Head to head: England v Brazil

England, the holders, against perhaps the most irresistible Brazilian team of all time

England, the holders, against perhaps the most irresistible Brazilian team of all time. The heat, the altitude (7,000 feet), the presence of Pele, it should have meant a drubbing for England but their display in losing was greater than many in winning. Banks saved. Moore reigned. It took the combined genius of Tostao, Paulo, Cesar, Pele and Jairzinho (plus a bit of luck in the ball bouncing off Bobby Moore's shin) to secure the win. Both sides survived the Group. England went on to the quarter-finals.

Brazil 1 England 0 June 7th, 1970 (Guadalajara, Mexico)

Brazil 3 England 1 June 10th, 1962 Vina del Mar, Chile)

Okay. Maybe this side at their peak were the most irresistible Brazilian outfit of all time. Garrincha. Didi and Zagallo. This was Garrincha's day. Those who saw him reckon the Little Bird to be the equal of Pele. He tormented the English Duffer-style for half an hour before nipping in to score with a plain, near-post header. England equalised but Garrincha wasn't done. His free set up Brazil's slightly comical second and then six minutes later he bent a wonderful shot into the far corner of the English net.

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Brazil 0 England 0

June 11th, 1958

(Gothenburg, Sweden)

Garrincha was out and Pele didn't play but England performed well to become the only side to hold the Brazilians during this World Cup. Brazil hit the post twice and came close to scoring a hatfull of times.

GOD LOVES A TRIER - A 10 year history

May 27th, 2000: England 1 Brazil 1 (London); June 10th, 1997: England 0 Brazil 1 (Paris); June 11th, 1995: England 1 Brazil 3 (London); June 13th, 1993: England 1 Brazil 1 (Washington); May 17th, 1992: England 1 Brazil 1 (London).