Soviet Union

Lore & Background

The Soviet Union first appeared at the FIFA World Cup in 1958, having qualified for the first time. In the group stage, they faced Brazil, England, and Austria. After drawing with England and losing to Brazil, the Soviet Union went to a playoff match against England, which they won 1–0 thanks to a 67th-minute goal by Anatoli Ilyin, knocking England out. This sent them to the quarter-finals, where they were defeated by host nation Sweden.

In Their Own Story

In Group 4 of the 1958 World Cup, the Soviet Union faced England in a decisive playoff after both teams finished level on points. With the match tied at 0–0, Anatoli Ilyin scored in the 67th minute to give the Soviet Union a 1–0 victory, eliminating England and sending the Soviet debutants into the quarter-finals.

Reader's Guide

The Soviet Union's first World Cup campaign in 1958 began in Group 4 alongside Brazil, England, and Austria. They lost 2–0 to Brazil in their final group match, a game that featured a young Pelé and Garrincha. After drawing 2–2 with Austria and 2–2 with England, they finished level on points with England. A playoff match was required, which the Soviet Union won 1–0. In the quarter-finals, they were eliminated by host nation Sweden, who went on to reach the final.

Did You Know?

• The Soviet Union made its World Cup debut in 1958.
• Anatoli Ilyin scored the winning goal in the 67th minute of a playoff match against England to send the Soviet Union to the quarter-finals.
• The Soviet Union was eliminated in the quarter-finals by host nation Sweden, who finished as runners-up.
• The Soviet Union's first World Cup match was a 2–2 draw with England.