THE SHOT, GENTLEMEN
— Maurice Pefferkorn | 31/05/1924

Despite the heat, the match between Switzerland and Czechoslovakia, which still attracted nearly 10,000 spectators yesterday at the Stade Bergeyre, was fiercely contested. The Czechs were superior to what they were on Wednesday; on the other hand the Swiss were less good. They won, however, because their forwards, despite their general inadequacy, showed themselves to be more successful than the Czechs who undoubtedly swore never to shoot.

The best footballers in midfield are therefore eliminated by a less scientific but still more piercing team. The full-back lines were good on each side; but the class of the Czechs is much better. Their defence is remarkably consistent.

Here are the two finalists of the Antwerp Games in 1920, beaten in the round of 16 of the 1924 tournament. What a lesson, what a teaching! Both teams can be accused of similar faults; Belgium failed to renew its team; the Czechs did not know how to liven up their game. They neglected the shot and seem to have elevated this contempt to the height of a tradition.

Such is life. The surge of nations who have come to football more recently dislodges from the top places those who once again seemed destined to reach the final. Hungary, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Spain, so many big names eliminated before the quarter-finals!

At present, it is generally claimed that Uruguay and Sweden should reach the final. Let's go! We will see.

*   *   *

The surprises of the day before yesterday have not stopped making headlines. The fantastic score conceded by Belgium still leaves us dreaming. And the defeat of the Hungarians will undoubtedly be one of the most remarkable facts of this admirable tournament.

Belgium played like a tired team. However, they were not outclassed; in fact, they had the upper hand on several occasions. The eight goals they conceded are simply an incomprehensible overshoot. It was the defensive part of the team that was below everything.

I'd like to stress one point today that I don't think has been emphasised enough: the correctness of the play of both teams. Thanks be to the Belgians and the Swedes for the good behaviour of their players. I don't believe that two free kicks were whistled for infringements of Article 9. This was a particularly easy task for the referee and a great source of satisfaction for all sportsmen and women who believe that the game of ball is self-sufficient and who deplore the fact that it is sometimes distorted by acts of disloyalty and brutality. Once again, thank you to the Belgians and the Swedes. Their exhibition will have won over many football fans.