nunes@utai.UUCP (Joe Nunes) (11/19/85)
- Uruguay chosen as site of first World Cup due to its impressive
Olympic victories in 1924 and 1928.
- Uruguay was willing to defray the expenses of all participating countries,
and had built a magnificent new stadium in Montevideo. Despite this
only four European countries (France, Belgium, Romania, Yugoslavia)
made the three week sea voyage to Uruguay. Even in the Americas only
two non-South American teams (USA, Mexico) decided to play.
- Due to low interest, all teams desiring to play were accepted. Even so,
the number of finalists (13) was short of the target (16).
- The vast majority of players were not full-time professionals. Many
had, in fact, competed in the 1924, 1928 Olympics.
- USA team was made-up mostly of foreign-born players, including 6
ex-British professionals.
- Uruguay was favorite, because of playing at home, its Olympic victories,
and low European participation and training. Had strong midfield in
Andrade, Gestido and Fernandez.
- Argentina were second-favorite despite having lost the great left wing
Orsi to Juventus of Italy after 1928 Olympics. Attack was built around
Monti a brilliant center half that was to play for Italy in the
1934 World Cup.
_ Here began the noting of contrasts between football styles: Europeans
working harder and being less technical, Latins being more technical
and less physical.
- In Argentina-France match, Argentina's lone goal was on a protested
free-kick, and referee blew whistle 5 minutes early. France protested
and game resumed.
- Argentina-Mexico game was very violent, 5 penalty kicks were awarded.
- Argentina-Chile game was worse, at halftime a brawl broke out,
requiring the local police to break it up.
- Main interest in Group 2 was surprise victory of Yugoslavia over Brazil.
- Boatlands of Argentine fans arrived to see final. Extraordinary security
precautions were in place. Only controversy arose because both Uruguay
and Argentina wished to use their own footballs. Referee decided to
allow each half to be played with a different ball. Argentina won the
coin toss and used their ball first.
- Cup went to deserving team. Uruguay would not compete again for 20 years.