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Witness History: Ghiggia: Uruguay’s World Cup Hero

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The Maracanazo - Brazil vs Uruguay 1950

17/07/2015 GMT

Ghiggia: Uruguay’s World Cup Hero

BBC World Service - Witness History, Ghiggia: Uruguay’s World Cup Hero

Alcides Ghiggia scored a famous goal for Uruguay in a match at Brazil’s Maracana stadium

How Brazil was traumatised by losing the World Cup the last time the tournament was played at the Maracana Stadium.

In 1950, Brazil hosted the World Cup and were the overwhelming favourites to win the tournament at the last match at the Maracana Stadium. But, in a defeat that hurts to this day, the Brazilians lost to Uruguay 2-1. Sporting Witness talks to Alcides Ghiggia, who scored the winning Uruguayan goal at what became known as the 'Maracanazo'. 

(Photo: Alcides Ghiggia celebrates the winning goal. Credit: AP)

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