The
triumph of Uruguay in the 1924 Olympics had shown that Football supremacy was
no longer the sole property of Europe. The New World could now compete with the
old and Uruguay were its strongest ambassadors.
These
1928 series at Amsterdam would take place at a time when the Game was now
worthy of a bigger venue and there was chatter to that end.
This
was also due to the fact that the sport itself was becoming more professional
(in some countries) and the Olympics and its amateur status were at odds.
As
a result, it was unclear whether Football would be part of the games, about a
year before these Amsterdam Olympics.
 |
Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
|
(1928
Olympics poster)
|
 |
Photo
From: Calcio
2000, Issue 33, August 2000
|
(1928
Olympics Opening ceremonies)
|
The
IOC were opposed to any professionals taking part. FIFA and the IOC had to negotiate and reached an agreement over
compensation for lost earnings in June 1927 to allow Football in the Olympics.
The
various Nations would have to ensure that the players would not receive any
reimbursement of expenses, or compensation for loss of income.
The
payments were to be made to the employer of the player.
The
British Home Nations once again left FIFA in protest concerning this issue.
Nations such as Sweden and Norway also did not participate over this
compromise.
Austria
and Czechoslovakia also declined to participate. They now had Professional
Leagues of their own and did not want to present their Amateurs to play against
Professionals.
Some
Nations declined to participate due to financial reasons.
By
deadline day of April 15, 1928, Eighteen Nations entered the fray. These
included Germany, back for the first time since 1912 and isolation from World
War I.
The
1924 Champions Uruguay entered with just as strong as a team as before.
They
had as many as eight of their 1924 side. These included Captain José Nasazzi,
along with Andrés Mazali, José Leandro Andrade, Santos Urdinarán, Héctor Scarone, Pedro Petrone,
Pedro Cea and Pedro Arispe.
José
Leandro Andrade, the toast of the 1924 series, almost did not participate
unless he was compensated Financially. Eventually, he agreed to participate and
rejoined the squad on route to Amsterdam.
Their
rivals across the ‘Rio de La Plata’ were just as strong and presented a
formidable opposition with the likes of Luisito Monti, Manuel Ferreira and
Domingo Tarasconi among others.
The
Argentina squad boarded the English Ship ‘Alcantara’ many months before the
games on March 1928.
So
strong were these two rivals that ‘El Grafico’ Magazine had predicted
(correctly) the Final to be between these two Nations.
Argentina
would first be stationed at Duin near Amsterdam. It was said they had to
relocate to Haarlem as the players were taking shots at the swans at Duin.
Other
Teams from the Americas included Chile, as well as USA and Mexico from North
America.
The
Mexicans’ journey nearly took a month. First they traveled with train to USA to
New York. Once there, they boarded a ship to Amsterdam. It was forbidden to
train on the ship as a result the players were under-trained and out of shape
upon arrival to Amsterdam, which reflected in their performance.
Egypt
were Africa’s sole representative, along with Turkey (Asia).
Naturally
most of the participants were from Europe.
The
Dutch hosts had high expectations after some fine performances in the last
Olympics and general progress of the game in the Nation.
They
were to be captained by veteran Harry Denis (whose choice as skipper would be
questioned, more on that later….).
Their
Belgian neighbors had benefited as hosts to win the 1920 series, but were not
seen as such a threat this time around.
Spain
presented itself with a somewhat weaker squad as Professionals such as its
Legendary goalkeeper Ricardo Zamora did not participate. The team was
essentially a Basque selection with many Real Sociedad players.
Italy
were seen as Europe’s strongest participant. They included the defensive
fulcrum of Umberto Caligaris and Virginio Rosetta.
Not
to mention, Adolfo Baloncieri and Virgilio Levratto, two of Italy’s greatest
players of that Generation.
They
also included players who would go on to bigger and better things in the years
to come such as goalkeeper Giampiero Combi and Angelo Schiavio, while
midfielder Fulvio Bernardini would go on to become one of the Greatest Managers
in Italian History.
Italy
had to do without Leopoldo Conti (due to Professional status), as well as the
Argentinean-born Julio Libonatti.
Libonatti
was clearly in Italy for Professional reasons and also did not want to be
pre-occupied in case Italy met Argentina at the Games.
Andrea
Viviano, who was part of the Olympics squad, was injured in a match (which
essentially ended his career).
 |
Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
|
(Aerial
view of Amsterdam’s Olympisch Stadion)
|
France,
Luxembourg, Portugal and Yugoslavia rounded out the European participants.
By
May 17, 1928, the Teams were required to submit their full squad list.
Bulgaria
withdrew shortly after an earthquake had ravaged the Nation. Greece and Estonia
would follow suit.
The
Matches were originally set to take place at the end of June 1928, but some of
the participants lobbied for an earlier date. As a result the competition would
be pushed back a month and would actually commence before the actual Olympics.
