Soccer At The Olympics-Part Iii (1920-Antwerp, Belgium)
November 07, 2019
Edit
The Olympics resumed after an eight-year intermission next the bloodshed of World War I. These games were to hold out held at Antwerp inward Belgium.
Football had at nowadays taken take away hold of much of the European continent. These 1920 Football Olympics inward fact would take in the International debuts of Nations such equally Spain, Greece, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia in addition to Egypt.
The African representatives Arab Republic of Egypt would hold out the exclusively non-European Nation taking part.
Despite the destination of the War, Political animosity soundless lingered on. The British Home Nations had left FIFA since other Nations did non concur to boycott FRG in addition to Republic of Austria equally they had. They nonetheless agreed to participate.
 |
| Photo From: ninety Joer Letzebuerger Footballfederatioun ninety ans Federation Luxembourgeoise de Football |
The United States protested Great Britain’s entry since they had left FIFA. Kingdom of Belgium in addition to French Republic also joined inward the protestation but it went no farther in addition to inward whatever representative the USA did non participate.
 |
Photo From: Amberes-Alli Nacio La Furia Espanola, Author Felix Martialay (The Belgian Royal Family at the opening of the Games) |
 |
Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 33, August 2000 (Inauguration ceremony) |
There were absentees (un-invitees) such equally Germany, (still suffering the effects of Military Defeat of World War I) in addition to Republic of Austria / Republic of Hungary (an Empire at nowadays broken into many Nations). In addition, Russian Federation (soon to hold out the Soviet Union) was soundless engaged inward a Civil War en road to total Bolshevik takeover.
 |
Photo From: Amberes-Alli Nacio La Furia Espanola, Author Felix Martialay (the opening of the Games) |
 |
Photo From: Amberes-Alli Nacio La Furia Espanola, Author Felix Martialay (the opening of the Games) |
The defending Champions of the in conclusion 2 Editions, Britain were nowadays along amongst other European Nations such equally France, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Greece, Luxembourg, Kingdom of the Netherlands in addition to the Hosts Kingdom of Belgium (And Africa’s Egypt).
 |
Photo From: Amberes-Alli Nacio La Furia Espanola, Author Felix Martialay (the opening of the Games) |
 |
Photo From: Amberes-Alli Nacio La Furia Espanola, Author Felix Martialay (Spanish Team, the opening of the Games) |
Poland in addition to Switzerland should take away hold also been nowadays but bowed out inward the in conclusion minute.
The set-up of the Tournament was somewhat unconventional. It was what was referred to equally the ‘Bergvall System’, where teams that were eliminated inward the before rounds, would in addition to then play ane only about other inward a ‘separate’ parallel Tournament for the purposes of ranking all inward the end.
The Tournament would take away hold to hold out completed inward a speedy trend in addition to would in conclusion only 6 days.
Besides their medals, the winners could pick out a gift equally good (Either a vase, a chimney comprehend or a tabular array service).
It was soundless the era of amateurism in addition to it reflected on the Team’s preparations equally good equally the Tournament format.
The Belgian hosts did non take away hold a grooming military camp nor a base of operations during the Olympics. The players would genuinely render habitation at the destination of each day. They were paid 10 Belgian Francs per twenty-four hours for steal money, which was primarily used for transport. To physically prepare the Team, Belgium’s Scottish Manager William Sturrock Maxwell had organized trainings inward 4 unlike cities. On Tuesdays, the squad would prepare at Antwerp, followed past times Liege / Bruges (on alternate Wednesdays) in addition to Brussels on Thursdays.
For the Dutch, the Training regimen included the avoidance of smoking in addition to alcohol. In addition, curfew was pose betwixt 10:30 in addition to 11:00 PM for a minimum slumber of 8 to nine hours per day.
It was the squads’ lodging that would piece of occupation a root of tension. The Federation Officials had been housed amongst adept accommodations, patch the players were placed inward a Dutch Navy Ship ‘Hollandia’.
The Tournament’s First Round of matches took identify on August 28th, 1920. French Republic in addition to Kingdom of Belgium were assured of advancing equally their opponents Switzerland (for the French) in addition to Poland (for Belgium) forfeited.
The Financial terms of participation was likewise much to behave for the Swiss equally a outcome they did non participate. As far equally Poland, they only did non exhibit up.
The 2 International Debutants of Czechoslovakia in addition to Yugoslavia faced off at Antwerp’s Deurne, Bosuil Stadion at 10:00 AM.
The Yugoslavians suffered a setback inward the 13th minute, when Rudolf Rupec (A sometime Republic of Austria International) was forced to larn out the land injured. In those pre-substitution days, they were forced to play amongst ane human being short.
