1962 World Cup Chile

After being stages twice in a row in Europe the world cup returned to South America, this time Chile.  Three nations competed to stage the games with Chile being chosen over West Germany and Argentina despite the Chileans having to build new stadiums after a major earthquake two years previously.

The format of the competition remained unchanged from 1958.  The holder Brazil lost Pelé to injury but found a replacement in Garrincha.  He was born a unable to walk and needed surgery to enable him to do so.  Brazil won their group with Czechoslovakia finishing second. USSR,  Yugoslavia, Hungary and England all went through to the quarterfinals.  Switzerland managed to lose all three games whilst West Germany and Chile qualified.

Chile defeated USSR to land themselves a semi-final game against the winner of the England vs. Brazil match.  A brilliant performance from Garrincha, including two goals in a 3-1 win, saw the holders through.  Wins for Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia  saw them meet in the semi-finals although under 6,000 spectators turned out to watch the match.

In the other semi-final 76,600 watched Brazil beat the hosts 4-2, even despite Garrincha being sent off for Brazil and Landa sent off for Chile.

The final was held at Santiago's Estadio Nacional and as in the previous World Cup Brazil were quickly a goal behind. again they equalised rapidly and went on to beat the Czechoslovakians 3-1 and retain the trophy..

Top Scorers

4 Goals -  Garrincha (Brazil)
                Vavá (Brazil)
                Leonel Sánchez (Chile)
                Drazen Jerkovic (Yugoslavia)
                Valentin Ivanov (USSR)
                Flórián Albert (Hungary)

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