It
has also been implied that this was also to "distinguish" this sport
from all the others.
Prince
Hendrik of Holland made the draws just two days before the tournament.
Unluckily
for his Nation, the hosts, he picked Uruguay as their opponents.
 |
Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
|
(A
typical Olympic pass for the players)
|
The
Olympics kicked off on May 27th at Amsterdam’s Olympisch Stadion in
a Preliminary Round Match between Portugal and Chile.
Portugal
struggled in the first half and fell behind twice. However, Portugal got back
in the game and just before halftime had leveled the score (2-2).
Portugal
would score twice more early in the second half to advance to the next round
and left Chile to dispute the Consolation Tournament (open to the teams
eliminated before the quarterfinals).
Portugal’s
two-goal scoring hero Pepe would sadly pass away just a few years later
(October 24th, 1931) due to food poisoning.
It
has been reported that Hugo Meisl, Austrian Manager of the ‘Wunderteam’ was so
amazed by the Portuguese performance that he invited them to play exhibition
matches in Austria.
 |
Photo
From: Los Sports, Issue 278, July 6, 1928
|
(May
27, 1928, Olympics, Portugal 4-Chile 2)
|
 |
Photo
From: Los Sports, Issue 281, July 27, 1928
|
(Chile
squad, May 27, 1928, Olympics, Portugal 4-Chile 2)
|
On
the same day, the First Round kicked off as well. Belgium faced Luxembourg and
appeared to be cruising for an easy win after taking a (3-0) lead, however,
Luxembourg fought back and tied the score (3-3) just before halftime. Belgium
would score twice more in the second half for a (5-3) win.
For
Belgium, the starting goalkeeper Jean De Bie did not start this match. His
young daughter had fallen off a balcony and seriously injured while waving
goodbye to him, so he had delayed joining the squad. Jean Caudron started in
his place. This match was also the International debut of Belgium’s Louis
Versyp who scored on his debut.
 |
Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic
Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
| (Team captains, May 27, 1928, Olympics, Belgium 5-Luxembourg 3) |
On
the following day, May 28th, Germany faced the 1924 Olympics
finalists Switzerland. The two sides had met just a month before on April 15th,
1928 at Bern with the Germans winning (3-2).
It
was reported that up to 10,000 German fans had traveled to see their team.
It
would be a comfortable win (4-0) for the Germans. Richard Hofmann would lead
the way with a hat trick.
The
Austrian Sports Journalist Willy Meisl (brother of Hugo) wrote, “Germany's
soccer players have scored a tremendous success. Our brave national team did
not go down with the needlessly inflated responsibility of the nation, it
played the game as a game, and that freedom, combined with the truly ardent
Karmen, the team spirit, and the steel-strong will to win of each one of our
elves created a tireless achievement made it possible to beat Switzerland 4-0.”
 |
Photo
From: Los Sports, Issue 280, July 20, 1928
|
(May
28, 1928, Olympics, Germany 4-Switzerland 0)
|
 |
Photo
From: Chronik des deutschen fussballs, 2005
|
(Germany
squad and Match action, May 28, 1928, Olympics, Germany 4-Switzerland 0)
|
 |
Photo
From: L'Equipe de Suisse, Authors Guy Balibouse, Roger Felix, Pierre Tripod,
1993
|
(May
28, 1928, Olympics, Germany 4-Switzerland 0)
|
 |
Photo
From: IFFHS, Schweiz,Suisse, Svizzera (1905-1940)
| (Switzerland squad, May 28, 1928, Olympics, Germany 4-Switzerland 0) |
On
the same day, Egypt faced Turkey and easily defeated them (7-1) to advance to
the Quarterfinals.
On the following day (May 29th), France and Italy faced off in the Olympisch Stadion.
On the following day (May 29th), France and Italy faced off in the Olympisch Stadion.
There
was apprehension from the French quarters for this match as the Italians had
been difficult foes in the preceding years.
Italian
defender Umberto Caligaris
had even said, “losing in itself is not bad but against France, it would be a
national catastrophe”.
For
France (lodged at Amsterdam’s ‘Hotel Amstel’), their Captain Paul Nicolas had
been the last to join the squad (arriving at 8 PM the day before the match).
It
was said he had an influential and privileged position within the squad and it
was at his behest that Marcel Domergue was in defense.
France
had included the 34 year-old Juste Brouzes (first capped back in 1914).
Brouzes
would score twice to give France an early two-goal lead in les than 20 minutes.
For
the first goal, he volleyed a cross from Langiller and minutes later picked up
a rebound from Pavillard’s shot that had been parried by De Prà.
However,
Italy pulled one goal back immediately through Gino Rossetti.
Levratto
would tie the score in the 39th minute. In the following minute (40th
minute), the Belgian Referee Henri Christophe blew the halftime whistle.
