1920 South American Championship: Uruguay's Third Title and Historic Milestones
The 1920 South American Championship, known in Spanish as the Campeonato Sudamericano 1920 and in Portuguese as the Campeonato Sul-Americano de 1920, marked the fourth international association football tournament for members of the Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol (CONMEBOL). Hosted by Chile, the event brought together the region's footballing powerhouses in a battle for continental supremacy.
Running from September 11 to September 26, 1920, the competition featured four national teams: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. The tournament was more than just a quest for a trophy; it was a showcase of evolving tactics and individual brilliance that would leave a lasting mark on the sport.
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Key Facts
- Champions: Uruguay (their 3rd title).
- Host Country: Chile.
- Venue: Estadio Valparaiso Sporting Club, Viña del Mar.
- Top Scorers: José Pérez and Ángel Romano (3 goals each).
- Historic Feat: Chilean defender Ramón Unzaga Asla captivated crowds with the bicycle kick.
- Notable Result: Uruguay defeated Brazil 6–0, Brazil's heaviest defeat until 2014.
Historical Background
The roots of the South American Championship trace back to 1910, when the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA) organized the Copa Centenario Revolución de Mayo to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the May Revolution. This precursor involved Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.
Six years later, the AFA organized another tournament to celebrate the centenary of the Argentine Declaration of Independence. This event invited Brazil to join the original three teams, officially giving birth to the South American Championship. On July 9, 1916, the four participating associations founded CONMEBOL, the governing body for football in South America.
Entering the 1920 edition, Brazil were the defending champions after their 1–0 extra-time victory over Uruguay in 1919. However, Uruguay remained the most successful nation in the competition's early history, having won the first two editions.
Tournament Format and Venue
The competition followed a round-robin format, a system where every participating team plays every other team exactly once. The champion was determined by the total number of points accumulated throughout the matches.
All matches were hosted at a single location: the Estadio Valparaiso Sporting Club in Viña del Mar, Chile.
Competition Summary
The tournament opened on September 11 with the defending champions, Brazil, securing a 1–0 win over the hosts, Chile. The following day saw a tightly contested 1–1 draw between Uruguay and Argentina.
A pivotal moment occurred on September 18 when Uruguay dominated Brazil with a 6–0 victory. This result stood as Brazil's largest-ever defeat for 94 years, until they suffered a 7–1 loss to Germany during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
As the tournament progressed, Argentina remained competitive, drawing 1–1 with Chile and defeating Brazil 2–0 on September 25 to temporarily take the top of the table. However, the title was decided in the final match on September 26, where Uruguay defeated Chile 2–1 to secure their third championship.
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The Art of the Bicycle Kick
Beyond the scores, the 1920 tournament is remembered for the performance of Chilean defender Ramón Unzaga Asla. Recognized in sports historiography as the creator of the bicycle kick—an acrobatic maneuver where a player kicks the ball overhead while airborne—Unzaga executed the move several times during the competition, mesmerizing both the spectators and the international press.
Tournament Statistics
A total of 6 matches were played, resulting in 16 goals, averaging 2.67 goals per game.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uruguay | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 2 | +7 | 5 |
| 2 | Argentina | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 4 |
| 3 | Brazil | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 8 | -7 | 2 |
| 4 | Chile | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 1920 South American Championship?
Uruguay won the championship, marking their third title in the history of the competition.
Which player is credited with the bicycle kick during this tournament?
Chilean defender Ramón Unzaga Asla is recognized as the creator of the bicycle kick, showcasing the maneuver multiple times during the 1920 event.
What was the most significant result of the tournament?
The most significant result was Uruguay's 6–0 victory over Brazil, which remained Brazil's heaviest defeat until the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Where were the matches played?
All matches took place at the Estadio Valparaiso Sporting Club in Viña del Mar, Chile.
Who were the top scorers of the competition?
José Pérez and Ángel Romano shared the top scorer honor, with 3 goals each.