Referees Once Watched From the Sideline

Until 1891, referees stayed off the field and captains settled disputes between themselves. The penalty kick arrived that same year, and referees have been on the pitch ever since.

The World Cup That Had No Final

The 1950 tournament was decided by a final group stage rather than a knockout final. It happened to end with Uruguay beating hosts Brazil at the Maracanã in front of a crowd estimated near 200,000 — still the largest ever to watch a football match.