Exactly 54 years ago, the Brazilian National Team won the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. It was the crowning moment of a team that exuded talent and had the genius of Pelé as its greatest reference. The number 10 shirt became in that competition the first and only player to win three World Cups – a mark that remains to this day.
Under the command of coach Zagallo, Brazil’s third world title was not easy, but it ended impeccably. In six games, there were six victories, in a campaign with 100% success rate, scoring 17 goals. Even in the group that was considered the most difficult of the 1970 World Cup, the Brazilian National Team managed to overcome opponents such as Czechoslovakia, England, Romania, Peru, Uruguay and, finally, Italy.
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In the final, the National Team defeated Italy 4-1. The goals of the match were scored by Pelé, Gérson, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto Torres. Boninsegna scored the consolation goal for the Italians at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. With the title, Brazil became the first team to reach the tri-championship, a fact that guaranteed them permanent possession of the Jules Rimet trophy. Before this conquest, the National Team had also been champions in 1958 and 1962.
Recall the entire trajectory of the Brazilian National Team up to the grand final and the World title in Mexico.
Brazil 4×1 Czechoslovakia
The expectation for the World Cup debut was high, but Brazil managed to start on the right foot. Or rather, with the left, since it was with that foot that Rivellino scored the equalizing goal that would motivate the Brazilian reaction to seek the victory. Pelé and Jairzinho (twice) closed the score in that match.
Brazil 1×0 England
Epic. This is how the match against England in the second round of the group stage can be defined. In what was considered the most difficult confrontation of that stage for the Brazilians, the talent and scoring ability of Jairzinho stood out and the English were unable to react. Paving the way for qualification to the quarterfinals, that was a key point for the team to finally gain the confidence of everyone.
Brazil 3×2 Romania
This was the only game in which Brazil received criticism from the press and fans. Without some of their key pieces, such as Gérson and Rivellino, Zagallo made important changes and counted on the brilliance of Paulo Cézar Caju and Clodoaldo for the victory. Doubtful before the match, Pelé was the author of two goals and Jairzinho also scored his.
Brazil 4×2 Peru
In the confrontation between the King of Brazil, Pelé, and the King of Peru, Cubillas, the Brazilian number 10 came out on top. Under a scorching sun at the Estadio Jalisco, Rivellino, Jairzinho and Tostão (twice) scored the goals that took the National Team to the semifinals of the competition. On the field, Brazil opened a 2-0 lead on the scoreboard and saw the Peruvians try to equalize, but the triumph was green and yellow once again.
Brazil 3×1 Uruguay
The most anticipated match of the 1970 World Cup was the semifinal between Brazilians and Uruguayans. Thanks to the ghost of the 1950 World Cup, Brazil knew they had to dispel the memory and create a new journey. When, on the eve of the clash, the coach of Uruguay declared that he was already thinking about the final, the National Team gained an extra motivation and played a fantastic match. Clodoaldo, Jairzinho and Rivellino were responsible for the goals.
Brazil 4×1 Italy
And then came the decision. On that June 21, 1970, Brazil and Italy took the field to battle for the Jules Rimet Trophy. Until then, each team had two titles. The high expectation and confidence of the Brazilians was justified, as after a hard start, the Seleção shone. With all players available for the match, Zagallo took to the field what he had best. The lineup was the one that was repeated the most during the World Cup, with the base team formed by: Félix; Carlos Alberto Torres (c), Brito, Piazza and Everaldo; Clodoaldo and Gérson; Jairzinho, Pelé, Rivellino and Tostão.
The Italians had come from a historic battle against West Germany in the World Cup semifinals. Pointed out by many as one of the best games in World Cup history, the confrontation with the Germans ended with a 4-3 triumph for the Azzurra, after extra time. In the 90 minutes, there was a 2-2 draw. Then, Italy took the lead in overtime, suffered a new draw and finally scored the winning goal, at 114 minutes of play.
All this exhaustion meant that Brazil arrived at the final with a little more physical disposition. The decisive match marked a series of individual achievements for the Brazilian National Team. Jairzinho finished the World Cup as the second top scorer, with seven goals, and became the first champion to score in all six games of his team. Pelé scored again in a World Cup final and became the only player three times world champion in history. The King also finished the competition with six assists.
