Battle of Berne
As the Battle of Berne in the quarterfinal match between Brazil and Hungary is known as the Football World Cup 1954 in Switzerland. The game took place on June 27, 1954 at Wankdorfstadion in Bern. The game, in which the British referee Arthur Ellis had to refer three players of the field, is considered one of the most brutal World Cup games, in which the Unsportsmanlike behavior between the players were continued after the final whistle in the dressing rooms.
Starting position
The 1954 World Cup is the highest-scoring tournament so far, although each team only two games fought out in the preliminary rounds. On average 5.38 goals per game were scored.
The Brazilian team was famous and feared for their attractive attacking football. In their two group games they scored six goals, where Mexico defeated 5-0 and was reached 1-1 after extra time against Yugoslavia. Since the goal difference at the tournament no consideration for determining the tablespace found, the decision had to be. Thus, Brazil became the group winners.
Hungary had revolutionized football in Europe. Until that time, the team was undefeated in four years. In their group, the Hungarian team scored 17 goals in two games. This South Korea were beaten 9-0 and Germany 8-3.
Game History
The game kicked off in the pouring rain. The slippery and soggy ground made it difficult both teams ball control. As early as the third minute brought Nándor Hidegkuti Hungary in, Sándor Kocsis solidified their lead four minutes later to make it 2-0 from. In the 18th minute referee Ellis decided on penalty kicks for Brazil. Djalma Santos converted the penalty and reduced the lead to 2-1.
While the game in the first half yet expired reasonably normal, the events came in the second half. 60 minutes into the Ellis whistled penalty for Hungary, which mustered Brazilian journalists and officials. Several of these people stormed the field and could be brought only by the use of police officers to evacuate the lawn. Mihály Lantos converted the penalty to make it 3-1. Now the game was constantly interrupted by brutal fouls. The Brazilian striker scored in the 65th minute Julinho the score back to 3-2. A short time later, in the 70th minute, was fouled József Bozsik Nilton Santos. It came between the two players to blows and Ellis had to refer both of the field. The rest of the game was marked by rude attacks. In the 78th minute of the Hungarian Gyula Lóránt was changed step by Humberto Tozzi. Also Tozzi was dismissed. Two minutes from time scored Kocsis then the 4-2 final score.
Ellis referee whistled 42 free kicks and two penalties. He had to express warnings and four point three players of the field. The tempers of the Brazilian players could not calm down. The Brazilians entered the locker room of Hungary, where there were further scuffles and fisticuffs.
After the game
The British referee Ellis, the Italian reporter certified an imperious demeanor, and his game management was due to the general opinion, that the chaotic conditions have not been greater, was abused after the game by angry Brazilian fans as a communist. In his biography published in 1962, Ellis wrote that he was convinced that, after years of analyzing it, this infamous Battle of Berne was a battle of politics and religion, between the politics of the communist Hungary and the religion of the Catholic Brazilians. He described the game as appalling. Today, so many players were sent off, that the game should have been canceled. His only thought was that he had to bring unwaveringly to end the game. For him, it was also surprising that FIFA imposed no sanctions. Ellis was convinced that many of the committee members feared they would have to cancel trips to beautiful places.
The Hungarian coach Sebes also spoke of a battle, a brutal and uncivilized game. Sebes himself suffered in the scuffle after the game a wound in the face, which had to be sewn with four stitches. Also, Ferenc Puskas, the Hungarian playmaker who could not be used because of an injury, took part in the fights after the game.
In the further course of the tournament, the victorious Hungarians reached the final after it was turned off in the semifinals Uruguay 4-2 after extra time. In the finals, Hungary met the preliminary round opponents Germany. The game once again with Ferenc Puskas, went as a Miracle of Bern in the history of football and ended with a sensational 3-2 win for the German team.
The precipitated Brazilians, however, hailed as heroes upon their return. A newspaper called honor for those who know how to fight.