A total that is not likely to be equalled ever again is the 174,000 crowd in
the Maracana stadium in Rio on 16 July (unofficial sources quote the figure
as over 200,000). With the score at 1-1, Ghiggia broke the hearts of the home
supporters by scoring the winning goal eleven minutes from time. Apart from
1958, it was the only World Cup in which the home team reached the final and
failed to win the title.

A unique record was by Mexico's goalkeeper Antonio Carbajal in terms of World
Cup final appearances. He represented his country at five World Cups between
1950 and 1966. Eight players have made it four times, but Germany's Lothar
Matth01us went one better at France 98 and equalled Carbajal's record. Matth
01us has also played in a total of 25 World Cup final round matches -
another record. Best among active players is Italian defender Paolo Maldini,
with 14 matches to his credit.
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