FIFA World Cup 1930

The inaugural FIFA World Cup, held in Uruguay from 13–30 July 1930, brought together 13 nations, with all the matches played in Montevideo. South American sides dominated: Argentina won all three of their group matches, including a 6–3 victory over Mexico, while Chile also impressed by beating France and Mexico before losing 3–1 to Argentina. Brazil were surprisingly eliminated in the group stage after losing 2–1 to Yugoslavia, although they beat Bolivia 4–0, while Yugoslavia went on to the semi-finals, where they were beaten 6–1 by Uruguay. The United States also made a strong impression, winning both of their group games against Belgium and Paraguay 3–0 before suffering a 6–1 semi-final defeat to Argentina. Uruguay, meanwhile, beat Peru and Romania to top their group and then overwhelmed Yugoslavia 6–1. The final was an all-South American affair, with Uruguay recovering from 2–1 down at half-time to beat Argentina 4–2 and become the first world champions; Argentina's Guillermo Stábile finished as the tournament's leading scorer with eight goals.