The sand of the desert is sodden red
Red with the wreck of a square that broke
The Gatling’s jammed and the Colonel’s dead,
And the regiment blind with dust and smoke.
The river of death has brimmed his banks,
And England’s far and honour a name;
But the voice of a schoolboy rallies the ranks:
‘Play up! Play up! And play the game!
Vitai Lmapada, Henry Newbolt
In the late nineteenth century, Brazil stood as a dynamic and burgeoning power in South America, rich in natural resources and filled with potential. This vast and vibrant land, famed for its music and joyful spirit, became a significant point of interest for foreign powers seeking to expand their influence. Among them, the British Raj, with its vast empire spanning the globe, made its mark in Brazil, bringing with it not only trade and commerce but also cultural and sporting practices that would leave an indelible impact on the nation's identity.
In 1894, Charles Miller, a British-born man with a Brazilian mother of English descent, returned to Brazil. Armed with a deep appreciation for football—having honed his skills at Banister Court public school in Southampton, England—he carried with him two round objects that would soon change the course of Brazilian history: a football and a set of Hampshire FA Rules. These items, initially mere curiosities, would become the seeds of a cultural revolution, as Miller sought to introduce the sport to a land where the people’s passions were firmly entrenched in their own unique traditions.
Miller's early life in England was marked by his immersion in the world of football and cricket. At Southampton, he played for and against both Corinthians and St. Mary's (the precursor to Southampton FC), experiences that laid the foundation for his later endeavours. His name appeared in the 1891 English Census, recorded as a boarder at Millbrook School, a testament to his connection to the English sporting world. Yet, despite his English upbringing, Miller’s heart was drawn to Brazil, where he would eventually work to cultivate a love for football among the Brazilian people.
However, not everyone shared Miller’s vision. Graciliano Ramos, a prominent Brazilian intellectual, famously remarked that football would never take root in Brazil. He argued that the sport was an alien custom, one that did not fit the national character. “Football will not catch on here,” Ramos declared. “It is like borrowing clothes that do not fit. For a foreign custom to establish itself in another country, it must be in harmony with the people’s way of life, and we already have the corn straw ball game.” In essence, Ramos believed that Brazil’s cultural identity was too deeply rooted in its own traditions for football to gain a foothold.
Despite these doubts, Miller persevered. He was not just a passive observer of the game but an active participant in shaping its future in Brazil. His efforts culminated in the establishment of the São Paulo Athletic Club (SPAC) football team and the formation of the Liga Paulista, the first official football league in Brazil. These milestones marked the beginning of a new era, one in which football would become deeply intertwined with Brazil’s cultural fabric.
Miller’s role in the development of Brazilian football cannot be overstated. He was not merely a foreigner introducing an imported sport; he was a visionary who recognized the universal appeal of football, a game that transcended borders and united people across the globe. In his hands, football became more than just a pastime—it became a symbol of joy, unity, and national pride. Miller's influence helped ensure that the sport remained a source of harmony and celebration for the Brazilian people, a reflection of the nation’s zest for life.
Today, the Brazilian national football team, the Selecao, pays tribute to Miller’s pioneering spirit. His efforts laid the foundation for Brazil’s unparalleled success in the world of football, where the sport is not only a source of national pride but also a vital part of the country’s cultural identity. Charles Miller, the father of Brazilian football, remains an enduring symbol of the transformative power of sport, a testament to how a foreign custom, once thought to be incompatible with Brazil’s way of life, became an integral part of the nation’s soul.
A Tragedy to Inspire A Generation
In the early days of football’s expansion beyond Europe, Brazil found itself trailing behind the dominant powers of South America, namely Uruguay and Argentina. These two nations had established themselves as the titans of the continent, capable of challenging the European heavyweights—Italy, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Russia, and England. The sport, once a mere pastime, had evolved into an obsession, not just in Europe but across North and South America, Asia, and Africa. As football grew in stature, it began to shift from an informal activity to a professional pursuit, with the Olympic Games incorporating the sport to determine the world’s finest team.
