Overview
This transcript chronicles Brazil's journey to victory in the 1958 World Cup, focusing on the young player Pelé's rise amid national doubt and adversity. The narrative highlights Brazil's cultural identity, racial challenges, struggles with self-confidence, and ultimate triumph, forging the legacy of "the beautiful game."
Pre-World Cup Struggles and Pressure
- Brazilian football faced national pessimism and low morale after losses in prior World Cups.
- The public and media doubted Brazil’s young, diverse, and unconventional team.
- Injuries forced the team to play 17-year-old Edson Nascimento (Pelé), making him the youngest World Cup participant.
- Many questioned the inclusion of street-style players and feared Brazil's lack of discipline.
Early Life and Aspiration
- Pelé (Edson) grew up in poverty, shining shoes and longing to play professional football.
- Parental concerns focused on the instability and hardships of a football career.
- Pelé and friends formed a local team, competing in youth tournaments despite lacking proper equipment.
- Key influence from local scout and footballing role models encouraged Pelé.
Joining Santos and National Challenges
- Pelé joined Santos FC following a successful youth tournament and was initially intimidated by professional standards.
- Coaches discouraged "primitive" or "Jinga" style, urging conformity to European discipline.
- Historical context: Jinga, rooted in African heritage and capoeira, became stigmatized after earlier World Cup failures.
- Pelé was encouraged to embrace his unique style and cultural roots by mentor Waldemar de Brito.
National Team Selection and Internal Tensions
- Pelé was selected for the Brazilian World Cup team at 16, joining a mix of inexperienced and unconventional players.
- The team struggled with integrating differing football styles, facing doubts from coaches and among themselves.
- Media and officials pressured the squad to present a refined image on and off the field, emphasizing respectability.
1958 World Cup Matches and Turning Points
- Brazil won early matches but suffered injuries to key players, leading to lineup changes.
- Pelé, recovering from injury himself, entered the tournament amid skepticism.
- Brazil defeated Austria and held England to a scoreless draw, a World Cup first.
- In the semi-final against France, Pelé scored a hat trick, displaying his distinctive style and boosting team morale.
- The team, under Coach Feola’s new strategy, adapted formations to counter opponents, but ultimately returned to playing with joy and identity.
The Final: Brazil vs. Sweden
- Brazil faced Sweden, the favored host, amid doubts about their capability and discipline.
- Despite early setbacks, including an injury scare for Pelé and conceding an early goal, Brazil rallied.
- The team demonstrated confidence, unity, and harmony, overcoming Sweden’s tactical advantages.
- Brazil prevailed 5-2, with Pelé scoring crucial goals and embodying the spirit of the "beautiful game."
- The victory was historic, marking the first World Cup win by a non-European team on European soil.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
- Pelé kept his childhood promise to win a World Cup for Brazil, bringing national pride.
- Brazil’s embrace of diverse backgrounds and the Jinga style redefined the nation’s footballing identity.
- The 1958 triumph established Brazil’s football legacy and the global appreciation of their “beautiful game.”
Key Dates / Deadlines
- June 29, 1958: Brazil wins its first World Cup.
Decisions
- Coach Feola decides to embrace Brazil's own playing style ("Jinga") rather than European discipline in the final.
- Brazil fields young and diverse players, including Pelé, in crucial World Cup matches.