New Addition: World Cup Stories –Part 1 (The First World Cup 1930)-part a

Note: Since uploading this section, I have been informed of some errors/edits/additions by the writer of excellent blog dedicated to the 1930 World Cup

http://worldcup1930project.blogspot.co.uk/

-The concept of a World Cup was initially raised in the FIFA Conference in Antwerp in 1920.

By 1930, FIFA had 26 members. The British Nations had left FIFA on two separate occasions.

Initially the British Nations had left FIFA in 1920 because the other Nations would not boycott Germany (The British were boycotting Germany because of World War I).

They rejoined in 1924, but left again in 1928 due to disagreements over broken time-payments (Financial Compensation) for amateurs in the Olympics.

Photo From: Mondial, Hors Serie 14, 1982, La Glorieuse Epopee De la Coupe Du Monde

(Poster of the 1930 World Cup)

-The French FIFA President Jules Rimet (October 14, 1873-October 16, 1956) fought in the First World War and was awarded the Rank of Lieutenant on November 29, 1917.

He became the French Football Federation President in 1919 and became the FIFA President the following year (1920).

-Jules Rimet was hesitant about the idea of a World Cup and postponed the idea many times. It was his compatriot Henri Delaunay, the Secretary of the French Federation, who encouraged the concept of a World Cup.

Delaunay had felt that because of the rise of Professionalism, International Football could not be confined to the Olympics.

-On December 10, 1926, FIFA created a committee to study the feasibility of organizing a World Cup.

On February 5, 1927, in Zurich, Henri Delaunay proposed the idea of a competition involving National Teams.

Photo From: Mondial, Hors Serie 14, 1982, La Glorieuse Epopee De la Coupe Du Monde

(France’s Henri Delaunay)

-The World Cup Tournament was decided during the FIFA Congress of May 26^th, 1928 at Amsterdam.

On May 29^th, the idea was voted on (23-5 in favor, one abstaining).

Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway and Sweden voted against the idea.

It was also decided to set up a committee to study on the conditions for the Organization of such a Tournament.

Photo From: Mondial, Hors Serie 14, 1982, La Glorieuse Epopee De la Coupe Du Monde

(FIFA Congress of May 26, 1928)

-During the 1929 FIFA congress in Barcelona, Uruguay were designated as hosts on June 19^th, 1929.

Italy, Holland, Hungary, Sweden, Spain and Uruguay applied to stage the Finals.

Sweden’s candidacy seemed strange, since they had actually voted against the idea of a World Cup in the 1928 FIFA Congress.

Some sources show the dates of Barcelona Congress, as May 17-18^th, 1929.

The Completion officially was born and decided to be held every 4 years.

Some sources state the Congress was in Zurich and not Barcelona.

Hungary, Italy and Spain had renounced as hosts before Uruguay was selected.

Uruguay agreed to take charge of all traveling expenses and lodging of the Teams.

The Trophy was also named “Coupe Jules Rimet’.

Photo From: Miroir du Football , Issue 130, April-May 1970

(FIFA President Jules Rimet during the World Cup Draw)

Photo From: Primer campeonato mundial de football 1930

(Raul Jude, the President of Uruguayan Football Federation)

-Many European Nations did not participate due to the long distance that would have required an absence of almost two months including the time spent in the Nation (going back and forth by the sea, no air travel yet).

This was an era where most players were still amateurs and had jobs and employers would not authorize such lengthy absences.

Others such as Austria, Hungary and Czechoslovakia felt a 2 months long absence would be detrimental to their new professional clubs.

-In the end only four European Nations participated: France, Belgium, Romania and Yugoslavia.

-The South Americans were so angry at the European absences that they threatened secession.

Uruguay would not forget this affront and declined to participate in the 1934 and 1938 World Cups in Europe.

-On January 6^th, 1930, Law 6661 was passed in Peru. It was a measure to help the National Team financially for the World Cup.

Five Peruvian businessmen also assisted with the funding.

-On January 22, 1930, Ecuador sent its $200 for registration for the World Cup. Afterwards they chose not to participate.

On May 6th, 1930, the Uruguay Federation asked for their participation once more via telegram.

On July 1st, 1930, Ecuador refused, as they were unable to afford the traveling expenses.

-Most of Romania’s players worked for an English Oil Company. The company had threatened dismissals should any worker participate and miss work (they had requested three months paid leave absence).

Romania’s King Carol II, who was very determined to have Romania participate, threatened that he would shut down the company if players were not granted leave and naturally the Oil Company complied.

Photo From: Placar Especial 2006 (1-9)

(Romania’s King Carol II)

Note: According to http://worldcup1930project.blogspot.co.uk/

The story that King Carol had threatened to closed the factory in unconfirmed and might be exaggerated.

