Photo source: FIFA
Doha: The FIFA World Cup returned to Europe for its fifth edition in 1954, after 16 years. The Alpine nation, Switzerland, hosted the tournament with 16 qualified teams from Europe, Americas, and Asia.
The 1954 World Cup matches were played across six cities in Switzerland. This edition also marks as the first World Cup to be televised, although only parts of some matches and not the whole duration of the games.
Miracle of Berne
It is not unknown that the 1954 decider between Germany and Hungary is named as one of the greatest World Cup finals in the tournament's history.
In a World Cup final held at the 64,000-capacity Wankdorf Stadium in Bern, many thought that the invincible Hungary will be crowned as champions once again, until it was proven otherwise.
The 31-match unbeaten record of Hungary's 'Magical Magyars' was cut off by West Germany, a semi-professional team, who retrieved a two-goal deficit and secured a 3-2 victory over the rival who had beaten them in the group stage.
According to FIFA, around 60 million Germans were sitting by their radios that day when the final whistle was blown and Germany was hailed champions.
The Final match in the 1954 edition is then remembered as the "Miracle of Berne", writing itself as one of the most memorable decider in the history of the World Cup.
1954 World Cup in Numbers / 1954 World Cup Facts:
Host: Switzerland
Teams: 16
Format: Group stage, knockouts
Matches: 26
Goals: 140
Winners: West Germany
Runners-up: Hungary
Third Place: Austria
Fourth Place: Uruguay
Golden boot: Sandor Kocsis (Hungary)
Silver Shoe: Erich Probst (Austria); Sepp Huegi (Switzerland); Max Morlock (Germany)