His
assistants notified him of his error and the teams had to be called back to
resume the remaining minutes of the first half.
Italy
would score in the 43rd minute through Banchero (a goal that
appeared offside). It was his first cap and goal.
In
the 60th minute, Italy scored their fourth goal through Baloncieri.
Just a minute later, France pulled one more goal back through Robert Dauphin
(from a pass by Pavillard).
France
could not get back into the game and were eliminated. Paul Nicolas’ injury did
not help. He played on despite being injured.
The
French Press felt the incident prior to halftime changed the course of the
match. As they believed France were the better team up to that point but lost
the momentum following the error by Henri Christophe.
For
the Italians, Giovanni De Prà had looked hesitant in goal and his poor
performance would cost his place at the expense of Giampiero Combi for the rest
of the Tournament. The Team would be modified for the next round.
 |
Photo
From: La
Nazionale Italiana, 1978
|
(Italy
squad, May 29, 1928, Olympics, Italy 4-France 3)
|
 |
Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic
Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
|
(May
29, 1928, Olympics, Italy 4-France 3)
|
 |
Photo
From: L’Equipe,
L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire
| (May 29, 1928, Olympics, Italy 4-France 3) |
On
the same day (May 29th), Portugal faced Yugoslavia at Amsterdam’s
Ouse Stadion.
The
score was tied (1-1) at halftime. In the 80th minute, Portugal’s
Valdemar de Mota and Milutin Ivkovic were both sent off for fighting.
Portugal
picked up a gear and attacked relentlessly. In the very last minute Augusto
Silva scored Portugal’s winner.
At
the conclusion of the match, Portugal supporters invaded the pitch to
celebrate. Augusto Silva, the goalscorer, was carried on the shoulders of his
teammates.
 |
Photo
From: 100 Melhores do Futebol Portugues, Volume II, Author Rui Dias, 2002
(Portugal squad, May 29, 1928, Olympics,
Portugal 2-Yugoslavia 1) |
 |
Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
(Match action and Yugoslavia squad, May 29,
1928, Olympics, Portugal 2-Yugoslavia 1)Note: In another source, the match action shown is credited as Portugal-Chile match |
 |
Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
| (May 29, 1928, Olympics, Portugal 2-Yugoslavia 1) |
On
the same day (May 29th), Argentina demolished USA (11-2) with
Domingo Tarasconi scoring four goals and Roberto Cherro scoring a hat trick.
The
Americans were not helped by the injury to their goalkeeper Albert Cooper. He
collided with another player during the match and afterwards was not at ease.
One of the Americans’ goals by Kuntner was scored by a clear handball.
 |
Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
|
(Argentina
and USA squad, May 29, 1928, Olympics, Argentina 11-USA 2)
|
On
the next day (May 30th), Spain faced Mexico. The Italian Referee Achille Da Gama
Silva Malcher was originally designated to referee this match, but he was
replaced with the Hungarian Gabor Boronkay after the Spanish protested since their next opponents
in the Quarterfinals would have been the Italians.
In
the end it probably would have made no difference as Spain comfortably won (7-1) with
Yermo scoring a hat trick.
Mexico
were rather inexperienced with as much as nine of them making their
International debuts.
It
was said that after scoring (while losing 0-6), the Mexicans celebrated as if
they had “won a gold medal.”
The
Spanish themselves had five debutants: Jauregui, Quincoces, Amadeo, Marsical
and Marculeta.
 |
Photo
From: EnciclopediaFutbol#13
| (May 30, 1928, Olympics, Spain 7-Mexico 1) |
 |
Photo
From: EnciclopediaFutbol#13
|
(Spain
squad, May 30, 1928, Olympics, Spain 7-Mexico 1)
|
 |
Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic
Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
|
(Mexico
and Spain squad, May 30, 1928, Olympics, Spain 7-Mexico 1)
|
On
the same day (May 30th), the Dutch hosts took on the 1924 defending
Champions Uruguay. It was a rematch of the 1924 semifinal that Uruguay had won.
The
Dutch had recalled the 34-year-old Wout Buitenweg to boost their chances.
Wim
Tap had been dropped from the starting lineup, to be replaced with the debutant
Bertus Freese (apparently at the behest of Team captain Harry Denis).
This
would turn out to be his last cap as well.
However,
this Uruguay was just as formidable as in 1924 and the hosts posed no threat
against such opposition.
Uruguay
were superior in all aspects despite the fact that many observers felt the
Belgian Referee John Langenus had favored the Dutch in his decisions.
