Mexico 1970
Overview: The colours of Brazil’s vibrant blue and green were seen for the first time by millions across the globe as the FIFA World Cup was broadcasted in colour for the first time. Mario Zagallo was provided with an embarrassment of riches with the front five of Jairzinho, Pele, Gerson, Tostao and Rivelino in his ranks. Many a memorable moments were produced starting with Gordon Banks miraculous save for England against Brazil that left Pele bewildered. Pele himself had two golden moments in store. The first one came against Uruguay in the semi-final; a rematch of the 1950 final. He was sent free by Jairzinho’s pass but instead of trapping it, he let it run past keeper Ladislao Mazurkiewicz before picking it up again only to shoot wide off the post. West Germany’s Muller or the “Bomberman” who scored consecutive hat-tricks against Bulgaria and Peru struck an extra-time winner that ousted England. The Germans met Italy in the semi-final remembered as the “Game of the Century.” After a 1-1 draw at 90 minutes, the game took a wild turn in extra-time that produced five goals. Muller scored two but the Italians prevailed 4-3. They met Brazil in a showcase final at the hot and humid Azteca Stadium. Pele opened the scores with an unforgettable header before Brazil gave the Italians a lesson in football. Brazil produced the most popular team goal in history through Carlo Alberto Pereira who drilled a low and powerful driving shot for the fourth goal. In the end Pele’s World Cup story came full circle as the Seleção lifted the trophy for the third time beating Italy 4-1.
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Winners: Brazil
Runners-Up: Italy
Golden Boot: Gerd Muller