1954 World Cup: West Germany, Hungary and the miracle of Bern | Soccer Information


Being one of many few European nations to not have been deeply affected by World Struggle II, Switzerland was chosen to host the 1954 World Cup.

Host: Swiss
Groups: 16
Format: Group stage, KO
matches: 26
Targets: 140
Winners: West Germany
Finalists: Hungary
golden boot: Sandor Kocsis (Hungary)

Background

As one of many few European nations not deeply affected by World Struggle II, Switzerland was chosen to host the 1954 World Cup because the match returned to Europe after 16 years.

The World Cup befell in six cities within the Alpine nation. Together with hosts and defending champions Uruguay, 14 groups have certified throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia.

The change of venue from the final World Cup in Brazil meant a change in ambiance, from frivolous and exuberant crowds to a lot smaller audiences in stadiums nestled between the Alps.

The motion on the pitch, nevertheless, made up for that. The match noticed a number of excessive scoring matches that broke many information.


Historical past of World Cups:

How the FIFA World Cup lastly got here into existence in 1930

The controversies, shocks on the 1934 Soccer World Cup

1938 FIFA World Cup: Italy defend their title earlier than World Struggle II breaks out

1950 World Cup: When soccer’s largest occasion resumed after World Struggle II


Austria’s 7-5 loss to Switzerland after 90 minutes nonetheless holds the file for many targets scored in a World Cup recreation.

South Korea, in the meantime, had been on the receiving finish: 16 targets conceded and none scored.

The high-scoring clashes culminated in a remaining that will likely be remembered for years as one of many largest upsets.

Hungary had been the massive favorites due to their Olympic gold medal in 1952 and an undefeated streak of 32 victories.

Their star-studded workforce was led by world’s first footballing famous person, Ferenc Puskas.

Puskas, nevertheless, bought injured within the group recreation towards the identical opponents and performed within the remaining regardless of not having absolutely recovered. He nonetheless managed to place his workforce forward with a aim within the sixth minute. The favorites regarded set for a predictable win when Zoltan Czibor netted a second aim two minutes later.

However the West Germans got here again into the sport with a tenth minute aim from Max Morlock and one from Helmut Rahn within the 18th minute.

The comeback ended with a Rahn aim six minutes from time. West Germany made historical past with what is called the Miracle of Bern.

Treble

It was a excessive scoring match with 140 targets at a mean of 5.38 targets per recreation, the very best ever.

It grew to become the primary World Cup to be televised, though not all matches had been proven and never for his or her full period.

Puskas, extensively considered one of many recreation’s first international superstars, performed in his first World Cup.

Down

South Korea made their World Cup debut and exit in essentially the most ignominious method after they conceded 16 targets and failed to attain earlier than collapsing.

South American powerhouse Argentina declined to take part for the third consecutive time.