The real story of the Cup though, was the West German team, which miraculously swept through each of the stages, and defeated Hungary in what was later coined as the “Miracle of Bern.”
Days after the 1954 final, the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (Brazilian Football Confederation) hired a new President, completely renovated the team, purging it of old aging veterans, training harder than they ever had before, and imposing strict rules that limited almost every aspect of the players’ lives.
Vicente Feola and the Golden Year of 1958
Vicente Feola can take as much credit for the “golden age” of Brazilian futbol as anyone. After taking over the national club before the 1958 World Cup, Feola demanded more from his players than any other coach. He wanted his players to devote themselves wholly to the cause of bringing home a World Cup trophy to the nation of Brazil, and pride to their families and their people.
As such, he devised a list of things he prohibited the players from doing. Some of these included: wearing hats, smoking, and talking to the press. He hardened the team, and formed them into a cohesive unit, unlike the squads that Brazil had assembled in 1950 or 1954.
The team still had individual superstars however, and Feola was counting on team leaders Hilderaldo Bellini, Nilton Reis dos Santos, and Valdir Pereira (Didi, see right) as well as up and coming superstar Edison Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, to lead the Brazilian effort.
The sixth World Cup was held in 1958 in Sweden. Brazil was placed in group Four, considered the toughest group in the entire cup with England, Austria, and the Soviet Union.
While many experts expected Brazil to do well, many found it unrealistic to believe that the Brazilians could hang with the better conditioned, more physical Soviets. Brazil defeated Sweden easily in their first game 3-0, but had a tougher time with England, who drew with Brazil.
The game against the Soviets was the last game of the first stage and determined who would move on to the next round. Feola, a master strategist, heeded the advice of his superstars and switched around the starting lineup to put the pressure on the Soviets early, and put on the pressure the Brazilians did.
From the opening kick off, Brazil attacked the Soviets, keeping them on their toes for what is known as the “three greatest minutes in the history of futbol,” eventually taking the lead and stunning the Soviets. Another goal tallied in the 65th minute put Brazil ahead 2-0 and secured them a spot in the quarter finals.
In the quarter finals Brazil met Wales, who somehow managed to tie all three games they played in the first stage. They kept it tied with Brazil until the 66thminute when Pele scored his first of many World Cup goals, giving Brazil a 1-0 victory, and setting them up for a semi final match-up with France, who defeated Northern Ireland 4-0.
Again, Brazil pushed the tempo and played attacking ball against the French who were down 1-0 after the second minute. They managed to tie it with a goal in the ninth, but a hat trick by Pele squashed any hopes the French had.
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