Alternate WC : Continental Cups are Qualifiers (1962-?). A Football TL

[Wings]

Brazil (World Champion) is qualified automatically, so is Chile (Host Country). There are therefore 14 teams qualified for the tournament :
Via Euro 1960 :
USSR (1st)
Yugoslavia (2nd)
Czechoslovakia (3rd)
France (4th)
Romania (QF)
Spain (QF)
Austria (QF)
Portugal (QF)
Turkey (R16 - Beat Egypt in Intercontinental Playoff)
Bulgaria (R16 - Beat South Korea in Intercontinental Playoff)

Via North American Cup :
Mexico (1st)

Via Copa America 1959 :
Uruguay (1st)
Argentina (2nd)
Ecuador (4th)

 

[Wings]

Defending champions Brazil were drawn into Group 1, along with 3rd place Euro Czechsolovakia, with rising Portugal and weak Ecuador. The two favorites were undoubtedly Brazil and Czechsolovakia, as they were expected to stomp the group. The first game pitted both South American teams against each other, and to no one's surprise, Brazil racked up an easy victory. However, Brazilian star Pelé, victim of an Ecuadorian tackle, was injured and escorted off the pitch at the 78th minute. Although diminished, Pelé will recover in time for the semi-finals, if Brazil make it that far.

The other game saw both European teams face off against each other, and to no one's surprise, it was an easy victory for the czechs.

Brazil kept on blasting through their opposition

And so do the Czechs, mounting to a showdown on the last day

The Czechs disappointed in their play though, and couldn't pass through the steel defense of Brazil. In response, Brazil did manage to put two through the Czech goalkeeper to secure first place in the group

In the final game of Group 1, Portugal grabbed their first win at a World Cup, beating Ecuador, they were however still eliminated from the tournament

 

[Wings]

Group B saw hosts Chile being drawn into a relatively easy group consisting of France, Romania and Bulgaria. France, led by Kopa and a Just Fontaine, who, on 1st of January 1961 was playing a freindly with France instead of a national league game that would injure him for the WC, and Chile, led by an armada of great players such as Sanchez, Toro or Ramirez are favorites, but the two Eastern Block nations could turn some tides...
The first game saw Chile easily dispose of Bulgaria, in a one-way game

On the other side, France managed to sweep Romania easily

However, Chile found themselves stuck against an incrediby solid Romanian team, drawing 1-1

But France faltered against Bulgaria, ceding a 3-2 defeat, nearly qualifying Chile

But on the day where giants clashed, Chile couldn't hold their defensive line after leading 3-1. I mean, France couldn't either, but France had better strikers and eventually silenced Chile, taking first place in the group.

Romania and Bulgaria couldn't find a winner, so they qualified Chile instead, on goal average.

 

[Wings]

Pelé is injured against Ecuador

Garrincha dribbles through the Portuguese defense in an incredible run accross 50 meters, but sees his shot slam against the post

Four Czech defenders try to stop Garrincha from passing through

Action between Ecuador (white) and Portugal (dark) during the last game of Group 1

Chile's Sanchez strikes it home during the game versus Bulgaria

Fontaine scores an equalizer versus Bulgaria, not enough to prevent France from loosing this game

Kopa is fouled by a Chilean defender, leading to a penalty and launching France into a come-back

Romanian striker Constantin looks on as his strike is repulsed by a Bulgarian defender. This match was extremely close as both teams could still qualify whatever the result between France and Chile

 

[Wings]

South American team uruguay were seeded into a tough group 3 consisting of one of the favourites of the tournament, the USSR, North American contenders Mexico and underdogs Austria.
Uruguay and Mexico started off the competition by drawing each other in an intense game.

On the other hand, the USSR started off its tournament perfectly, wiping out Austria.

In the clash between Uruguay and the USSR however, the Uruguayans didn't put much of a fight, qualifying the Soviets for the next round whatever happens

Mexico on the other hand worked out a good game against Austria, putting pressure on Uruguay to succeed against Austria in the next game

But the Uruguayan team, too weak minded coming into the game, missed their golden opportunity, and let Austria get their only point of the tournament.

Both teams being already qualified, the battle was for first place, which the USSR secured after a hard-fought game, as the Mexicans made their first quarter finals ever after a remarkable come-back, being led 4-1 at the 25th minute.

