Brazil at the World Cups: 1962, back-to-back titles in style | OneFootball

Seen as a global football powerhouse, Brazil arrived in Chile in 1962 as one of the favorites to win the title. They had a strong squad, with several champions from 1958. Their opponents did not hide their respect and admiration for the Seleção. And that was evident match after match throughout the tournament that would end in a second straight World Cup title.

In an effort to triumph again, the Brazilian National Team followed virtually the same planning as in the previous edition, with only a few changes to the coaching staff. Of the players from the 1958 title-winning side, only two lost their starting spots in the opener against Mexico: Bellini, replaced by Mauro, and Orlando, who made way for Zózimo.

The campaign began with a 2-0 win over Mexico on May 30 at Sausalito Stadium in Viña del Mar, with goals from Zagallo and Pelé.

In the next match, the draw against Czechoslovakia (0-0), at the same venue, was overshadowed by the blow that shook the team: Pelé strained a muscle in his left thigh in the 27th minute of the first half and said goodbye to the World Cup.

With his absence, Pelé made way for Amarildo, who came into the team and exceeded expectations. He was, for example, the scorer of both goals in the comeback win over Spain (2-1) in Brazil’s final group-stage match, once again at Sausalito.

It is worth noting that the Seleção’s success in that World Cup also came, to a large extent, thanks to Garrincha’s performances. He displayed his full repertoire in several matches and was crowned with goals, assists, and dribbles that became part of football history.

Challenge for the ball in Brazil vs. Chile with Didi and Nilton Santos involved in the playCredits: CBF Disclosure

In the quarterfinals, Brazil defeated England 3-1 at the same stadium, with goals from Garrincha (2) and Vavá, and earned a place against the hosts in the semifinal. But they made light work of the home side: 4-2 against Chile on June 13, in front of 76,000 people at the National Stadium in Santiago. Garrincha (2) and Vavá (2) scored for the team.

In the final, on June 17, with Garrincha suffering from a 38-degree fever, the Seleção maintained its momentum to beat Czechoslovakia 3-1 at the Nacional, with goals from Amarildo, Zito, and Vavá. Brazil thus secured another title, playing first-rate football praised by the entire international press.

See Brazil’s squad for the 1962 World Cup:

Goalkeepers: Castilho (Fluminense) and Gilmar (Santos);

Defenders: Altair (Fluminense), Bellini (São Paulo), Djalma Santos (Palmeiras), Jair Marinho (Fluminense), Jurandir (São Paulo), Mauro (Santos), Nilton Santos (Botafogo) and Zózimo (Bangu);

Midfielders: Didi (Botafogo), Mengálvio (Santos), Zequinha (Palmeiras) and Zito (Santos);

Forwards: Amarildo (Botafogo), Coutinho (Santos), Garrincha (Botafogo), Jair da Costa (Portuguesa), Pelé (Santos), Pepe (Santos), Vavá (Palmeiras), Zagallo (Botafogo).

Coach: Aymoré Moreira.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.