Switzerland 1954
The 1954 World Cup in Switzerland saw goals galore. The centre of every ones attention was Gusztav Sebes's Hungarian team. Considered as unofficial World Champions, the ‘Magical Magyars’ as they were known, entered the tournament as Olympic champions of 1952 and unbeaten in 27 matches. They had a certain Ferenc Puskas in their ranks. They demolished DPR Korea 9-0 and a weakened German team 8-3. The Germans still progressed beating Turkey 7-3. In a quarter-final match, Austria beat hosts Switzerland 7-5 although were eventually ousted by West Germany. The Magyars continued their rout against Brazil in a match for purists that ended in 4-2 win. Eventually, West Germany met Hungary again in the final in a match touted as the “Battle of Berne”. Everybody came to expect a repeat of the group match and Hungary went two goals ahead. But Sepp Herberger’s team were inspired by their captain Fritz-Walter as the rain came pouring. However, shock goals from Max Morlock and Helmut Rahn levelled the score line before the interval.
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| © AP Images |
Winners: West Germany
Runners-Up: Hungary
Golden Boot: Sandor Kocsis (Hun)