On this day in 1958, Brazil outclassed Sweden to win their maiden World Cup trophy thanks to goals from Pele(2), Vava (2) and Zagalo.
Brazil have won the world cup a record 5 times in 5 different decades. They are the most successful national team in the history of the World Cup, having won five titles, earning second-place, third-place and fourth-place finishes twice each. Brazil is the only national team to have played in all FIFA World Cup editions without any absence or need for playoffs. The South American country also has the best overall performance in World Cup history. It's no secret that Brazil as a footballing nation has all sorts of bragging rights for the coveted trophy.
This Brazilian legacy at the World Cup all started after their victory in 1958. It was the 6th edition of the World Cup held in Sweden. Before that Italy and Uraguay had won 2 World Cups each and Germany had won the 5th edition.
Brazil's road to the final had comfortable group stage victories against Austria and the Soviet Union along with a goalless draw against England. A second-half goal by Pele was enough to go past Wales in the Quarterfinals. Pele scored a Hat-trick in the Semifinal against France as Brazil won the game 5-2. Sweden had pretty much the same path. Two wins and a draw in the group stage followed by a 2 goal victory against the Soviet Union in the Quarterfinals meant that Sweden faced defending champions Germany in the Semifinal. Sweden came back from a goal down to win the game 3-1 and booked a place in the final.
Sweden took an early lead thanks to a 4th-minute goal by their captain Nils Liedholm. The lead didn't last long as Brazilian striker Vava scored twice in 23 minutes to make in 2-1 to Brazil. Pele and Zagalo scored to give Brazil a 4-1 lead halfway through the 2nd half. Sweden pulled one back but Pele sealed the victory with a headed goal in stoppage time. The game was utterly dominated by the Brazilians. Apart from the goalscorers the Brazilian Right winger Garrincha played a fantastic game.
The tournament marked the birth of Pele as a legend of the game. Pele who was only 17 years of age scored 6 scored in the tournament including a hat-trick in the Semifinal and a brace in the final. Pele ended up becoming the player of the century and to this day is Brazil's all-time top goalscorer. Pele also holds the record for most World Cup wins by a player having won 3.
Brazil has dominated world football ever since. They retained the title in 1962 and subsequently won in 1970, 1994 and 2002. The impact of the victory on aspiring Brazilian footballers was unparalleled.
