After a gap of 11 years the competition resumed with the 1950 World Cup in Brazil and for the first time British participants were included.
Since 1920, British teams had cut ties with Fifa, however they finally decided to keep their war and protesting perspective away and cheerfully rejoined in 1946 following Fifa’s invitation.
Much to their disappointment, England’s involvement was quite the opposite of a success. The English failed to make the final group round, well, technically, in a showdown that witnessed a 1-0 loss to the United States. On the contrary, initial news reports, claiming that the 1-0 score was a typing error instead stated that England won 10-1.
The tournament also saw the return of 1930 champions Uruguay, who had boycotted the previous two World Cups; and consequently for political reasons, other Eastern European countries did not enter. Despite the Superga air disaster of 1949, in which the entire Torino team — many were international players — died, title-holders Italy took part in the tournament. The 1950 World Cup was the only tournament not to stage a final tie, replacing knockout rounds with two group phases. However, the final match of the second group phase was in effect a final, as the group standings meant the winners would be. Uruguay were surprise conquerors over hosts Brazil and became champions for the second time.
ALSO READ: Team profile: Brazil
