The 1954 World Cup Finals

It was hardly a surprise that Hungary were favourites to be crowned World Champions in Switzerland. South Korea were hammered 9-0, with West Germany beaten 8-3. However there was a element of controversy as with the score 5-1, Puskas was caught from behind by West Germany’s Liebrich and not only was he forced to leave the pitch but missed the next two games as a result. With West Germany reaching the Final against Hungary it has been debated whether the German’s had deliberately set out to crock Puskas. In the immediate aftermath after the finals the Hungarian’s believed so but as time went on some believed that there was nothing malicious about the tackle.

The quarter-finals saw Hungary pitted against Brazil but also became known as the ‘battle of Berne,’ due to the violent tackles and petulance during and after the game. Three players were sent off although the violence didn’t end their as it was alleged that Puskas hit Pinheiro of Brazil with a bottle with reports later blaming a spectator for the assault. Nevertheless this didn’t stop the Brazilian team storming the Hungarian changing room with more mayhem and fighting breaking out, leading to a Hungarian player being knocked unconscious, and Sebes being struck by a broken bottle. The result incidentally finished 4-2 in Hungary’s favour leaving them to play current World Champions Uruguay in the Semi-final.

This was regarded as one of the best matches of all time as Hungary threw away a two goal lead with Uruguay forcing the game into extra time as Hohberg struck twice in the last fifteen minutes. Hungary though remained resilient as Kocsis struck twice to earn Hungary a place in the final against West Germany who had dismissed Austria 6-1.

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