-The World Cup Trophy (Coupe Jules Rimet) was chiseled by the French Sculptor Abel Lafleur.

It weighed 4 Kilos (almost 9 pounds) and was called ‘La Victoire Aux Ailes d’Or’.

-France themselves were initially reluctant to partake. At the French Federation (FFFA) a majority had voted against participation. FIFA President Jules Rimet had to convince his own Federation for the importance of them participating.

Jules Rimet felt French participation was an obligation given his position in FIFA as well as diplomatically, due to good political relations between the France and Uruguay.

Jules Rimet personally took charge of ensuring vacations from the employers of the French players.

The French Federation accepted to go to the World Cup just weeks prior to sailing on June 2nd.

Sixteen French players got authorizations from their employers for a leave of 6-8 weeks.

Henri Pavillard and Manuel Anatol were refused such a leave and missed out on the Finals, as did a member of the French Technical Commission Gaston Barreau.

Barreau was not able to get time off from the ‘Academy of Music.’ Jacques Caudron would act as Head coach in his absence.

-Belgium Manager Hector Goetinck (March 5, 1886-June 26, 1943) had just been appointed that year.

It is important to remember that Belgian Managers had no say in Team Selection; they were just responsible for the physical training.

Hector Goetinck was killed on June 26^th, 1943 when a bomb struck his home during World War II.

Photo From: Le Dictioonaire Des Diables Rouges

(Belgium Manager Hector Goetinck in his playing days)

- Belgium star Raymond Braine (April 28, 1907- December 24, 1978) was suspended from the National Team for ‘professionalism’ after he opened up a Restaurant at Antwerp.

This decision was made on January 15^th, 1930.

In those days, the players were considered amateurs and the Federation forbade any commercial activity.

As a result he was deprived of participating in the 1930 World Cup.

He did not appear for the National Team until 1935.

As a result of this commercial activity he was also forbidden to play for his club Beerschot.

He outright became a full professional and joined Czechoslovakia’s Sparta Prague and became the second ever full time professional of Belgium.

Incidentally his older brother and fellow International Pierre Braine (October 26, 1900-November 6, 1951) purchased a sports shop, but he put it in his wife’s name and the Federation never found out.

Pierre Braine captained Belgium in the 1930 World Cup.

Photo From: Le Dictioonaire Des Diables Rouges

(Belgium’s Raymond Braine with Sparta Prague)

Photo From: Le Dictioonaire Des Diables Rouges

(Belgium’s Pierre Braine)

-During Belgium’s Friendly match vs. Portugal (before heading off to Uruguay), the public chanted Raymond Braine’s name and wanted him to be included.

-The Belgian Public and the Press were skeptical of Belgium’s chances in a place so far from home.

Jules Rimet had to convince the Belgian Federation for their participation.

Belgium might have not gone had it not been for the efforts of Rimet and their FIFA Representative Rudolphe Seeldrayers.

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire

(Official Poster of the 1930 World Cup that specifies the duration from July 15th to August 15^th, The actual Tournamant was from July 13^th to July 30th)

-Belgium players Florimond vanhalme, Desire Bastin, Jules Lavigne and Michel Vanderbauwhede could not get authorization from their employers for the time off and as a result did not participate in the World Cup.

Photo From: Le Dictioonaire Des Diables Rouges

(Belgium squad ahead of their departure to Uruguay)

-This was the first time ever that a French Team had set up a preparation Camp for the Finals of a Tournament.

It turned out to be on the Sea aboard a ship.

-The French Delegation included Jules Rimet, Jacques Caudron (Manager), Referee Thomas Balway and Pansonetti (Physio).

They left Paris on June 15^th, 1930 and boarded the Italian Ocean Liner ‘SS Conte Verde’ on June 19^th, 1930 at Villefranche-sur-Mer.

The boat trip was scheduled to take 15 days to and 15 days from (8 weeks in total away).

The Organizing Committee of the World Cup had commissioned the Ocean Liner.

Note: Some sources show ‘SS Conte Verde’’s date of departure from Villefranche-sur-Mer as June 21^st.

Photo From: Les Bleus, Le livre official de l'equipe de France, Author Dominique Grimault, 1997

(France players on the ropes aboard the ‘SS Conte Verde’)

Photo From: Les Bleus, Le livre official de l'equipe de France, Author Dominique Grimault, 1997

(France’s 1930 World Cup squad)

Photo From: Le Siecle des Diables Rouges, Author Christian Hubert

(The Italian Ocean liner ‘SS Conte Verde’)

-Three of the four European Delegations (France, Belgium and Romania) took the ‘SS Conte Verde’.

