Reliving The Biggest Stage of Football: World Cup 1950

World War 2 prevented the World Cup 1942 and 1946 from being held, the World Cup returned in 1950 in Brazil from June 24 to July 16.

Before going through the fourth World Cup in history, do read about the previous World Cups 1930, 1934, and 1938 as well.

As India, Turkey, and Scotland all withdrew, only 13 teams were left in the competition.

The Jules Rimet Cup was used for the first time in World Cup 1950.

England made their first appearance in the World Cup in 1950.

The competition format was changed slightly in 1950 where the group stage system was brought back after 20 years. The 13 countries were then divided into four groups where the group winners would advance into the final group of four teams. No knockout stage was contested in World Cup 1950.

Ademir scored the first goal of the tournament for Brazil against Mexico. He would then continue to score another in Brazil's 4-0 win over Mexico.

Brazil, Spain, Sweden, and Uruguay topped their respective groups and made it through to the final round.

Brazil trashed Sweden 7-1 in their first match with Ademir netting four times as Uruguay were held 2-2 by Spain. Many thought that the host nation would win that World Cup.

Brazil continue their fine form by trashing Spain 6-1 in their second game. Uruguay collected maximum points as well with a 3-2 win over Sweden.

Sweden would then beat Spain 3-1 to finish third.

The final between host nation Brazil and Uruguay in Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro attracted a massive 199,954 crowd. Uruguay then made an upset by beating Brazil 2-1 after going down by 1-0.

Uruguay won their second World Cup in history, bringing them level with Italy with two World Cup wins each.

Ademir was the top scorer of the tournament with 8 goals.

A number of 88 goals were scored in the 22 matches played. Brazil scored a quarter of the goals in the tournament, having 22 goals in their pocket.

Be sure to read the coming parts of the series as well.