Czechoslovakia soundly defeated Yugoslavia (7-0) amongst both Antonin Janda in addition to Jan Vanik scoring hat-tricks.
 |
Photo From: Yugoslavia’s International Matches, 1920-2003, Vasa Stojkovic, Dragan Krstic (Yugoslavia squad, August 28, 1920, Olympics, Czechoslovakia 7-Yugoslavia 0) Note: Rudolf Rupec standing on the left had left the land injured early on inward the match, when this photograph was taken at destination of tally he had already changed |
At only about other venue at Antwerp (Kiel-Olympisch Stadion) (15:30 PM Kickoff), the biggest surprise of the First Round took place, amongst Kingdom of Norway defeating the favored Britain side (3-1). Einar Gundersen scored a double in addition to Kingdom of Norway Captain Gunnar Andersen received much praise their performances.
For the British their goalscorer was Welshman Fred Nicholas, who was also the exclusively non-English member.
 |
Photo From: IFFHS-Norge (1908-1940), Suomi (1911-1940)-Essti (1920-1940) (Norway’s Einar ‘Jeja’ Gundersen) (September 20, 1896-October 29, 1962) |
 |
Photo From: IFFHS-Norge (1908-1940), Suomi (1911-1940)-Essti (1920-1940) (Norway’s Gunnar Andersen) (March 18, 1890-April 25, 1968) |
 |
Photo From: A-Laget, Norges 25 storste fotballspillere gjennom tidene, Authors Svein Saeter, Johan L. Oiestad (August 28, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Norway 3-England 1) |
 |
Photo From: A-Laget, Norges 25 storste fotballspillere gjennom tidene, Authors Svein Saeter, Johan L. Oiestad (Norway squad, August 28, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Norway 3-England 1) |
Following this tally at the same venue (17:30 PM kickoff), inward a consummate mismatch Sweden demolished International debutants of Hellenic Republic (9-0) amongst Herbert Karlsson scoring 5 of the goals.
The Greeks had made a six-day journeying to brand it at Belgium. They had taken a boat to Marseille, French Republic in addition to afterwards arrived past times prepare going through Paris in addition to Brussels before arriving at Antwerp.
 |
Photo From: IFFHS-Olynpic Football Tournaments (1908-1936) (Sweden squad, August 28, 1920, Olympics, Sweden 9-Greece 0) |
The inexperienced Greeks were also forced to debate amongst the injury to Nikolaos Kaloudis early on inward the 2d half, that had left them ane human being brusk for much of the match.
Greece’s Apostolos Nikolaidis also competed inward the decathlon inward these Olympics.
Greece would non play only about other International tally until 1929.
 |
Photo From: IFFHS-Olynpic Football Tournaments (1908-1936) (August 28, 1920, Olympics, Sweden 9-Greece 0) |
At Brussels’ Stade Joseph Marien (La Butte) (15:30 PM Kickoff, only about sources exhibit 14:30 PM), Kingdom of Spain made its debut inward the International Arena past times taking on the much to a greater extent than experienced Kingdom of Denmark featuring Nils Middleboe (He would piece of occupation Chelsea’s starting fourth dimension e'er unusual player).
 |
Photo From: IFFHS, Danmark (1908-1940), Sverige (1908-10940) (Denmark’s Nils Middleboe (October 5, 1887-September 21, 1976)) (October 5, 1887-September 21, 1976) |
The Castilian starting 11 featured 8 Basques in addition to featuring a 19 twelvemonth old goalkeeper named Ricardo Zamora.
At the start of the match, the Referee noticed that Zamora was wearing a blueish Shirt similar the Danish opponents. He asked him to alter in addition to he wore a White Shirt.
The Castilian also wore Blue shorts equally the Danes were wearing white shorts. They chose to retain the blueish shorts from in addition to then onwards.
The physical Danes started amend but like shooting fish in a barrel Kingdom of Spain got into the match.
The Castilian scored a goal inward the starting fourth dimension one-half past times Patricio, which was ruled out (offside).
Patricio would piece of occupation along to score Spain’s winner (and the starting fourth dimension e'er goal of the Castilian National Team) inward the 54th minute.
 |
Photo From: Amberes-Alli Nacio La Furia Espanola, Author Felix Martialay (Spain’s starting fourth dimension e'er goalscorer Patricio Arabolaza) (March 17, 1893-March 12, 1935) |
The Castilian goalkeeper Ricardo Zamora entered Football folklore amongst his superb performance that twenty-four hours in addition to would piece of occupation along to piece of occupation of the goalkeeping legends of the 20s in addition to 30s. He received a standing ovation at the destination of the tally in addition to was lifted over shoulders.
