On This Day – 29th June
It can be argued that the 29th June should be forever known as the date that the name of Pele became known across the world.
On this day back in 1958, Pele scored twice in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over hosts Sweden in the 1958 World Cup Final.
The Brazilian was just 17 years old at the time and had already scored four times in the tournament. His quick feet, confident finishing and skillful play had already drawn the attention of many, but a World Cup Final is the pinnacle of a player’s career. He would need to prove himself to the world that he could score in the biggest of matches.
Pele did just that, scoring Brazil’s second goal of the game in the 55th minute and adding their fifth of the game in the last seconds of the match.
His first goal was sublime and showed just how confident he was in his own ability. The Brazilian was stood about ten yards from goal and chested down a cross from the left. As the ball landed in front of him, he flicked the ball up over an oncoming Swedish defender before volleying past Kalle Svensson in the Swedish goal.
His second was a much simpler goal, sending a header back across goal into the far corner over the head of Svensson, who tried to get to the ball but ended up nearly crashing into the goalpost instead!
The young Brazilian was carried off the pitch on his team mates’ shoulders crying tears of joy and looking overwhelmed at what had just happened!
It is worth noting that a second record was broken in that game. Pele broke the record for being the youngest scorer in a World Cup Final, but Sweden’s Nils Liedholm became the oldest goalscorer at the tender age of 35!
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