On July 16, 1950, one of the most significant events in sports history took place at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was the final match of the 1950 FIFA World Cup between Brazil and Uruguay, and the stage was set for a memorable encounter.
Brazil, the host nation, was the overwhelming favorite to win the tournament. They had been in spectacular form throughout the competition, thrashing their opponents and winning their previous matches by large margins. The Brazilian team boasted some of the greatest players of the era, including Ademir, Jair, and Zizinho. The entire nation was buzzing with excitement, and the Maracana Stadium was packed with nearly 200,000 passionate fans eager to celebrate Brazil's first World Cup triumph.
Uruguay, on the other hand, had a rich football history and had won the inaugural World Cup in 1930. They had a solid team with players like Juan Alberto Schiaffino and Alcides Ghiggia, who were determined to spoil Brazil's party.
As the match kicked off, Brazil took control of the game, creating numerous chances. However, they couldn't find the back of the net. Uruguay defended resolutely, frustrating the Brazilian attackers. The first half ended goalless, but the tension was palpable.
In the second half, Brazil finally broke the deadlock through a goal by Friaca, sending the stadium into a frenzy. The celebrations had already begun in the stands, and many Brazilians believed that victory was inevitable.
However, Uruguay had other plans. They equalized through Juan Alberto Schiaffino in the 66th minute, silencing the crowd. The match was now hanging in the balance, with both teams pushing for a winner.
Then, in the 79th minute, the unthinkable happened. Alcides Ghiggia, Uruguay's right-winger, received the ball near the touchline. He dribbled past the Brazilian defender, Bigode, and fired a low shot that somehow beat the Brazilian goalkeeper, Moacyr Barbosa, at the near post. Uruguay had taken a shocking 2-1 lead.
The Maracana Stadium fell silent. The Brazilian players and fans were stunned. Uruguay held on for the remaining minutes, securing a historic victory and winning their second World Cup title.
The impact of this match, known as the "Maracanazo" (The Maracana Blow), was profound. It remains one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. For Brazil, it was a national tragedy that left a deep scar on the country's footballing psyche. The defeat haunted them for years, and it took them until 1958 to finally win their first World Cup.
July 16, 1950, will forever be remembered as the day when Uruguay stunned Brazil in their own backyard and wrote a new chapter in the annals of football history.
Show more
Show less
Jul 17 20242 mins