Yugoslavia had taken a different ship separately (48 hours prior). They boarded the ‘SS Florida’.

Photo From: Le Siecle des Diables Rouges, Author Christian Hubert

(The Captains of Belgium (Pierre Braine), France (Alex Vilalpalne) and Romania (Emerich Vogl) on the ‘SS Conte Verde’)

-The Romanians had been the first to board the ‘SS Conte Verde’. They had boarded it in Genoa.

After the French, the Belgians came aboard at Barcelona (some sources show the date of June 20^th).

In the last leg of the trip, the Brazilians also boarded it at Rio.

There was also another layover at Buenos Aires.

-The three teams on board would each take turns in practicing aboard the ship.

Since they could not practice taking shots on the ship, the exercises were limited to physical fitness (jumping ropes, running around the ship, even boxing, etc.)

They also occupied themselves by playing ping-pong and swimming.

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire

(France’s Alex Thepot, Alex Villaplane (masked), Jean Laurent, Numa Andoire and Edmond Delfour aboard ‘SS Conte Verde’)

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire

(France’s Numa Andoire, Alex Villaplane and Edmond Delfour training by walking on their hands aboard ‘SS Conte Verde’)

Photo From: Les Bleus, Le livre official de l'equipe de France, Author Dominique Grimault, 1997

(Belgium, France and Romania squads on the ‘SS Conte Verde’)

-To keep costs at a minimum, apart from the players, Belgium traveled with only Oscar van Kersbeek (Executive Committee), Emil Hanse (Team Manager) and Hector Goetinck (Manager).

Photo From: Mondial, Hors Serie 14, 1982, La Glorieuse Epopee De la Coupe Du Monde

(Belgium squad aboard ‘SS Conte Verde’)

Photo From: Le Siecle des Diables Rouges, Author Christian Hubert

(Belgium squad aboard ‘SS Conte Verde’)

-It was impossible with all the accommodations (food, alcohol, etc) and lack of proper training for the players to remain fully fit and some reached Uruguay somewhat overweight.

Apparently there were many festivities once they crossed the Equator.

It was reported that Belgium’s Bernard voorhoof had gained 8 kilos (18 pounds) during the trip.

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire

(The French squad after breakfast aboard ‘SS Conte Verde’)

-Since many players would have missed work because of this lengthy trip, the Belgian Federation gave each player 100 Francs pocket Money per day to cover their costs.

-The French Press actually did not send any reporters to cover the event, since they felt it would too costly of an expense to send specialists to a Tournament where the South Americans seemed to have an advantage.

In addition, at the time the ‘Tour de France’ Bicycle race was taking place and the coverage of that took precedence.

- Former French International Lucien Gamblin (July 22, 1890- August 30, 1972), who was at the time a journalist writing for ‘L’Auto’ and his protégé Jacques Goddet assigned French Players Augustin Chantrel (a University student) and Marcel Pinel to cover the event as reporters.

They would cable back the news (15 to 30 lines), which would then be edited by Gamblin. In the bottom of the articles P. (stood for Pinel) and C. (stood for Chantrel). Sometimes articles were credited as P.C.

Marcel Pinel (July 8, 1908-March 18, 1968) who was also doing his Military service was given the title of  ‘Special Envoy of French Consulate in Uruguay’.

Photo From: Les Bleus Author Denis Chaumier, 2004

(Journalist Lucien Gamblin in his playing days Captaining France, February 20, 1921, France 1-Italy 2)

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire (5)

(an example of articles written by Augustin Chantrel and Marcel Pinel, noted as P.C.)

-Opera singers Feodor Chaliapin and Anne Nespoulos happened to be on tour and on the ‘SS Conte Verde’ at the same time.

-The ‘SS Conte Verde’ arrived at Montevideo on July 5^th, 1930 (with five hours of tardiness).

From the Port the French went to their lodgings at the ‘Rowing-Club’ with locals welcoming and cheering them on.

The Belgians were also received like heroes, as most likely were the Romanians.

Some sources report that the Conte Verde arrived on July 4^th, but most sources refer to July 5^th.

Photo From: Mondial, Hors Serie 14, 1982, La Glorieuse Epopee De la Coupe Du Monde

(‘SS Conte Verde’ arriving at Montevideo on July 5^th, 1930)

-The French Delegation also met with Uruguay President Juan Camisteguy.

Photo From: Primer campeonato mundial de football 1930

(Jules Rimet and Mauricio Fischer at Montevideo)

Photo From: Primer campeonato mundial de football 1930

(Jules Rimet presenting the World Cup trophy to Uruguay Federation President Raul Jude upon his arrival)

-The French played an unofficial Practice match vs. Romania and won 4-2.

