Every FIFA World Cup Ranked From Worst To Best

18. Brazil 1950

Pele Brazil
Brazilian National Archives [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The 1950 World Cup may have provided one of the tournament’s biggest shocks history but was far from a classic.

This was the setting for “The Agony of Maracanã” with Uruguay upsetting the odds – and the home support – to defeat hosts Brazil 2-1 in the final decisive game in front of 200,000 stunned fans.

A tournament made up of two group stages with no knockout ties, Uruguay lucked out by being drawn in a two-team pool alongside whipping boys Bolivia in the first round.

Even in the final round, they were far from impressive and went into their final group game with Brazil needing only a draw to claim their first World Cup.

But despite taking the lead early in the second half, the pressure got to the favourites with Uruguay scoring twice, including a winner from an Alcides Ghiggia shot that goalkeeper Barbosa probably should have done better with.

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Former Loaded magazine staff writer with additional credits for FourFourTwo, ScreenRant, Planet Football and Den of Geek. A man with an unhealthy interest in the film career of Hulk Hogan.