World Cup wonder goals: Garrincha blindsides Chile
We count down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showing a wonder goal each day. Today’s shows Garrincha’s thunderbolt for Brazil against Chile in 1962.
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Brazil v Chile Chile 1962 | Semi-finals Estadio Nacional, Santiago
“We knew Garrincha was the best dribbler in the world, we knew he was really strong on his right foot, but we had no idea he had a left foot,” said Leonel Sanchez. It didn’t take Chile long, into the biggest game of their lives, to discover that the Brazil winger’s weaker foot was also a weapon. When a clearance fell to him on the edge of the box, Garrincha thunderously half-volleyed it into the top corner. Garrincha would go on to score another uncharacteristic goal – a thumping header – and wow with his tropical talent in a 4-2 victory. In its 83rd minute, however, he was sent off, meaning he would be suspended for the final. Despite him having inspired their elimination, the Chilean supporters had become besotted with ‘The Angel With Bent Legs’. Astonishingly, backed by the country’s president Jorge Alessandri, they led a petition to allow him to perform in the fixture. It was successful. So, too, was Garrincha in a 3-1 defeat of Czechosloavakia in which Brazil felt like they were playing at home.