However, the loss of their star player allowed some of Brazil's other supremely gifted individuals to shine with Garrincha, Vava and Amarildo moving to the beat.

The finals were held along the foothills of the Andes in Chile, but they almost had to be moved elsewhere after a massive earthquake struck the region in May 1960. The country's infrastructure was severely damaged but the organising committee and thousands of hard-working builders managed to reconstruct everything from roads to stadia in time for the first series of games.

The competition itself was typically physical, although later reports would have you believe that for every pass struck at least two shins were kicked. Mind you, they might as well have left the ball in the dressing room for the infamous Battle of Santiago.

Chile faced Italy under the shadow of derogatory reports in the Italian press about the host nation and when these were reprinted in Santiago, albeit slightly exaggerated, a wave of patriotism swept through the nation and the team. Chile believed they had no choice but to defend their honour and the game was marred by numerous attempts at grievous bodily harm by both sides. Amazingly, English referee Ken Aston only sent off two players, both Italian. Police still had to escort him from the pitch as Chile won 2-0.

The Brazilians were moving smoothly and defeated England 3-1 in the last eight to set up an all-South American semi-final clash against the hosts in Santiago. With Garrincha in scintillating form, the reigning champions qualified for another final where surprise package Czechoslovakia were waiting. The Europeans relied heavily on goals from Adolf Scherer, plus goalkeeper Viliam Schrojf - who was in the form of his life during the early rounds.

In the final, Josef Masopust got Czechoslovakia off to a flyer with a goal after 15 minutes.

However, Brazil soon hit back through Amarildo after Schrojf made his first serious error of the tournament. A stalemate ensued until Zito put Brazil ahead with just 21 minutes left to play.

The Europeans were shattered and failed to respond. On 78 minutes, Vava put the game beyond doubt with his fourth goal of the tournament and the Brazilians at Santiago's Estadio Nacional rose to their feet as the goalscorer leaped to the air. The Jules Rimet trophy was returning to Rio de Janeiro.