Garrincha Era
The winger who danced past defenders and helped Brazil to two World Cup titles.
Garrincha was a key player for Brazil during the 1958 and 1962 World Cup campaigns. He was added to the starting line-up for the decisive group match against the Soviet Union in 1958, and at the 1962 World Cup, after Pelé was injured, Garrincha scored goals against England in the quarterfinals and Chile in the semifinals. Brazil won the 1962 World Cup, with Garrincha playing a crucial role.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Right Winger
- National team debut
- 1955
- World cup titles
- 2 (1958, 1962)
- Status
- Retired; Legend
Lore & Background
Garrincha's career with the Brazil national team is most famously associated with the 1958 and 1962 World Cup victories. In 1958, he was inserted into the starting eleven for the third group match against the Soviet Union, a move that helped Brazil win 2–0. In 1962, after Pelé was injured, Garrincha scored in the quarterfinal against England (3–1 win) and in the semifinal against Chile (4–2 win). He did not score in the final against Czechoslovakia, which Brazil won 3–1.
Reader's Guide
Garrincha is remembered as one of Brazil's greatest wingers. His dribbling and creativity were instrumental in Brazil's World Cup successes in 1958 and 1962. He is often cited alongside Pelé as a defining figure of Brazil's golden era.
More in Team History & Eras
Elsewhere in Brazil National Team
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