Injuries, fights and a second crown for Brazil
"Since we have nothing, we'll make everything" declared Chile football Federation president Carlos Dittborn, after the Fifa meeting in 1956, when the 7th World Cup was awarded to Chile.
The country had been smashed by a powerful earthquake on May 21, 1960, damaging many of the proposed stadiums, but the economically crippled nation defied the odds and put on a tournament that silenced the numerous critics.
After four days of madness, 50 players had already went down injured, including the great Pele who tore thigh muscles in his right leg during a match against Czechoslovakia which ruled him out for the rest of the tournament.
The group match between Chile and Italy deteriorated into an ugly skirmish at Santiago in front of a hostile crowd.
Italy had two players sent off and a third finished the match (which Chile won 2-0) with a broken nose.
Czech mate for Brazil
Another early match that provided a talking point was the eight goal thriller between the Soviet Union and Colombia, in which the South Americans came back from a three goal deficit to sneak a 4-4 draw. This was thanks in part to a rare weak performance by Russian 'keeper Lev Yashin, widely regarded as one of the best in the world.
A draw for Columbia, however, was not enough and they joined respected powers Italy, Uruguay and Spain as first round casualties.
The host nation had a thrilling journey to the semi-finals, but there they were outclassed by the talented Brazilians 4-2, with Garrincha, Vava, Amarildo and company making light of the absence of Pele.
The other semi-final featured two Eastern European teams; Czechoslovakia ground out a 1-0 win over Yugoslavia thanks to a late winner off the boot of Adolf Scherer in a match played before a sparse crowd in Vina del Mar.
Brazil were strong favourites in the final, but the Czechs surprised them by scoring the opening goal when Masopust beat Gilmar.
The South Americans were forced to work hard before they regained control of the match as Amarildo first equalised and then played a part in the second, crossing for Zito to head into Schroiff's unguarded goal.
A mistake from the Czech 'keeper put the destiny of the Cup beyond doubt as he fumbled a looping shot and gave Vava the simple task of booting home Brazil's third.
Even without Pele, Brazil showed again they were simply too good for the rest of the world and became the third member of an elite club, joining Italy and Uruguay as the only two-time winners.