Taça das Nações

The tournament was intended to showcase the favourites for the upcoming 1966 FIFA World Cup hosted by England. The Brazilian squad – apart from Pelé – had notable players such as Gérson, Jairzinho and goalkeeper Gilmar. Argentina, coached by José María Minella, included some experienced players such as Amadeo Carrizo, José Varacka, José Ramos Delgado, Alfredo Rojas and Antonio Rattín and young footballers such as Alberto Rendo and Roberto Telch. Silvio Marzolini did not participate due to being injured.^[3] The English team included Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore and Gordon Banks while most of Portugal's players were from Benfica, that had won the European Champions' Cup twice, with Eusébio as its most notable star.

In the match between England and Brazil, Pelé devastated the England defence with skill and hard running, leaving England forward Jimmy Greaves to remark, "Pelé is on another bloody planet." The England vs. Portugal game was also notable for being marred by controversy when Portuguese player José Torres attempted to punch the referee for disallowing an offside Portuguese goal.^[4] The player was sent off, but was considered lucky not to face a lifetime ban from football. In another violent incident, a headbutt by Pelé broke the nose of the Argentine player José Agustín Messiano, who had to be replaced by Roberto Telch –who proceeded to score two goals in the game.^[3]

The Argentine team eventually won the tournament after defeating Brazil 3–0 in their game in São Paulo,^[5] with goals by Telch (2) and Ermindo Onega.^[3] Argentine goalkeeper Amadeo Carrizo stopped a penalty by Gerson.^[6]

Reportedly the Brazilian FA had already engraved the Brazilian player's names on the watches intended as prizes for the winning team.