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.

http://www.mundosoccer.com/imagenes/lucien.jpg

R.I.P.

R.i.p.

Lived a long time, hmm?

RIP

r.i.p.

97, gave it a hell of a go.

RIP.

Rip

RIP lived long

and 10 goals in 10 games, that's a pretty nice record

this guy hung on pretty long R.I.P

damn, 10 goals in 10 games, brilliance

jeez, 97 years..RIP

RIP

interesting record

R.i.p.

97?WOW!!!! I guess he was a healthy guy eh?

RIP

Long life....

:Bow: :boohoo:

R.I.P. You'll stay in WC History forever..

I remembered he was in the world soccer magazine on special edition issue-May Preview WC 1998 version.

R.I.P. Laurent.