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The squad

All-star squad

Shirt number 4 Brazilian flag

Djalma Santos

Brazil

Full name: Dejalma dos Santos
Date of birth: 27/02/1929
Position: Defender
International caps: 102
International goals: 3
World Cups: 1954 - Quarter Finals
1958 - Champions
1962 - Champions
1966 - First Round
Clubs: Portuguesa
Palameiras
Atletico
1948-1959
1959-1968
1970-1972

Djalma Santos was a tough, rugged and uncompromising right back. Known for his soccer sense and intelligence on the pitch, he was often given the role of marking the opponent's fastest wing player, but was also known for his own surging runs down the wing. Djalma was also a deadball specialist and the designated penalty taker for Brazil in the early 1960s.

Djalma Santos

Djalma Santos played in all three of Brazils games in 1954. However, the team were over compensating for their defensive frailties four years before and, without any real attacking sparkle, lost to the great Hungarian side in the quarter finals.

In 1958, it looked as if Santos would be a non-playing member of the squad. However, for the final against Sweden, the Brazilian manager, Feola, called upon Santos to use his excellent positioning skills to mark the winger Skoglund. Brazil won the game 5-2, and lifted the trophy.

During the 1962 finals, the Brazilian team, with an average age of 30, looked a little old, especially against the pacey Spanish side in the group stages. However, with the help of their rock-solid right back, they won their way through to the final, where they beat Czechoslovakia 3-1. Djalma Santos even set up the third goal. However, he was lucky not to concede a penalty with a blatant hand ball.

Djalma Santos in 1962

The defence remained virtually the same for the 1966 World Cup tournament, with Djalma Santos being called into action in the twilight of his career. However, this time they were too old and complacent, believing the cup was their's by right. They could not overcome the passing of Hungary, and with a little help from well placed kicks by the opposition, Brazil offered only a whimper, and left the tournament after the first stage.

Santos played in 8 of the 9 World Cup matches from 1962 to 1966 (playing at the age of 37 in his final World Cup tournament). Djalma Santos played in four World Cups and was the first Brazilian to make 100 caps. The length of his career is a testament to his skill and shows that he truly was a world class player.