1962 World Cup: Brazil Go Back To Back And Garrincha Shines

Two years after suffering the biggest earthquake of the 20th Century, Chile staged the 1962 World Cup with four host cities: the capital Santiago, charming Viña del Mara, Racangua, and Arica.

The National Stadium in Santiago was quite a picture, with the snow-covered mountains of the Andes in the background setting the scene. Brazil went to Chile as defending champions.

After conquering the world in 1958, at 21 years of age, Pelé arrived in Chile already carrying the status of football genius.

Massive Blow In 1962 World Cup

However, after picking up an injury in the second match, he had to be sidelined, making Brazil look for other alternatives.

Nevertheless, Brazil had two trump cards up their sleeve, leading them to their second title: the unpredictable Garrincha. He would earn himself the nickname of the Possessed, standing in for Pelé.

Garrincha was a monster on the pitch in Chile at twenty-five years of age and at the height of his career. Indeed, the 1962 World Cup would later be recognized as the best moment of the player known as the Angel with Twisted Legs.

He scored four goals in the 1962 World Cup tournament and was described by the French newspaper L’Equipe as ‘the most extraordinary right winger football has ever known.

New Brazil Coach

Brazil’s squad in Chile featured several players who had won the 1958 World Cup, albeit under the guidance of a new manager: coach Aymoré Moreira, who took over after Vicente Feola stood down due to health problems.

Brother of Zezé Moreira, the man in charge of Brazil in Switzerland in 1954, Aymoré adopted a 4-3-3 formation. In the first match, 2-0 victory over Mexico, with Zagallo and Pelé scoring.

But against Czechoslovakia, Pelé left the pitch with an injury to his left thigh. Then, Brazil had a hard match against Spain, who had Puskas amidst their ranks after the Hungarian had become a naturalized Spanish citizen.

Spain took the lead with Adelardo Rodriguez, but Pelé’s substitute would save the day. Amarildo scored twice and made sure Brazil beat Spain 2-1.

In the 1962 World Cup quarter-final, they faced England. It was quite an eventful match, and there was a moment when a dog invaded the pitch, but at the end of the day, Garrincha was the one who shined the most.

He opened the score, took the free-kick that led to Brazil’s second, scored by Vavá, and took his tally to two with a cracker from outside the box. 3-1 Brazil.

In the semi-final, the hosts had 80 thousand voices chanting in their favor, but the Chileans were forced to watch another of Garrincha’s outstanding performances.

He scored twice and helped Brazil win by 4-2. Vavá scored the other two Brazilian goals. Chile would have to content themselves with third place.

1962 World Cup Final

In the 1962 World Cup final, they faced Czechoslovakia again. Guided by Rudolf Vytlacil, they had drawn with Brazil in the first group stage but were not favorites.

Nevertheless, the Czechs took the lead with Josef Masopust, the midfielder who would win the Golden Ball prize, awarded by the France Football magazine at the end of that year.

However, their lead was short-lived. Two minutes later, Amarildo beat goalkeeper Schroif at his near post.

In the second half, Amarildo crossed, and Zito headed it in, putting the Brazilians in front.

After a cross, Schroif made a mistake, and Vavá sealed off Brazil’s 3-1 win. The world was yellow and green once more after the 1962 World Cup.