-Yugoslavia had two players: Ljubisa Stevanovic and Ivan Bek, who were based abroad (both for French club ‘Football Club de Sète 34’.

This was a rarity in those days.

Therefore, they are the first ever players to play in a World Cup while being registered for clubs outside of their own Nation.

Note: According to http://worldcup1930project.blogspot.co.uk/

In Addition to Ljubisa Stevanovic and Ivan Bek, their teammate Branislav Sekulic also played for a French club (Stade Olympique Montpellier), most books on the Yugoslavia National Team show himr egistered with SK Jugoslavija, but other sources provided by the above mentioned blog and this link provided by the blogger https://www.yumpu.com/xx/document/view/31908275/-v-a-/115

suggest that Sekulic was a Montpellier player.

In addition, the blogger informed me that Peru's Julio Lores Colan was also registered with a foreign club (NMexico's Necaxa).

Therwefore there were four players at this World Cup, registered with foreign clubs.

-The Tournament coincided with the Host Nation Uruguay’s Centenary.

They had won the previous two Olympic Football Tournaments (1924 and 1928).

-Uruguay’s construction of ‘Estadio Centenario’ was finished in eight months.

The construction was ongoing day and night.

The original idea was to have all the matches be played at the Centenario.

But the Construction was not completed when the Tournament kicked off on July 13^th. It would be ready for Uruguay’s first match on July 18^th, 1930 vs. Peru.

As a result other venues in Montevideo were also used such as Estadio Pocitos and Estadio Gran Parque Central.

Photo From: Les Bleus, Le livre official de l'equipe de France, Author Dominique Grimault, 1997

(Aerial view of the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo)

-The Uruguay squad spent two months secluded ‘in concentration’ in a Luxury Hotel at Prado Park in Montevideo.

The starting goalkeeper of hosts Uruguay Andrés Mazali broke curfew at team’s Hotel on the lead up to the World Cup.

He was dismissed from the team and sent home by Manager Alberto Suppici.

He missed out on the chance to win the inaugural World Cup at home.

Mazali who was a winner of the 1924 and 1928 Olympics, could have become a World Cup winner as well.

Photo From: IFFHS-Argentina (1902-1940)-Uruguay (1902-1940)

(Uruguay’s Andres Mazali)

Photo From: Historias Sudamericanas en la Copa del Mundo 1930-2006

(Uruguay players at their morning training)

-The Tournament would consist of Four Groups and then the winners to advance directly to the Semifinals.

-Brazil’s preparations were hampered by an open conflict within the Federation. The Rio Federation and the Sao Paulo Federation were at odds.

As a result the Sao Paulo squads boycotted the World Cup.

This deprived Brazil of selecting perhaps their greatest player of that era, Arthur Friedenreich.

It all started on May 6^th, 1930, when a Delegation from the Brazil Federation (CBD) was to go to Sao Paulo, to select the players from that region for the National team.

The Sao Paulo Delegation requested the inclusion of Jorge Caldeira, as representative of the Paulista League, in the Technical Commission.

The Federation did not respond, instead called up the following Sao Paulo League players: Clodo (Sao Paulo), Athie (Santos), Grand ( Corinthians), Del Debbio (Corinthians), Pepe (Palestra Italia), Philo (Corinthians), Amilcar (Palestra Italia), Araken (Santos), Friedenreich (Sao Paulo), Petronilho Britto (Sfrio), de Maria (Corinthians) Heitor (Palestra Italia), Louie (Sao Paulo), Nestor (Sao Paulo) and Serafini (Palestra Italia).

 From Rio de Janeiro, only eight players were selected: Joel (America), Italy (Vasco), Fausto (Vasco), Russinho (Vasco), Carvalho Leite (Botafogo), Nile (Botafogo), Preguinho (Fluminense) and Moderato (Flamengo).

The days passed and the Federation still had not responded to the Sao Paulo request nor had Sao Paulo League released the requested players.

On June 7^th, 1930, Elpídio de Paiva Azevedo of Sao Paulo League called the president of the CBD, Renato Pacheco, in order to ensure the inclusion of Jorge Caldeira.

The request was refused and Elpidio then asked if that was the final word of the CBD. Upon hearing the refusal, he hung up the phone.

On June 12^th 1930, the League of Sao Paulo notified the Brazil Federation (CBD) that it would not release its players.

As a result, the National team was formed only by Rio players, with only the inclusion of Sao Paulo playmaker Araken Patuska, who was out of contract with Santos and was now affiliated to Flamengo.

Photo From: Placar Especial 2006 (1-9)

(Brazil’s Arthur Friedenreich)

-All visiting teams were guarded with soldiers with bayonets.

