The Limping Angel

By Ramas Ramas -


June 7, 1962. Viña del Mar, Chile.

Brazil were defending champions. Everyone expected them to win again. The question wasn't if, but by how much.

Second match. Pelé pulled a muscle. He was out of the tournament.

The newspapers wrote that Brazil's dream had died with Pelé's injury.

But there was another man in that team.

Manuel Francisco dos Santos, popularly known as Garrincha and affectionately called the Little Bird.

He was born with a crooked spine. His right leg bent inward. His left leg bent outward. Doctors said he could never play football.

In 1958, he had been brilliant. But Pelé was the star. Garrincha lived in his shadow.

Now the shadow was gone.

Quarter-final against England. Garrincha scored twice. Header and foot. Brazil won 3-1.

Semi-final against Chile in Santiago. 76,000 Chileans roaring. Garrincha dribbled past three defenders and scored. Then he dribbled past them again and scored again.

He was sent off for retaliation. The final seemed lost.

Brazil appealed. The ban was overturned.

June 17. The final. Brazil versus Czechoslovakia.

Czechoslovakia scored first. Then Brazil fought back. 3-1.

Garrincha had scored four goals in four matches. He was named best player of the tournament.

Years later, Brazilians said Pelé was the greatest player they ever had.

But Garrincha was the one they loved most.

Because Pelé was born to be a king.

Garrincha was born to prove that broken things can fly.

The Whispering World Cup. Stories the stats don't tell.

Have a story to share or a question? Mail me at vkrishrama@gmail.com

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