Estadio Pocitos, located in the Pocitos district of Montevideo, Uruguay, holds a special place in the history of football. This stadium, owned by C.A. Peñarol, was primarily used for football matches from 1921 to 1933. Despite its relatively short lifespan, Estadio Pocitos played a pivotal role in the early days of international football, including hosting the first goal in World Cup history.
Early Years and Construction
Estadio Pocitos was officially inaugurated on November 6,
1921, with a friendly match between Peñarol and Argentine River Plate, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The stadium was located on the streets of Coronel Alegre, Charrúa, Silvestre Blanco, and Avenida Soca. Initially, the plan was to open the venue with a match between Peñarol and Nacional, but due to tense relations between the two clubs, River Plate was invited instead.
The stadium was one of the first to feature elliptical stands, a design inspired by ancient Greek theaters. This architectural choice set a precedent for future stadium designs, including the Estadio Centenario, which was envisioned as a larger version of Estadio Pocitos.
Role in the 1930 FIFA World Cup
Estadio Pocitos gained international recognition as one of the venues for the first FIFA World Cup in 1930. It was here that the first goal in World Cup history was scored by France's Lucien Laurent against Mexico. This match was one of two that opened the World Cup, with the other taking place simultaneously at Estadio Gran Parque Central.
The stadium hosted two group matches during the tournament, marking its place in football history. Despite its small capacity of 1,000 spectators, Estadio Pocitos was a significant site for the burgeoning global sport.
Decline and Demolition
By 1933, Peñarol moved its home games to the newly built Estadio Centenario, which had been constructed for the World Cup. The increasing urbanization of Montevideo led to the stadium's decline. In 1937, major road development projects began, and the playing field was replaced by streets. The ticket offices and the Pocitos tram station were demolished in 1946 as part of the city's expansion.
The site of Estadio Pocitos eventually became a middle-class neighborhood with high real estate value. Despite its demolition, the stadium's legacy endures, particularly through the efforts of architect Héctor Benech, who located the exact spot of the first World Cup goal. Today, sculptures commemorate this historic event, ensuring that Estadio Pocitos remains a cherished part of football history.
