Battle of Berne

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The Battle of Berne is a name used to refer to the infamous 1954 World Cup quarter-final between Hungary and Brazil, played on June 27 1954 at the Wankdorf Stadium in Berne, Switzerland. The game became notorious for its violent tactics, brutal challenges and spiteful petulance. Hungary with their legendary team of Mighty Magyars and Brazil, runners up at the 1950 World Cup, were two of the outstanding teams at the 1954 World Cup. What could have been an outstanding match between two excellent sides degenerated into an ill tempered contest. It was dubbed the Battle of Berne by the British press. Never in my life have I seen such cruel tackling, observed The Times correspondent. During the game English referee Arthur Ellis sent off three players after several punch ups on the pitch. After the game finished the violence continued. Ferenc Puskás, who missed the game due to injury, allegedly struck Pinheiro with a bottle, causing a three-inch cut. Other reports blame a spectator and not Puskás. The incensed Brazilians invaded the Hungarian dressing room and a pitched battle ensued with fists, boots and bottles all being used. At least one Hungarian player was left unconscious and their coach Gustav Sebes ended up with four stitches after being struck by a broken bottle.

1 The Game
2 Match Stats
3 Source
4 External links

[edit] The Game

Despite the absence of Ferenc Puskás, Hungary got off to the better start and quickly established a 2-0 lead. After three minutes Nándor Hidegkuti forced the ball into the net after a scramble and then he set up Sándor Kocsis to make it 2-0 after seven minutes. Brazil however began to fight back, but their attempts were frustrated by a niggling fouls. However after one such challenge Índio earned Brazil a penalty; Djalma Santos converted it to make the score 2-1. From then on the match grew progressively violent.

In the second half Hungary restored their two goal lead after Mihaly Lantos scored from the penalty spot only to see Julinho go on a meandering run and make it 3-2. Shortly afterwards the game erupted. József Bozsik was tackled unfairly by Nilton Santos and Bozsik responded by punching him. After a protracted boxing match, both were sent off. Didi then struck the bar for Brazil, while Djalma Santos allegedly gave up playing and pursued Zoltán Czibor around the pitch in a rage. In the dying minutes of the game however Czibor provided a cross for Sándor Kocsis who guided it into the Brazilian goal to give Hungary a 4-2 victory. However before the game ended Humberto became the third player to be sent off after he kicked out at Gyula Lóránt.

[edit] Match Stats

June 27 1954 17:00
	Hungary	4–2	Brazil	Berne, Wankdorf Stadium Ref: Ellis (England) Attendance: 60,000
	Hidegkuti 4' Kocsis 7', 88' Lantos 64' (pen)		Djalma Santos 18' (pen) Julinho 65'