Question 1

True or false: Garrincha was banned from soccer for life after testing positive for cocaine.

Accepted Answer

False. He had alcohol and personal issues, but never a cocaine ban. His career declined due to injuries and alcoholism, not a drug suspension.

Question 2

True or false: Garrincha was nicknamed 'The Little Bird' because of his small size and quick movements.

Accepted Answer

False. His nickname 'Garrincha' actually means 'wren' in Portuguese, but it was given for his bird-like joy and agility, not specifically size.

Question 3

True or false: Garrincha once dribbled past every opponent and the goalkeeper without scoring, just to humiliate them.

Accepted Answer

True. In a 1959 match, he dribbled past all 11 players and the keeper, then stopped the ball on the goal line, refusing to score as a taunt.

Question 4

True or false: Garrincha was born with a deformed spine and one leg shorter than the other.

Accepted Answer

True. He had a twisted spine, a right leg bent outward, and a left leg shorter by 6 cm, which paradoxically gave him his dribbling genius.

Question 5

True or false: Garrincha was a heavy smoker and often smoked cigarettes during halftime of matches.

Accepted Answer

False. He was a heavy drinker and smoker, but there's no reliable record of him smoking during halftime; that myth is more associated with other players.

Question 6

True or false: Garrincha never played in a World Cup final that Brazil lost.

Accepted Answer

True. He played in three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1966); Brazil won in 1958 and 1962, and he missed the 1966 final loss due to injury.

Question 7

True or false: Garrincha had 14 children with several different women.

Accepted Answer

True. He fathered at least 14 children from multiple relationships, including with his wife and various partners, reflecting his tumultuous personal life.

Question 8

True or false: Garrincha scored the winning goal in the 1962 World Cup final against Czechoslovakia.

Accepted Answer

False. He didn't score; Brazil won 3-1, with goals from Amarildo, Zito, and Vavá. Garrincha was named man of the tournament, though.

Garrincha Trivia Questions