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Nilton Santos' bucaneering defensive style helped Brazil win the World Cup in 1958 and 1962. Allsport/Hulton/Archive |
In an age when defenders were discouraged from crossing the halfway line, Nilton Santos revolutionized the fullback's role.
With the freedom of movement encouraged by Brazil's novel 4-2-4 formation, Santos could be found charging forward at the World Cups of 1954, 1958 and 1962, collecting winner's medals at the latter two competitions.
Santos was a non-playing member of the squad that suffered the trauma of defeat to Uruguay in 1950. By 1954 he was a Brazilian regular, but his World Cup ended in controversial circumstances when he was sent off for brawling with Hungarian captain Joseph Boszik in the notorious "Battle of Berne" quarterfinal. Brazil lost 4-2 and the fight on the field continued into the dressing rooms.
In 1958 Santos scored his only World Cup goal, dashing to join the attack in characteristic style in Brazil's first-round win over Austria. As a senior member of the team, Santos was also instrumental in persuading coach Vicente Feola to choose his Botafogo teammate Garrincha and the young Pele.
Incredibly, Santos was still a careering presence on Brazil's flanks at the age of 37 for the 1962 finals in Chile as Brazil rolled to the title once again.