Later at the same venue (17:30 PM kickoff), Kingdom of the Netherlands defeated Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (3-0) amongst a double from Ber Groosjohan.
The Dutch included 4 debutants: Kuipers, van Rapaprd, Groosjohan in addition to Jacob Bulder.
Eight of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg side were also earning their starting fourth dimension e'er caps.
Holland’s Oscar van Rappard also competed inward the 110 1000 hurdling (but eliminated inward the preliminaries).
 |
Photo From: de Internationals, de Historie van Oranje, Authors Matty Verkamman, Henri van der Steen, John Volkers (Holland’s Ber Groosjohan) (June 16, 1897-August 5, 1971) |
 |
Photo From: de Internationals, de Historie van Oranje, Authors Matty Verkamman, Henri van der Steen, John Volkers (Holland’s Oscar van Rappard) (April 2, 1896-April 18, 1962) |
Still on the same twenty-four hours (15:30 PM Kickoff), Italy took on Arab Republic of Egypt at Gent.
They had made picayune preparations for the Tournament. They had a lack of funds in addition to a modest puddle of players. The squad assembled inward haste had played only ane friendly vs. social club side Pro Vercelli.
Italy had Adolfo Baloncieri ane of the greatest Italian players of the 1910s in addition to 20s. He would after hold out purpose of the Legendary trio at Torino consisting on him, Julio Libonatti in addition to Gino Rossetti. He would also take away hold a long career equally a Manager inward the 1930s through the 60s.
 |
Photo From: Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983 (Italy’s Adolfo Baloncieri) (July 27, 1897-July 23, 1986) |
Adolfo Baloncieri in addition to his cousin Guglielmo Brezzi scored Italy’s goals inward a (2-1) win over an Egyptian side Managed in addition to Captained past times Hussein Hegazi.
The Quarterfinals took identify on the next day, August 29th. At Antwerp’s Deurne, Bosuil Stadion, Kingdom of the Netherlands took on Sweden inward a thrilling match.
Following their starting fourth dimension tally vs. Luxembourg, the Dutch squad’s render ship to Antwerp had been delayed until midnight in addition to the squad arrived tardily to take away hold proper slumber in addition to rest. Their tally vs. Sweden was scheduled at 10 AM.
The other quarterfinals were scheduled at 15:30 PM (staggered ane lx minutes inward between).
The tally ended (4-4) inward regulation time. At ane signal Sweden were leading (3-1).
Sweden’s Herbert Karlsson scored 2 to a greater extent than goals but missed a penalisation kicking inward the 70th minute.
The tally had to piece of occupation extra time, where Holland’s Jan de Natris scored Holland’s winner inward a (5-4) win.
The Refereeing of the Czech Josef Fanta was questioned past times both sides. At halftime, a Dutch Journalist fifty-fifty slipped a banking concern complaint questioning his competence. At the destination of the match, Sweden lodged an Official protest.
Sweden fifty-fifty suggested a rematch amongst the Dutch at Amsterdam but Kingdom of the Netherlands refused since it would undermine the Olympics.
 |
Photo From: Oranje Toen En Nu, Deel 2, 1914-1926, 2001-2002, Author Matty Verkamman (August 29, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of the Netherlands 5-Sweden 4) |
At Antwerp’s Kiel-Olympisch Stadion, French Republic took on Italy. The Italian were tired after playing the previous day, patch the French were fresher in addition to good rested after their opponents Switzerland had forfeited.
Due to lack of funds, the Italians were forced to larn to the stadium past times tram. Some players were fifty-fifty tardily inward reaching the Stadium.
The French had trained for 2 weeks prior to the Games. Their Manager was the Englishman Fred Penteland, who preferred to cope players individually rather than collectively.
For the French Huot, Petit in addition to Boyer were earning their starting fourth dimension caps. Rene Petit had been born inward French Republic to a French manful somebody parent in addition to Castilian mother, but lived in addition to played inward Kingdom of Spain for Madrid FC in addition to Real Union. He had fifty-fifty declined to play for the Castilian National Team. At the time, Petit was doing his military machine service at Bordeaux.
 |
Photo From: Amberes-Alli Nacio La Furia Espanola, Author Felix Martialay (France’s Rene Petit) (October 8, 1899-October 14, 1989) |
For the Italians, Pio Ferraris in addition to Giustiniano Marucco earned their starting fourth dimension caps.
France led to a (2-0) Pb amongst goals past times Henri Bard in addition to Jean Boyer. Guglielmo Brezzi pulled ane goal dorsum for Italy through a penalisation kick.
