Taça das Nações

The Taça das Nações (Portuguese for "Nations' Cup") or "Little World Cup"[1] was a football tournament played in Brazil in 1964 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Brazilian Football Confederation. Three international teams were invited, Argentina, Portugal and England, for the competition which was played in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo during late May and early June.

The tournament was intended to showcase the favourites for the upcoming 1966 FIFA World Cup hosted by England, but in the match between England and Brazil, Pelé devastated the England defence with skill and hard running, leaving England forward Jimmy Greaves to remark "Pelé is on another bloody planet". The England vs. Portugal game was also notable for being marred by controversy when Portuguese player José Torres attempted to punch the referee for disallowing an off-side Portuguese goal. The player was sent off, but was considered lucky not to face a lifetime ban from football. In another violent event, Pele gave a headbutt to Argentine player José Agustín Messiano, breaking the player's nose, having to be replaced by Roberto Telch.[2]

The Argentine team eventually won the tournament after defeating Brazil in their game in São Paulo. Reportedly the Brazilian FA had already engraved the Brazilian player's names onto the watches intended as prizes for the winning team.

Table

Team Pts Pld W D L GF GA GD
 Argentina 6330060+6
Brazil Brazil 4320195+4
 Portugal 1301227-5
 England 1301227-5

The points system gave 2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw.

Results

May 30, 1964
Brazil Brazil 5–1  England
Rinaldo
Rinaldo
Pelé
Julinho
Roberto Dias 		Jimmy Greaves

June 4, 1964
England  1–1  Portugal
Roger Hunt Fernando Peres
Pacaembu Stadium, São Paulo
Attendance: 25,000

June 6, 1964
Argentina  1–0  England
Alfredo Rojas  

References

  1. ↑ Taylor, Matthew (2007). The association game: a history of British football. Pearson Education. p. 286. ISBN 0-582-50596-8.
  2. ↑ http://www.osclassicos.com/2000/01/el-primer-gran-titulo-argentino.html
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