World Cup History: Brazil's Performance

By R. Liaw

With 70 victories in 104 matches played and only 17 losses, Brazil is the most successful national team in World Cup history. It has earned five titles; more than any team ever. We have also been vice-champions twice (1950 and 1998) and semi-finalists in other three editions (1938, 1974 and 1978). It is also the only country to have played in all 17 FIFA World Cup editions without any need for playoffs or absence.

SWEDEN 1958
This World Cup went from June 8th to the 29th. The tournament was an iconic event for Brazil, as it marked the debut on the world stage of a 17-year-old Pelé. The team went to Sweden with many expectations, due to the fact they had participated in every World Cup before yet had not managed to gain the trophy. We eventually won our very first title after the Seleção beat Sweden 5-2 in the final. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syncd5yq8o4

CHILE 1962
The Chile 1962 was held from May 30 to June 17, 1962. In this event, Brazil earned its second consecutive World Cup victory after winning the final against Czechoslovakia 3-1 (despite the absence of star player Pelé that year). The Brazilian team captain was Mauro Ramos, who was extremely proud of their achievement. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF51hQwVw6U

MEXICO 1970
This was our 9th participation in a FIFA World Cup. Pelé, the star player with the famous Number 10 shirt, had a crucial role leading up to Brazil's victory and 3rd World Cup title, as he scored 14 out of the 19 total goals in the championship. Brazil faced Italy in the final on June 21st in the Azteca Stadium, which was exciting to many spectators as both of these teams were former World Cup champions (Italy had won the FIFA tournament in 1934 and 1938). Nonetheless, we beat Italy 4-1. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2PJnLgOPyo

The UNITED STATES 1994
Nine American cities held the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The Brazilian Seleção beat Russia, Cameroon, Sweden, USA and the Netherlands before facing off Italy in the final once again. The match, which took place in the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, ended with a tie of 0-0 of both teams, and we eventually won in the penalties with 3-2. The attendance of the game was approximately 94,194 people. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH6Sq2l7sTo

SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN 2002
In this world cup, Brazil was extraordinary when they beat Turkey, China, Costa Rica, Belgium and England before winning 2-0 against Germany in the final. This earned them their fifth title, which is currently the most recent one. The team captain at the time was Cafu, and the goal scorer of the match was Ronaldo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIkDA_GJboQ

BRAZIL 2014
I believe that this certain World Cup should be mentioned amongst Brazil's successes due to the fact that it will never be forgotten by us. Looking at it with international eyes, the tournament was a huge achievement to our nation. For Brazilians however, it marked an unexpected event which would shock us all. The 7-1 loss to Germany during the semifinal, that took place in the Mineirão Stadium, Belo Horizonte, was considered devastating to our nation. There were about 58,141 spectators in the stadium. Most people even felt humiliated considering this loss took place in our home country and our team is the most successful one in World Cup history! It did, however, bring out the competitiveness of Brazil, having us more excited, nervous, anxious and determined for Russia 2018 than ever! 
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sfRVyDHT30