World Cup 1954

Host: Switzerland
Winners: West Germany
Runners-up: Hungary
Third Place: Austria
Fourth Place: Uruguay
Top Goalscorer: Sándor Kocsis (Hungary) – 11 Goals
Participants: 16 (Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Czechoslovakia, England, France, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Scotland, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, Uruguay, West Germany, Yugoslavia)

Switzerland were the host for the 1954 World Cup and were the first country from Europe to host the prestigious tournament after the Second World War en ravaged the vast majority of Europe. However, the fans didn’t do enough to drive their country to what would have been a memorable victory as Germany, or West Germany as they were known back then, went on to win the tournament with victory over Hungary in the final.

For the first time in World Cup history there was TV coverage of a World Cup and special coins were issued to mark the event. Viewers were fortunateenough to see a goal fest in the final as Hungary and West Germany played out a five goal final with four of those coming within their opening 20 minutes of the first half.

Final:

Hungary 2 – 3 West Germany – Wankdorf Stadium ~ 60,000 Attendance

Goalscorers:

Hungary – Puskas, Czibor
West Germany – Morlock, Rahn x2

Third Place Play-Off:

Uruguay 1 – 3 Austria

Goalscorers:

Uruguay – Hohberg
Austria – Stojaspal, Cruz, Ocwirk