FIFA World Cup History: The 1950 Brazil World Cup taught the world that no outcome in football is predetermined. The incident of Uruguay defeating Brazil at the Maracana Stadium is still considered the biggest sensation in sports history. But if anyone thought the World Cup would never see a bigger surprise than this, they were about to be proven wrong. Four years later, the World Cup held in Switzerland produced a result that not only changed the history of football. But it also revived the confidence of a defeated nation.
The 1954 World Cup was a symbol of the changing nature of post-war Europe. It had been almost a decade since World War II had ended. Europe was in the process of reconstruction. Cities were being settled again. Industries started running again. Economic activities were returning. But the memories of the war were still fresh. For Germany in particular, this was a time of introspection and reconstruction. After losing the war, its political, social and economic structure was badly affected. The country was divided into two parts. His reputation on the international stage was also seriously damaged. Germany was banned from participating in international sports for a long time. FIFA reinstated its membership only after the 1950 World Cup. Therefore, this tournament was a great means for him to return to the global stage.
In such times, sports were not just entertainment. They were also becoming a medium to restore national confidence. The 1954 World Cup was held in this background. FIFA had handed over hosting rights to Switzerland. This selection was also symbolic. Switzerland remained neutral during the war. Being located in the middle of Europe it was a convenient host for most countries. Sixteen teams participated in the competition. The World Cup was expanding. His popularity was also continuously increasing. The year 1954 was also the golden jubilee year of the establishment of FIFA. To celebrate its 50th foundation day, FIFA had chosen the country of its headquarters, Switzerland. For the first time in this tournament, numbers were written on the players’ jerseys.
But the biggest discussion of this World Cup was not about any host country or the organizing system. The discussion was about Hungary.
Hungary was considered the best football team in the world in the early 1950s. He was called ‘Magical Magyars’ i.e. ‘Magical Hungarian’. This team didn’t just win. Rather, the definition of the game was changing. His players were fast, extremely skilled technically and unique in their collective tactics. At that time most of the teams played in the traditional style. But Hungary was constantly experimenting with new strategies. This Hungarian strategy was considered the initial foundation of ‘Total Football’. In this, players were completely free to change their positions on the field. The opposing teams could not understand his trap.
The biggest star of this team was ‘Ferenc Puskas’. It was as if this short player had magic in his left leg. He was amazing at scoring goals, creating chances and controlling the pace of the game. Along with him were players like Sándor Kochis, Józef Bozík and Nándor Hidegkuti. The whole world believed that Hungary would win this World Cup.
There were solid reasons behind this belief. Hungary was undefeated for four consecutive years. It surprised the football world by defeating England 6-3 on its own ground. Later in Budapest they defeated England 7–1. It was a historic victory over the greatest football power of that era. So when the World Cup started, most experts declared Hungary almost certain champions. The Hungarian team was undefeated for 31 consecutive international matches. Such dominance of any team had never been seen before in sports history.
On the other hand, no one was considering West Germany as a serious contender. His team was hardworking. Was disciplined. But it did not have the shine of Hungary. In the eyes of most people, Germany was only a competitive team, not champions.
Hungary demonstrated its power in the early stages of the tournament. They defeated South Korea 9–0. Then defeated West Germany 8-3. This result was so one-sided that even the remaining hopes for Germany seemed to have ended. It seemed that if the two teams met again the result would be the same. German coach Herberger had deliberately rested his main players in this match. They knew that it was difficult to win over Hungary. Therefore he had saved his strength for the knockout matches. Puskas also suffered a serious ankle injury in the same match.
But the World Cup story doesn’t always run in a straight line
Hungary moved forward. He won even in tough matches. Defeated Brazil in quarter-finals. This match was so aggressive and controversial that it was later called the ‘Battle of Bern’. In the semi-finals they defeated defending champions Uruguay in extra time. Now he faced only one final obstacle. After the match against Brazil, players of both the teams clashed with each other in the dressing room. There was a lot of kicking and punching there. Puskas even broke the head of a Brazilian player by hitting him with a bottle.
On the other hand, West Germany was also gradually gaining confidence. Coach Sepp Herberger had prepared his team in a very disciplined manner. The players may lack technical talent. But the collective spirit and mental toughness were extraordinary. Germany entered the finals by defeating strong teams like Yugoslavia and Austria.
The final was played at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern on July 4, 1954. the weather was bad. It was raining. The ground was slippery. Most spectators and experts believed that Hungary would win easily. This bad weather helped Germany – Adolf ‘Eddie’ Dassler, the founder of the Adidas company, was the kit manager of the German team. He had specially prepared shoes with ‘Screw-in Studs’ for this match. Because of these shoes, German players were saved from slipping on the muddy field.
This belief became stronger within minutes of the match starting. Puskas scored the goal. After some time, Hungary also scored the second goal. Within just eight minutes the score was 2-0. It seemed that the match was over. But Germany did not accept defeat.
Max Morlock reduced the gap with a goal. A few minutes later, Helmut Rahn scored the equalizing goal. Now the match had completely changed. Hungary was continuously attacking. But the German defense held on with amazing courage. Time passed. The score remained 2-2.Then in the 84th minute came the moment that changed football history.Helmut Rahn received the ball, stepped forward and made a powerful shot. The ball entered the goal.
West Germany was leading 3–2. The words of German radio commentator Herbert Zimmermann on this goal became history. He shouted – “Ran should take the shot… Ran should take the shot… Goal! Goal! Goal! Germany ahead 3-2!” The whole of Germany cried after hearing this commentary.
Hungary tried hard to equalize in the last minutes. Puskas even scored a goal. But he was declared offside. A few moments later the final whistle was blown. West Germany had become world champion. The entire stadium was stunned. This result was so unexpected that it immediately came to be known as the ‘Miracle of Bern’. Even today this World Cup is counted among the biggest upsets in history. But the importance of this victory was not limited to sports only.
Post-war Germany had lost self-confidence. Its citizens were burdened with defeat, division and guilt. This victory of 1954 gave them an opportunity for collective pride for the first time. Many historians believe that this victory symbolized the psychological rebirth of West Germany. People realized that their country could rise again, become successful again and gain respect in the world again.
This victory on the football field added to the spirit of national reconstruction. On the other hand, this defeat was a deep disappointment for Hungary. This team, counted among the greatest teams in football history, could not fulfill its dream of winning the World Cup. Even today, many experts believe that Hungary was the best team of 1954. But he could not get the World Cup trophy. This is the irony of the game. Sometimes even the best team cannot emerge victorious on the final day.
The 1954 World Cup was important for another reason. This was the first World Cup to be widely televised. Millions of people watched the World Cup from their homes for the first time. Football is no longer limited to stadiums only. It started becoming a part of the lives of common people through mass media. This World Cup was shown live in eight countries of Europe. This resulted in a huge jump in the commercial value of the tournament.
If the 1950 World Cup taught us the lesson of uncertainty, the 1954 World Cup taught us the power of belief. This is the story of a team which no one was taking seriously. This is the story of a nation rising from the ashes of war. And this is the story of the great Hungary, who reshaped football. But remained a few steps away from the World Cup trophy.
World football had now reached a new turning point. In the next World Cup, the world was going to see a teenage player who was only seventeen years old. No one knew that he would later become the biggest icon of football.
His name was ‘Pele’.
