Brazilian National Team: The conquest of the first World Cup title completes 66 years

On June 29, 1958, Brazil raised its first trophy at the World Cup after a 5-2 victory against Sweden

Josué Seixas

2024-06-29 13:25:24

Image Credits: © (FIFA)

In 1958, Brazil let out the cry of world champion for the first time. Exactly 66 years ago, the Brazilian Men’s National Team was participating in its sixth World Cup, a championship that would become the starting point of a victorious trajectory for the country in world football.

That was where the best player of all time began to emerge: Pelé, then a 17-year-old boy, whose genius captivated even rival fans.

The team, led by Vicente Feola, started with a victory: 3-0 against Austria. However, the path was not just one of victories. In the second game, they drew 0-0 with England, a result that forced the Seleção to beat the Soviet Union to advance without depending on other results. And so they did, securing qualification for the next phase with a 2-0 score.

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In the quarterfinals, the opponent was Wales and another Brazilian triumph: 1-0.

In the semifinals, Brazil faced the then world champion, France. In a memorable game, the Brazilian team won 5-2, stamping their passport to the grand final against Sweden.

Zagallo, extended the lead with a shot between the opponent’s goalkeeper’s legs. Sweden still reduced the difference with Simonsson in the 80th minute, but the title was already practically secured. To finish, Pelé, in the 90th minute, scored with a header, placing the first star of Brazil on the chests of millions of Brazilians.