TOURNAMENT LEGACY

Brazil successfully defended their title, becoming the second team (after Italy) to win consecutive World Cups. The tournament was marked by physical play, earning it the nickname 'The Battle of Santiago' after a violent match between Chile and Italy. Pelé was injured in the second group match and missed the rest of the tournament, but Brazil relied on players like Garrincha and Vavá to secure victory. This was the first World Cup to have a substitute allowed for an injured player. Czechoslovakia reached the final for the first and only time.