-The USA squad sailed from Hoboken, New Jersey aboard the ‘SS Munargo’.

- The USA squad were a physically strong team. The French nicknamed them ‘the shot-putters.’

The Team contained five ex-British Professionals. As the years have passed various outlets would routinely refer to them as ex-British Internationals but that was not the case. They had not represented England nor Scotland at International Level, but were Professionals.

Photo From: World Soccer, July 1994

(USA’s 1930 World Cup squad)

Note: Corrections as notified by http://worldcup1930project.blogspot.co.uk/
(Only Moorhouse had played professionally in Britain and six of the sixteen man squad were born in the UK.

Suggested further reading:

Anything But Ringers: Historical Sketches of the Soccer Hotbeds that produced the 1930 U.S. World Cup Team
https://therosarioproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/anything-but-ringers-final-print.pdf

'The myth of British pros on the 1930 U.S. team'
http://www.rsssf.com/usadave/usawc30.html     "

- Argentina were without one of their stars Raimundo Orsi. He had joined Juventus in Italy. He would become an Oriundi and Italian International and helped Italy win the 1934 World Cup along fellow Argentinean Compatriots and Oriundis Monti and Demaria.

Photo From: IFFHS-Argentina (1902-1940)-Uruguay (1902-1940)

(Argentina players during their preparations)

Photo From: El Grafico, Historia De La Seleccion Argentina, Capituilo 2, 1921-1930

(Argentina’s Roberto Cherro, Mario Evaristo and Luis Monti walking in the streets of Montevideo)

Photo From: El Grafico, Libro De Seleccion-La Historia De Argentina En Los Mundiales-De Uruguay 30 A Corea-Japon 2002

(Argentina players in the streets of Montevideo in a van/bus)

Photo From: Primer campeonato mundial de football 1930

(Argentina players in training at Santiago Vazquez)

Photo From: Le Siecle des Diables Rouges, Author Christian Hubert

(Belgium players training in Montevideo)

July 13^th, 1930

-France were given the honor to open the World Cup vs. Mexico on July 13^th, 1930, perhaps in homage to Jules Rimet. 

There were actually patches of snow at the time.

France’s Lucien Laurent scored the first ever goal in the World Cup in the 19^th minute. 

Goalkeeper Alex Thepot gave the ball to Chantrel who passed to Delfour, who in turn gave it to Liberati, whose cross was volleyed by Laurent.

French goalkeeper Alex Thepot was injured in 26^th minute after a collision with Mexico’s Dionisio Mejía.

Thepot was forced to leave the field, therefore Augustin Chantrel took his place in net and France played with one less man.

The more dominant French scored more goals through Marcel Langiller and a double from André Maschinot.

Dionisio Mejía later crossed for Juan Carreño, who pulled a goal back for Mexico in the 70^th minute.

According to France’s Etienne Mattrel, Thepot was still groggy as late as 9 PM due to his collision in the match.

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire

(July 13, 1930, World Cup, France 4-Mexico 1)

Photo From: Soccer International, January 1991

(France’s Lucien Laurent in 1990)

Photo From: El Grafico, Issue 3056, May 2, 1978

(France’s Lucien Laurent in 1978)

Photo From: El Grafico, Issue 3056, May 2, 1978

(France’s Lucien Laurent explaining his goal in a diagram in 1978)

-The United States defeated Belgium (3-0) on July 13^th, 1930. Bart McGhee became the first ever goalscorer for the USA in a World Cup. He also became the first ever double goalscorer in the History of the World Cup by scoring in the 40^th and 43^rd minutes.

For the first goal, McGhee had crossed for William Gonsalves, whose shot had hit the post and McGhee had picked up the rebound.

Ralph Tracey set up McGhee for the second goal.

USA’s James Brown would later reveal that he felt McGhee’s second goal was offside.

The third goal was scored just before the end. William Gonsalves passed the ball for Brown who lobbed the ball over Badjou’s head and Patenaude pushed it in.

On the same day France’ s André Maschinot also scored twice vs. Mexico but his second goal was towards the end of the match and later than McGhee’s second.

Photo From: Los Sports - Mundial 1930

(July 13, 1930, World Cup, USA 3-Belgium 0)

-Belgium later protested that the USA was a foreign team because of the presence of the former British Professionals. However, eleven out of the sixteen USA players were American born.

-USA’s George Moorehouse (April 4, 1901-October 12, 1943) was the First English-born player to appear in the World Cup Finals (July 13^th, 1930, USA 3-Belgium 0).

He participated in USA’s three matches.

He was born in Liverpool and made his way to the States via Canada.

