Juan Alberto Schiaffino vs Obdulio Varela
Uruguay against Uruguay. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Juan Alberto Schiaffino
Uruguay · 1950–59 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Uruguay
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 21 · 8 goals
- Clubs
- Club Atlético Peñarol, AC Milan, AS Roma
The Maracanã fell quiet in the 66th minute on 16 July 1950, when he met Ghiggia's cross and put Uruguay level against a Brazil side already being called champions. That afternoon brought the 1950 World Cup, and he added three Uruguayan titles with Peñarol, a world record move to Milan for 52 million lire in 1954, three Serie A championships in 1955, 1957 and 1959, and the Latin Cup in 1956. Career record: 21 caps and 8 goals for Uruguay; club career at Club Atlético Peñarol, AC Milan, AS Roma.
Obdulio Varela
Uruguay · 1942–50 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in Uruguay
- #8 of 33
- Caps
- 45 · 9 goals
- Clubs
- Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club, Club Atlético Peñarol
After Friaça put Brazil ahead at the Maracanã on 16 July 1950, Varela tucked the ball under his arm and walked to referee George Reader to argue an offside he later admitted never existed, buying the minutes it took the stadium to fall silent. Uruguay won that final 2-1, and El Negro Jefe had already been named best player of the 1942 South American Championship, adding six Uruguayan titles with Peñarol. Career record: 45 caps and 9 goals for Uruguay; club career at Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club, Club Atlético Peñarol.
The verdict
The almanac puts Juan Alberto Schiaffino ahead by 3 rating points, 94 against 91.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.