The Maracanazo: the day Uruguay silenced the Maracanã (1950)
On 16 July 1950, Uruguay beat Brazil 2-1 at the Maracanã in front of nearly 174,000 fans, snatching away a World Cup the hosts had all but won.
It is known as the «Maracanazo» and it remains one of the biggest surprises in football history. On 16 July 1950, Uruguay beat Brazil 2-1 at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro, in the decisive match of that World Cup.
That World Cup was not settled by a conventional final but by a final round-robin group of four teams. Brazil arrived on top and only needed a draw to be crowned champions; Uruguay had to win.
Friaça put Brazil ahead in the 47th minute and set the Maracanã alight, but Juan Alberto Schiaffino levelled in the 66th and Alcides Ghiggia completed the comeback in the 79th. The stadium, with 173,850 spectators according to official figures — possibly more than 200,000 counting unchecked entries — fell silent.
With Obdulio Varela as captain and symbol, Uruguay claimed their second world title. The term «Maracanazo» endured forever as a byword for Brazilian sporting tragedy and for one of football's most remembered feats.
Source: Wikipedia (1950 FIFA World Cup Final). Pictured, the Maracanã today.