Djalma Santos

BORN: FEB. 27, 1929
COUNTRY: Brazil
WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 4 tournaments ('54, '58, '62, '66)
CLUBS: Portuguesa, Palmeiras, Atletico Curitiba

INTRODUCTION: Four-time World Cup player and the world's greatest right-back.



1954 World Cup - Switzerland
Djalma Santos made his World Cup debut in 1954. He started right from the first game in which Brazil thrashed Mexico 5-0. The muscular defender, a deadball specialist, was Brazil's designated penalty taker. The defender then played against Hungary in the "Battle of Berne", scoring one of the goals from the penalty spot in a 4-2 defeat. His namesake Nilton Santos was sent off and Brazil was eliminated.

1958 World Cup - Sweden Four year later, Djalma Santos lost his place to Di Sordi and only played one game, the final against Sweden. However, his intelligence and defensive skills were crucial in neutralizing the Hamrin and Liedholm. Djalma Santos also revealed his attacking skills, often venturing upfield to join the attack. Brazil beat Sweden easily by 5-2 and Djalma Santos became one of the outstanding members of the Brazilian side.

1962 World Cup - Chile
WORLD BEATER
Djalma Santos pictured before a 1962 World Cup match

Four years later, at the age of 33, Djalma Santos was better than ever. He reclaimed the right-back position. Djalma Santos played in every game of the series and was the best all-round defender of the tournament. The right-back also formed an intuitive understanding with Garrincha, the key player in the 1962 Brazilian team. And in the final against Czechoslovakia, Djalma Santos also setup the third and final goal. His outstanding displays and consistencies were awarded by the being named to the World Cup Dream Team and regular inclusion in the World Cup Eleven.

1966 World Cup - England
At the age of 37, Djalma Santos had past his best but was surprisingly selected for his fourth World Cup. Djalma Santos became one of the scapegoats after Brazil was defeated by an inspired Hungary. The veteran was then discarded in the final game against Portugal, which Brazil lost and sent them crashing out of the tournament.
HIS GOAL IN THE WORLD CUP - COMPLETE RECORD 1954
quarter-final v. Hungar
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=44603/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djalma_Santos