Pelé was just a seventeen-year-old boy and practically unknown when he arrived in Sweden in 1958 to play in the 1958 World Cup in history.
However, Brazil’s 5-2 convincing win over the hosts in the final and Pelé’s outstanding performance, playing alongside another football genius, Garrincha, were enough to draw the world’s attention to the player that would later be crowned the “Athlete of the Century.”
After their frustrating defeat in the 1950 World Cup final at home, Brazil finally won their first world title at the Rasunda stadium and became the first nation to lift the trophy outside their own continent.
The 1958 World Cup in Sweden still stands out today because of the 13-goal record established by French striker Just Fontaine, which has yet to be broken.
1958 World Cup Television Coverage
A novel aspect of the tournament was that, for the first time, the World Cup would have international television coverage. It was also the first time at the World Cup for three countries: the Soviet Union, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The last two, together with England and Scotland, meant that the four British nations played at the same FIFA World Cup for the first and only time to date.
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The English did not get very far and ended up being knocked out by the Soviets, despite taking part in the first goalless draw in the history of World Cups against Brazil.
Wales and Northern Ireland won their respective play-off matches in the first phase against Hungary and Czechoslovakia. In the 1958 World Cup quarterfinal, the Welsh faced Brazil. Result: Brazil 1-0, with Pelé scoring the first from a total of 12 goals he would score in four different editions of the World Cup.
Hosts Sweden had allowed professional players to play for their national team and thus, had fielded a stronger team. As a result, although they were not favorites, they sent the Soviets home and beat West Germany to make it to the final.
Tactical Innovation
Managed by Vicente Feola, Brazil trained a lot for three months and went on a tour of Europe before arriving in Sweden. The tactical innovation of the 4-2-4 system was the manager’s idea and bet. Still, the team did not start playing well until their last group stage match, when Pelé and Garrincha were in the starting line-up, and Brazil beat the Soviet Union 2-0.
In the 1958 World Cup semi-final, Brazil had a hard match against France. Vavá opened the score, and Fontaine equalized, but thanks to Didi, Brazil was in the lead before the break. In the second half, Brazil made the most of the fact that France was a man down due to an injury to defender Bob Jonquet and Pelé’s hat-trick sealed their 5-2 win.
1958 World Cup Final
In the final, they played in blue, as the Swedes played in yellow, another convincing Brazilian win. The home team took the lead in the 4th minute with Liedholm.
But Vavá and Pelé both scored twice and Zagallo once. At the end of the match, as a way of thanking their hosts for their welcome, the Brazilians gave a victory lap around the Rasunda Stadium carrying the Swedish flag.
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- For all SOCCER FANS out there, this is for you!
- Track All The Scores And Follow The Full Schedule!
- |nstant Download – Print Up To 1500 x 1000mm
- Deluxe printable poster designed especially for the FIFA World Cup With Fixtures, Dates, Stadiums, And Start Times
The crowd also witnessed a noble meeting: Swedish King Gustav Adolf went to the pitch to congratulate the 1958 World Cup champions, including Pelé, who would later become known as the King of Football.
Rhett is an Australian-born, globe trotter who is a UEFA ‘A’ Licence Soccer Coach. With his family, he has traveled and coached soccer in more than 30 countries, while attending World Cups, European Championships, and some of the biggest local derbies in the world!