 

[Wings]

The last group saw the South American squad of Argentina being placed into a rough group with Euro runners-up Yugoslavia, strong-looking Spain and a weaker but not well known opponent in Turkey.
Argentina started off well, beating Turkey 3-0, however, this would be their only win of the tournament, as they faltered through group stage

On the other hand, starting the tournament for Yugoslavia and Spain wasn't as clear cut, as both teams struggled against each other, throwing back punches at each other (sometimes literally).

Spain then went on to draw against Argentina, as Puskas, coming on the pitch at the 87th minute, scored the equalizer two minutes later, saving Spain.

Yugoslavia had quite a fun time destroying Turkey's defense, who couldn't do much anyways...

Yugoslavia assured themselves first place in the group by swiping Argentina...

Leaving Spain to clean house and qualify as second of the group.

 

[Wings]

A Soviet midfielder dribbles through the Austrian defense during the second game of Group 3

The Mexican squad celebrates as Diaz scores the winning goal versus Uruguay

Lev Yashin with the referee argues as Mexico is allowed a late penalty while the USSR is a single goal in the lead

The Soviets are stopped dead in their tracks as a Mexican defender tackles Ivanov as he was moving towards goal during the historical 4-4 draw between the two squads

Puskas scores his first goal in the World Cup since 1954 against Argentina

Another goal is blasted through the Turkish keeper during the game between Yugoslavia and Turkey

Argentinian defenders are stunned as Melic scores the first goal during the Yugoslavia vs Argentina game

Di Stefano takes the shot versus Turkey, scoring the only goal of the game

 

[Wings]

In the first game of this Quarter-Final, hosts Chile get wrecked by the Brazilian attack, even with a Toro on fire and an on-point Sanchez, Chile couldn't answer with more than a goal, and with that, the hosts are out of the World Cup. Good news for Pelé, who is scheduled to start for Brazil in the semi-finals.

The second quarter final opposed the Soviet Union to Spain. This was a very tense game, as 2 years ago, the Spanish delegation refused to go to Moscow to play the Quarter Final of the European Cup. The staidum was kept under tight security, as the two teams faced off. However, although there were some controversies over the fact that the referee might have been bribed, these were quickly dissipated as the Soviets dominated the game. Gento scores one for Spain to go down with a goal, but the USSR never let the game slip out of control.

The third game as a revenge game from the Third place match of the 1960 Euro. However, the Czechs played a more realistic football, shutting down Fontaine for most of the game, and outrunning the French defense. In the end, Czechoslovakia doesn't win easily, as France were in a position to come back into the game at any point, but will show a good football to force a semi-final for themselves.

The last quarter final pitted Mexico against Yugoslavia, however the Yugoslavian squad just peirced through the Mexican defense, never letting the first-timers a chance. The Mexican dream stops in quarters, as the World sees 3 Eastern Bloc teams in the semi-finals

 

[Wings]

Garrincha having his way with the Chilean defense

Defenses clash at Santiago do Chile

The Soviet Squad before the historic game versus Spain in the Quarter Finals

Pavlovic outruns a French defender but cannot conclude his action as Czechoslovakia and France battle it out in the first half

Scherer scores a second goal in two minutes, putting Czechoslovakia safely in the lead

The Mexican keeper drives off another Yugoslavian attack, but cannot stop 4 goals from going into his net

 

[Wings]

The first semi-final pitted the favorites Brazil against the Soviet powerhouse. Although many expected Brazil to power through, this wasn't the case, as although the Soviet defense was frail, its goalkeeper, Lev Yashin, was rock solid and alrhough he conceded an early goal, saved 7 more shots before half-time. The Soviet counterattacks were however quite poor and never managed to find an equalizer. Straight after beginning the second half, Vava sealed the deal for Brazil, who went straight into the final.

The second semi-final was much more open, as the game between Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia turned into a real banger, both teams favoring very aggressive play and were highly offensive, while having weaker defenses. However, the Czechs got a hard taste of reality when Jerkovic opening with an early goal. Scared of being punished for their hyper-offensive plays, both teams decided to play much more defensive, ending with a 1-0 lead for Yugoslavia at half-time. The second half saw Czechoslovakia move to the offensive, as Yugoslavia relied on counter-attacks. Czech persistence manages to find an equalizer at the 72th minute. From then on out both teams went full on on the offensive, with Scherer answering Skoblar in the same minute. Finally, two minutes before the end of the game, Galic scores a third one for Yugoslavia. On their last counter-offensive, Scherer gets the ball alone against the Yugoslavian keeper, but hits the post. Yugoslavia is in the final.

