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We continue our countdown of daily events in World Cup history with Poland earning a famous victory over Brazil at the 1974 World Cup.

July 6

World Cup

1974 - There is nothing quite like a World Cup third and fourth place play-off, and the frustration of missing out on the final was compounded for Brazil as they went down to Poland.

The 1974 World Cup saw a second-phase group stage, and Brazil's 2-0 defeat to the 'total football' of Johan Cruyff's Netherlands resulted in Mario Zagallo's side finishing up second behind the Dutch.

Poland finished second in their group with wins over Sweden and Yugoslavia as West Germany boasted a 100 per cent record, and that ensured their place in the so-called 'Bronze final'.

Grzegorz Lato netted the game's only goal in the 76th minute, and Jairzinho, Rivelino et al had to settle for fourth.

74,000 watched on as Kazimierz Deyna's side prevailed against the odds and, under the tactical stewardship of Kazimierz Gorski, the Poles clinched what would prove to be one of their most famous wins.

Almost tragically, the enterprising Netherlands were edged out by West Germany in the final at the Olympiastadion in Munich, and Cruyff's side were never to earn tangible recognition for their talents on the international stage.

Also on this day

1535 – Sir Thomas More is executed for treason against King Henry VIII.

1785 – The dollar is unanimously chosen as the monetary unit for the United States.

1957 – John Lennon meets Paul McCartney at a fete in Woolton.

Eurosport