World Cup Finals 1962 Chile
Brazil retained their world crown as Garrincha took centre stage and 4-3-3 became the subtle change. But this was a World Cup marred by violence. The Soviet Union and Yugoslavia comfortably overcame the Uruguayan and Colombian challenge in Group 1, while in Group 3 Brazil's only hiccup was a goalless draw with Czechoslovakia, who were to prove the surprise package of this tournament. England got off to a bad start. Unable to break down the massed Hungarian defense after Springett was beaten by a thunderous long-range effort by Tichy, they equalised from a Ron Flowers penalty, but the impressive Albert clinched it for Hungary 18 minutes from time with a glorious individual goal. England did find some form to beat Argentina 3-1. Another Flowers penalty, a Bobby Charlton special and Jimmy Greaves clinched their first World Cup finals victory since 1954. The Chile-Italy tie turned into a violent confrontation, with spitting, fighting, and two-footed tackles intended to maim. That referee Ken Aston sent only two players off was amazing in a game that sullied the name of football. Brazil, however, continued to thrill, even without the injured Pele, who was to take no further part after the group match against Mexico. Garrincha mesmerised England to defeat, then took Chile apart in the semi-final, only to be sent off for retaliation. In Vina del Mar a mere 5,000 watched Czechoslovakia earn their Final place at the expense of Yugoslavia, and the Czechs threatened to upset all the odds when Masopust cleverly gave them the lead over Brazil in the 16th minute. The equaliser, from Amarildo- Pele's replacement- was quickly registered but it was not until the 69th minute that Zito headed them into the lead. Vava made it 3-1 when goalkeeper Schroiff fumbled a lob.
Teams:
Brazil: Gilmar, Santos D, Mauro (Capt), Zozimo, Santos N, Zito, Didi, Garrincha, Vava, Amarildo, Zagallo. Czechoslovakia: Schroiff, Tichy, Novak (Capt), Pluskal, Popluhar, Masopust, Pospichal, Scherer, Kvasniak, Kadraba, Jelinek.
Players from the Tournament:
Karl-Heinz Schnellinger: West Germany
Born: 31st March 1939 West Germany. Schnellinger, a left back who later played in most other defensive positions, was to be found at the heart of the international action throughout the 1960's. He stood out not merely for his blonde hair and bulky frame but for his power, pace and will to win. He made his World Cup finals debut at 19 in Sweden and was a key member of the West German sides which reached the quarter-finals (1962), the Final (1966) and third place (1970) over the next 12 years. His injury-time goal in the 1970 semi-final with Italy, which forced extra time, typified his fighting spirit. Roma took him to Italy but had to sell him to Milan to overcome a cash crisis. Their loss was Milan's gain as Schnellinger's steel lifted them to a victory in the 1969 European Cup. This was the peak of his career which also earned success in the German and Italian championships and the Italian Cup, three selections for World XI's and four for Europe Selects. He was West German Footballer of the Year in 1962.