 

[Wings]

Pelé celebrates his return with an on-and-off performance against the USSR

A stray dog appears on the field at the 67th minute during the game between Brazil and the USSR

Brazil celebrates as they make a second final in a row

Jerkovic opens up the Yugoslavia vs Czechoslovakia game with a great goal

Scherer equalizes once again versus Yugoslavia, but Galic would score another two minutes later

Galic scores the winner, sending Yugoslavia to the World Cup final

 

[Wings]

The 3rd place match sparked quite a controversy, as Czechoslovakia put on all of their substitutes against the Soviet A-team. Chatter suggested the Czech coach was forced to have a nice gesture by the Sports Ministry and make the substitutes play. Anywhom, the Soviets smashed the Czechs easily to finish third, while the Czechs were never dangerous.

The long awaited final has finally come ! However the supposed Brazilian synergy falters, as Pelé and Garrincha, who has been absorbing most of the spotlight, fail to synergise themselves on the paths to take to the opposite goal. This results in a Yugoslavian attack and a first goal for Jerkovic. The Brazilians have trouble making headway and cannot equalize before the end of the first half. Coach Moreira then decides to put Pelé on the left side, switching placed with Amarildo. This has for effect to envigorate the Brazilian attack, as Vava and Garrincha manage to smash through the Yugoslavian defense and equalize. Not in a great form, Pelé still manages to be the hero for Brazil, scoring a winner at the 79th minute, leading Brazil to a second world title in a row.

 

[Wings]

The USSR team before the 3rd place match

Yashin saves a ball from the Czech offense

The USSR attack manages to get in another goal, making it 3-0

Garrincha unlocked during the second half of Brazil-Yugoslavia

Zito celebrates as his pass to Pelé results in a goal for the Brazilian squad

Mauro lifts the trophy over the Estadio Nacional of Santiago

 

[Wings]

Best Goalscorers :
1. Fontaine (FRA) - 8 goals
2. Garrincha (BRA) - 7 goals
3. Ivanov (SOV) & Jerkovic (YUG) - 6 goals
4. Galic (YUG) - 5 goals
5. Chislenko (SOV), Diaz (MEX), Scherer (CZE) & Pelé (BRA) - 4 goals

Best Attacks :
1. Yugoslavia - 18 goals scored
2. Brazil - 17 goals scored
3. USSR - 16 goals scored
4. France - 13 goals scored
5. Czechoslovakia - 11 goals scored

Best Defenses :
1. Brazil - 2 goals conceded
2. Argentina - 3 goals conceded
3. Spain & Bulgaria - 4 goals conceded
4. Romania, Yugoslavia & Uruguay - 6 goals conceded
5. Austria & Portugal - 7 goals conceded

Worst Attacks :
1. Turkey & Ecuador - 1 goal scored
2. Romania - 2 goals scored
3. Bulgaria, Portugal & Austria - 3 goals scored
4. Spain, Argentina & Uruguay - 4 goals scored
5. Mexico & Chile - 7 goals scored

Worst Defenses :
1. Turkey - 12 goals conceded
2. Ecuador - 11 goals conceded
3. Czechoslovakia & Mexico - 10 goals conceded
4. France & Chile - 9 goals conceded
5. USSR - 8 goals conceded

 

[Wings]

England (hosts) and Brazil (titleholders) are qualified automatically
Via Euro 1964 :
Spain (1st)
USSR (2nd)
Hungary (3rd)
Denmark (4th)
Luxembourg (QF)
Ireland (QF)
France (QF)
Sweden (QF)
East Germany (R16 - Beat Ghana in Intercontinental Playoff)

Via Copa America 1963 :
Bolivia (1st)
Paraguay (2nd)
Argentina (3rd)

Via Gold Cup 1965 :
Mexico (1st)

Via Asian Cup 1964 :
Israel (1st - Beat the Netherlands in Intercontinental Playoff)

 

[Wings]

We start this 1966 World Cup with Group A, and already a big group ! Indeed titleholders Brazil got seeded with hosts England, and look as the two giants over a weak Luxembourg and a slightly-light headed Mexico. And as an opening match, the two giants got to face each other ! However the Brazilian side came weakened into the group stage, with 4 injuries, and logically conceded the first victory

On the other side, Luxembourg put up a fight against Mexico, drawing the North American squad and proving Luxembourg wasn't there just to get thrashed by the big teams.

