1946 South American Championship: Argentina's Path to Victory
The nineteenth edition of the South American Championship, the predecessor to the modern Copa América, took place in Argentina from January 12 to February 10, 1946. Hosted in the vibrant cities of Buenos Aires and Avellaneda, this particular tournament was an extra edition recognized as official by CONMEBOL (the South American Football Confederation), although no physical trophy was awarded to the winners.
The competition featured six nations battling for continental supremacy. While Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay competed, the tournament saw the withdrawal of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Key Facts
- Champions: Argentina (their 8th title).
- Top Scorer: José María Medina with 7 goals.
- Host Country: Argentina.
- Total Goals: 61 goals scored across 15 matches (average of 4.07 per match).
- Format: Round-robin league where every team played each other once.
Tournament Venues
The matches were distributed across three major stadiums in two host cities, providing a massive scale for the spectators of the era.
- Estadio Monumental (Buenos Aires) - Capacity: 67,664
- Estadio Gasómetro (Buenos Aires) - Capacity: 75,000
- Estadio Independiente (Avellaneda) - Capacity: 57,858
Competition Format and Standings
The tournament followed a league format where teams earned two points for a win, one for a draw, and zero for a loss. Argentina dominated the standings, remaining undefeated throughout the campaign.
| Team | Played | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 3 | +14 | 9 |
| Brazil | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 7 | +6 | 7 |
| Paraguay | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 6 | +2 | 5 |
| Uruguay | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 9 | +2 | 4 |
| Chile | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 11 | -3 | 4 |
| Bolivia | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 23 | -19 | 0 |
The Road to the Title
Argentina began their campaign with a 2–0 victory over Paraguay on January 12, followed by a commanding 7–1 win against Bolivia. Their consistency continued with a 3–1 victory over Chile and a 3–1 win against Uruguay.
The climax of the tournament occurred on February 10, when Argentina faced Brazil in the deciding match. Argentina secured the championship with a 2–0 victory, thanks to goals from Méndez in the 14th and 20th minutes.
Individual Standouts
While Argentina took the team trophy, Uruguay's José María Medina emerged as the tournament's most prolific attacker, scoring 7 goals. Other notable scorers included Juan Villalba with 4 goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 1946 South American Championship?
Argentina won the tournament, marking their eighth title.
How many teams participated in the 1946 edition?
Six teams participated: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Which players were the top scorers of the tournament?
José María Medina was the top scorer with 7 goals, followed by Juan Villalba with 4 goals.
Was a trophy awarded to the winners of this tournament?
No, this was an extra edition of the championship, and no trophy was handed to the winners.
Which countries withdrew from the competition?
Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru withdrew from the tournament.