On this day: First ever World Cup gets underway

In Rio de Janeiro this evening, either Germany or Argentina will win the 20th installment of the World Cup.

Therefore, it seems somewhat fitting that the first ever tournament got underway in Uruguay 84 years ago today with two matches played simultaneously in the capital city Montevideo.

The competition's first ever goal was scored in the France vs. Mexico contest, at the Estadio Pocitos, by the European nation's Lucien Laurent, who volleyed in with 14 minutes on the clock. Further goals were added either side of the break by Marcel Langiller and Andre Maschinot, before Juan Carreno reduced the arrears 20 minutes from time.

The final say went the way of the French, though, as Maschinot scored his second and his team's fourth goal of the encounter to wrap up the two points.

Meanwhile, in Group Four, the USA took on Belgium inside the Estadio Parque Central, but on this occasion the Europeans came out second best.

On what was his debut for the American national side, Edinburgh-born Bart McGhee put Robert Millar's men in command with quickfire goals in the 41st and 45th minutes. Fellow centre-forward Bert Patenaude, who would later go on to score the World Cup's first ever hat-trick, added a third and final goal in the 68th minute.

While the USA would progress through to the semi-finals, France fell short of qualification. Argentina thrashed the Americans 6-1 to reach the final, where they were beaten by hosts Uruguay, who won through 4-2 to lift the trophy.