1962 World Cup: "Battle of Santiago”

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Introduction: 1962 World Cup

Back to South America, the 1962 World Cup gave Mané Garrincha his big moment playing for the Brazilian national team. With some troubled games throughout the championship, another star emerged on the canarinho uniform.

World Cup in Chile

Four countries were candidates to host the 1962 World Cup: Germany, Argentina, Spain and Chile. However, after two World Cups in Europe, FIFA decided that the opportunity should be given to South America. Thus, Chile was chosen to host the 1962 World Cup.

The Carlos Dittborn stadium, in the city of Arica, was the only one to be built for the ’62 World Cup, which took place between May 30 and June 17.

The name was a tribute to the Chilean diplomat who helped his country win the World Cup. He died a month before the beginning of the competition.

There were 49 countries competing for a place in the World Cup qualifiers. Among the qualified favorites were Brazil, Czechoslovakia, and the Soviet Union.

Brazilian National Team of 62

After an excellent campaign in the 1958 World Cup, the Brazilian delegation did not want to make major changes in the line-up of players for the 62nd World Cup. Brazil arrived as the team to beat in the World Cup.

The 1962 Brazilian team debuted in the World Cup with a victory against Mexico (2 x 0). But in the second game of the tournament (Brasil 0-0 Tchecoslováquia), Pelé suffered an injury in the 28th minute of the first half that would end his participation in the 62nd World Cup.

With this, Brazil had to rely on its other star player: Mané Garrincha, the “Angel of crooked Legs”.

“Battle of Santiago” and dog on the lawn

Chile and Italy, fighting for position in Group 2, played a violent match that became known as the “Battle of Santiago”. Even the referee had to break up a fight between the players, who were escorted out by the police.

Facing England in the quarterfinals, Brazil had its game stopped by the invasion of a dog on the pitch. The animal stole the scene and even dribbled Mané Garrincha, who ended up adopting the dog afterwards.

Garrincha enchanted the world in the 1962 World Cup

Garrincha’s spectacular dribbling, his trademark, as well as his entire performance on the field made even the Chilean Press question if the player was from this planet.

With the help of Amarildo (who replaced Pelé), Vavá, and Zito, Garrincha led the Brazilian team to the 1962 World Cup final.

Not without controversy: during the semifinal, against Chile, the star was sent off for indiscipline when he kicked the Chilean player Rojas. According to the rules, Garrincha would have an automatic suspension in the final, but FIFA claimed lack of evidence and authorized his participation.

1962 World Cup Final

Brazil and Czechoslovakia faced each other again, this time in the final match of the 1962 World Cup. At 15 minutes, the Czech Masopust scored the first goal, leaving Czechoslovakia with the advantage. But this did not shake Brazil.

Two minutes later Amarildo tied the match, followed by Zito, who scored one more goal for the Brazilian team. Taking advantage of a goalkeeper’s error, who let the ball loose on Vavá’s feet when he saved a cross, Brazil finished the match 3-1 and secured another title for the Brazilian team.

The Brazilian national team was two-time World Cup champion, nailing the second star on its uniform with an exemplary campaign.