Uruguay 8–0 Bolivia
Míguez scored three, Schiaffino two and Vidal, Pérez and Ghiggia one each in Uruguay's only opening-group match.
Uruguay's 1950 World Cup squad won the country's second title by navigating an unusual tournament format and defeating host Brazil in the decisive final-round match. The team played only four games, remained unbeaten and recovered from losing positions against both Sweden and Brazil.
Juan López's side combined a strong central spine with flexible attacking movement. Captain Obdulio Varela controlled midfield rhythm and protected the defence, while Julio Pérez linked play in tighter areas. Alcides Ghiggia stretched the right side and repeatedly attacked the space outside Brazil's defence. Juan Schiaffino moved between midfield and the forward line, and Óscar Míguez provided penalty-area finishing. The team could defend compactly without becoming passive and was prepared to change momentum through direct, purposeful attacks.
Varela supplied leadership and the equaliser against Spain. Míguez scored five goals, including a hat-trick against Bolivia and two late goals against Sweden. Ghiggia scored in every match and delivered the title-winning goal against Brazil. Schiaffino contributed three goals, including the equaliser at the Maracanã, while goalkeeper Roque Máspoli and defenders Eusebio Tejera and Matías González resisted Brazil's pressure in the decisive match.
The 2–1 victory over Brazil became known as the Maracanazo and remains one of the most significant upsets in World Cup history. Uruguay entered the final-round match needing a win against a host that required only a draw. The comeback, achieved before an official crowd of 173,850, gave Uruguay a second title in its second tournament appearance and turned Varela, Schiaffino and Ghiggia into permanent national symbols.
Míguez scored three, Schiaffino two and Vidal, Pérez and Ghiggia one each in Uruguay's only opening-group match.
Ghiggia opened the scoring before Spain moved 2–1 ahead; Varela equalised in the second half to preserve the unbeaten run.
Uruguay trailed twice before Míguez scored in the 77th and 85th minutes to complete the comeback.
After Friaça put Brazil ahead, Schiaffino equalised and Ghiggia scored the goal that delivered Uruguay's second title.
Uruguay's starting XI against Brazil used Roque Máspoli in goal; Matías González and Eusebio Tejera in the deepest defensive line; Schubert Gambetta, captain Obdulio Varela and Víctor Rodríguez Andrade across the supporting line; and Ghiggia, Pérez, Míguez, Schiaffino and teenage debutant Rubén Morán in attack. Position labels from the era do not map perfectly onto a modern formation, but Varela's central control and Ghiggia's width were decisive.
Controlled the team's emotional response under pressure, protected the defence and scored the equaliser against Spain.
Scored in all four matches and created or finished the decisive attacks against Brazil, including the title-winning goal.
Connected midfield with attack, scored three goals and equalised in the decisive match at the Maracanã.
Led Uruguay with five goals, including a hat-trick against Bolivia and a late double against Sweden.
Started the final three matches and resisted sustained Brazilian pressure after the host took the lead.
Covered wide and central spaces and helped limit Brazil after Uruguay changed the momentum of the deciding match.
This playable selection is separate from the verified historical final starting XI shown above.
No. The tournament used a four-team final round. Uruguay's last match against Brazil decided the title because Brazil needed a draw and Uruguay needed a win.
Juan Schiaffino equalised and Alcides Ghiggia scored the winning goal.
Uruguay played four matches, winning three and drawing one.
Obdulio Varela captained the team and was central to its organisation and response after Brazil scored.
Yes. Uruguay 1950 is one of the synchronized historical squads available in the game archive.
Editorial review: 7a0.online
Last reviewed: 2026-07-25
Historical results and lineups are checked against the cited records. Player ratings, position eligibility and suggested lineups are independent 7a0 editorial values.