Early inward the 2d half, Bard scored his 2d goal in addition to France’s 3rd for a terminal score of (3-1). Remarkably, French Republic would non defeat Italy ane time again until 1982 (62 years).
 |
Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de French Republic de Football, la Belle Histoire (Team Captains Henri Bard in addition to Renzo de Vecchi, August 29, 1920, Olympics, French Republic 3-Italy 1) |
 |
Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de French Republic de Football, la Belle Histoire (August 29, 1920, Olympics, French Republic 3-Italy 1) |
Later at the same venue, the Belgian hosts made their debut inward the Tournament past times taking on Spain.
Three players made their debut for Kingdom of Belgium that day, goalkeeper Jan De Bie in addition to Andre Fierens and Felix Balyu.
The Castilian had to brand changes from previous tally equally only about were injured from the encounter the previous day.
The Castilian Captain Belauste, Samitier, Sesumaga in addition to Otero were missing. The Castilian selectors gave 4 starting fourth dimension caps to Vallana, Artola, Sancho in addition to Vazquez.
Zamora’s heroics on the previous twenty-four hours had convinced the reserve goalkeeper Augustin Eizaguirre that he would non take in whatever action. He decided to render to Spain.
The unremarkably ruby wearing Belgian took the land wearing white.
Robert Coppèe had a magnificent tally in addition to scored a chapeau fob inward Belgium’s (3-1) win.
However, the Belgian world had been less than satisfied in addition to had showed hostility at the selection of a discover of players at the expense of Antwerp based players. The crowd fifty-fifty resorted to applauding the Castilian Team to brand their discontent known in addition to fifty-fifty threatened to larn inward the pitch.
 |
Photo From: IFFHS-Olynpic Football Tournaments (1908-1936) (August 29, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Belgium 3-Spain 1) |
 |
Photo From: Seleccion Espanola de Futbol (1920-2016), Author Julio A. Larry Sierra (Ricardo Zamora unable to halt Robert Coppèe’s goal, this is the starting fourth dimension e'er goal conceded past times the Castilian National Team, August 29, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Belgium 3-Spain 1) |
At Brussels’ (La Butte), Czechoslovakia were ane time once again involved inward a high scoring match. They defeated the surprising Norwegians (4-0) amongst Antonin Janda scoring only about other chapeau trick.
For the Czechs, Karel Steiner in addition to Emil Seifert earned their starting fourth dimension caps.
The Semifinals took identify 2 days after on August 31st. At Antwerp’s Kiel-Olympisch Stadion (15:30 PM Kickoff), French Republic took on Czechoslovakia.
The Czechs were missing the injured Vaclav Pilat, which led to an chance for Jan Placek to earn his starting fourth dimension cap.
 |
Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de French Republic de Football, la Belle Histoire (Leon Huot in addition to Antonin Janda, August 31, 1920, Olympics, French Republic 1-Czechoslovakia 4) |
Czechoslovakia took the Pb inward the starting fourth dimension one-half through Otakar Škvajn Mazal. He would piece of occupation along to score a chapeau fob inward a (4-1) Czechoslovakia win in addition to helped them advance to the final.
In the 2d half, the Dutch Referee Johannes Mutters took the unusual stride of removing his Czech Linesman Raca. He was showing clear bias against the French past times constantly raising his flag when French Republic were attacking.
The French were heavily criticized past times their ain press (which at nowadays included sometime thespian Gabriel Hanot), most notably the likes of Bard, Nicolas in addition to Dewaquez.
 |
Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de French Republic de Football, la Belle Histoire (France’s Henri Bard) (April 29, 1892-January 26, 1951) |
Later on at the same venue (17:30 PM Kickoff), the host Kingdom of Belgium took on neighbors Holland.
After the protests from their ain fans inward the previous tally Kingdom of Belgium replaced iii members of its starting lineup in addition to inserted replacements.
Count Joseph d’Oultremont (President of selection committee) took out Felix Balyu, Captain Fernand Nisot in addition to Georges Hebdin.
The Walloon Mathieu Bragard came into the squad for Balyu. While Hebdin in addition to Nisot were replaced amongst locally based duo of Henri Larnoe and Dèsirè Bastin.
 |
Photo From: IFFHS-Belgique-Belgie (1904-1940) (Belgium’s Rik Larmoe) (May 18, 1897-February 22, 1978) (according to IFFHS, 1976) |
It was inward the 2d one-half that Henri Larnoe (one of the novel inclusions) gave Kingdom of Belgium the lead. Louis van Hege doubled the Pb less than 10 minutes later.