He served in the First World War as a Merchant Marine.

There was some controversy on date of his death. For some time the date was reported as July 13, 1982. US Soccer Historians eventually confirmed the date of death as 1943.

Photo From: Гольдес И.- История чемпионатов мира 1930-1962+

(USA’s George Moorehouse)

July 14^th, 1930

-Brazil played its first ever match in a World Cup on July 14^th, 1930 vs. Yugoslavia (1-2).

Brazil were unaccustomed to the cold temperatures and lost (1-2).

Brazil Captain Preguinho scored Brazil’s first ever goal in a World Cup.

For the Brazilians, apart from Nilo, all the other players were earning their first ever caps, as was the Manager who was managing his Nation for the first time.

Photo From: Seleccao Brasileira -90 Anos 1914-2004, Authors Antonio Carlos Napoleao, Roberto Assaf

(Brazil players entering the field, July 14, 1930, World Cup, Yugoslavia 2-Brazil 1)

Photo From: Beli Orlovi, 1920-1941, Author Vasa Stojkovic

(July 14, 1930, World Cup, Yugoslavia 2-Brazil 1)

-Peru’s Placido Galindo became the first ever player to be sent off in a World Cup. He was sent off in the 56^th minute of their match vs. Romania on July 14^th, 1930 (1-3 loss).

Chilean Referee Alberto Warnken, in turn became the first ever Referee to send a player off in a World Cup.

Romania’s Adalbert Steiner broke his leg in that match.

Romania’s Adalbert Desu scored the fastest goal of this first World Cup by scoring within the first minute and half vs. Peru (3-1 win) on July 14th, 1930.

Peru’s Luis Souza Ferreira tied up the match from a cross from José Maria Lavalle.

Just two minutes later, Constantin Stanciu scored Romania’s second from an assist from Desu combined and they later scored a third from Nicolae Kovaci.

Photo From: Los Sports - Mundial 1930

(July 14, 1930, World Cup, Romania 3-Peru 1)

July 15^th, 1930

In the Argentina-France match on July 15^th, 1930, Argentina’s enforcer Luis Monti injured Lucien Laurent as early as the second minute.

Laurent was confined to the wing for the rest of the match.

In the days preceding substitutions, players who were injured in a match but could nevertheless carry on would be positioned in the wing, where it was thought that they could not inflict damage on their team.

Argentina’s Jose Della Torre and Pedro Suarez earned their first caps for their Nation.

Argentina dominated in the early going but then the match was balanced out.

French goalkeeper Alex Thepot was impressive once more before being injured himself in the 23^rd minute and carrying on.

Argentina’s Luis Monti scored the winner off a free kick in the 81^st minute.

The free kick had been awarded after Etienne Mattler fouled Evaristo. The French positioning in the free kick would be criticized as only three men stood in the defensive wall for the free kick.

Just when the French were attacking relentlessly and appeared to have a chance to tie the match the unthinkable happened.

Much to everyone’s surprise Brazilian Referee Gilberto De Almeida Rego blew the Final Whistle with more than six minutes still remaining.

There was much protest and Police on horseback had to intervene to keep the calm as even spectators were on the field.

Even the Uruguay fans (naturally they were against the Argentineans) protested this decision.

The Argentineans had already returned to their locker rooms and had to be persuaded back.

Francisco Varallo threw a temper tantrum and rolled in the grass.

Finally, the remaining minutes were played. In the end the Uruguayan crowd chanted ‘Francia! Francia!’

The fans carried off France’s Thepot, Mattler and Delfour triumphantly.

The Argentine Delegation almost left the World Cup in anger because of this incident.

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire

(France’s Alex Thepot and Etienne Mattler jumping, July 15, 1930, World Cup, Argentina 1-France 0)

July 16^th, 1930

Chile defeated Mexico (3-0) on July 16^th, 1930, Carlos Vidal scored twice.

Mexico’s Manuel Rosas became the first player in the History of the World Cup to score an own goal.

He scored the own goal in the 52^nd minute of the Match vs. Chile.

Photo From: Los Sports - Mundial 1930

(July 16, 1930, World Cup, Chile 3-Mexico 0)

July 17^th, 1930

-For their match vs. Yugoslavia (0-4 loss) on July 17^th, 1930, Bolivia wanted to pay homage to its Uruguayan hosts by having each player with a letter on their shirt.

The letters would spell out to ‘Viva Uruguay’.

When it was time to take the match photo, one player with the letter ‘U’ was late in the picture; therefore the remaining ten players took the photo that spelled out ‘Viva Urugay’.

As far as the match, Yugoslavia defeated the Bolivians (4-0) with Ivan Bek scoring twice (his third overall in the World Cup).

