hope for a decisive scoreline in the clash between the group’s other two teams. Jean Vincent gave France an early lead, toe poking the ball past Carbajal after a powerful run. Then shortly after half-time Cárdenas turned the ball past his keeper and doubled the French advantage. Lamadrid pulled one back for the Mexicans before Balcázar hit a powerful low shot past Remetter with just 5 minutes remaining. Yet the French came back themselves and when a Jean Vincent shot was aimed at goal Mexican defender Narciso Lopez dived and saved the ball with his hand. Raymond Kopa took the resultant penalty and calmly tucked it away sending Carbajal the wrong way.

Brazil and Yugoslavia’s encounter produced fewer goals, but it was arguably the best game in the group as two quality teams met. Branco Zebec put the Eastern Europeans ahead shortly after half-time, but from then on the Brazilians attacked with great drive. Didi hit the post at one stage before putting Brazil back on level terms. Despite a draw being enough for both sides to qualify they were for some reason forced to play extra-time which produced no further goals.


19-JUN-54 GENEVA France:Mexico
3:2 (1:0) Charmilles
19-JUN-54 LAUSANNE Brazil:Yugoslavia
1:1 a.e.t (1:1, 0:0) La Pontaise
16-JUN-54 GENEVA Brazil:Mexico
5:0 (4:0) Charmilles
16-JUN-54 LAUSANNE Yugoslavia:France
1:0 (1:0) La Pontaise

Group B

In Zurich Hungary met South Korea in one of the most lopsided affairs to occur ever at the World Cup. Kocsis scored a hat-trick, Puskas netted twice as did Palotás, who was playing in place of Hidegkuti. Perhaps the best goal was a rocket of a free-kick from Lantos, while Czibor also got on the score-sheet in an incredible 9-0 victory.

Turkey were the other seeded team in the group despite having qualified in farcical circumstances. The Turks had been paired with Spain in qualifying and after going down 4-1 in Madrid they managed to win 1-0 at home. Despite Spain holding a 4-2 advantage overall a play-off was ordered which was to be played at the Olympic stadium in Rome. That game ended in a 2-2 draw, after which it was decided that lots should be drawn, and the task fell to a blindfolded child. The result was that the Turks went to Switzerland while the Spaniards went home disappointed.

The Turks’ game against W Germany was held at the Wankdorf stadium in Berne, and the Turks found themselves a goal up after just 2 minutes thanks to Mamat Suat. Hans Schafer the German outside-left put them back on level terms soon after, and further goals from Klodt, Ottmar Walter and Max Morlock gave the Germans a comfortable victory.

The match between Hungary and W Germany has attracted great attention in the following years but it is difficult to know quite what impact it had at the time. The game itself saw Hungary almost as rampant as they had been against the hapless Koreans, 3 goals up after just 20 minutes. Kocsis scored 4 and Hidegkuti 2 in an 8-3 demolition. However, far more significant than the scoreline was the loss of Puskas to an ankle injury. It has been argued since that Sepp Herberger, the German manager deliberately set out to lose the game, notably here though that debate rages to this day.

The Koreans’ tournament did not get any better against Turkey who destroyed them 7-0, thanks in part to a hat-trick from Sargun Burhan. That set up a play-off match with the Germans who had already played and beaten the Turks. Hans Schafer created the first German goal, with a buccaneering run down the left-flank and his cross left Ottmar Walter with an easy finish. Schafer then netted himself with a low drive after 11 minutes to increase the German lead. Mustafa reduced the arrears with a powerful header soon after but it was not enough to stop the flow of German goals. Max Morlock hit a hat-trick while Fritz Walter and Schafer completed the German scoring. There was time for Kucukandon Lefter to add a consolation goal but it was no more than that. The result was seen by some as rough justice for the Turks, having qualified in such contentious circumstances.


23-JUN-54 ZURICH Germany FR:Turkey
7:2 (3:1) Hardturm
20-JUN-54 GENEVA Turkey:Korea Republic
7:0 (4:0) Charmilles
20-JUN-54 BASEL Hungary:Germany FR
8:3 (3:1) St. Jakob
17-JUN-54 ZURICH Hungary:Korea Republic
9:0 (4:0) Hardturm
17-JUN-54 BERNE Germany FR:Turkey
4:1 (1:1) Wankdorf

Group C

Against Austria’s ageing Wunderteam Scotland, playing in their first ever World Cup, battled well. The only goal of the game was scored by Erich Probst after a good pass from Alfred Koerner. After the game Scottish manager Andy Beattie resigned leaving his team in a rather difficult position, as they still had to face the reigning World Champions Uruguay.
The Uruguyans themselves made a slow start in their game against Czechoslovakia. They struggled to find any rhythm until Oscar Miguez headed in after a good cross from Javier Ambrois. That kick-fired the Uruguayans into life and Juan ‘Pep’ Schiaffino scored with a powerful freekick to make their victory secure.