Minutes before the destination Mathieu Bragard (another novel inclusion) scored Belgium’s Third in addition to they also advanced to the Final.
 |
Photo From: Oranje Toen En Nu, Deel 2, 1914-1926, 2001-2002, Author Matty Verkamman (Referee John Lewis amongst Team captains Leo Bosschart in addition to Emil Hanse, August 31, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Belgium 3-Holland 0) |
 |
Photo From: Oranje Toen En Nu, Deel 2, 1914-1926, 2001-2002, Author Matty Verkamman (Belgium squad, August 31, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Belgium 3-Holland 0) |
 |
Photo From: IFFHS-Olynpic Football Tournaments (1908-1936) (August 31, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Belgium 3-Holland 0) |
For the Dutch the frustration was likewise much in addition to next the tally the sore theme of the thespian accommodations came to the fore.
The players were staying inward the Dutch Navy Ship ‘Hollandia’ to salve costs patch Federation Officials were inward prissy hotels.
The ship was stationed inward the River Scheldt amongst cramped rooms that were shared past times iii players per room.
The weather condition were likewise much for the players in addition to eventually Team stars Jan de Natris in addition to Harry Denis took it upon themselves to await for a hotel after their discussions amongst management led nowhere.
 |
Photo From: de Internationals, de Historie van Oranje, Authors Matty Verkamman, Henri van der Steen, John Volkers (Holland’s Harry Denis) (August 28, 1896-July 13, 1971) |
 |
Photo From: de Internationals, de Historie van Oranje, Authors Matty Verkamman, Henri van der Steen, John Volkers (Holland’s Jan De Natris) (November 13, 1895-September 16, 1972) |
The Federation officials reprimanded Team captain Leo Bosschart for his lack of leadership in addition to losing command of the team.
The players rebelled farther when led past times de Natris they started drinking in addition to sampled the Antwerp nightlife.
 |
Photo From: de Internationals, de Historie van Oranje, Authors Matty Verkamman, Henri van der Steen, John Volkers (Holland’s Leo Bosschart) (August 24, 1888-May 9, 1951) |
The Federation came downwards difficult on the squad in addition to decided to punish the primary 4 culprits: Jan de Natris, Jaap Bulder in addition to reserves Evert van Linge in addition to Henk Tempel. They are initially ordered to render home, but the other players stood amongst the ‘guilty’ players in addition to threatened to larn out amongst them.
In the end, a compromise was reached in addition to the punished players were allowed to remain but could non play inward whatever to a greater extent than matches.
Afterwards, Federation Official Count Van Limburg Stirum provided the squad amongst a gramophone in addition to only about records to alleviate their boredom.
But the players instead smeared the records amongst jam in addition to threw them across the river.
 |
Photo From: de Internationals, de Historie van Oranje, Authors Matty Verkamman, Henri van der Steen, John Volkers (Holland’s Jaap Bulder) (September 27, 1896-April 30, 1979) |
Also on the same day, the Consolation Tournament matches were played. Italy took on Kingdom of Norway at Antwerp’s Kiel-Olympisch Stadion (10 AM Kickoff).
Italy were missing Captain Renzo de Vecchi in addition to Adolfo Baloncieri.
The Italian Management offered 4 novel caps to Virginio Rosetta, Luigi Burlando, Rinaldo Roggero in addition to Emilio Badini II.
In an interesting episode during the match, the Norwegians were awarded a penalisation kick, but the Italians protested to such an extent that the Referee awarded a gratis kicking instead.
The tally ended (1-1) inward regulation fourth dimension in addition to had to piece of occupation into multiple overtimes.
The initial 2 fifteen Minutes Overtimes were followed 2 extra times of x minutes each. Italy finally came out equally winners (2-1).
The next twenty-four hours (September 1st) at Antwerp’s Deurne, Bosuil Stadion, Kingdom of Spain took on Sweden.
Spain’s Sabino earned his starting fourth dimension cap for his Nation. It would hold out a physical encounter amongst many fouls.
Sweden took the Pb through Dahl inward the starting fourth dimension half. In the 2d half, Kingdom of Spain stormed dorsum to win past times scoring inward the 51st infinitesimal through their captain Belauste in addition to 2 minutes after past times Acedo.
It has been said that before scoring Belauste had shouted to Sabino “A mi el peleton, Sabino, que los Arrollo” (get me the ball, sabino, I’ll rhythm them).
According to many that is the argue the Castilian National Team is referred to equally ‘Furia Roja’.
Sweden had a jeopardy to necktie the tally but Ragnar Wicksell (some sources exhibit Olsson) missed his penalisation kicking endeavor inward the 65th infinitesimal equally he was beingness distracted past times Samitier.
