Brazil's 1966 World Cup campaign began with promise at Everton's Goodison Park, but their hopes were quickly dampened by Hungary in a rain-soaked second group game. The holders, who had won the previous two World Cups, were brought back down to earth with a 3-1 defeat.
Promising Start for Brazil
Brazil opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Bulgaria at Goodison Park. The ECHO's Michael Charters wrote: "These Brazilians not only play the game 'for keeps', they can also entertain with their great technique and artistry. They can lift the game when they want to and this attribute could make them once again the outstanding side of the tournament."
Liverpool's hospitality was also praised. A report from Stockholm-based publication Dagens Nyheter stated: "This is the football city of England, not stiff and serious London where you can hardly tell that there is a World Cup competition going on. The people here are really the supporters and friends of football." The article noted decorated streets and welcoming notices for football fans from around the world.
Hungary's Victory
However, Brazil's fortunes turned against Hungary. Without the injured Pelé, Brazil struggled. Charters observed: "The wet turf seemed to disturb them and upset the flow of their passing." Hungary took the lead after just two minutes through Ferenc Bene, who "beat three men, sent Gilmar the wrong way in the Brazil goal, and then turned the ball into the other corner." Brazil equalized through Tostao, but Charters described the goal as "fortunate" after a deflection.
As rain intensified, Hungary regained control. Janos Farkas scored on 64 minutes from a low centre by Bene, and Kalman Meszoly converted a penalty on 73 minutes after Bene was fouled. Charters wrote: "Kalman Meszoly made no mistake from the spot, although two of his colleagues in front of the main stand turned their heads away in anguish while he was taking the kick."
Hungary's Praise for the Crowd
Hungary's star Florian Albert, who would be voted European Footballer of the Year in 1967, praised the Goodison crowd: "I was very pleased, and sometimes felt that we were playing at home. I want to thank, on the behalf of the Hungarian team, the crowd for the wonderful support they gave us today."
Hungary advanced to the knockout stages with another 3-1 victory over Bulgaria, but later lost 2-1 to the Soviet Union in the quarter-finals. Brazil's defence of their crown ended prematurely at Goodison Park.
