Battle of Berne
Encyclopedia
The Battle of Berne is used to refer to a quarter-final match at the 1954 World Cup between Hungary
and Brazil
, played on June 27, 1954 at the Wankdorf Stadium
in Berne
, Switzerland
.
Hungary
and Brazil
were two of the highest scoring teams at the 1954 World Cup. However, what could have been an outstanding match between the two sides degenerated into an ill tempered contest on the field, during which English referee Arthur Ellis
sent off three players for violent conduct and fighting. The fighting between the teams continued in the dressing rooms after the game.
Hungary had revolutionised football tactics and coaching in Europe. Their fluid and open style of play - an early form of total football
- meant that they were unbeaten for the previous 4 years. Hungary were clear winners of their group, winning both of their group games - they beat South Korea 9-0, and West Germany 8-3.
Brazil had scored 6 goals in two group games, and Hungary had scored 17. The quarter final game between two openly attacking and stylish teams promised much.
Hungary took the lead in the third minute, with Nándor Hidegkuti
scoring. Four minutes later, Sándor Kocsis
made it 2-0 to Hungary. Brazil was awarded a penalty; Djalma Santos
scored to make it 2–1 at half time.
In the second half, Hungary was awarded a penalty; Mihály Lantos
scored to make the score 3-1. The penalty award was the cue for a pitch invasion by Brazilian journalists and officials, who had to be ushered off by police. The game then degenerated into a series of increasingly violent fouls and cynical tactics, with Brazilian forward Julinho somehow scoring to bring the score to 3-2. After this, József Bozsik
was fouled by Nilton Santos
; the two men started fighting, and both were sent off. Hungary scored a fourth goal via Sándor Kocsis
to make the score 4-2 to Hungary. The last moments of the game was little more than a running battle between the two teams; Brazilian forward Humberto Tozzi
kicked Hungary's Gyula Lorant
prior to the final whistle and was sent off.
In total, 42 free kicks and 2 penalties were awarded, with 4 cautions and 3 dismissals issued.
The ill-temper continued after the game, with the Brazilian players invading the Hungarian dressing room and continuing the on-pitch fighting. Despite evidence from independent witnesses of violent conduct from both sides, football's governing body FIFA
did nothing, leaving discipline to the respective countries.
commented: "I thought it was going to be the greatest game I'd ever see. I was on top of the world. Whether politics and religion had something to do with it I don't know, but they behaved like animals. It was a disgrace. It was a horrible match. In today's climate so many players would have been sent off the game would have been abandoned. My only thought was that I was determined to finish it."
The Times
newspaper correspondent on 28th June 1954 drew a similar conclusion; "Never in my life have I seen such cruel tackling, the cutting down of opponents as if with a scythe, followed by threatening attitudes and sly jabs when officialdom was engaged elsewhere.".
"This was a battle; a brutal, savage match," recalled Hungary manager Gustav Sebes, who received four stitches in a facial wound during the fighting. "At the end we had won 4-2 but it wasn't over yet. Brazilian photographers and fans flooded on to the pitch and police were called to clear it. Players clashed in the tunnel and a small war broke out in the corridor to the dressing rooms - everyone was having a go; fans, players and officials."
in men's senior international competition.
Hungary national football team
The Hungary national football team represents Hungary in international football and is controlled by the Hungarian Football Federation....
and Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
, played on June 27, 1954 at the Wankdorf Stadium
Wankdorf Stadium
The Wankdorf Stadium was a football stadium in the Wankdorf quarter of Bern, Switzerland, and the former home of Swiss club BSC Young Boys. It was built in 1925, and as well as serving as a club stadium, it hosted several important matches, including the 1954 FIFA World Cup Final, the 1961...
in Berne
Berne
The city of Bern or Berne is the Bundesstadt of Switzerland, and, with a population of , the fourth most populous city in Switzerland. The Bern agglomeration, which includes 43 municipalities, has a population of 349,000. The metropolitan area had a population of 660,000 in 2000...
, Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
.
Hungary
Hungary national football team
The Hungary national football team represents Hungary in international football and is controlled by the Hungarian Football Federation....
and Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
were two of the highest scoring teams at the 1954 World Cup. However, what could have been an outstanding match between the two sides degenerated into an ill tempered contest on the field, during which English referee Arthur Ellis
Arthur Edward Ellis
Arthur Edward Ellis was an English football referee.Ellis was a referee in The Football Association competitions and in FIFA international competitions...
sent off three players for violent conduct and fighting. The fighting between the teams continued in the dressing rooms after the game.
