Obdulio Varela

Obdulio Varela receiving the world cup in 1950.

In Uruguay there is a lot of passion for soccer. Many people do not know but Uruguay has won two world cups and organized the first in 1930. In 1930 Uruguay beat Argentina the final by 4 to 2 and in 1950 Uruguay beat Brazil 2 to 1 in the final. The 1950 world cup will always be remembered for all Uruguayans for ever!

In 1950 the world cup was held in Brazil and they built the world largest stadium the famous Maracana. Brazil was obviously the favorite team and most of the games they won by four or five goals of difference. On the other hand, the “modest” Uruguay won games only by a goal a sometimes tied against very powerful European countries. After all, the final was Brazil against Uruguay. The Brazilians had all the party prepared and even wore a shirt under their national soccer jersey that said “Brazil World Champion”. The game started and Brazil was not the destructive team that in the first half an hour of the game was already winning by two or three goals, but before the first half ended Brazil scored. The whole stadium that was crowded (200,000 people) cheered like crazy.

The second half of the game would always be remembered in Brazil as their worst failure in soccer ever. Uruguay tied the game and few minutes after the game ended Uruguay again scored and it is said that it was the deepest silence that the Maracana ever had. Uruguay was again a Soccer world Champion!

Now this entire story is related to heroes. Obdulio Varela was the captain of that Uruguayan team in 1950. He was not the one who scored more and neither was the best player, but he was the soul of the team. He always supported their teammates and was the “man” of the every game he played. He carried strength and power that intimidated the rivals.

I believe that his man is a hero of every Uruguayan although this event happened many years ago and now Uruguay is not any more as soccer revelation. Corruption and business had changed Uruguayan way of playing, and now it not very good.