Later on, inward the 75th minute, Sweden’s Albert Olsson broke his collarbone.
On the next twenty-four hours (September 2nd), before the Gold Medal Final, Kingdom of Spain took on in addition to defeated Italy (2-0) at Antwerp’s Kiel-Olympisch Stadion.
For the Castilian Ramon Gil in addition to Silverio Izaguirre made their debuts.
The Italians also featured 2 novel caps of their own: De Nardo in addition to De Marchi.
Spain won despite losing Pagaza to injury inward the 35th infinitesimal in addition to the sending off of Star goalkeeper Zamora inward the 84th minute.
Zamora was trying to intercept a cross from Menghetti when Baldini (some sources exhibit Brezzi) kicked him inward the knee. Zamora, without releasing the caught ball, punched him inward retaliation.
 |
Photo From: La Nazionale Italiana, 1978 (Renzo De Vecchi, August 31, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Spain 2-Italy 0) |
Silveiro would piece of occupation inward the internet for the in conclusion 6 minutes. The Referee allowed Zamora to remain adjacent to Silveiro to give him instructions.
Felix Sesumaga scored both Castilian goals (Sesumaga would sadly transcend away aged only 26 inward 1925 after an illness).
 |
Photo From: Amberes-Alli Nacio La Furia Espanola, Author Felix Martialay (Spain’s Felix Sesumaga) (October 12, 1898-August 24, 1925) |
The Final took identify on September 2nd at Antwerp’s Kiel-Olympisch Stadion betwixt Kingdom of Belgium in addition to Czechsolovakia.
The tally was scheduled for 17:30 PM but only 2 hours before the match, at that topographic point were fans all over the field. The Army had to intervene to clear the field.
Children had fifty-fifty dug tunnels nether barriers to larn into the stadium. This tunnel would hold out known as ‘Tranchee Olympique’ (Trench of the Olympic).
 |
Photo From: Oranje Toen En Nu, Deel 2, 1914-1926, 2001-2002, Author Matty Verkamman (Match Referees for the Final, John Lewis inward the pump along amongst Charles Wreford-Brown in addition to Arthur Knight, September 2, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Belgium 2-Czechsolovakia 0) Note: Arthur Knight played for England inward these Olympics |
 |
Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 33, August 2000 (Match Referee John Lewis amongst the Team captains, September 2, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Belgium 2-Czechsolovakia 0) 4) |
It would plow out to hold out an ill-tempered tally in addition to destination abruptly.
From the onset the Belgian crowd was real hostile towards the Czechs in addition to this affected the atmosphere on the pitch.
Belgium were awarded a penalisation kicking inward the 6th minute. The Czech goalkeeper Rudolf Kapka had caught a ball, but a Belgian thespian rushed into him in addition to the ball was loose. In the ensuing melee a Czech thespian handled in addition to the Referee awarded a spot kicking (some sources also claim that Bastin had been fouled). The Czechs protested for a foul on their goalkeeper but it was to no avail.
Robert Coppèe scored from the spot to give Kingdom of Belgium the lead.
 |
Photo From: IFFHS-Belgique-Belgie (1904-1940) (Robert Coppèe’s goal from a penalisation kick, September 2, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Belgium 2-Czechsolovakia 0) |
Belgium doubled its Pb inward the 30th infinitesimal through Henri Larnoe after Bragard in addition to Lanoe had combined to pose him up. It was only before halftime, inward the 39th infinitesimal that all hell broke loose. The English linguistic communication Referee John Lewis sent off Czechoslovakia’s Karel Steiner after he had fouled Robert Coppèe. The Czechs protested the determination vehemently but it was to no avail. Finally, Czech Captain Karel Kada -Pesek walked off the pitch inward protestation followed but all his teammates. They felt a feel of injustice in addition to the crowd’s demeanour exclusively enraged them further.
 |
Photo From: IFFHS-Olynpic Football Tournaments (1908-1936) (September 2, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Belgium 2-Czechsolovakia 0) |
The Referee had no alternative but to destination the tally in addition to Kingdom of Belgium were declared winners in addition to Gold Medal Winners.
