The great Garrincha dribbles past Welsh defender Mel Hopkins in the 1958 quarterfinal in Gothenburg
After a 12-year break due to the Second World War, Brazil hosted the 1950 event. Again, numerous sides opted out, and with just 13 participants, the format changed, with no Final. Instead, a mini-league of four teams would decide the victor.
Brazil cruised through their group, Uruguay topped theirs, Sweden shocked Italy 3-2 to progress, and Spain completed the quartet ahead of England.
The four-team final group was dominated by Brazil and Uruguay, who were set to play in the last match. Brazil only had to draw with their neighbours to become champions; Uruguay needed to win to claim a second crown. 200 000 fans crammed into the Rio's new Maracana Stadium, but against the odds, Uruguay came from behind to win 2-1.
So to Switzerland in 1954. Hungary were considered the best team in the world and confirmed this by thrashing West Germany 8-3 in the group phase, then beating Brazil 4-2 in a quarterfinal that became known as the 'Battle of Berne' after three players were sent off for fighting.
The Germans had recovered to reach the last four, joined by Uruguay and Austria. Hungary beat the South Americans 4-2 in the semis, while Germany thrashed Austria 6-1.
Hungary, boasting Puskas, Kocsis and Hidegkuti, were clear favourites, and swept into a 2-0 lead after nine minutes of the Final. But the Germans rallied and were soon level. With Puskas limping, Hungary eventually succumbed to a late goal by Rahn, his second.
The 1958 FIFA World Cup is remembered for French striker Just Fontaine's record 13 goals, tiny Wales reaching the last eight, brilliant Brazil's 4-2-4 system and, above all, 17-year-old Pelé. Brazil captured the world's imagination as they swept all aside to win their first world title. They beat France 5-2 in the semifinal and hosts Sweden by the same score in the Final.
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