Uruguay
would win (2-0) to eliminate the hosts in the first hurdle.
 |
Photo
From: Het Nederlands Elftal, De Histoire van Oranje, 1905-1989
|
(Holland
squad, May 30, 1928, Olympics, Holand 0-Uruguay 2)
|
 |
Photo
From: Het Nederlands Elftal, De Histoire van Oranje, 1905-1989
|
(May
30, 1928, Olympics, Holand 0-Uruguay 2)
|
 |
Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
|
(May
30, 1928, Olympics, Holand 0-Uruguay 2)
|
 |
Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
|
(May
30, 1928, Olympics, Holand 0-Uruguay 2)
|
 |
Photo
From: Oranje Toen En Nu, Deel 3, 1927-1932, 2002-2003, Author Matty Verkamman
|
(May
30, 1928, Olympics, Holand 0-Uruguay 2)
|
 |
Photo
From: Oranje Toen En Nu, Deel 3, 1927-1932, 2002-2003, Author Matty Verkamman
|
(May
30, 1928, Olympics, Holand 0-Uruguay 2)
|
On
the following days after the defeat, the chatter within the Dutch Press
centered on the choice of Harry Denis as Captain.
Harry
Denis, was a veteran of three Olympics (1920, 1924 and now 1928).
He
was along with goalkeeper Gejus van der Meulen, the only players back from the
1924 squad.
There
were reports of un-sportsmanlike behavior related to this match vs. Uruguay
that made many question the choice.
Denis
was set to become on July 29th, the first Footballer to take the
Olympic Oath at the opening ceremonies (scheduled after the Football Matches).
The socialist daily newspaper ‘Het Volk’ questioned whether he was suited for
this honor given the alleged poor behavior.
‘Het
Volk’ had relied on the reporting of another newspaper ‘De Bezem’, who made
public that Denis and Van der Meulen had tried to rile up and incite their
teammates to be hateful against Uruguay, as they believed that the South
Ameicans would play a rough physical match.
Many
believed this was pent up resentment stemming from the 1924 encounter.
The
duo had continuously in the intervening years complained of the ‘evils’ of the
Uruguay side.
‘Het
Volk’ also relied on three players as witnesses in disclosing the various
indiscretions. It was alleged that right from the kick-off, Denis had refused
to shake hands with his Uruguayan counterpart Jose Nasazzi.
Another
alleged incident involved a phase in the match, where Holland’s Pierre Massy
and a Uruguayan fell in a collision. The Uruguayan stood up reached out his
hand to Massy, but Denis yelled, "Do not take it! Do not take it!".
Massy his had already outstretched and had to back down.
In
another incident, Denis himself had fallen and was not able to get up
immediately. A Uruguayan player came to help him, but Gejus van der Meulen in a
rude manner turned him away.
In
another alleged incident, before the kickoff Nasazzi had given a Uruguayan
pennant/flag to Denis. When the sides changed sides at halftime, the Uruguayans
discovered that their flag/pennant had been left and discarded in the Dutch
goal.
During
the match, Denis and van der Meulen were heard repeatedly to encourage their
teammates to kick the Uruguayans.
At
one point allegedly Denis yelled,” I kick Scarone in the hospital next to
Petrone!".
The
weekly magazine ‘Sport in Beeld’ would reveal the sources of ‘Het Volk’.
The
players in question were: Jaap Weber, Puck van Heel and Pierre Massy.
Newspapers
such as, De Telegraaf, demanded a public inquiry.
‘Sport
in Beeld’ wrote, “If Harry Denis is to be allowed to climb the seat he has set
up for an oath on the sporting events of the Olympic Games, thousands will
certainly be convinced that he himself recently at those Games against the
unwritten laws of sportsmanship has sinned? "
After
a month, Denis wrote a letter to the chairman of the Dutch Technical
Commission, Carl Hirschman. Hirschman made the contents public and quoted Denis
saying that he had not shaken hands with Nasazzi at the coin toss because he
had earlier already shaken hands twice with him and felt it was unnecessary to
do it a third time.
The
Pierre Massy incident (urging him not to shake hands) was confirmed and
explained that he did not want to reward the opposition for continuous unfair
play with a handshake (as Massy had been fouled several times).
As
far as leaving discarding the flag/pennant, Denis’ explanation was that he had
forgotten all about it in the emotion of the moment.
The
incitement of the other players by Denis /van der Meulen was not addressed by
Carl Hirschman.
However,
the Press still urged an investigation.
It
was also reported that at the halftime break, Wout
Buitenweg was not satisfied with his position and wanted to switch with Bertus Freese's position.
The
Manager and the Technical Commission did not grant his request so Buitenweg
started taking off his shoes. At this point, Harry Denis intervened and
told him, “You can not make this Wout, we are busy with the Olympics". He
was consoled after being promised to play in central midfield.
After
Holland’s elimination, Roermond based duo Pierre Massy and Harry Schreurs would
leave the squad. Massy was perceived to be the main source to the ‘Het Volk’
newspaper about Denis and van der Meulen. Massy did not deny that he had spoken
to the newspaper but denied that he had approached them himself. He also felt
many more players had spoken to the newspaper about Denis/van der Meulen. In
solidarity, Schreurs left the team along with Massy.
