The Taça das Nações (Portuguese for "Nations' Cup") or "Little World Cup" was a football tournament played in Brazil in 1964 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Brazilian Football Confederation. Three international teams were invited, Argentina, Portugal and England, for the competition which was played in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo during late May and early June.
The tournament was intended to showcase the favourites for the upcoming 1966 FIFA World Cup hosted by England, but 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. 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.
The Argentine team eventually won the tournament after defeating Brazil in their game in São Paulo. Reportedly the Brazilian FA had already engraved the Brazilian player's names on the watches intended as prizes for the winning team.
Table
The points system gave 2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw.