World Cup 2006

Sweden was set to organize the 1958 World Cup due to its neutral position in World War II; it was the same criterion used to choose Switzerland four years before. The Swedish built modern stadiums and formed one of the most important teams in World Cup history.

They were defeated by the Brazilian team, led by Pele, Garrincha, Vava, Nilton Santos, and Didi. This World Cup format, with 16 national teams divided into four 4 team- groups remained unchanged until 1978.

France’s first appearance was with a 7-3 victory over Paraguay, with 3 goals scored by Fontaine, who ended the competition with 13 goals, a score matched by no soccer player in a single tournament.

Nothwithstanding this, the French qualified for the second round with their morale undermined, after their defeat in the match against Yugoslavia. Sweden played two matches in the first round and scored goals in all matches except against Gales, the World Cup’s big surprise, who ended in a 0-0 tie.

At that time, Pele was hardly 17, and could break the Welsh’s blockade and surprised the world with a historic goal in the quarter finals.

France easily won the match against Ireland (4-0); in the semi-finals, however, the French encountered Brazil. Considered as one of the best matches of all times, Brazil defeated France 5-2. Pele scored 3 goals and won the international fame he still holds today.