Football at the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympics

The popularity of football is unbeatable. It is one of the few sports that are played all over the world. In this game only goal keeper is allowed to use his hands to propel the ball. Let’s find some facts about football at the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympics.

United Kingdom hosted the football tournament in 1948 from 29 July to 13 August. There were a total of twenty eight matches played in which 102 goals were scored. The competition was divided in to three rounds namely; the preliminary round, the first and eventually the second round consist of quarter finals, semi finals and a final bronze and gold medal match. Sweden won the tournament, Yugoslavia won the silver medal and bronze medal was won by the Denmark. Gunnar Nohrdahl of Sweden and John Hansen Sweden were the top scorers of the tournament and, each scored seven goals in the context.

In 1952 Olympics the football competition was held in Finland from 15 July to 2 August. This event was actually an indication of the arrival of Golden Team, also known as National Football Team. After the initial two rounds i.e. preliminary and first round, the qualifying team entered the quarter finals where teams once again shortened to compete with each other in semi finals. Germany and Sweden played the bronze medals match where Sweden gained victory. Hungary won the gold medal in its final match with Yugoslavia.

In 1956 Olympics the football competition was held in Australia and it lasted from 24 November to 8 December. 11 teams participated in the tournament and out of which 5 teams withdrew. The final gold medal match featured Yugoslavia and Soviet Union. The gold medal was won by the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia on the other hand was awarded with silver medal. Bronze medal was given to Bulgaria.