The top two teams from each group (eight in total) advanced to the knockout stage to compete in a single-elimination style tournament.
Eleven minutes into the game Leonel Sánchez opened the score with a free kick from wide on the right that surprised Lev Yashin at the near post.
England equalized when Jimmy Greaves hit the bar with a looping header and Gerry Hitchens banged in an instant shot.
Soon after halftime Brazil regained advantage after Vavá headed in a free kick from Garrincha and six minutes later the Brazilian right winger made it 3–1 with a curling shot into the top corner.
The first clear opportunity was for the Germans when Seeler hit the post with a low shot after running onto Haller's pass.