Thomas Balvay Thomas Balvay Thomas Balvay (2 February 1888 – 15 July 1945) was a football referee in the 1920s and 1930s and one of four European referees who participated in the first FIFA World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay. He was the only match official from France at the tournament. He had been an international referee since 1922 and twice refereed the Coupe de France (in 1926 and 1928). He travelled to Uruguay on the SS "Conte Verde", which also took Jules Rimet and the French, Belgian, Romanian and Brazilian teams to the first World Cup; picking up the teams en
South American nations at the FIFA World Cup an English referee who sent off two Uruguayans. Three South Americans participated in the 1970 World Cup. Peru qualified for the first time, having made one previous appearance in the 1930 tournament (which did not require qualification). The 1970 World Cup won by Brazil, who beat Italy 4–1 in the final. With their third World Cup triumph, Brazil were allowed to keep the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently. In the semi-final, Brazil defeated Uruguay]] 3–1, finally exacting revenge for their defeat in the 1950 World Cup final. The Brazilian squad, led by Carlos Alberto, and featuring Pelé, Clodoaldo, Gérson, Jairzinho, Rivelino