A COMPLETE SUCCESS!
— Maurice Pefferkorn | 30/05/1924 —

Yesterday, there were 15,000 spectators at the Stade Bergeyre, while the maximum attendance at Colombes was 8,000; at Saint-Ouen, some 5,000; at Pershing, around 4,000; making a total of more than 30,000 spectators at the various matches counting towards the last 16 of this famous tournament.

And it is likely that if the Olympic Committee were to agree, as it is being asked to do on all sides, to reduce the price of tickets in Colombes, it is likely that we would see a greater number of spectators at the Olympic Stadium and also better takings. We speak for the public in urging this reduction. Remember that in football, as in other sports, we are not dealing with a public of snobs, but with committed sportsmen and women of modest means. Let's not keep them away from the stands in Colombes! They will be very grateful for the gesture they are expecting and will soon prove it.

*   *   *

Yesterday was full of considerable surprises. We first witnessed in Colombes the crushing of Belgium by Sweden. Both teams surprised us. We certainly did not expect to see such a consummate knowledge of the game among the Swedes: beautiful defence, half-backs who follow and serve well, precise forwards who do not play on the spot and who know how to progress through the wings and break through through the center.

The team is first class. Here they become a favorite in their turn.

As for the Belgians, they completely disappointed everyone. Their team was never in the movement. The defence was very weak, the half-backs were constantly dominated; only the left wing of the attack was suitable. The Belgians were much worse than in their last match against France last January. Are they overtrained or tired? Maybe. But I rather believe that their team, which includes too many old players, no longer has the drive and vigor suitable for international matches. Most of them lack flexibility, relaxation and start, and fatigue is keenly felt. The defeat against France was of no use; the Belgian leaders learned nothing from it. They did not have to rejuvenate the executives. Result: their team was almost made a fool of yesterday in front of the Swedes.

When your name is Belgium and you're an Olympic holder, you can't be beaten by 8 goals to 1, no matter how good your opponents are. The Belgian leaders are responsible.

The defeat of Hungary by Egypt is no less surprising. Here is a favorite eliminated. It is undoubtedly not based on its technical value. But it was totally ineffective.

It makes no sense. I am told that Hungary dominated constantly and could not place a single efficient shot. So what did these remarkable forwards do who appeared so dangerous on Monday against Poland?

Egypt, constantly pressed for goals, made a few escapes, three of which were successful. Such a result is childish on the part of the Hungarians. This indicates, rather than a weakness of the defence, a lack of tactical spirit and surveillance. That a goal was achieved in this way by Egypt goes without saying; but three!

Will we have to reckon with the Egyptians? From Sunday they will come up against Sweden which, one nail chasing the other, replaces Hungary among the favorites. Hard work for Egypt. But where are we going? Who will make it to the final?

*   *   *

Uruguay, will we say? And this is entirely appropriate after their match yesterday, during which they dominated the United States and where their very pure style imposed itself without question.

Yes, but Uruguay meets France on Sunday and we cannot easily get used to the idea that ours will be beaten in the quarter-finals. The draw is hardly in our favor this time. There is no point in complaining: let's grit our teeth. May a fierce will drive our players between now and Sunday. Let them get it into their heads that nothing is impossible for them, if they want it, not only in words, but from the bottom of their hearts. They have to play even better than against England; they must play with speed and decision and those of them who have a tendency to finesse must get rid of this fault without hesitation. No indolence and not a moment of discouragement on the field. Uruguayan virtuosity must be tamed by our furia which has already worked miracles.

*   *   *

As for Italy, who played yesterday as a resting team, they will have a task on Monday which will not be very easy either. Its opponent will be Czechoslovakia or Switzerland. These are two dangerous adversaries. But the task is not beyond their strength. When they have achieved the feat of beating Spain, they can hope for anything. If their victory over Luxembourg was unremarkable, we can think that it was because they wanted to take care of themselves. Perhaps people will consider that we want to diminish the merit of Luxembourgers in this way. Not at all. Here we rise above all national susceptibilities and strive, as much as possible, to explain the why of things, to explain even the inexplicable. And please believe that it is not always easy. So many surprising results and magnificent spectacles can be a little overwhelming. And I have no shame in proclaiming it: I am stunned.