This Day in History: 2022-11-28

Nr. 353

BRAZILIAN AIR FORCE ESCORT THEIR HEROES HOME (1958)

Eight years after having to hastily cancel a World Cup winning party after losing to Uruguay as tournament hosts, Brazil were finally able to celebrate being champions of the world. As soon as the final whistle blew Brazilians flooded into the streets to hail their new heroes and days later the Brazilian team flew home to Rio de Janeiro on the president’s plane with their own fighter pilot escort. On arrival they were greeted by the president before parading the trophy in front of the thousands of fans who lined the streets.

Brazil’s exuberant football had lit up the World Cup and won them many fans. They returned home feted as heroes by their countrymen.