The game between Scotland and Uruguay proved complete opposites to their opening match encounters. While the Scots had started well and the Uruguyans sluggishly the roles were reversed at the St.Jakob Stadion in Basel. Borges and Miguez put the champions 2-0 up at half-time and they completed a wonderful display in the second-half with Borges able to hit a hat-trick in a 7-0 victory. The architect as was so often the case was Schiaffino, whose intuitive passing an incisive balls were simply too much for the Scots. Tommy Doherty the Scottish defender would later blame their heavy kit, but in truth it would appear unlikely to have been the deciding factor.

In the group’s deciding game the Austrians destroyed Czechoslovakia 5-0. Erich Probst scored a hat-trick and Ernst Stojaspal a brace in a comfortable win. The great question was what kit the Czechs might have to blame.


19-JUN-54 ZURICH Austria:Czechoslovakia
5:0 (4:0) Hardturm
19-JUN-54 BASEL Uruguay:Scotland
7:0 (2:0) St. Jakob
16-JUN-54 ZURICH Austria:Scotland
1:0 (1:0) Hardturm
16-JUN-54 BERNE Uruguay:Czechoslovakia
2:0 (0:0) Wankdorf

Group D

Group D’s opener of England-Belgium proved to be a true classic which ebbed and flowed and was certainly not short on goals. Leopold Anoul put the Belgians ahead after just 6 minutes, but England showed commendable spirit and came back as Ivor Broadis bravely latched on to a superb through pass from Stanley Matthews (now 39). Before half-time England took the lead with Tom Finney crossing for Nat Lofthouse, the “Lion of Vienna”, to score with a wonderful diving header. Broadis scored again and England appeared to be cruising to victory but Henri Coppens and Anoul scored to level the game and force extra-time. England scored almost immediately after the start of the extra-period as Lofthouse netted having been fed by Broadis. Then disaster struck as Jimmy Dickinson headed into his own net from Marcel Dries’ free-kick. The final score was 4-4, perhaps appropriate in a game neither team deserved to lose.

The group’s other game was between hosts Switzerland and Italy, but it proved to be a bad-tempered affair. Robert Ballaman put the homeside ahead with a header after 18 minutes but the Azzuri were level just before half-time when Giampiero Boniperti scored. Mario Viana, the Brazilian referee, was the centre of most attention in the second half, in particular for his controversial decision to deny Italy’s Benito Lorenzi a goal for offside. It proved to be a crucial decision as Josef Hugi was later able to seize upon a mistake by Giovanni Giocomazi to score the game’s only goal.

England booked their place in the quarter finals with what proved to be a comfortable victory over Switzerland on a stifling day in Berne. Jimmy Mullen put England in front shortly before half-time and Dennis Wilshaw, his Wolves team-mate, added a second to make the win secure.

Belgium played Italy knowing that a point would be enough for them to ensure a place in the quarter finals. However, that hope was soon shattered as Egisto Pandolfini scored from the penalty spot just before half-time. Galli headed Italy into a 2 goal lead shortly after the break, and Amleto Frignani and Lorenzi put them four up. A small consolation for the Belgians was that Leopold Anoul got on the score sheet shortly before the end. The result mean that Italy would have to play the Swiss in a play-off.

That game was scheduled for just three days later, with most hoping that the game would be a more disciplined affair than their earlier encounter. That it was perhaps reflected well on Benjamin Griffiths the Welsh referee. Josef Hugi put the hosts ahead after 14 minutes before Robert Ballaman headed the Swiss further ahead in the opening minutes of the second half. Fulvio Nesti dragged Italy back into the game with a header of his on 67 minutes following a bout of pinball in the box, but Hugi and Fatton scored late goals to ensure that Switzerland progressed to the next round. A delighted home crowd swarmed on to the pitch to congratulate their heroes.


