Djalma Santos vs Johnny Carey
Brazil against Ireland. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Djalma Santos
Brazil · 1952–68 · RB
- Almanac rating
- 92
- Rank in Brazil
- #14 of 33
- Caps
- 98 · 3 goals
- Clubs
- Associação Portuguesa de Desportos, Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, Club Athletico Paranaense
The 1962 final in Santiago turned on his lofted cross from the right, which goalkeeper Viliam Schrojf misjudged, letting Vavá head in Brazil's third. Two World Cups came his way, in 1958 and 1962, plus selection to three World Cup All-Star teams, a distinction shared only with Franz Beckenbauer, 98 caps for Brazil, two Brazilian championships with Palmeiras, and not a single sending-off. Career record: 98 caps and 3 goals for Brazil; club career at Associação Portuguesa de Desportos, Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, Club Athletico Paranaense.
Johnny Carey
Ireland · 1937–1953 · RB
- Almanac rating
- 89
- Rank in Ireland
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 29 · 3 goals
- Clubs
- Manchester United, Shamrock Rovers, Everton
Nine different positions bore his name on Manchester United teamsheets, goalkeeper included, yet it was as captain that he lifted the FA Cup after the celebrated 4-2 final against Blackpool in 1948. The First Division title of 1952 followed, along with the 1949 Footballer of the Year award and the honour of captaining the Rest of Europe XI at Hampden in 1947. Career record: 29 caps and 3 goals for Ireland; club career at Manchester United, Shamrock Rovers, Everton.
The verdict
The almanac puts Djalma Santos ahead by 3 rating points, 92 against 89.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.