The crowd invaded the pitch inward celebration in addition to carried on their shoulders Captain Emil Hanse equally good equally the local star Lanoe.
 |
Photo From: IFFHS-Belgique-Belgie (1904-1940) (Belgians fans on the pitch celebrating Belgium’s victory, September 2, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Belgium 2-Czechsolovakia 0) |
 |
Photo From: Oranje Toen En Nu, Deel 2, 1914-1926, 2001-2002, Author Matty Verkamman (Belgians fans on the pitch celebrating Belgium’s victory, September 2, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Belgium 2-Czechsolovakia 0) |
According to the memoirs (‘Football d’Ici et d’ailleurs’) of famous Belgian Referee John Langenus (who would officiate the 1930 World Cup Final), The Czechs were opposed in addition to had non appreciated to the alternative of English linguistic communication Referee John Lewis (whom they must take away hold assumed would hold out pro-Belgium) in addition to it was amongst that mentality that the tally degenerated.
 |
Photo From: Le Dictionnaire Des Diables Rouges (Belgium squad, September 2, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Belgium 2-Czechsolovakia 0) |
The Czechs would lodge an official complaint. Their protestation centered on iii items: 1) The Trio of judges were all English, fifty-fifty though the rules stipulated that ane of the linesmen should hold out of the participating team’s Nationality.
Due to this oversight, they had requested the annulment of the tally to the Referee, equally good equally a fellow member of the International Olympic Committee in addition to the Belgian Federation President, at the destination of the match.
2) They questioned the Match Referee John Lewis’ decisions that according to them were by in addition to large faux in addition to influenced past times the Public.
3) Belgian soldiers were nigh the whole field, which was provocative to them. Their presence made the squad uneasy in addition to the players were prevented from playing their normal game. Furthermore, they made a banking concern complaint almost the removal of the Czech flag past times the Public.
This protestation roughshod on deaf ears in addition to the Organizing Committee were thence offended past times this activity that they asked them to withdraw it immediately.
They reprimanded Czechoslovakia amongst unsporting behavior.
The Czechs soundless persisted inward their protestation in addition to FIFA had to send investigators to cheque the matter.
The Czechs due to their walking off, were stripped from consideration for the Silver medal in addition to were disqualified.
As a result, Kingdom of Spain who had won the Consolation Tournament on September 5th, after defeating Kingdom of the Netherlands (3-1) at Antwerp’s Kiel-Olympisch Stadion were awarded the Silver Medal.
The Dutch were missing the suspended rebels in addition to included 2 novel caps inward Von Heijden in addition to Evert Bulder.
 |
Photo From: Oranje Toen En Nu, Deel 2, 1914-1926, 2001-2002, Author Matty Verkamman (September 5, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Spain 3-Holland 1) |
 |
Photo From: Het Nederlands Elftal, De Histoire van Oranje, 1905-1989 (Holland squad, September 5, 1920, Olympics, Kingdom of Spain 3-Holland 1) |
Sesumaga scored only about other double for Kingdom of Spain in addition to Pichichi scored Spain’s 3rd in addition to Ber Groosjohan had pulled a goal dorsum for Holland.
The Dutch were awarded the Bronze Medal after this loss.
This was the terminal deed of the 1920 Football Olympics in addition to the fourth dimension came to ponder upon the hereafter of this growing sport.
Many persuasion these games equally an representative that the game was taking hold.
According to observers the attendance at the Olympics was non equally high equally anticipated, it was the Football at these Olympics that saved the games amongst its much larger attendances.
Gabriel Hanot, the sometime French International, at nowadays a Journalist for ‘Miroir des Sports’ noted that it took Football to take away hold the Olympics out of its lethargy.
He believed the Belgians liked violent sports in addition to Football would take away hold been successful at whatever Belgian city. He furthermore noted that these games were thence successful that it should detach itself from the Olympics in addition to hold out on its own. He advocated an International Tournament to take away hold identify every 2-3-4 years inward a European capital. In fourth dimension this type of thought would fester into the creation of the World Cup.
These games had introduced Ricardo Zamora, ane of the legends of the sport, inward add-on to the stars of their days such equally Adolfo Baloncieri in addition to Jan de Natris.
 |
Photo From: Amberes-Alli Nacio La Furia Espanola, Author Felix Martialay (Spain’s Ricardo Zamora in addition to Manager Francisco Bru) |
There were only about criticisms equally well. Playing matches inward consecutive days drained players physically in addition to led to injuries. In addition, teams amongst smaller puddle of players could non telephone band upon adequate replacements in addition to suffered.
The worst purpose of these Games were the demeanour in addition to fanaticism of the Belgian fans. There was soundless only about residuum jingoism from World War I that reached its crescendo amongst the handling of the Czechs during the Final in addition to the shameless removal of their flag.
The Belgian Press were also non blameless. They had written stories that the Czechs were responsible for the starting fourth dimension World War. This was an erroneous trouble concern human relationship since the Czechs were nether the command of the Austria-Hungary at the time.