Background
Brazil had a reputation for attractive and attacking football. In their group games, they beat Mexico 5-0, and drew the other 1-1 with Yugoslavia after extra time. Yugoslavia had beaten France 1-0 in their other group game, which meant that both Brazil and Yugoslavia were equal on points in their group. Goal difference was not used to decide who finished top of the group; instead, lots were drawn, with Brazil being elected group winners.Hungary had revolutionised football tactics and coaching in Europe. Their fluid and open style of play - an early form of total football
Total Football
"Total Football" is the label given to an influential tactical theory of association football in which any outfield player can take over the role of any other player in a team. It was pioneered by Dutch football club Ajax from 1969 to 1973, and further used by the Netherlands National Football...
- meant that they were unbeaten for the previous 4 years. Hungary were clear winners of their group, winning both of their group games - they beat South Korea 9-0, and West Germany 8-3.
Brazil had scored 6 goals in two group games, and Hungary had scored 17. The quarter final game between two openly attacking and stylish teams promised much.
The match
The match was played in driving rain, producing slippery conditions and a hard to control ball.Hungary took the lead in the third minute, with Nándor Hidegkuti
Nándor Hidegkuti
Nándor Hidegkuti was a Hungarian football player and manager. He played as a forward or attacking midfielder and spent the majority of his playing career at MTK Hungária FC. During the 1950s he was also a member of the Hungarian National Team team known as the Golden Team...
scoring. Four minutes later, Sándor Kocsis
Sándor Kocsis
Sándor Kocsis Péter was a Hungarian footballer who played for Ferencváros TC, Budapest Honvéd, Young Fellows Zürich, FC Barcelona and Hungary. During the 1950s, along with Ferenc Puskás, Zoltán Czibor, József Bozsik and Nándor Hidegkuti, he was a member of the Mighty Magyars...
made it 2-0 to Hungary. Brazil was awarded a penalty; Djalma Santos
Djalma Santos
Djalma Pereira Dias dos Santos known simply as Djalma Santos is a former Brazilian footballer who started for the Brazil national team in four World Cups, winning two, in 1958 and 1962. Santos is considered to be one of the greatest right-backs of all time...
scored to make it 2–1 at half time.
In the second half, Hungary was awarded a penalty; Mihály Lantos
Mihály Lantos
Mihály Lantos , also known as Lantos Mihály or Mihály Lendenmayer, was a Hungarian footballer and manager. He played as a defender, spending the majority of his career at MTK Hungária FC. During the 1950s he was also a member of the Hungary team known as the Mighty Magyars...
scored to make the score 3-1. The penalty award was the cue for a pitch invasion by Brazilian journalists and officials, who had to be ushered off by police. The game then degenerated into a series of increasingly violent fouls and cynical tactics, with Brazilian forward Julinho somehow scoring to bring the score to 3-2. After this, József Bozsik
József Bozsik
József Bozsik was a Hungarian footballer. He represented Hungary in various international tournaments, and is a member of the Mighty Magyars.-Biography:...
was fouled by Nilton Santos
Nílton Santos
Nílton Reis dos Santos is a Brazilian former association footballer who played defender. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he was a pioneering left back, being one of first full backs to participate in the offensive game....
; the two men started fighting, and both were sent off. Hungary scored a fourth goal via Sándor Kocsis
Sándor Kocsis
Sándor Kocsis Péter was a Hungarian footballer who played for Ferencváros TC, Budapest Honvéd, Young Fellows Zürich, FC Barcelona and Hungary. During the 1950s, along with Ferenc Puskás, Zoltán Czibor, József Bozsik and Nándor Hidegkuti, he was a member of the Mighty Magyars...
to make the score 4-2 to Hungary. The last moments of the game was little more than a running battle between the two teams; Brazilian forward Humberto Tozzi
Humberto Tozzi
Humberto Barbosa Tozzi was a Brazilian international footballer who played for São Cristóvão, Palmeiras, Lazio and Fluminense. Tozzi represented Brazil at the 1954 FIFA World Cup.-External links:* *...
kicked Hungary's Gyula Lorant
Gyula Lóránt
Gyula Lóránt , also referred to as Gyula Lipovics or Lóránt Gyula, was a Hungarian football player and manager...
prior to the final whistle and was sent off.
In total, 42 free kicks and 2 penalties were awarded, with 4 cautions and 3 dismissals issued.
The ill-temper continued after the game, with the Brazilian players invading the Hungarian dressing room and continuing the on-pitch fighting. Despite evidence from independent witnesses of violent conduct from both sides, football's governing body FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
did nothing, leaving discipline to the respective countries.
Post-match commentary
The game's English referee Arthur EllisArthur Edward Ellis
Arthur Edward Ellis was an English football referee.Ellis was a referee in The Football Association competitions and in FIFA international competitions...
commented: "I thought it was going to be the greatest game I'd ever see. I was on top of the world. Whether politics and religion had something to do with it I don't know, but they behaved like animals. It was a disgrace. It was a horrible match. In today's climate so many players would have been sent off the game would have been abandoned. My only thought was that I was determined to finish it."
