Vicente Feola


Vicente Ítalo Feola was a Brazilian football manager and coach who lived in São Paulo. He became famous for leading the Brazilians to their first FIFA World Cup title in 1958.

Biography

Feola was born in São Paulo to Italian parents. He died in 1975 aged 65.

Coaching career

São Paulo

As São Paulo FC coach, Feola won the 1948 and 1949 Campeonato Paulista.

Brazil

1958 World Cup

As Seleção boss in 1958, Feola introduced a 17-year-old Pelé to the footballing world, winning the FIFA World Cup in Sweden, the first and to date only time a non-European side has won a World Cup on European soil. The team trained in Hindås in Sweden during the tournament.

Boca Juniors

Feola was appointed manager of Argentine club Boca Juniors briefly in 1961.

Brazil return

1966 World Cup

Feola returned as coach of the Brazilian national team for the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England. In the first round of the tournament, Brazil lost their second game against Hungary. Pelé, although still recovering, was brought back for the last crucial match against Portugal for which Feola, panicked. He changed the entire defence, including the goalkeeper. In the attack, he maintained Jairzinho and substituted the other two players. In the midfield, he returned to the formation of the first match, even knowing that Pelé was still not fully recovered from his serious injuries. Brazil suffered a first round elimination. Under Feola's command, Brazil played 74 times, having won 55 games, tied 13 and lost 6 times.

Honours

Manager

Club

;São Paulo FC
;Brazil