Let's head back to 1950 for the final contest of the World Cup tournament that took place in Brazil. You have to remind yourself that in this particular tournament, there were no knockout rounds. The four group winners----Spain, Sweden, Uruguay, and Brazil----were placed in a final group of four, with each team playing each of the other teams once. It just so happened that the final match in that group--between hosts Brazil and Uruguay--would be with the title at stake. The Brazilians only needed a draw to win their first World Cup title while the Uruguayans had to win the match. Before 200,000 spectators at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on July 16, 1950, the first half ended in a 0-0 stalemate. But, in the second half, Friaca scored at 47 minutes to put Brazil in front. But Juan Schiaffino equalized at 66 minutes for Uruguay, and then, Alcides Ghiggia broke the hearts of all Brazilians with his game winner at 79 minutes. Uruguay captured their second world championship. For Brazil, better times were still in the future. Here are the highlights:
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