This Day in History: 2023-01-11

Nr. 380

GARRINCHA SHOWS HIS CLASS… (1962)

«At Vina del Mar we lost to one man,» remembered England midfielder Bobby Charlton. That man was Garrincha, whom England were powerless to stop as he led Brazil to a 3-1 victory in the quarter-final of the 1962 World Cup. He only stood five feet and seven inches, but Garrincha leapt high to give Brazil the lead with a powerful header in the first half. After Gerry Hitchens equalized for England Garrincha stepped forward and took control. First he fired in a rasping free-kick that Ron Springett could only parry into the path of Vava and then, saving his best for last, curled a stunning shot into the tap corner.

England’s left back Ray Wilson had a torrid time trying to keep Garrincha under control.