Sweden was the backdrop for Brazil’s first ever World Cup triumph on this day in 1958, the year that a 17-year-old Pele announced his presence on the world stage. With two supreme attacking talents in Pele and Garrincha, Brazil beat Sweden 5-2 in the Final to become the first team to capture the trophy on a different continent.
It was Sweden who took the lead after only four minutes through captain Nils Liedholm. Vava equalised and doubled his tally before the break. Pele plundered his first after the interval with a stunning goal. Mario Zagallo added another as Agne Simonsson pulled one back for Sweden, but Pele sealed the 5–2 win with a header in injury time.
Other memorable events on this day…
1969: England’s John Hampshire scores 107 on Test cricket debut against West Indies at Lord’s.
1980: The South African Springbok rugby team lead by Morne du Plessis beats the British Lions 12-10 to lead 3-0 in the series.
1988: Mike Tyson files to sue manager Bill Cayton for a second time in order to break contract with him after signing with Don King.
