Sunday, June 6, 2010

6 June 1962 - No Pelé, No Problem

On 6 June 1962, defending World Cup champions Brazil defeated Spain 2-1 in the final group stage match for both teams. The win secured Brazil's position at the top of the table and sent Spain to the bottom, eliminating them from the tournament.

Spain started the day in the group's third place, behind Brazil and Czechoslovakia, but ahead of Mexico, and a win would have guaranteed their advancement to the knockout rounds. They were encouraged by Pelé's absence from the Brazilian side, as he was injured in the previous match, and took advantage by going up 0-1 in the 35th minute.

They held onto the lead deep into the second half of the free-flowing attacking match, but were undone by Pelé's replacement, Amarildo (pictured, receiving a congratulatory kiss from Pelé). Amarildo scored a 72nd-minute equalizer, then headed in the match-winner in the 86th minute. They were two of the three goals he scored in the tournament - he scored the third in the Final to bring Brazil level with the Czechs.

Brazil went on to beat Czechoslovakia in the Final, 3-1, to claim their second consecutive Jules Rimet trophy.

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