India, July 15 -- The first World Cup final did not begin with a tactical argument, a disputed team selection or even a refereeing controversy. It began with a fight over the football itself.

When Uruguay and Argentina met at Montevideo's Estadio Centenario on July 30, 1930, there was no universally designated World Cup match ball of the kind now unveiled months before every tournament. Different footballs could satisfy the laws of the game while varying considerably in construction, weight distribution, leather quality and feel.

Both finalists arrived carrying a ball they trusted. Neither wanted to play with the other's.

Argentina preferred the Tiento, a traditional brown leather football usually described as lighter and slightly smal...