Back
to the business of the Football on the field. The First Round was over and the
Quarterfinals were at the center stage. Jules Rimet made the draw for the
Quarters.
On
June 1st, Italy faced Spain in the only all-European clash. Spain
made a few changes from its previous match. Zaldua, Antero and Legarreta came
in for Vallana, Gamborena and Trino (Antero and Legarreta were making their
International debuts).
For
Italy, Giampiero Combi was in the net as the new starter. Alfredo Pitto
replaced Fulvio Bernardini in midfield and Angelo Schiavio was drafted upfront
in place of Elvio Banchero.
The
introduction of Zaldua proved positive for Spain as he opened the scoring in
the 11th minute with a long distance free kick. The fact that the
sun was in his face may have hindered Combi.
Spain’s
Antero was injured in the match, had to leave the field before returning with a
bandaged arm. However, he was virtually ineffective afterwards.
Italy
would dominate in the later going to salvage an equalizer and Baloncieri would
score the tying goal. The score remained unchanged and the sides had to meet in
a replay.
 |
Photo
From: Los Sports, Issue 281, July 27, 1928
|
(June
1, 1928, Olympics, Italy 1-Spain 1)
|
 |
Photo
From: La
Nazionale Italiana, 1978
| (Italy squad, June 1, 1928, Olympics, Italy 1-Spain 1) |
On
the following day (June 2nd), Argentina faced Belgium in Amsterdam.
It would be yet another comfortable Argentina victory (6-3). Tarasconi scored
four goals for the second successive match.
Belgium
had Jean De Bie (who had arrived just minutes before the match) back in goal
after the tragedy concerning his daughter. However he was helpless against a
team like Argentina, who advanced to the semifinals.
 |
Photo
From: Los Sports, Issue 281, July 27, 1928
|
(June
2, 1928, Olympics, Argentina 6-Belgium 3)
|
 |
Photo
From: IFFHS-Belgique-Belgie (1904-1940)
|
(Belgium
squad, June 2, 1928, Olympics, Argentina 6-Belgium 3)
|
On
the following day (June 3rd), Portugal took on Egypt. The Portuguese
goalkeeper Roquete would be blamed for both Egyptian goals. In the 65th
minute, Vitor Silva scored a goal that was invalidated.
Vitor
Silva did reduce the deficit in the 76th minute but Portugal were
eliminated and Egypt reached the semifinals.
On
the same day (June 3rd), Uruguay faced Germany. Uruguay were missing
the injured Andrade, Piriz would replace him in the lineup (his debut for the
National Team). Hector Scarone was also rested which allowed Castro to start.
The
German national team played for the first time in its history with an unchanged
lineup.
Once
again Uruguay would dominate and comfortably win (4-1) in an ill-tempered match
that saw three sending offs.
In
German sources it is implied that the Germans lost their cool after repeated
Uruguayan fouls that had gone unpunished.
Pedro
Petrone had opened the scoring for Uruguay in the 35th minute. A
minute later, Germany Captain Hans Kalb was sent off after a revenge foul on
Petrone.
Leinberger
was shifted in Kalb’s position and Richard Hoffmann filled in for Leinberger.
Couple of minutes later, Petrone scored another goal to virtually seal the
match against an opposition with already a man down.
Uruguay
would score twice more in the second half, with the Germans pulling one back.
The result had been a foregone conclusion for some time.
There
was late drama as in the 87th minute; Uruguay captain Jose Nasazzi
and Richard Hofmann would be jointly sent off. Nasazzi had fouled Hoffman who
had retaliated. Nasazzi was carried off on a stretcher and only later learned
that the dismissal had applied to him as well.
This
was the first ever International match where both captains (Kalb and Nasazzi)
had been sent off.
Hans
Kalb would leave the German team quarters that night and say goodbye to the
National Team for good.
The
DfB handed out a one-year International ban to Kalb and Richard Hofmann.
 |
Photo
From: Chronik des deutschen fussballs, 2005
|
(Team
captains, June 3, 1928, Olympics, Uruguay 4-Germany 1)
|
 |
Photo
From: Deutschlands
Fussball Landerspiele, Eine Dokumentation von 1908-1989
|
(June
3, 1928, Olympics, Uruguay 4-Germany 1)
|
 |
Photo
From: Los Sports, Issue 280, July 20, 1928
| (June 3, 1928, Olympics, Uruguay 4-Germany 1) |
On
June 4th, Spain and Italy faced off for their replay. Due to
injuries and fatigue, Spain made five changes.
Legarreta,
Antero, Mariscal, Regueiro and Kiriki were out to be replaced with Gamborena,
Bienzobas, Cholin and Robus (Bienzobas, Cholin and Robus were making their
International debuts).
Italy
made only two changes. Fulvio Bernardini came in for Silvio Pietroboni and
Mario Magnozzi replaced Gino Rossetti upfront.
Italy
Manager Augusto Rangone had decided on deploying three defensive midfielders:
Pitto, Bernardini and Janni.
The
first encounter had been a stalemate, this would be anything but as Italy
routed a tired Spain (7-1).
The Olympics had coincided with the Italian Giuseppe Biagi’s
expedition with an airship to North Pole that had crashed. They had been
launching ‘SOS’ Morse codes in desperation to be rescued. The story goes that
he had shouted ‘Victory’ to which his companions asked if their messages had
been heard.
His reply was, “No, but Italy beat Spain for 7-1!”. (…see the Sean
Connery film, “The Red Tent”).
 |
Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
| (June 4, 1928, Olympics, Italy 7-Spain 1) |
The
Semifinals started on June 6th with Argentina against the sole
African Representative Egypt. It would be yet another comfortable win for
Argentina (6-0) with Tarasconi scoring a hat trick. He had now scored three
goals or more in three consecutive matches.
On
the following day (June 7th), Uruguay and Italy faced off. Uruguay
Captain Jose Nasazzi was suspended, therefore Arispe would captain in his
place.
Andrade
was also back in the lineup and reclaimed his spot from Piriz.
Hector
Scarone was also back in the squad in place of Castro.
Italy
took the lead but Uruguayans scored three more times before the end of the half
to take the lead. Levratto, voted as the best European player of the Games,
pulled one goal back in the second half, but despite a valiant effort Uruguay
advanced to its second successive Final.
Levratto
had a penalty claim after being fouled by Canavessi in the box, but despite the
protests the Referee did not award the penalty.
Giampiero
Combi would call this match as the low point of his career as he was at fault
for the first Uruguay goal.
During
the match, Andrade sustained a head injury by hitting his head to post. This
would damage his vision to the end of his life.
 |
Photo
From: Il Libro Azzurro del Calcio Italiano, Authors Pericle Pratelli, Pasquale
Scardillo, 1974
|
(Team
captains, June 7, 1928, Olympics, Uruguay 3-Italy 2)
|
 |
Photo
From: Guerin Sportivo-La Grande Storia Del Calcio Italiana-1927-1929
|
(Italy
squad, June 7, 1928, Olympics, Uruguay 3-Italy 2)
|
 |
Photo
From: Calcio 2000, Issue 33, August 2000
|
(Uruguay
squad, June 7, 1928, Olympics, Uruguay 3-Italy 2)
|
 |
Photo
From: Guerin Sportivo-La Grande Storia Del Calcio Italiana-1927-1929
|
(June
7, 1928, Olympics, Uruguay 3-Italy 2)
|
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Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
| (June 7, 1928, Olympics, Uruguay 3-Italy 2) |
The
third place match, on June 9th, between Italy and Egypt turned out
to be little more than a training session as Italy demolished Egypt (11-3) with
Schiavio, Banchero and Magnozzi all claiming hat tricks.
In
an act of Sportsmanship, Italy’s Fulvio Bernardini shot his penalty kick wide
on purpose in the 84th minute as the Italians were already winning
with a large score.
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Photo
From: La Nazionale Italiana, 1978
|
(June
9, 1928, Olympics, Italy 11-Egypt 3)
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Photo
From: EnciclopediaFutbol#13
|
(Egypt
squad, June 9, 1928, Olympics, Italy 11-Egypt 3)
|
The
Final between the South American giants took place on June 10th in a
rain soaked pitch (it had rained prior to the match).
Uruguay
had inspirational Captain Nasazzi back in the squad, though Scarone was dropped
in favor of Castro.
Argentina
for their part were missing Cherro.
Petrone
would give Uruguay the lead in the first half, before Manuel Ferreira tied the
score early in the second half. Despite having more chances Argentina could not
break the stalemate and the sides had to play in a replay to decide on the Gold
Medal.
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Photo
From: IFFHS-Argentina (1902-1940)-Uruguay (1902-1940)
|
(June
10, 1928, Olympics, Uruguay 1-Argentina 1)
|
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Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
| (Uruguay and Argentina squads, June 10, 1928, Olympics, Uruguay 1-Argentina 1) |
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Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
|
(June
10, 1928, Olympics, Uruguay 1-Argentina 1)
|
The
replay was on June 13th and both sides made changes. For Uruguay, Lorenzo Fernández, Santos
Urdinarán, Héctor Castro, Pedro Petrone and Antonio Cámpolo were replaced with Juan Píriz, Juan Pedro
Arremón, Héctor Scarone, René Borjas
and Roberto Figueroa.
Argentina
only made one change; Feliciano Perducca came in for Enrique Gainzarain.
Uruguay
would once again take the lead first through Figueroa in the 17th
minute. Monti would tie the match in the 28th minute.
