World Cup History 1930

A Potted History of the World Cup

Uruguay 1930

Let's look back at the history of the greatest tournament in the world - the FIFA World Cup. In this first segment, let's travel back to that golden age of football, a time of fair play, sportsmanship and a genteel atmosphere.

FIFA was formed in May 1904 and reserved the exclusive right to organise a world championship. Those familiar with the quality of football administration will not be surprised that it was 26 years before the first World Cup was held in 1930.

FIFA selected Uruguay to host the event. This meant a 15-day Atlantic crossing for European teams - hence only France, Romania, Yugoslavia and Belgium arrived from Europe. The remaining teams came from the Americas: Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and the USA. Yes, 13 teams contested the first World Cup - imagine trying to organise the draw!

With a keen sense of history, FIFA had two "first ever World Cup games". France vs. Mexico and USA vs. Belgium kicked off simultaneously. The first ever World Cup goal was scored by Lucien Laurent of France in front of a recorded crowd of 4,444.

Weird Facts:

The Argentine captain missed their game against Mexico. He returned to Buenos Aires to sit a vital law exam.

Romania's squad was chosen by their King

Belgium's star player, was suspended for the entire tournament by the Belgium FA, for, wait for it, opening a cafe.

The Bolivian team each played with a single letter on the back of their jerseys. When they lined up in the correct order they spelt out a message to their hosts: "Viva Uruguay".

Uruguay's first-choice goalkeeper was embroiled in the Cup's first sex scandal. After 8 weeks away from home, he was dropped for their opening game after being caught breaking a curfew and sneaking home for a conjugal visit.

In the Argentina vs. USA semi-final, USA trainer Jack Coll ran onto the field to help an injured player. Unfortunately he tripped, accidentally inhaled a spilled bottle of chloroform and had to be helped from the field semi-conscious.

The Golden Age of Sportsmanship:

In the Uruguay vs. Yugoslavia semi-final, the ball went out of play, only to be kicked back in by a policeman. The officials pretended not to notice, the Uruguayans played on and scored their third goal.

Prior to the final between Uruguay and Argentina, the Argentine captain received a death threat.

Both sides insisted on using their own ball. They compromised and swapped at half time.

All Argentine supporters were searched for weapons.

The referee insisted on police protection.

Uruguay employed "tactica robusto" and prevailed 4-2. A national holiday was declared and each Uruguayan player was given a house.

The Uruguayan embassy in Buenos Aires was stoned and the two FA's broke off relations.

Plus ça change ...