THE ROAD TO RUSSIA: 1954
Switzerland hosted the 1954 World Cup from June 16 to July 4. The fifth edition of the World Cup saw West Germany back in the fold and a Ferenc Puskasinspired Hungary, who had handed England a historic 6- 3 defeat at Wembley prior to the finals, installed as strong favourites.
The 1950 group format was abandoned, with a return to the group system followed by knockout quarter and semi- finals.
The Hungarians demolished a tactically- weakened German side 8- 3 in the opening round, adding to a 9- 0 demolition of South Korea.
In the quarter- finals their match with Brazil turned ugly. The Battle of Berne, as the match was later labelled, saw two Brazilians and a Hungarian sent off and fighting continued in the dressing rooms after the match, which Hungary won 4- 2.
In the final against West Germany, Hungary were soon 2- 0 ahead through Puskas and Zoltan Czibor and seemingly cruising to victory, but the West Germans pulled level within 10 minutes.
The match- winner came five minutes from the end when Helmut Rahn scored his second goal to clinch West Germany’s maiden World Cup triumph.
Austria beat Uruguay 3- 1 in the match played to decide the third place. It was the 100th match in World Cup history.
The tournament set a number of all- time records for goal- scoring, including the highest average goals scored per game. As many as 140 goals were scored by 63 different players in 26 matches at an average of 5.38 goals per match. Hungary’s Sandor Kocsis finished top scorer with 11 goals in five matches. There were four self goals.