Uruguay
would have to wait until the 72nd minute, when Scarone scored the
winning goal. The result (2-1) remained
unchanged and Uruguay were Olympics Champions for the second time running.
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Photo
From: IFFHS-Argentina
(1902-1940)-Uruguay (1902-1940)
|
(Team
captains, June 13, 1928, Olympics, Uruguay 2-Argentina 1)
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Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
|
(Argentina
and Uruguay squads, June 13, 1928, Olympics, Uruguay 2-Argentina 1)
|
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Photo
From: IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
| (June 13, 1928, Olympics, Uruguay 2-Argentina 1) |
They
could truly claim to be the best Team in the World at this point (and would
prove it further two years later).
This
was the last Olympics to include the best teams of the moment (apart from
England) as the popularity of the sport gave the need to organize a Tournament for
Football only.
This
would bring forth the World Cup in two years time, as the Sport was getting too
big for the Olympics.
The
two sides (Uruguay and Argentina) would confirm their supremacy by facing one
another again in the 1930 Final and Uruguay would once again be triumphant.
As
many as twelve of the Uruguay’s 1928 side (José
Nasazzi, Domingo Tejera, José Leandro Andrade, Lorenzo Fernández, Alvaro
Gestido, Santos Urdinarán, Héctor Castro, Pedro Petrone, Pedro Cea, Héctor
Scarone, Juan Peregrino Anselmo and Miguel Angel Melogno) would be present in
1930.
Argentina would be missing Raimundo Orsi in 1930. His displays at Amsterdam earned
him the nickname ‘El Cometa de Amsterdam’ (comet of Amsterdam).
He
did not even return home form the Olympics. Juventus’ Edoardo Agnelli signed
him there making him the first South American player to leave for Europe.
These
1928 Games would be the last Olympics not to be mired with any of the Politics
of the day (1936 Nazi Olympics and Cold War politics of the decades to come).
Football
had the largest audience (251,747) in these Olympics despite reservations from
the other disciplines.
Football
would not be present in the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, but would return in
1936 in a World on the brink of War.
Notes:
1- The Tournament All-Star
Team (as appearing in IFFHS-Olympic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)):
Andrés
Mazali (Uruguay)
José Nasazzi (Uruguay)
Umberto Caligaris (Italy)
José
Leandro Andrade (Uruguay)
Luis Felipe Monti (Argentina)
Juan Evarsito (Argentina)
Alfredo
D. Carricaberry (Argentina)
Domingo Tarasconi (Argentina)
Manuel Ferreira (Argentina)
Pedro Cea (Uruguay)
Raimundo Orsi (Argentina)
Reserve:
Goalkeeper:
Gejus van der Meulen (Holland)
Full
back: Harry Denis (Holland), Fernando
Paternoster (Argentina)
Half
back: Fulvio Bernardini (Italy), Alvaro Gestido (Uruguay)
Forwards:
Adolfo Baloncieri (Italy), Hector Scarone (Uruguay), Pedro Petrone (Uruguay)
2-Dutch goalkeeper Gejus van
der Meulen was also a Doctor. He would openly support the Nazis following the
occupation of Holland during World War II.
He would be imprisoned after
the War and released after a few years, but lived mostly in disgrace due to his
Nazi ties.
3-France’s Paul Nicolas was killed in a car accident
with his wife on March 3rd, 1959.
4- Yugoslavia’s Emil Perska (June 20, 1897-May
1945) was linked with the ‘Ustase’ movement (Croatian Fascist organiztion). He
was executed by Yugoslav partisans at the end of World War II.
5-Germany’s Ludwig Leinberger died in a Military Hospital on
March 3, 1943 after surgery for Appendicitis.
6- After
his playing career France’s Captain in the 1930 World Cup,Alexandre Villaplane (December 12, 1905-December 26,
1944) became a criminal and a black marketer/racketeer.
During the
German Occupation in World War II, he became a collaborator and became a
Lieutenant in the SS commanding a North African Brigade.
They were
deployed against the ‘Maquis’ (French Resistance).
He had also
racketeered and got payments from Jewish families threatening their lives and
those of family members.
It was
estimated his African Brigade had killed 200 people.
He was directly
linked to 10 murders and was sentenced on December 1, 1944.
He was executed
by a firing squad on December 26, 1944 at Fort de Montrouge.
7
-Yugoslavia’s Captain Dr. Milutin Ivkovic (March 3, 1906-May 23, 1943) was very
Politically active.
He was part of
the movement that favored the boycott of the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.
In June 1938,
he became the Editor of ‘Mladost’ that had been launched by the Communist Youth
League.
During World
War II and the Nazi Occupation, he was affiliated with the Yugoslavian
Partisans.
He was arrested
and executed by the Nazis on May 23, 1943.
