In full flow, he was a treat to watch. His trademark was the curling 'banana' kick. He was a champion dribbler who took several defenders in his stride. All of 5' 7", he would out-leap towering defenders; as a winger, he created openings galore.

He wasn't part of the manager's line up during the 1958 World Cup matches, but got to play on the insistence of his team mates! He made an impression right away and created two gilt-edged scoring chances in the final. He was on the winning side again in the '62 edition when he led Brazil's attack in the absence of Pele.

Off the field, Garrincha womanized, abused alcohol and had run-ins with the tax authorities. The man on the street could relate with Garrincha for his humble origins and love for the sport.