Hyderabad, June 11 -- The first ever FIFA World Cup was held in 1930 and thereafter the second and third editions were conducted in 1934 and 1938, respectively. Then came the devastating battles of World War II, which brought all sports activities around the globe to a standstill. After the war ended in 1945, FIFA began exploring the possibility of reviving the world's greatest football tournament.

At the FIFA Congress of 1946, Brazil presented a bid to host the event in 1950. With the economy of most countries lying in shambles after the war, the football governing body was only too glad to accept the offer without delay. However, it would have to be a shortened event because of financial constraints.

It was decided to make it a 16-tea...