23-JUN-54 BASEL Switzerland:Italy
4:1 (1:0) St. Jakob
20-JUN-54 BERNE England:Switzerland
2:0 (1:0) Wankdorf
20-JUN-54 LUGANO Italy:Belgium
4:1 (1:0) Comunale di Cornaredo
17-JUN-54 BASEL England:Belgium
4:4 a.e.t (3:3, 2:1) St. Jakob
17-JUN-54 LAUSANNE Switzerland:Italy
2:1 (1:1) La Pontaise


Quarter finals

The quarters finals at the 1950 World Cup through up some of the most entertaining, exciting and contentious matches the games has ever seen.
Perhaps the game most notable for all the right reasons was Switzerland’s clash with Austria, which enjoyed no fewer than 12 goals, a World Cup record. Robert Ballaman put the Swiss in front with a fine effort from long range after 16 minutes. Josef Hugi scored one a minute later and then another which went in off the bar. Theodor Wagner pulled one back for the Austrians with a low drive which Eugene Parlier, the Swiss keeper, might well have saved before Robert Koerner scored the goal of the game, a fabulous strike from distance. Wagner hit a second and then Ernst Ocwirk stepped up and put the Austrians ahead! Koerner put a penalty wide to the left for the Austrians before half-time but they still went in leading 5-3. In comparison the second half was a disappointment, yet it yielded only a further four goals, 2 more for each side. Kurt Schmied the Austrian goalkeeper was so badly afflicted by sunstroke that he did not even know which team had one after the game. It was his side though that progressed to the semi-finals.

The game between Uruguay and England pitted the world champions against the game’s creators and Uruguay made the brighter start going in front after just 5 minutes. Schiaffino played in left winger Carlos Borges who got to the by-line and produced a deep cross which went through a crowd and fell to Julio Abbadie whose snap shot was going well wide until it fell to Borges who turned it in despite being in an offside position. Borges was actually off the pitch when Abbadie struck the ball, but this was lost on the English defence, not to mention the officials, and so the goal stood. England though hit back and after a delicate through ball from Dennis Wishaw, Nat Lofthouse put England on level terms with a low shot. England now began to take control of the game and should have taken the lead when Maspoli spilt a long-range effort from Lofthouse and Wishaw, following in, shot wide when it was easier to score. It was Uruguay though who went in ahead at half-time when Obdulio Varela scored with a fine strike from outside the penalty area. Schiaffino put the South Americans further in front shortly after the restart but England should have been awarded a penalty when Tom Finney was plainly tripped in the area. Finney, demonstrating his own determination, stayed on his feet and nothing was awarded, England’s attack fizzling out. England were able to pull one goal back when Finney scored a scrappy goal from a tame Lofthouse shot, and Uruguay should have been reduced to ten men when Luis Cruz lunged two footed at Nat Lofthouse. However, the referee again refused to give anything and Uruguay were able to secure their win minutes later when Amrois scored with a low shot from the right hand side of the area. Uruguay were good value for their win, despite the many calls that went in their favour. At least in this game England showed some of the class which had seen them held in such esteem previously.

The game between Brazil and Hungary on the 27th June has gone down in infamy as the “Battle of Berne”. However, its start was certainly not bad-tempered and Nandor Hidegkuti smashed the Hungarians into an early lead after Brazil had dwelt on the ball in the box. They were two up after just seven minutes when Kocsis scored a trademark header, and the Brazilians were in shock. However, the Brazilians pulled one back shortly after when they were awarded a penalty after Indio was sandwiched by two Hungarian defenders in the box. Djalma Santos stepped up and sent Grosics the wrong way to make the score 2-1 at the interval. Shortly after the break Hungary had a penalty of their own when Pinheiro was adjudged to have handled Czibor’s cross for Kocsis. The handball was debateable, but Mihaly Lantos coverted the spot-kick with a thunderous shot into the roof of the net. Julinho then displayed why he was commonly considered to be the game’s outstanding outside right with a fabulous strike which was a carbon copy of his goal against Mexico. Then midway through the half, with game increasingly being halted by niggly fouls, Josef Boszik and Nilton Santos, two of the game’s all-time greatest figures were dismissed for fighting. Sandor Kocsis settled the game with little time remaining through yet another header, but there was still time for Humberto Tozzi to be dismissed by English referee, Arthur Ellis, for kicking Lorant. After the game all hell ensued, with the Brazilians entering the Hungarian dressing room and Ferenc Puskas, who had missed the game through injury, allegedly smashing a bottle in the face of Pinheiro. Gustav Sebes, the Hungarian coach, found his face cut by a football boot in a series of incidents which did little for the reputation of the sport.

In comparison with the other three games Yugoslavia’s encounter with W Germany was a relatively modest affair. Most believed that the Yugoslavs would find the game comfortable but they found themselves behind after 10 minutes. After Max Morlock had nodded a high ball towards goal Ivan Horvat, the Yugoslav defender, attempted to head the ball back to his keeper Beara, not realising that he had come off his line, and the ball beat him and rolled into the empty net. The Yugoslavs tried in vain to force an equaliser and with just minutes remaining the Germans managed to break away. When the ball fell to Helmut Rahn he coolly smashed the ball past Beara on the half-volley. It was enough to see the Germans through, and they were mobbed by their supporters in recognition of their achievement.


27-JUN-54 GENEVA Germany FR:Yugoslavia
2:0 (1:0) Charmilles
27-JUN-54 BERNE Hungary:Brazil
4:2 (2:1) Wankdorf
26-JUN-54 BASEL Uruguay:England
4:2 (2:1) St. Jakob
26-JUN-54 LAUSANNE Austria:Switzerland
7:5 (5:4) La Pontaise


The semi-finals

When Hungary met Uruguay in Lausanne, it was a match up which embodied everything the World Cup was created for. The World Champions took on the Olympic Champions, in a game which had none of the animosity that had soured the Magyars’ victory over Brazil. Despite both sides missing arguably their most influential player, Puskas of Hungary and Varela of Uruguay, the game proved to be a classic, with more than one twist in the tale. It was Hungary who scored first, as was their wont they were ahead in the opening minutes when Czibor broke the deadlock. Hidegkuti had received the ball just inside the Uruguyan half and his lofted ball was headed on by Sandor Kocsis to Czibor, his slightly scuffed volley rolling past the despairing Maspoli and into the net. The Hungarians doubled their advantage shortly after half-time when Budai, playing in place of the injured Toth, crossed and Hidegkuti buried the ball and himself with a wonderful diving header. The Uruguyans though showed their composure and proved why they had become World Champions in the first place. Pep Schiaffino began to involve himself more in the game and when he released Juan Eduardo Hohberg, the naturalised Argentinian calmly slotted the ball to Grosics’ left and draw his side back into the game. Then with just minutes remaining Hohberg rounded Grosics and evaded two defenders on the line with a shot which bulged the roof of the net. In extra-time Hohberg raced in for his hat-trick, from another Schiaffino pass, but he was denied by the post. The Hungarians eventually emerged to victorious, Sandor Kocsis saw to that. He headed two decisive goals in the second half of added time to ensure their place in the final.

The game between Austria and W Germany was commonly perceived as being a less balanced affair. The W Germans were perceived to have over-achieved in beating Yugoslavia, to test the Wunderteam would be a step up again. Yet the Germans surprised their neighbours as Max Morlock sent Fritz Walter bounding down the right touchline and when he crossed Hans Schafer brilliantly steered the ball past Walter Zeman on the half-volley. Austria’s most dangerous attack of the half came when Thodor Wagner drove with the ball at the German defence, but was cynically brought down by Schafer just outside the box. The resulting free-kick from Ernst Ocwirk was easily dealt with by Toni Turek, the Germans goalkeeper. The W Germans then went in one up at half time but they increased their lead shortly after when Max Morlock leapt highest at a Fritz Walter corner and was able to get in between Ocwirk and Karl Koller to head home. Yet the Austrians remained a threat and that was reaffirmed just moments later when Wagner showed neat footwork in the box and Turek lost the ball to Erich Probst who took advantage. Fritz Walter though restored the German cushion with a penalty in the 54th minute putting the ball to Zeman’s left as he dived the wrong way. Then his brother Ottmar extended their lead with a glancing header at the new post from a corner. Helmut Rahn broke through in search of another goal in the 64th minute, but as he rounded Zeman he was brought down and Fritz Walter stepped up to score again, this time Zeman getting within inches of pulling off a brilliant save. Ottmar Walter added a sixth goal in the final minute, with another header. It was a harsh blow for the Austrians who didn’t deserve to be on the end of such a rout.

The third-fourth play-off may have meant little to the players who looked jaded throughout, but the fans certainly cared. Thirty-two thousand packed in to see them, while those left outside resorted to climbing surrounding trees in order to get a view. Austria took the lead through the spot after Robert Dienst was brought down when surging through the Uruguyan box. Ernst Stojaspal stepped up and easily sent Gaston Maspoli the wrong way. Walter Kollman then came close to increasing their lead, but this time Maspoli pulled off an excellent save to tip the ball round the post. Uruguay drew level though after 22 minutes when Eduardo Hohberg’s long-range effort somehow beat Kurt Schmied, back in the team in place of Zeman, despite having little pace to it. The Austrians did regain their lead in the second half when the unfortunate Luis Cruz turned the ball past his own keeper. Ocwirk settled the game for Austria in the dying moments, and they could take some small comfort in finishing third.

