After the dreadful loss in the 1950 world cup against Uruguay, the south american giants were looking to revive themselves at the 1958 world cup, where they reached the finals, beat Sweden and were crowned world championships. That year the world recognised two talents, one being Pelé, the other was Garrincha. Garrincha in particular was a spectacular to watch, his close control and amazing dribbling, with his zig zag runs made the opponents stumble upon their feet. Brazil won 5-2 against the hosts Sweden.
When Pelé was considered the icon of Brazil, Garrincha was the love of Brazil. You could say he was the Charlie Chaplin of Brazilian football, a player who played for fun and to entertain the fans. When garrincha played it was not just his team that was bedazzled but also the opposing team was left awestruck with his beautiful flair of skill. He didn’t belong to any one club, everyone in Brazil supported him.
A player with one leg smaller than the other, he was considered imperfect for the game but in the 1962 world cup came his time to shine. After the first match Pelé picked up a groin injury, which meant Brazil now heavily relied on Garrincha. With the mentality of a child but skills that far surpassed any player on earth, he scored 5 goals in the tournament. He scored with his head, his left foot and also scored a free-kick. In 1962 everyone saw a huge change in Garrincha, he was the type of person who never took anything seriously, he didn’t care for the world but in 1962 things were different. Garrincha took the responsibility and carried the team on his back. He scored 2 against each England and hosts Chile. Brazil were now entirely dependent on their mercurial winger. In the final against Czechoslovakia, Garrincha was the orchestrator on the field scoring his 5th goal and eventually taking Brazil single handedly to the title of world champions yet again. Garrincha was given the Golden Ball (Player of the Tournament award) and the Golden Boot (top scorer).
His career took a downfall when he struggled with a knee injury in the 1966 world cup. He was never the same again. He had been an alcoholic for most of his life. He didn’t care for the money he made and the money that he made, he squandered on alcohol and women. In the 12 years that Pelé and Garrincha played together, Brazil were unbeaten. Eventually he succumbed to liver cirrhosis in 1983 but the streets of Brazil are still painted with his name and a note : Obrigado, Garrincha, por vocé ter vivido (Thank you, Garrincha, for having lived). The prolific winger, People’s Joy, the Bent Legged Angel, whatever you call him, remains as one of the Greatest Ever!
Football's Greatest Ever 