Sunday, May 3, 1998 Published at 17:38 GMT 18:38 UK

Meet the BBC Team

This was the era in which Uruguay reigned supreme. Already Olympic champions, they celebrated 100 years of independence by hosting and winning the first World Cup.

Who played?

In all only 13 nations - nine from South America - turned up.

England, Ireland Scotland and Wales were ineligible to play, having withdrawn from FIFA because of a dispute over payments to amateur players.

Europe's only representatives were Belgium, France, Yugoslavia and Romania, as the other European countries did not want to travel that far. Romania entered on the instructions of King Carol, who also selected the squad.

What happened?

The South American countries dominated as expected, but the European teams did not disgrace themselves.

France won their first game against Mexico 4-1 but were then beaten in an epic match against Argentina in which the referee blew the whistle six minutes early. The official was then required to recall the players to the field, some of whom were already in the bath.

Jules Rimet presents the trophy to Paul Jude

Some 100,000 fans packed into the Centenario stadium for the final. They watched as Argentina threw away a 2-1 half-time lead to lose 4-2 to Uruguay. Jules Rimet, the FIFA President and brains behind the World Cup, presented the trophy and football's greatest tournament was born.

Any lasting memories?

Before the final kicked off there was a row over which ball to use. It is believed the Argentine ball was used in one half, the Uruguayan ball in the other. Rumour has it that this is how the phrase "a game of two halves" evolved.

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