Image source: http://pluspng.com/img-png/logo-fifa-world-cup-2018-png--1200.png
Brazil unveiled a formation with a back four at the FIFA World Cup 1958. That was a contrast to the popular 3-3-4 formation. The Brazilians moved down one player from midfield to defense and played with a 4-2-4 formation, four defenders, two midfielders and four forwards. This system contributed to Brazil's first title in the history of World Cup football (soccer).
The Brazilian system created numerical advantage both on defense and on the attack against teams that used the 3-3-4 formation or the WM system. The 4-2-4 system was totally dependent on two midfielders with great tactical and physical abilities. This formation led to an attacking approach to the game. The underlying principle of Coach Vicente Feola was to win by scoring more goals than the opponent, not by conceding fewer. The Brazilian approach to football became admired across the globe.
Brazil really had the ingredients to play this aggressive game. Two legendary wing-backs in Djalma Santos and Nilton Santos, a fanastic midfielder Didi, centre-forwards like Vava and Pele, and wingers with the class of Garrincha and Zagallo.
The Brazilian team in World Cup 1958
Goalkeeper: Gilmar
Gilmar stands out when it comes to a discussion about the greatest Brazilian goalkeeper. He was invincible in the group stage as the Brazilian's qualified for the quarter-finals without conceding a goal. Gilmar was beaten twice in both the semi-final against France (5-2) and in the FIFA World Cup Final against Sweden (5-2).
Wing-backs: Djalma Santos and Nilton Santos
Right wing-back Djalma Santos took part in four FIFA World Cups (1954, 1958, 1962 and 1966) and he was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team for the first three tournaments. In other teams he would have the number 10 role but in this Brazil side he was right wing-back, the best right wing-back in the world. Left wing-back Nilton Santos was named in the FIFA World Cup 1958 All-Star Team. He took full advantage of the space the 4-2-4 formation created for the wing-backs. He was quick and skillful much like the best Brazilian wing-backs of today.
Centre-backs: Hilderaldo Bellini and Orlando Peanha
Bellini was the captain during the 1958 FIFA World Cup. Together with Orlando he formed a solid defensive line in front of goalkeeper Gilmar. They only conceded four goals in the tournament. Hilderaldo Bellini became the first Brazilian in the history of football to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Midfielders: Didi and Zito
Didi played in three FIFA World Cups (1954, 1958, and 1962). He is one of the best Brazilian midfielders of all time. Didi had a superb positional sense and vision. He used his qualities to serve the stars in the attacking line. Zito was a highly organized defensive midfielder with a calming influence in a Brazilian team that was full of individualistic attacking talent.
Wingers: Garrincha and Mario Zagallo
Right-winger Garrincha is one of the best dribblers in the history of football. Even though he was born with crippled legs he never let this affect his brilliant ball skills, making some of the most beautiful moves ever on a football pitch. The winger at the opposite side was Zagallo who had the ability to combine defense and attack. Sometimes it looked like Brazil played in a 4-3-3 formation. Zagallo was not only a great player he is also one of the best managers in the history of the sport.
Centre-forwards: Vav and Pele
Vav and Pele formed one the best attacking duos in the history of the FIFA World Cup. Vava was a powerful centre-forward. He missed Brazil's opening win against Austria but he played an important part later in the tournament. Vava scored twice in the final against Sweden. His attacking partner Pele, probably the greatest player of all-time, also scored two in the 5-2 victory against the Swedes in the 1958 Final. Pel was initially not in the starting line-up but Coach Vicente Feola selected him for the final group match against Soviet. From that point on, the 17-year old was one of the stars of the tournament. He scored the winning goal in the quarter-final against Wales before scoring a hat-trick in the 5-2 semi-final win against France.
