RIP Alcides Ghiggia

SWlNE:
He passed away yesterday (16th July, 2015). One year and a few days after Di Stéfano (7th July, 2014).
Alcides Ghiggia was a Uruguayan football forward, the last one alive from the Uruguay WC 1950 football team. They played in the 1950 Worldcup finals against Brazil.

Perhaps you have heard of him or of the Maracanazo story, if you are strongly into football and into the important Latin American football moments. If you have not, then I will share with you the beautiful story.

SWlNE:
Now imagine this scene, Brazil -there wasn't one single doubt in any Brazilian's mind that they were not going to get that World cup win against little Uruguay. The stadium filled, everyone already partying, you can hear the music and feel the Carnival-like atmosphere. Pure excitement. Fathers with their sons, families gathering around the radio. Everyone hyped. The win was in the bag, there was even a "Winning" song ready to be played 'when', not 'if', 'when the win takes place'. It had great significance not only to the Brazilians who passionately loved football but also for the politics at the time. This was the finals but to everyone there was no agitating feeling on losing, just sweet excitement on winning, might as well hand over the trophy to the Champions of football, THE Brazil, right? Even the stadium was built specifically for this one moment. The moment Brazil gain that trophy, the great Maracana Stadium.
BAM! One goal scored by Brazil in the back of the Uruguayan net. The crowd is ecstatic. Then one goal scored by the Uruguayans the attacking underdogs. The scoreline is now a tie with still time on the clock to play but the Uruguayans wouldn't let up. A little panic surfaces in the Brazilians with the scoreline 1-1. Everyone on edge waiting for the final whistle. Perhaps still cheering their team onward. Then with a few minutes left in play with the ball at the feet of Alcides Ghiggia, he shoots and scores the final goal for Uruguay. Ending the game in 2-1 and Uruguay as the 1950 World cup champs.
There was a strong silence in that Stadium. Not one sound. No music, no cheering by the Brazilians. All their hearts broke. Grown men cried. I've heard that there were a couple of suicides after the final whistle persons threw themselves off the Stadium. I think too that Brazil changed their kit colour from that match to the current colours that reflect their national colours.
This match is known as the Maracanazo. It took place on the 16th July 1950. Strange that he passed away on the same date.

SWlNE: