Any chance that this Confederations Cup victory was anything but business as usual for the Seleccao should be dispelled. The USA pushed them very hard. The win is being compared to some of the great all time comebacks in Brazil’s storied footballing history.
1958 World Cup: Sweden lead 1-0 through Liedholm just 3 minutes into the game. The Brazilians had to wait till after halftime to score which they did through Vava. The dam burst and they ran out 5-2 champions, the largest scoreline in World Cup finals.
1962 World Cup: The last match of the first stage. Brazil faced elimination against Spain as they trailed by a goal with 26 minutes left to play. Two goals by Amarildo ensured safe passage. In the finals against Czechoslovakia, Josef Masoupust scored in the 15 minute. Brazil responded through Amarildo to tie the match before half time. In the second half goals through Vava and Zito put the result beyond doubt.
1970 World Cup: Arguably the best team in the game’s history. The Seleccao did have their unnerving moments. First against Czechoslovakia in the opening match and then against old nemesis Uruguay in the semi-finals. Both times Brazil trailed before rallying and then running out eventual winners, 4-1 and 3-1 respectively.
1982 World Cup: Tele Santana’s team led by Socrates, Zico, Falcao, and Aldair. The most talented Brazilian team to have not won the World Cup. They won against the USSR, 2-1 after trailing in their opening match. In the finals, they faced Italy but after overcoming a two goal deficit were unable to put away the match losing 3-2 in the quarterfinals.
2002 World Cup: The fifth title for the Seleccao. However, they faced some anxious moments in the quarterfinals against England and Michael Owen. The Newcastle striker put England up 1-0 in the 22′ minute before Rivaldo equalized in the 45′ minute and then Ronaldinho scored the match winner in the last five minutes of regulation time.