8-The
following players also participated in the inaugural 1930 World Cup:
Argentina:
Angel Bossio, Juan Evaristo, Rodolfo Orlandini,
Fernando Paternoster, Natalio Perinetti, Adolfo Bernabé Zumelzu, Roberto
Eugenio ‘Cherro’, Luis Felipe Monti, Manuel Ferreira
Belgium: Jan De Bie, Nicolaas Hoydoncks, August
Hellemans, Jacques Moeschal, Louis Versyp, Bernard Voorhoof, Pierre Braine, Jan
Diddens and Henri De Deken.
Chile: Roberto Cortes, Guillermo Saavedra,
Arturo Torres, Guillermo Subiabre, Ernesto Chaparro, Victor Morales, Carlos
Schneeberger, Guillermo Riveros
France: Alexis Thepot, Augustin Chantrel,
Alexandre Villaplane, Marcel Langiller, Lucien Laurent.
Mexico: Oscar Bonfiglio, Rafael Garza Gutiérrez ‘Record’,
Dionisio Mejía, Juan Carreño
Uruguay: José Nasazzi, Domingo Tejera, José Leandro Andrade,
Lorenzo Fernández, Alvaro Gestido, Santos Urdinarán, Héctor Castro, Pedro
Petrone, Pedro Cea, Héctor Scarone, Juan Peregrino Anselmo and Miguel Angel
Melogno.
USA: James Gallagher.
Yugoslavia: Milutin Ivkovic,
Milorad Arsenijevic, Blagoje Marjanovic, Ivan Bek.
9-From
Italy’s squad as much as six of the players would be part of the 1934 World Cup
winning side (Giampiero Combi, Virginio
Rosetta, Umberto Caligaris, Attilio Ferraris IV and Angelo Schiavio).
They were joined by
Argentineans Raimundo Orsi and Luisito Monti. The duo would transfer to
Italy and obtain Italian Citizenship and play for the Italian National team.
10-Argentina’s
Luisito Monti would become the first and only player to play in two consecutive
World Cup Final matches with two different Nations, losing the first (1930 with
Argentina) and winning the second (1934 Italy).
11-There are many relevant
information from the 1930 World Cup upload on this blog that might pertain to
these 1928 Olympics.
For more detail, see:
References:
90
Joer Letzebuerger Footballfederatioun
90 ans Federation Luxembourgeoise de Football
100
Melhores do Futebol Portugues, Volume II, Author Rui Dias, 2002
Azzurri,
Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983
Beli
Orlovi, 1920-1941, Author Vasa Stojkovic
Calcio
2000, Issue 33, August 2000
Chronik
des deutschen fussballs, 2005
Los
Sports
Deutschlands
Fussball Landerspiele, Eine Dokumentation von 1908-1989
Die
Geschichte der Fussball Nationalmanschaft, Author Dietrich Schulze-Marmeling
(Hrsg), 2004
Enciclopedia
del Futbol, Fasciculo 13
Guerin
Sportivo-La Grande Storia Del Calcio Italiana-1927-1929
Het
Nederlands Elftal, De Histoire van Oranje, 1905-1989
IFFHS-Argentina
(1902-1940)-Uruguay (1902-1940)
IFFHS,
Schweiz,Suisse, Svizzera (1905-1940)
IFFHS-Belgique-Belgie
(1904-1940)
IFFHS-Olympic
Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
Almanaque
da Seleccao, Authors Published by Almanaxi, 2004
Il
Libro Azzurro del Calcio Italiano, Authors Pericle Pratelli, Pasquale
Scardillo, 1974
L’Equipe,
L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire
La
Nazionale Italiana, 1978
La
Seleccion Nacional, Part I-Con el orgullo a media cancha (1923-1970), By Carlos
Calderon Cardoso
Le
Siecle des Diables Rouges, Author Christian Hubert
L'Equipe
de France de Football, L'Integrale des 497 rencontres (1904-1991), Authors
J.M.Cazal, Pierre Cazal, Michel Oreggia, 1992
L'Equipe
de Suisse, Authors Guy Balibouse, Roger Felix, Pierre Tripod, 1993
L'Integrale
de L'Equipe de France de Football, Authors J.M. and Pierre Cazal, Michel
Oreggia, 1998
Oranje
Toen En Nu, Deel 3, 1927-1932, 2002-2003, Author Matty Verkamman
Rode
Duivels & Oranje Leeuwen., 100 jaar Derby der Lage Landen, Authors Ralf
Willems, Matty Verkamman, 2001
Todo
Sobre La Seleccion Espanola, Felix Martialay, 2006
The
RSSSF website portion on the 1928 Olympics.
Fascinating to read about the fate of van der Meulen and Villaplane - it shows than people who achieved the ultimate honour in representing their country can make the wrong choice(s).
ReplyDeleteyes many players lives werer impacted by the world wars, some like villaplane had already drifted into a life of crime even before the war
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