30-JUN-54 BASEL Germany FR:Austria
6:1 (1:0) St. Jakob
30-JUN-54 LAUSANNE Hungary:Uruguay
4:2 a.e.t (2:2, 1:0) La Pontaise
03-JUL-54 ZURICH Austria:Uruguay
3:1 (1:1) Hardturm

The Final

The prime question in the build up to the final was whether or not Ferenc Puskas would be fit to play. He was the diamond that shone most brightly in a stellar Hungarian side and the Magyars were desperate for him to be fit. Not of course that the Germans were really perceived as being a realistic threat, even if the Hungarians were without the “Galloping Major” they were still clearly a better side than W Germany. As it was Puskas declared himself fit to play and so it was that he led his team out against the Germans on the 4th July 1954.

The other apparent factor was the weather. Switzerland had enjoyed an incredible summer which had seen players suffer with sunstroke in previous games, but sadly the final was hit by torrential rain that left the pitch a far from ideal surface.

When the match got underway it appeared that Puskas had been right to play as he managed to put the Hungarians in front after just 6 minutes. When a shot from Sandor Kocsis was blocked by Horst Eckel, the ball fell kindly to Puskas who easily fired past Turek. Barely a minute had passed when the Hugarians doubled their advantage as Werner Kohlmeyer and Toni Turek were involved in a farcical mix-up, the ball split free and Zoltan Czibor, the Hungarian left-winger was there to pounce.

What had looked an uphill task for W Germany now looked Mission Impossible, but within two minutes they scored a goal of their own. The Germans played some neat inter-passing and when Hans Schafer attempted a speculative effort from the left Boszik’s attempt tp play the ball safely back to Gyula Grosics only served to play in Max Morlock who slid the ball past the advancing keeper. They were on level terms within two minutes as Max Morlock’s driving run forced a corner which Hungary were unable to deal with. Instead they conceded another corner and when Grosics flapped uncharacteristically Helmut Rahn netted from within the 6 yard box.

The Hungarians then began to reassert their control over the game, and after a wonderful dummy from Nandor Hidegkuti from Boszik’s pass, Puskas had his effort blocked by Kohlmeyer. When the ball fell to Puskas again Kohlmeyer was there once more to block on the line. The Hungarians continued to press their claims and when Toth hit a deep cross Kocsis leapt at the back post and headed against the bar.

W Germany though somehow managed to take the lead with just 5 minutes remaining when Helmut Rahn picked up the ball and cut in to the Hungarian box, driving the ball low to Grosics’ right. Still though the Hungarians pressed and in stoppage time they thought they had levelled the game, when Toth lit a long through ball which Puskas ran onto and while sliding he hit the ball under the body of Toni Turek. The Welsh assistant had raised his flag though and the goal was disallowed in a decision that still rankles today.

Since the match many accusations have been thrown around including drug use by the W German team (though no drug laws were in place in 1954), yet none can take away the simple fact that on that day the “Miracle of Berne” occurred and Fritz Walter was able to hold aloft the famous Jules Rimet trophy. Just 4 years earlier W Germany had been excluded from participating for their part in the war, now, and against all odds, they were World Champions.

04-JUL-54 BERNE Germany FR:Hungary
3:2 (2:2) Wankdorf



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Full Line-ups, scorers and much more

 

For some reason BigSoccer censors the Brazilian goalscorer P i n g a 's name.

Is that an offensive word in the States?

 

That is a very good question. To be honest, I don't know off the top of my head, but I will endeavour to find out. If I was to guess I would suggest it was simply another example of the woeful organisation at the time, but the fact that it happened in both cases would suggest otherwise.

 

I'd like to hear from Greg on this, given the idea that W Germany played to lose against Hungary, with an easier draw in mind.

Thanks for the clarification ... and the anecdote

 

Before posting that I must confess that I lent heavily on Rui Castro's Garrincha for much of my information about Brazil's preparations. I would still love to see your thoughts on the matter though.

 

I wrote quite a long piece on it on IBWM a few weeks ago:

http://inbedwithmaradona.com/journa...strained-hungary-uruguay-and-the-greatest-day