Photo From: Гольдес И.- История чемпионатов мира 1930-1962+

(July 17, 1930, World Cup, Yugoslavia 4-Bolivia 0)

Photo From: Primer campeonato mundial de football 1930

(Bolivia squad, July 17, 1930, World Cup, Yugoslavia 4-Bolivia 0)

-USA’s Bert Patenaude (November 4, 1909-November 4, 1974) was recognized as the first ever scorer of a hat trick in the World Cup on November 10, 2006.

For 76 years, USA’s second goal in their win over Paraguay on July 17^th, 1930 (3-0 win) had been erroneously awarded to teammate Thomas Florie.

Some sources also attributed as an own goal by Aurelio Gonzalez.

In 1994, US Soccer had asked FIFA to review according to some sources.

FIFA made its decision from evidence from 'various historians and football fans' as well as confirmation from the US Soccer Federation.

For all these years, Argentina’s Guillermo Stabile had been thought to have been the first person to score a hat trick in a World Cup (July 19^th, 1930, Argentina 6-Mexico 3), but Patenaude scored his hat trick two days before Stabile.

Photo From: Primer campeonato mundial de football 1930

(July 17, 1930, World Cup, USA 3-Paraguay 0)

July 18^th, 1930

-Uruguay’s debut on the World Cup was on July 18^th, 1930 vs. Peru. The date was the Centenary of Uruguay’s Constitution (July 18, 1830).

Prior to the match Inauguration ceremonies were held for the official opening of the ‘Estadio Centenario’.

The stadium had just been completed.

The hosts were not impressive and appeared slow.

Pedro Cea and Hector Castro combined for the latter to score from 15 meters out in the 60^th minute.

Photo From: Primer campeonato mundial de football 1930

(Inauguration day)

Photo From: Primer campeonato mundial de football 1930

(Inauguration day)

Photo From: Гольдес И.- История чемпионатов мира 1930-1962+

(Inauguration Day)

Photo From: Los Sports - Mundial 1930

(Hector Castro, July 18, 1930, World Cup, Uruguay 1-Peru 0)

Photo From: IFFHS-Argentina (1902-1940)-Uruguay (1902-1940)

(Players and Officials entering the field, July 18, 1930, World Cup, Uruguay 1-Peru 0)

-After Uruguay’s narrow over Peru their Physical conditioning was questioned especially their footings in the mornings.

The Senior players, along with the Technical Commission along with Alberto Horacio Suppici decided to lower the rhythm and intensity of the footings.

Four changes were also introduced for their match vs. Romania.

Domingo Tejera, Santos Urdinarán, Héctor Castro and Pedro Petrone were replaced with Ernesto Mascheroni, Pablo Dorado, Héctor Scarone and Juan Peregrino Anselmo.

Some sources say that Hector Castro and Pedro Petrone did not play in the Romania match because they were being rested.

-Uruguay’s Hector Castro (November 29, 1904-September 15, 1960) scored Uruguay’s first ever goal in a World Cup on July 18^th, 1930 (Peru 1-0).

At the age of 13 his right hand was accidentally cut while he was using an electric saw. He was nicknamed  ‘El Manco’ (the One-Armed) as a result.

Photo From: IFFHS-Argentina (1902-1940)-Uruguay (1902-1940)

(Uruguay’s Hector Castro)

-Uruguay’s Santos Iriarte (November 2, 1902-November 11, 1938) earned his first cap for Uruguay in this match vs. Peru on July 18^th, 1930.

He was also known as  ‘Canario’ Iriarte. He passed away aged 36 due to Tuberculosis.

Photo From: IFFHS-Argentina (1902-1940)-Uruguay (1902-1940)

(Uruguay’s Santos Iriarte)

July 19^th, 1930

-Chile defeated France (1-0) on July 19^th, 1930 with Guillermo Subiabre heading in the winner in the 64^th minute from a cross by Carlos Schneeberger.

Célestin Delmer and Emile Veinante replaced Andre Maschinot and Lucien Laurent in the French lineup.

It was an inconsequential match for France who felt they had been more or les eliminated following their loss vs. Argentina. As a result they played an indifferent game.

French goalkeeper Alexis Thépot was once again impressive. He saved Guillermo Saavedra’s penalty kick in the 30^th minute

Some sources suggest Thepot saved Carlos Vidal’s attempt not Saavedra’s in the 35^th minute.

Thepot is credited as the first goalkeeper to ever save a penalty kick in the World Cup.

In fact this was the first ever penalty kick in a World Cup.

Many French publications made the error of showing France’s starting lineup, the same as the match vs. Argentina, which frustrated Célestin Delmer who was in the lineup in place of the injured Lucien Laurent.

