FIFA World Cup 1958 Group 3

FIFA World Cup 1958 poster The hosts, playing workmanlike football progressed from a relatively weak group. Hungary were expected to join them although their team had been seriously weakened following the Hungarian Uprising of 1956, after which two of their stars, Kocsis and Puskás had fled the country. Wales may have got in by the back door but they proved their mettle, going into the next round after winning the play-off.

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Sweden

Mexico

Sweden 3 Mexico 0

Råsunda Stadium, Solna (45,000)
8 June 1958

The hosts had no trouble disposing of Mexico in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd.

(Shorts detailing on Mexico kit to be confirmed)

Hungary

Wales

Hungary 1 Wales 1

Jernvallen, Sandviken (20,000)
8 June 1958

The Welsh team, with the Allchurch brothers, Cliff Jones as well as Mel and John Charles, was regarded as the finest in their history, and they justified their place in the finals coming from behind to earn a draw.

(Jon Jones, André Silva)

Mexico

Wales

Mexico 1 Wales 1

Råsunda Stadium, Solna (25,000)
11 June 1958

Ivor Allchurch gave Wales the lead with half-an-hour played but poor passing cost them any chance of extending their lead. Mexico played a fast, improvised game and towards the end of the game, the welsh were hanging on desperately. With minutes left Colin Baker limped off and almost immediately, Belmonte equalised with a headed goal.

(Glen Isherwood, André Silva)

Sweden

Hungary

Sweden 2 Hungary 1

Råsunda Stadium, Solna (40,000)
12 June 1958

Sweden booked their place in the quarter-finals with a stylish and competent win. Hungary were on top in the first half hour but then fell behind to a goal from Hamrin, who made it 2-0 ten minutes into the second half. Tichy pulled one back for Hungary in the 77th minute.

Sweden

Wales

Sweden 0 Wales 0

Råsunda Stadium, Solna (35,000)
15 June 1958

Sweden fielded a weakened team having already qualified for the next phase but even so, were expected to beat the Welsh. Wales were forced to defend for almost the entire match and, with the Charles brothers outstanding, they held on for a draw which meant they would face either Hungary or Mexico in a play-off.

(André Silva)

Hungary

Mexico

Hungary 4 Mexico 0

Jernvallen, Sandviken (13,300)
15 June 1958

The Hungarians made no mistake in disposing of Mexico, a result that put them level on points with Wales.

Play-Off

Wales

Hungary

Wales 2 Hungary 1

Råsunda Stadium, Solna (35,000)
17 June 1958

Trailing 1-0 at half-time, Wales were magnificent in the second half. Hungary tried to defend their lead by hacking and body-checking their opponents but the Welsh players kept their heads and Ivor allchurch leveled the score ten minutes after the break. Hungary's rough play led to Sipos being sent off and Wales took advantage with a second goal in the 76th minute.

(André Silva)