1954 FIFA World Cup
The Miracle of Bern: West Germany's first World Cup triumph.
The 1954 FIFA World Cup was the fifth edition of the FIFA World Cup, held in Switzerland from 16 June to 4 July. The tournament was won by West Germany, who defeated Hungary 3–2 in the final for their first World Cup title.
Quick Facts
- Winner
- West Germany
- Runner-up
- Hungary
- Final score
- 3–2
- Date of final
- July 4, 1954
- Venue
- Wankdorf Stadium, Bern
- Captain
- Fritz Walter
Lore & Background
West Germany, unseeded, advanced from a group that included Hungary and Turkey. After losing 8–3 to Hungary with a reserve side, they beat Turkey in a play-off to reach the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, West Germany defeated Austria 6–1. The final, known as the 'Miracle of Bern', was played in rain at Wankdorf Stadion in Berne, where West Germany beat Hungary 3–2.
Reader's Guide
The tournament used a unique group format with two seeded and two unseeded teams per group, playing only four matches per group. Play-offs were used to break ties. The highest-scoring match was Austria's 7–5 quarter-final win over Switzerland. Hungary's captain Ferenc Puskás was injured by West German defender Werner Liebrich and missed two matches before playing in the final.
Did You Know?
- West Germany's semi-final opponent was Austria, not Uruguay; Uruguay lost to Hungary in the semi-finals.
- The final was played in rain, later called 'Fritz-Walter-Wetter' because West German captain Fritz Walter was said to play well in such conditions.
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