Lucien Laurent, who scored the first goal at the inaugural World Cup finals in 1930, has died. He was 97.
The former France midfielder died Monday in a hospital in Besancon, eastern France, the French Football Federation said on its web site, citing his son. His funeral is planned for Friday.
Laurent's 19th-minute goal helped France beat Mexico 4-1 on July 13, 1930, and made him famous. It was the first goal scored at the 1930 World Cup finals in Uruguay.
France later lost to Argentina and Chile and was eliminated in the first round.
Laurent, who scored his famous goal in just his second international match, made 10 appearances for France and scored 10 goals.
Born December 10, 1907, in the Val-de-Marne region southeast of Paris, Laurent played for CA Paris, Sochaux, Club Francais, Rennes, Strasbourg and Besancon from the 1920s-40s.
R.I.P.
The former France midfielder died Monday in a hospital in Besancon, eastern France, the French Football Federation said on its web site, citing his son. His funeral is planned for Friday.
Laurent's 19th-minute goal helped France beat Mexico 4-1 on July 13, 1930, and made him famous. It was the first goal scored at the 1930 World Cup finals in Uruguay.
France later lost to Argentina and Chile and was eliminated in the first round.
Laurent, who scored his famous goal in just his second international match, made 10 appearances for France and scored 10 goals.
Born December 10, 1907, in the Val-de-Marne region southeast of Paris, Laurent played for CA Paris, Sochaux, Club Francais, Rennes, Strasbourg and Besancon from the 1920s-40s.
R.I.P.