Remarkably, none of the matches played in the knock-out phase required extra-time. Thanks to an outstanding result in the semi-final, Sweden reached the final of their own competition where they encountered the Brazilians.
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1958 Overview | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | Knock-Out Stage
France
Northern Ireland
Handicapped by injuries and weary after playing an extra match two days earlier, Northern Ireland were no match for a fine French side. They had done well to restrict France to a single goal in the first half but after the interval it was one way traffic.
Sweden
Soviet Union
Sweden faced their toughest test of the tournament so far against the Soviet team. After a goal-less first half, Hamrin put the hosts ahead four minutes after the break and Simonsson scored their second with three minutes left.
Brazil
Wales
Despite their obvious superiority in individual ball skills and beautifully executed passing moves, Brazil were unable to capitalise in front of goal. The Welsh were at times, running around in circles trying to get hold of the ball but acquitted themselves extremely well against the team that was now overwhelming favourites to win the competition. A single goal from Pelé settled the match.
West Germany
Yugoslavia
A goal by Helmut Rahn after twelve minutes was enough to put the holders into the semi-finals although West Germany had to survive prolonged spells of pressure from the Yugoslav attack.
Brazil
France
After a promising start in which Fontaine's tenth minute goal cancelled out Vavá's opener scored in the second minute, France struggled after losing their captain to injury after 35 minutes. Didi restored Brazil's lead six minutes before half-time and then in the second period, Pelé scored a hat-trick. Piantoni scored a late consolation goal seven minutes before the end.
Sweden
West Germany
Sweden had by now found their confidence and played a leisurely passing game in contrast to the German's full-throttle, quick passing and running tactics. Schafer put the holders ahead after 21 minutes but Lennart Skoglund equalised ten minutes later. The second half was evenly contested until Juskowiak retaliated after tangling with Hamrin by kicking his opponent on the knee and was sent off. Sweden pressed forward and scored twice in the final ten minutes.
France
West Germany
Just Fontaine scored four in a fine exhibition of attacking football by both sides. West Germany were always chasing the game as France scored freely but they never gave up.
Sweden
The home crowd were in raptures after Liedholm put Sweden into the lead in the fifth minute. Brazil responded with magnificent, dazzling football that was simply in a different class to anything previously seen. After the match, the Brazilians carried a huge Swedish flag on a lap of honour to appreciative applause.
Brazil had not brought a change strip with them to Europe so officials bought a set of blue shirts and white shorts for the match and had the CBF crest sewn on before the game. Brazil have worn blue and white when required to change ever since.
