Events of WCF 1958
After shocking results in 1950 and 1954, Brazil reached Sweden with a basket of star-studded footballers like Garincha, Pele, Vava, Zagallo, Gilmar, Santosh and Didi, amongf others. They beat Austria 3-0, drew England 0-0 and beat Soviet Union 2-0 at the group stage, beat Wales 1-0 in the quarterfinals, France 5-2 in the semifinals and hosts Sweden 5-2 in the final before a packed crowd.
The most unfortunate team were England, who drew all the three matches at the group stage and then lost to Soviet Union in the play-off match for a spot in the quarterfinals.. The brilliant Brazillians delighted the crowd and the gallery with artistic football.
The 1954 Champions West Germany made exit having lost to Sweden 1-3 in the semifinals. They lost to France 3-6 in the play-off match for third spot.
Asia and Africa had no representatives.
Abdullah Akber
Dhaka
