by Matthew Adams

Created on: February 10, 2009

More than any other nation, Brazil has dominated international soccer. Few teams can match their record in the FIFA World Cup, which ultimately, is the benchmark for the national soccer sides.

The South Americans made their debut in the first 1930 world cup. Though they did not win it, it was their first of many, as they have featured in every world cup since. They are the only nation to have done this.

The emerging Brazil team first made an impact in the 1950 world cup held in Brazil. Here they were hosts and made it to the final, only to lost ot Uruguay 2-1. It was their first final appearance however.

Their first world cup win, would come in 1958. This was one of the most exciting teams seen, with great players like Pele starting to play. It could come as no surprise, and for Brazil they were now the world's best teams.

1962 would seem them defend the Jules Rimmet trophy. In the Chile world cup, they beat the Czechs 3-1 in the final to seal a unique double.

Brazil's dominance in the period was only halted in 1966, where England would win. In 1970, Brazil was at their best as they routed Italy 4-1 in the final to claim a 3rd world cup. It was also the last Jules Rimmet trophy.

Now it must be said, that while this would end a golden era for Brazil they would remain a force in the world game. However, a gap of two decades would pass before they lifted the trophy again. The 1982 team, won admirers, but the Europeans and Argentina had better world cups.

This would change in 1994 when a somewhat more defensive Brazil, spearheaded by Romario, would win the world cup more. For the fans, a less attacking and more defensive approach was not always admired but it did work. A penalty shoot-out, although required, won the world cup at the expense of Italy. It was also a record 4th world cup.

In 1998, they went close again, this time with the likes of Ronaldo scoring the goals. However, a final appearance against the French ended with a 3-0 defeat. It would highlight that winning world cups in Europe is not easy. Only once, Brazil has done so.

Most recently, in 2002, Brazil would reach another final but this time win it. Against a spirited German side, they would win 2-0 to make it 5 world cups in total.

As such, they have the best record world cup record overall: 7 finals, and 5 won. Their teams usually have brought superb soccer, with goals, and some of the best players in the game. From Pele, to Zico, Romario and co, they seem to have unmatched talent, esp. in forward positions. It is perhaps this, which has been behind their excellent record.

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