Introduction: 1958 World Cup
Great teams failed to get through the group phase, leaving the path favorable to Brazil. With the crooked legs of Garrincha and the brilliance of Pelé, the Brazilian team began a great moment with the 1958 World Cup. It was the end of the “mongrel complex”.
World Cup in Sweden
The ’58 World Cup was held in Sweden from June 8-29. In all, 16 teams qualified and were divided into four groups, each with four teams.
It was the first World Cup without the presence of its creator Jules Rimet, who had died two years earlier. All the games were broadcast on TV, but Brazil still followed the narration of the matches on the radio.
Unexpected eliminations in the ’58 World Cup matches
With five strikers, Czechoslovakia thrashed Argentina 6-1 still in the group stage, sending the Argentinians home. Another surprise came in the semifinal between Sweden and Germany.
In a fight started by the Swedish player on the field, only the German player was sent off. The offence ensured Sweden’s 3-1 victory.
1958 Brazilian National Team
Brazil had a group of outstanding players: Didi (the “Ethiopian Prince”), Vavá, Djalma Santos, Zagallo, Garrincha, Pelé and several other stars. But due to a mix-up, the numbering on the players’ shirts was changed.
Garrincha got number 11, Zagallo got number 7, and goalkeeper Gilmar got number 3. This is how Pelé got the number 10 jersey of the national team, which eternalized his brand.
Pelé and Garrincha made history in the 1958 World Cup
On the first day of the competition, Brazil beat Austria 3-0. In the team’s next game, against England, there was a 0-0 draw. In fact, it was the first goalless draw in the history of World Cups.
That was when coach Vicente Feola decided to bet on the duo Garrincha and Pelé, reserve players until then, in the match against the Soviet Union. It couldn’t have worked out better. The selection won by 2 x 0 and consecrated one of the most admirable formations that Brazil has had until today.
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Canal no Telegram Dicas Educação FísicaFollowing that, the Brazilian team beat Wales (1-0), a game in which Pelé became the youngest player to score a goal in the World Cup; and the semifinal against France (5-2).
1958 World Cup Final
Brazil played the grand final against the hosts, Sweden. As Sweden took the field in their yellow jersey, Brazil had to wear their blue uniform.
The more superstitious feared that the lack of the yellow jersey was a bad omen for the Brazilian team. But with goals by Vavá, Pelé and Zagallo, Brazil finally won its first World Cup title.
At the end of the match, a 5-2 score, even the Swedes applauded the performance of the Brazilian players. Pelé would earn the title “King of Football” from then on.
Brazil’s first World Cup title
Captain Bellini was the first player to raise the cup with both hands, at the request of the photographers. A mark that would be repeated throughout the World Cups with all the great champions.
For the writer and sports journalist Nelson Rodrigues, winning the ’58 World Cup represented the end of the “mongrel complex” that Brazilians still harbored after the last World Cup defeats.
The World Cup was finally ours. The Brazilian team was received home with a great party and the compliments of president Juscelino Kubitschek.
World Cup Series:
- 16 Curiosities of the World Cup
- Episode 01: World Cup of 30
- Episode 02: World Cup of 34
- Episode 03: World Cup of 38
- Episode 04: World Cup of 54
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
FIFA. 1958 FIFA World Cup Sweden. Available at: <http://www.fifa.