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire

(France goalkeeper Alex Thepot in action, July 19, 1930, World Cup, Chile 1-France 0)

- Argentina’s win over Mexico on July 19^th (6-3 win) included four penalty kicks awarded. (Some sources claim 5)

Mexico’s Manuel Rosas became the first ever player to score from a penalty kick in a World Cup. He scored in the 42^nd minute of the match.

Argentina’s Fernando Paternoster (May 24, 1903-June 6, 1967) missed a Penalty Kick in the 23^rd minute.

Photo From: IFFHS-Argentina (1902-1940)-Uruguay (1902-1940)

(Argentina’s Fernando Paternoster)

There are other accounts on this; some claim Bolivian Referee Ulises Saucedo actually awarded an indirect free kick and not a penalty kick.

Argentina’s Carlos Peucelle scored two goals in his very first cap.

Attilio Demaria also made his debut for Argentina in this match.

Argentina’s Captain Manuel Ferrerira missed this match as he had returned to Buenos Aires to take his bar exam.

He returned by the time of the following match vs. Chile on July 22^nd.

It has been reported in some sources that Argentina’s Botasso also saved a penalty kick in the 62^nd minute.

In addition some sources reported that Manuel Rosas’ second goal in the 65^th minute was a penalty kick that was parried and Rosas scored from the rebound.

Photo From: Гольдес И.- История чемпионатов мира 1930-1962+

(Francisco Varallo, July 19, 1930, World Cup, Argentina 6-Mexico 3)

July 20^th, 1930

-Belgium’s Henri De Deken and Gerard Delbeke earned their first caps for their Nation on July 20^th, 1930 (Paraguay 1-Belgium 0)

The pair had replaced Jean De Clercq and Bernard Voorhoof in the lineup.

The winning goal was scored in the 40^th minute in a move involving Aurelio Gonzalez, Vargas and Romero that reached Delfin Benitez Caceres who scored with no Belgian in sight.

Some sources credit Luis Vargas Pena as having been the goalscorer.

Photo From: Гольдес И.- История чемпионатов мира 1930-1962+

(July 20, 1930, World Cup, Paraguay 1-Belgium 0)

-Brazil’s Carvalho Leite (June 25, 1912-Juy 19, 2004) became the youngest player in this World Cup (aged 18), when he played in Brazil’s match vs. Bolivia (July 20th, 4-0 win)

He would remain so until compatriot Pele became the youngest at 17 in the 1958 World Cup.

Brazil won its first ever Match in a World Cup. Brazil players: Velloso, Ze Luiz, Benedicto II, Carvalho Leite and Russinho, all earned their first caps for their Nation. 

Photo From: Гольдес И.- История чемпионатов мира 1930-1962+

(Brazil’s Carvalho Leite)

-According to some sources, Brazil goalkeeper Velloso saved a penalty kick in Brazil’s match vs. Bolivia (July 2oth, 4-0 win), when the score was still scoreless.

Though some claim this is unconfirmed.

-In this Brazil-Bolivia match, both teams came to play with white shirts. 

French Referee Thomas Balway asked the Bolivian squad to change.

Since they had no reserve kit they borrowed Uruguay’s light blue (Celeste) shirts.

Photo From: Seleccao Brasileira -90 Anos 1914-2004, Authors Antonio Carlos Napoleao, Roberto Assaf

(July 20, 1930, World Cup, Brazil 4-Bolivia 0)

July 21^st, 1930

-Ernesto Mascheroni (November 21, 1907-July 3, 1984) earned his first cap for Uruguay vs. Romania (4-0 win) on July 21^st, 1930.

A much stronger Uruguay comfortably defeated the visitors with all four goals coming in the first half by four different players: Pablo Dorado, Hector Scarone, Juan Peregrino Anselmo and Pedro Cea.

Photo From: Primer campeonato mundial de football 1930

(July 21, 1930, World Cup, Uruguay 4-Romania 0)

-In Argentina’s match vs. Chile (3-1 win for Argentina) on July 22^nd, 1930, a brawl between the players took place just before halftime.

Luis Monti had instigated the fight and the Police had to intervene to handle the situation.

Francisco Varallo crossed for Stabile to head home the opener. Stabile scored again a minute later.

A few minutes later Eberardo Villalobos took a shot that Argentina goalkeeper Angel Bossio blocked between his legs, Guillermo Subiabre pounced on it and Guillermo Arellano scored.

In the second half, Carlos Peucelle crossed for Mario Evaristo who scored Argentina’s third.

Photo From: Primer campeonato mundial de football 1930

(July 22, 1930, World Cup, Argentina 3-Chile 1)