The Times
Times
The Times is a UK daily newspaper, the original English language newspaper titled "Times". Times may also refer to:In newspapers:*The Times , went defunct in 2005*The Times *The Times of Northwest Indiana...
newspaper correspondent on 28th June 1954 drew a similar conclusion; "Never in my life have I seen such cruel tackling, the cutting down of opponents as if with a scythe, followed by threatening attitudes and sly jabs when officialdom was engaged elsewhere.".
"This was a battle; a brutal, savage match," recalled Hungary manager Gustav Sebes, who received four stitches in a facial wound during the fighting. "At the end we had won 4-2 but it wasn't over yet. Brazilian photographers and fans flooded on to the pitch and police were called to clear it. Players clashed in the tunnel and a small war broke out in the corridor to the dressing rooms - everyone was having a go; fans, players and officials."
The Battle of Berne's status in International Football's highest rated matches
The "Battle of Berne" in theoretical abstract terms, was one of the highest ranked contests of the 20th century according to the Elo rating systemWorld Football Elo Ratings
The World Football Elo Ratings is a ranking system for men's national teams in association football. The method used to rank teams is based upon the Elo rating system method but modified to take various football-specific variables into account...
in men's senior international competition.
| Rank | Combined points | Nation 1 | Elo 1 | Nation 2 | Elo 2 | Score | Date | Occasion | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4211 | 2100 | 2111 | 0 : 1 | 2010-07-11 | World Cup F 2010 FIFA World Cup Final The 2010 FIFA World Cup Final was a football match that took place on 11 July 2010 at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa, to determine the winner of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Spain defeated the Netherlands 1–0 with a goal from Andrés Iniesta four minutes from the end of extra time... |
Johannesburg Johannesburg Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa... |
||
| 2 | 4161 | 1995 | 2166 | 3 : 2 | 1954-07-04 | World Cup F 1954 FIFA World Cup Final - External links :* - fifa.com, FIFA, 2002.*... |
 Bern |
||
| 3 | 4157 | 2050 | 2107 | 2 : 1 | 2010-07-02 | World Cup QF | Cape Town Cape Town Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality... |
||
| 4 | 4148 | 2068 | 2080 | 0 : 1 | 1973-06-16 | Friendly |  BerlinBerlin Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union... |
||
| 5 | 4129 | 2085 | 2044 | 1 : 0 | 2010-07-07 | World Cup SF | Durban Durban Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism... |
||
| 6 | 4119 | 2050 | 2069 | 1 : 0 | 1982-03-21 | Friendly |  Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro , commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th... |
||
| 7 | 4118 | 2108 | 2010 | 4 : 2 | 1954-06-27 | World Cup QF | Bern |
||
| 8 | 4116 | 2141 | 1975 | 4 : 2 | 1954-06-30 | World Cup SF | Lausanne Lausanne Lausanne is a city in Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland, and is the capital of the canton of Vaud. The seat of the district of Lausanne, the city is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva . It faces the French town of Évian-les-Bains, with the Jura mountains to its north-west... |
||
| 9 | 4113 | 2079 | 2034 | 2 : 1 | 1974-07-07 | World Cup F 1974 FIFA World Cup Final -References:... |
Munich Munich Munich The city's motto is "" . Before 2006, it was "Weltstadt mit Herz" . Its native name, , is derived from the Old High German Munichen, meaning "by the monks' place". The city's name derives from the monks of the Benedictine order who founded the city; hence the monk depicted on the city's coat... |
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| 10 | 4108 | 1715 | 1993 | 1 : 1 | 1977-06-12 | Friendly | Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro , commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th... |
Match details
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Assistant referees:  William LingWilliam Ling (referee) William Ling was an English football referee from Stapleford, Cambridgeshire, who refereed the 1954 FIFA World Cup Final.-1948 Olympic Games:Ling rose quickly through the ranks as a referee... Raymon Wyssling |
See also
- Battle of BordeauxBattle of Bordeaux (football)The Battle of Bordeaux is an informal name for the World Cup football match between Brazil and Czechoslovakia on June 12, 1938 in the Parc Lescure in Bordeaux, France, one of the quarter-finals of the 1938 World Cup finals...
- Battle of Bramall LaneBattle of Bramall LaneThe Battle of Bramall Lane is the informal name given to an English First Division football match between Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion at United's Bramall Lane ground on 16 March 2002...
- Battle of NurembergBattle of NurembergThe Battle of Nuremberg is the nickname of a football match played in Round 2 of the 2006 FIFA World Cup between Portugal and the Netherlands at the Frankenstadion in Nuremberg on 25 June 2006...
- Battle of SantiagoBattle of SantiagoThe Battle of Santiago is the name given to a particularly unsavoury and infamous football match during the 1962 FIFA World Cup. It was a game played between hosts Chile and Italy on June 2, 1962 in Santiago...