Lobbying, clashes and Brazil’s supremacy at FIFA World Cup 1962

Argentina appeared favourites to host however Chile lobbied FIFA’s member nations and ultimately landed rights to host it.

Brazil trailed early within the last however as soon as once more discovered their means again to land a second consecutive World Cup title [Allsport/Hulton]

Host: Chile
Groups: 16
Format: Group stage, knockouts
Matches: 32
Targets: 89
Winners: Brazil
Runners–up: Czechoslovakia
Golden boot: Garrincha, Vava, Leonel Sanchez (Chile), Florian Albert (Yugoslavia), Valentin Ivanov (Soviet Union), Drazen Jerkovic (Yugoslavia)

Background

Following FIFA’s resolution to alter the host continent each 4 years, and South America’s risk to boycott the match if it was hosted in Europe once more, the World Cup returned to the southern hemisphere after 12 years.

Argentina appeared favourites to be picked however Chile lobbied FIFA’s member nations throughout varied tournaments and congresses and managed to realize help and ultimately landed rights to host it.

Chilean Soccer Federation’s President Carlos Dittborn stated “Porque nada tenemos, lo haremos todo [Because we have nothing, we will do everything]”, and people phrases turned the unofficial slogan of the match. They rang more true when the nation was hit by essentially the most highly effective earthquake ever recorded (9.5 magnitude) in 1960.

Preparations for the match have been severely affected and the variety of host cities was lower down from eight to a few.

When the match lastly started, all 4 South American giants began with a win. Europe’s large names slowly registered their factors following low-scoring attracts and wins. Aim distinction was launched because the deciding issue for qualification into the knockouts, putting off replays in case of a draw.

On-field motion included clashes and never simply soccer. The worst present was throughout Chile’s group match in opposition to Italy when each units of gamers exchanged kicks and punches.

The match was termed the Battle of Santiago, and the Italian workforce was escorted out of the bottom by police.

The house facet exceeded expectations by profitable two of their three group matches and beating European champions USSR to make it to the semis the place they have been overwhelmed by defending champions and favourites Brazil.

Within the different semi-final, Czechoslovakia beat Yugoslavia in entrance of a small crowd.

Within the decider, Brazil trailed early on however as soon as once more discovered their means again to land a second consecutive World Cup title.

Garrincha took on the duty of main Brazil’s assault after Pele acquired injured within the group match in opposition to Czechoslovakia.

Highs

After the devastating earthquake of 1960, the host nation had a lot to cheer about as they have been in a position to put collectively the match and end third.

4 gamers shared the golden boot award.

Lows

After lighting up the 1958 World Cup, Pele was broadly thought to be one of the best participant on the earth and was beneath the highlight 4 years later. Nevertheless, his damage within the group phases stored him out of the remainder of the match.

The introduction of objective distinction because the deciding consider qualification for the quarterfinal introduced out defensive ways and low-scoring video games. The typical variety of objectives scored per match dropped to 2.78, the bottom it has ever been.

Fights marred the video games and the usage of police to guard the gamers turned a necessity.