1958 FIFA World Cup Final


The 1958 FIFA World Cup Final took place in Råsunda Stadium, Solna, Sweden on 29 June 1958 to determine the champion of the 1958 FIFA World Cup. Brazil won the World Cup by defeating Sweden, and thus won their first World Cup title.
The 1958 final holds the record for most goals scored in a World Cup Final, and it shares the record for the greatest winning margin. The records for both the youngest and oldest goalscorer in a World Cup final were set in this match; by Pelé and Liedholm respectively. The final also marked several firsts: It was the first final to be disputed between a European team and a team from the Americas. Sweden became the first, and so far, only host to lose a World Cup final match. Their loss also meant that for the first time a World Cup staged in Europe was not won by a European nation.

Match

Background

Since both teams wore a yellow kit as their first choice, a draw was arranged in order to decide which team would use its regular strip. Brazil boycotted the draw, thus making Sweden winner, and forcing Brazil to find another color to wear. Initially, Brazil was going to wear white, but this idea was rejected when the players were visibly frightened by the idea, recalling their loss in 1950. Eventually the staff went on to buy 22 blue t-shirts and sewed the Brazilian emblem.

Summary

Sweden took the lead after only 4 minutes after an excellent finish by captain Nils Liedholm. The lead didn't last long however as Vavá equalised just 5 minutes later. On 32 minutes, Vavá scored a similar goal to his first to give Brazil a lead 2–1 at the break. 10 minutes into the second half, Brazil went further in front thanks to a brilliant goal scored by Pelé. He took control of the ball inside the penalty area, chipped the ball over the defender then smashed it past a helpless Kalle Svensson. Halfway through the second half Brazil went 4-1 up with a goal scored by Mário Zagallo. Simonsson pulled one back for Sweden with 10 minutes remaining but it was far too late. Pelé sealed the 5–2 victory for Brazil with a headed goal in stoppage time.

Details




Match Rules