4) Sweden World Cup 1958
Looking at Sweden during Euro 2016, one must wonder whether a team of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and 10 clones of his would have fared better than the very average unit that was on display during the tournament. However back in their heyday during the 1950s Sweden were a force to be reckoned with on the international stage, as one of Europe’s premier teams.
Forever to be remembered in football folklore as Pele’s first World Cup, the magician from Brazil made his first foray on the international stage, at the 1958 World Cup. Brazil emerged winners after beating hosts Sweden. This world cup also marked the only time when all the nations of the United Kingdom had qualified for the tournament and the tournament also marked the first time goal averages were used to separate teams tied on points.
Sweden took on Brazil in front of a boisterous crowd, whose mood was further enhanced when the home side took the lead. However, an equaliser from Vava and then another goal gave Brazil the lead, 2 goals from Pele and one from Zagallo meant the Swedes ended up well and truly beaten.
