Uruguay’s mercurial winger Alcides Ghiggia brought this Uruguayan flag with him and the rest of the Uruguay national soccer team to the 1950 World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Uruguay, entering the tournament for the first time since winning the inaugural World Cup in 1930, found themselves in the final game of the tournament against the home nation, who needed only a draw to clinch the World Cup title. With Friaça’s opening goal in the 47th minute, Brazil seemed well on their way to the trophy before Juan Alberto Schiaffino equalized the scoreline in the 66th minute off a Ghiggia assist. 13 minutes later, it was Ghiggia who scored, deceptively beating Brazil goalkeeper Moacir Barbosa at his near post for the final goal of the match. The nearly 200,000 Brazilians in attendance at the Maracanã Stadium were stunned, for an upset of this magnitude had never been witnessed in the world of soccer.

This offered flag of Uruguay has five horizontal white stripes and four horizontal blue stripes. Positioned in the upper portion of the flag is the Sun of May with eight triangular rays and eight wavy rays extending from the sun’s core. The flag shows some signs of age and weathering yet remains in visually pleasing condition. The flag measures approximately 35 x 17 inches. This item comes with a LOA confirming it is part of the Rony Almeida Soccer Collection.

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