FIFA World Cup 1954 Group 1

fifa world cup 1954 poster Brazil and France were the seeded teams in Group 1 but France failed to qualify for the next stage. Brazil finished level on points with Yugoslavia and were placed top of the group after lots were drawn. Brazil wore their iconic kit in the colours of the Brazilian flag for the first time in the World Cup. This had been introduced in the wake of Maracanaza following a competition that was won by a 19-year old, Aldyr Garcia Schlee.

Brazil

Mexico

Brazil 5 Mexico 0

Charmilles Stadium, Geneva (13,000)
16 June 1954

The new look Brazil played with familiar attacking flair and were 4-0 up at half-time.

(Glen Isherwood, Andre Silva)

Yugoslavia

France

Yugoslavia 1 France 0

Stade Olympique de la Pontaise, Lausanne (27,000)
16 June 1954

A single goal by Miloš Milutinović in the 15th minute of the first half proved to be the decider in a closely contested match.

After the game the French press complained that France's blue shirts were indistinguishable on television from Yugoslavia's red. France adopted white shirts as their alternative as a result.

(Glen Isherwood, Andre Silva, José Luis Carbonell, Pascal)

Brazil

Yugoslavia

Brazil 1 Yugoslavia 1 (after extra time)

Stade Olympique de la Pontaise, Lausanne (40,000)
19 June 1954

With the scores standing at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the teams had to play an additional half hour of extra time. At this stage it was still possible for France to force a play-off if they beat Mexico and there was a result in this game. The match in Geneva had kicked off ten minutes later so the issue remained in doubt. Once the result was known, however, Brazil and Yugoslavia were content to play out a draw in the knowledge they would be be going into the next round. The referee was the splendidly named Scot, Charlie Faultless.

(Andre Silva)

France

Mexico

France 3 Mexico 2

Charmilles Stadium, Geneva (19,000)
19 June 1954

After falling two goals behind, Mexico fought back valiantly and with five minutes remaining, Tomás Balcázar leveled the score. Three minutes later the referee gave France a penalty which Kopa converted.