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10 – Igor Chislenko: Soviet Union v Colombia 1962 – 90 World Cup Minutes In 90 Days

WFI‘s Adam Brandon counts down to Russia 2018 with 90 World Cup goals in 90 days, scored in the minute corresponding to the day in the countdown.

Context

The Soviet Union travelled to Chile for the 1962 World Cup full of confidence and as one of the favourites, as just two years earlier they had won the European Championships.

In their first match they showed their class by comfortably beating a decent Yugoslavia side 2-0, in what was a repeat of the Euro 1960 final.

Their opponents for the second match in Group 1 were Colombia, who were playing in their first ever World Cup.

The Colombians had opened with a defeat against Uruguay despite leading with just over half an hour to go. The match against the Soviets was played in the eternal spring sunshine of Arica, Chile in front of a crowd of just 9,000 people.

The Soviets got off to a dream start and they were a goal to the good after just four minutes.

 

The Goal

It was soon 2-0:

What Happened Next?

The Soviets made it 3-0 just a minute later. Colombia got one back before half-time but just before the hour mark the Soviets restored their three goal lead and the match looked over for the South Americans.

Incredibly Los Cafeteros scored three goals in an eight minute spell against legendary goalkeeper Lev Yeshin to give the Colombians a share of the spoils.

The Soviets still won the group while the Colombians lost to Yugoslavia in their final group match, which meant an early exit for the South Americans.

The Soviet Union stayed in Arica for the quarter final against host nation Chile where they were beaten 2-1.

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