Brazil then faced against the Luxembourgian side, and expecting an easy victory, let their guard down. However, Luxmebourg shocked them by punching them with two early goals. Shocked, the Brazilians never truly recovered but thanks to Pelé and Garrincha managed to pull back to a draw, not what was expected from the Brazilian side.

On the other hand, England much like OTL had no problem beating Mexico

Finally, drawn out and with no desire to win on the field, Brazil conceded another defeat, this time to Mexico, who now only needed Luxembourg to loose to England to qualify.

England did not underestimate Luxembourg and sent the Mexicans to the quarter finals once more, thrashing the Luxembourgian side.

 

[Wings]

This group is arguably the weakest of this World Cup. Consisting of Denmark, Hungary, Paraguay and East Germany. Although Denmark and Hungary finished 3rd and 4th of the 1964 Euro, they were still much weaker than teams such as Spain, the USSR or England. The first game pitted Denmark against East Germany, and the East Germans shockingly upset the Danish squad 3-1.

Hungary on the other hand confirmed their status as favorites of this group, easily defeating Paraguay.

In the next game Hungary assured qualification by beating East Germany quite easily

Denmark kept itself alive by also thrashing Paraguay, who has become the punching-ball of the group

In the decisive matchdays, East Germany confirmed its place by also defeating the Paraguayans who couldn't put a single goal in at the end of the tournament

Denmark managed to seize a draw versus Hungary, but that would not be enough for them to qualify. Hungary therefore tops the group ahead of East Germany.

 

[Wings]

Group C has an overall mediocre level of teams. European Champions Spain looked to be seeded with a rising Swedish squad, a weak French side and a surprising Bolivian team. If Spain were predicted to get out of their group, who was going to take that second seed was anyone's guess.
The first game between Bolivia and Sweden was a test. With both squads looking strong however, none could take a definitive advantage over the other, resulting in a draw that favoured neither team.

Spain starts her tourney with a bang, smashing a very defensively weak French squad.

Once again Bolivia couldn't find the decisive goal against France, except maybe a last minute penalty to tie it up. With a second draw, a Spanish victory against Sweden is imperative for Bolivia to stay alive in the race to quarters.

And Spain delivered, with a second strong showing, it proved Spain were miles ahead of their opponents, who will have to go for second place.

Another easy victory for Spain, which would make the winner of Sweden-France the second team to advance to the quarters. With a draw however, there would be a three-way tiebreaker for the first time in World Cup history.

The Swedes have their way with a disintegrating French squad, and make their way to the 1966 WC Quarterfinals, hoping to recreate the 1958 exploit of reaching the final.

 

[Wings]

Group D has two monsters and favorites of this tourney : the USSR and Argentina, but also two of the weakest team of the tourney : Ireland and Israel. However, no one is safe from an upset...
The first game pits the USSR against Israel. The young Israeli squad will be able tu put a goal through Lev Yashin, but cannot avoid defeat against one of the favorites of the tournament, and only collapsing very late into the game.

Argentina also assumes her status as a contender for the cup, beating Ireland in their opening game

However, Argentina gets taken aback by a strong Israeli squad, who shuts down the argentine strikers and gets a draw, after a big controversy. Indeed, the referee chose for this match was from the UAR, who had just lost yet another war against Israel. At the 13th minute, an Argentine player slips on the ball and falls in the box. Mr.Kandil gives a penalty, which Bernao scores. Furthermore, several fouls against Israeli players were not called upon, sparking FIFA outrage and the firing of Ali Kandil from any international competitions for five years.

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The other game qualifies the USSR into the quarter finals

Adding even more pressure onto the Argentine squad to perform against the Soviet Union, Israel beats Ireland in an unexpected victory.

The decisive game proved to be in favour of Argentina. Holding on to a draw, the Argentine squad clinched second place and went through to the quarter finals, preventing Israel from becoming the first Asian country to pass to the quarter-finals.

 

[Wings]

Group A : Coin toss before the England vs Luxembourg game

Group A : Garrincha equalizes against Luxembourg

Group B : Hungarian players celebrate a goal versus East Germany

Group B : East German strikers fail to get past the Hungarian defense

Group C : Spanish players pose for a photo before the Spain v Bolivia game

Group C : Spain celebrate a third goal against France

Group D : Argentine players gather around referee Ali Kamin before yet another free kick for the Argentine squad

Group D : The USSR forces through the Israeli blockade for the second time