Players

Forwards
What can you say about a forward line featuring Pela and Garrincha, two of the greatest footballers of all time? In subsequent interviews, Mario Zagallo explains: "[Pele] was complete, he kicked the ball with both feet, headed the ball very well and was calm in front of the enemy goal... We also had Garrincha... so unpredictable, even to us, his teammates, but also an undeniable key to victory. Of course there was a great team surrounding him, nothing was achieved by individuals alone."

Midfielders
Mario Zagallo was one of the more experienced players on Brazil's 1962 squad. Along with Flamengo (later Botafogo) teammate Didi, they formed the attacking nucleus of the team. The prolific scoring of Garrincha, Vava and Pele (Amarildo) relied mainly on Zagallo and Didi's direction in midfield.

Defense
Djalma Santos was the star player of the Brazilian defense. He started as the right back for Brazil in four consecutive World Cups. Djalma was known not only for his consistent defensive work, but also for his dangerous attacking raids down the right flank. Nelson Santos played on the opposite wing. The latter is famous for his superb tactical anticipation.

Goalkeepers
Gilmar is known for his superb reflexes and quickness. He rejected the Brazilian tradition of dramatic diving and played with safety in mind. On his international debut in 1953 (versus Bolivia), Gilmar saved a penalty. By the time he retired in 1969, he had saved 13 penalties in 100 international caps.

History

Beginning
1954 - 1958
Four years after Brazil was knocked out of the World Cup by Hungary, the team reinvented itself to win the 1958 championship in Sweden. Prior to the tournament, coach Vicente Feola listened to suggestions by team leaders Bellini, Didi and Nilton Santos. They agreed to replace Sani and Altafini with the promising Zito and Vava. Feola also decided to give chance to the unruly Garrincha and an unknown 17-year-old kid, called Pele. Both Pele and Garrincha had no international experience at the time. Fortunately, this combination proved successful and the young squad swept through the competition scoring 16 goals in 6 games! Brazil won the World Cup final with 5-2 victory over hosts Sweden.

Prime
1958 - 1962
Brazil's charming style was a crowd favorite at the 1962 World Cup in Chile. Brazil adopted the 4-3-3 formation and started off the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Mexico with goals from Pele and Zagallo. The former was injured early in the tournament so Amarildo took his place. Regardless of Pele's absence, the team marched on, beating Spain, England and Chile to advance to the final. Brazil played with the typical Latin flair and Garrincha was its epitome. He scored four beautiful goals throughout the cup which were also pivotal for his country's success. In the 1962 World Cup final, Brazil met tournament surprise Czechkoslovakia. The Europeans started the match with open, attacking football. Masopust scored early in the first half. After a mistake by the Czech keeper Willy Schrojf, Brazil equalized and eventually turned the scoreboard around to 3-1. Garrincha played well, considering that he had a fever and was constantly being double-teamed.

Decline
1963 - 1966
In preparation for the 1966 World Cup, 43 footballers were called in the Brazilian squad. Before the team went to England, however, two of the best players - goalkeeper Valdir and forward Servílio were cut. Thanks to two beautiful goals from Pele and Garrincha, Brazil began the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Bulgaria. In response, the Bulgarians resorted to violence taking Pele out. Pele missed the following game against Hungary and his country lost by 3-1. "The King" returned for Brazil's third match (against Portugal) with a bandage on his knee. Portuguese defender Moralis was determined to change this and after a brutal challenge, took Pele out for good. Without their star player, the Brazilian squad lost again by 3-1. Brazil's golden generation was done.

Achievements

Labels: Brazil 1962

# posted by thana @ 01:58