World Cup Intel: The Craziest Moments In The History Of The Tournament

Uruguay Bets Brazil 2-1 To Win The Cup

Photo Credit: STAFF/AFP/Getty Images

In 1950, Brazil was heavily favored to beat Uruguay and win the World Cup. Uruguay had other plans, confidently beating Brazil 2-1 and winning their second title. Brazil had beaten Spain 7-1 and Sweden 6-1 before hitting their brick wall. Brazilian newspapers even printed World Cup victory editions and sold them before the match.

The match was held in front of a record crowd of 200,000 people in Brazil (the host country). The format in 1950 presented the final as a group stage. Because of their two blowouts, Brazil only needed a draw to win. They scored first, then let Uruguay score two game-deciding goals near the end of regulation. Coming up, we thought you couldn’t score a goal with your hands!