FIFA World Cup: 5 most underwhelming teams in history  

2018 FIFA World Cup trophy delivered to Moscow
FIFA World Cup trophy

#4 Brazil (1966 FIFA World Cup)

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Brazilian players celebrating a goal against Bulgaria

Brazil entered the 1966 World Cup as two-time defending champions and were expected to give the opponents a run for their money. Since Brazil won the 1962 World Cup they didn't have to go through the qualifying campaign for the 1966 edition and this may have resulted in lack of preparation.

Brazil started their campaign with a promising 2-0 win over Bulgaria with Pele and Garrincha on the score sheet. Pele was injured in the match and didn't play in the next game against Hungary. The absence of Pele was evident as Brazil lost 3-1 to the Magyars and were left to fight for survival in the final group game against in-form Portugal.

In the final game against Portugal, Brazilian coach Feola Vicente changed the entire defensive line-up and included Pele in the starting eleven even after knowing he wasn't fully recovered. Portugal were unstoppable in the 1966 World Cup and it didn't come as a surprise when Brazil went down 3-1 against them with Eusebio bagging a brace in the process. Pele was again injured in the game and had to be carried off the field, unable to walk.

Brazil returned home after playing only 3 matches and it is till date considered one of Brazil's worst World Cup performance.

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