The Belgian crowd would spur on in addition to cheer every Belgian foul on a Czech player.
Despite this the increment of the popularity of the game was undeniable in addition to presently only about other continent would larn inward the fray.
Notes:
1-Spain Captain Athletic Bilbao’s Belasute (September 3, 1889-September 4, 1964) was active inward politics. He was affiliated amongst the Basque Nationalist Party. Apparently during a coming together inward 1922 he had shouted ‘death to Spain’.
In the 1920 Olympics, he almost did non have his medal because refused carry the Castilian flag inward the parade.
He would after voluntarily exile to France, Algeria, Argentine Republic in addition to Brazil before returning to Spain. He left Kingdom of Spain for United Mexican States at the onset of the Castilian Civil War inward the 1930s.
 |
Photo From: Amberes-Alli Nacio La Furia Espanola, Author Felix Martialay (Spain Captain in addition to Athetic Bilbao’s Belasute) (September 3, 1889-September 4, 1964) |
2-Spain’s Josep Samitier (February 2, 1902-May 4, 1972) was responsible for recruiting Hungary’s Ladislao Kubala for Barcelona.
He was arrested during the Castilian Civil War but after released in addition to and then left for France.
3-Yugoslavia’s Jovan Ruzic (December 12, 1898-September 25, 1973) was the starting fourth dimension Serbian to play inward the French League.
 |
Photo From: Beli Orlovi, 1920-1941, Author Vasa Stojkovic (A cartoon of Jovan Ruzic) (December 12, 1898-September 25, 1973) |
4-Emil Hanse (August 10, 1892- Apr 5, 1980) in addition to Armand Swartenbroeks (June 30, 1892-October 3, 1980) were the in conclusion surviving members of the victorious Belgian squad.
5- Yugoslavia’s Emil Perska (June 20, 1897-May 1945) was linked amongst the ‘Ustase’ displace (Croatian Fascist organiztion). He was executed past times Yugoslav partisans at the destination of World War II.
 |
Photo From: Beli Orlovi, 1920-1941, Author Vasa Stojkovic (Emil Perska) (June 20, 1897-May 1945) |
References:
Todo Sobre La Seleccion Espanola, Felix Martialay, 2006
Le Dictionnaire des Diables Rouges
Le Siecle des Diables Rouges, Author: Christian Hubert
Het Nederlands Elftal, De Histoire van Oranje, 1905-1989
Oranje Toen En Nu, Deel 2, 1914-1926, 2001-2002, Author: Matty Verkamman
Landslaget, Det Norske Fotballandslagets Historie, authors Egil Olsen, Arne Scheie,Per Jorsett, Otto Ulseth, 1997
Beli Orlovi, 1920-1941, Author Vasa Stojkovic
IFFHS, England (1872-1940), Eire (1924-1940), EnglandAmateurs (1906-1940)
Yugoslavia’s International Matches, 1920-2003, Vasa Stojkovic, Dragan Krstic
La Nazionale Italiana, 1978
Le Dictionnaire Des Diables Rouges
IFFHS-Belgique-Belgie (1904-1940)
IFFHS-Norge (1908-1940), Suomi (1911-1940)-Essti (1920-1940)
Slavne Nohy, Author: Jaroslav Salek, Zdenek Salek, 2002
Rode Duivels & Oranje Leeuwen., 100 jaar Derby der Lage Landen, Authors Ralf Willems, Matty Verkamman
Il Libro Azzurro del Calcio Italiano, Authors: Pericle Pratelli, Pasquale Scardillo, 1974
Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983
Guerin Sportivo-La Grande Storia Del calcio Italiana-1914-1920
IFFHS, Danmark (1908-1940), Sverige (1908-10940)
Landsholdet-I medgang og modgang, Author: Palle "Banks" Jorgensen
Calcio 2000, Issue 33, August 2000
Foot Magazine, Issue 20, Jan 1983
L’Equipe, L’Equipe de French Republic de Football, la Belle Histoire
90 Joer Letzebuerger Footballfederatioun / ninety ans Federation Luxembourgeoise de Football
de Internationals, de Historie van Oranje, Authors Matty Verkamman, Henri van der Steen, John Volkers
se Lvickem na prsou-Authors O.Bartunek, J.Kalat
A-Laget, Norges 25 storste fotballspillere gjennom tidene, Authors: Svein Saeter, Johan L. Oiestad
Amberes-Alli Nacio La Furia Espanola, Author: Felix Martialay
IFFHS-Olynpic Football Tournaments (1908-1936)
Seleccion Espanola de Futbol (1920-2016), Author: Julio A. Larry Sierra