Historical Football Kits

 

FIFA World Cup 1966 Group 3

 

world cup 1966 posterBased in the north west, Group 3 brought together the current champions, Brazil, the talented Hungarians and newcomers, Portugal, whose team was strengthened by the inclusion of players from their African colonies including Vicente, Hilário, Mário Coluna and the brilliant Eusébio. Brazil recorded their worst ever performance in the World Cup.

You are welcome to contact me with corrections or additions.

1966 Overview | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | Knock Out Stages

 

brazil 1966 world cup

Brazil

bulgaria 1966 world cup

Bulgaria

Brazil 2 Bulgaria 0

Goodison Park, Liverpool (48,000)
12 July 1966

The champions found it hard to break down the Bulgarians who played a stubborn, often rough defensive game and rarely troubled the Brazilian defence. It took two brilliant goals, both scored with swerving, long-range drives from direct free-kicks by Pelé (15 mins) and Garrincha (64 mins) to break the deadlock and leave European commentators gasping.

(Andre Silva)

 

portugal 1966 world cup v hungary

Portugal

buy replica football shirts at Copa
hungary world cup 1966 change kit

Hungary

Portugal 3 Hungary 1

Old Trafford, Manchester (37,000)
13 July 1966

Hungary squandered their chances in the first half after going behind in the second minute. Eusébio inspired the Portuguese attack and as the Hungarian wilted in the second half, having drawn level after an hour of play, Portugal took control. Augusto restored their lead with his second of the match in the 65th minute and the giant centre-forward, Torres, made it 3-1 in injury time.

 

hungary 1966 world cup

Hungary

brazil 1966 world cup

Brazil

Hungary 3 Brazil 1

Goodison Park, Liverpool (52,000)
15 July 1966

Hungary took an early lead through Ferenc Bene but his goal was cancelled out after quarter of an hour by Tostão. Both teams attacked with skill and speed but Brazil, without the injured Pelé and with Alcindo crippled on the wing, were not at their best. In the 65th minute Farkas lashed home a volley and eight minutes later Bene was kicked into the air by Altair inside the Brazilian penalty area. Mészöly converted the resulting penalty to give Hungary a well-deserved win.

(Andre Silva)

 

portugal 1966 world cup v hungary

Portugal

buy replica football shirts at Copa
bulgaria 1966 world cup

Bulgaria

Portugal 3 Bulgaria 0

Old Trafford, Manchester (26,000)
16 July 1966

In the seventh minute of the game, Torres knocked a harmless cross into the Bulgarian box where the unfortunate Vutsov flung himself at the ball to score a spectacular own goal. The Portuguese cruised through the rest of the game, Eusébio and Torres adding to the score.

 

portugal 1966 world cup

Portugal

buy replica football shirts at Copa
brazil 1966 world cup

Brazil

Portugal 3 Brazil 1

Goodison Park, Liverpool (62,000)
19 July 1966

After their defeat against Hungary, Brazil made nine changes including the return of Pelé, still suffering from the injury inflicted in their opening game. Without doubt, Portugal had the talent to take on the world champions in a game of skill but instead they quite deliberately kicked Brazil out of the game. At one stage Pelé evaded two crude challenges before being violently brought down and he had to be helped from the field.

(Andre Silva)

 

hungary 1966 world cup v bulgaria

Hungary

bulgaria 1966 world cup

Bulgaria

Hungary 3 Bulgaria 1

Old Trafford, Manchester (22,000)
20 July 1966

After Brazil's defeat the previous day, Hungary needed only one point to qualify for the knock out stage but they were made to work for it. Asparuhov gave Bulgaria a surprise lead in the 15th minute but just before half-time an own goal by Davidov and a strike by Mészöly put Hungary ahead. Bene made it 3-1 nine minutes into the second half.

(Glen Isherwood, Philip Barker)

 
1962 | World Cup Index | 1970