Amid this burgeoning popularity, Jules Rimet, observing the unifying power of football, took the monumental step of establishing FIFA and launching the World Cup in 1930. Uruguay, with its rich footballing history, won the honour of hosting the first-ever tournament, which would go on to become known as "The Greatest Show on Earth." In the final, Uruguay faced Argentina in a fiercely contested match, ultimately emerging victorious. For Brazil, however, the tournament was a mere footnote in the history of the event. It was not until four years later, in Italy, that Brazil began to make its mark on the world stage, though it was still not considered a serious contender.
In 1938, the Brazilian national team, led by the brilliant Leonidas da Silva, captured the imagination of football fans across the globe. While Italy and Austria were the favourites to win, Brazil’s charismatic forward, Leonidas, whose skill and goal-scoring ability were unmatched, breathed new life into the team. The 1938 World Cup in France saw Brazil win the hearts of not just the French but the entire footballing world. Leonidas’ dazzling performances marked a turning point in Brazil’s footballing history, inspiring a generation of Brazilian players who would go on to redefine the sport.
By the time the 1950 World Cup arrived, Brazil had become a footballing powerhouse, and the expectations surrounding the team were immense. Brazil’s squad, which included luminaries like Ademir, Zizinho, Jair, Baltazar, Chico, Maneca, and Danilo, was a veritable "golden generation." Their innovative 3-2-3-2 formation, a tactical marvel, overwhelmed top teams like Spain and Sweden in the final round of the tournament. However, the most anticipated match of the World Cup was yet to come: Brazil’s encounter with Uruguay. A draw would be enough for Brazil to secure the title, but in one of the most heartbreaking moments in football history, Uruguay’s Alcides Ghiggia scored the decisive goal, shattering Brazil’s dreams and leaving an indelible scar on the nation’s collective psyche.
The 1950 World Cup final, often regarded as the true World Cup final, was a moment of national tragedy for Brazil. The so-called "Maracanazo," named after the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro where the match took place, marked the end of an era for Brazilian football. The golden team of 1950, with its dazzling skill and promise, was relegated to the annals of history, overshadowed by the crushing defeat. The loss was not just a sporting failure but a deep emotional wound for a nation that had poured its hopes into its footballing heroes.
In São Paulo, a young boy named Edson Arantes do Nascimento, later known to the world as Pelé, listened to the match on the radio with his father. He watched his father’s tears as the final whistle blew and Brazil’s hopes were dashed. It was in that moment of sorrow that Pelé made a solemn promise to his father: he would one day bring the World Cup home to Brazil. The promise was not just a personal one but a national vow to restore Brazil’s footballing pride.
Eight years later, in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, Pelé, at just 17 years old, fulfilled his promise. Alongside footballing legends like Garrincha, Didi, Bellini, Mario Zagallo, Vavá, Nilton Santos, Djalma Santos, and Zito, Pelé led Brazil to their first-ever World Cup victory. The team’s triumph was a watershed moment in football history, as Brazil’s style of play—fluid, artistic, and attacking—captivated the world. The Selecao, as the Brazilian national team was known, became synonymous with footballing excellence, and their presence at the World Cup became an eagerly anticipated spectacle. Brazil’s footballing dominance was not just a national pride but a global phenomenon, with the demand for their matches growing exponentially worldwide.
From 1958 to 1966, Brazil’s footballing dominance seemed unassailable. The team hardly lost a match, and their reputation as the greatest footballing nation on earth was solidified. However, the 1966 World Cup in England brought a cruel and unexpected end to Brazil’s reign. In what was widely regarded as a catastrophe, Brazil was eliminated in the group stage, with their hopes of a third consecutive World Cup title dashed. The defeat was a wake-up call, and many believed that Brazil’s golden era had come to a premature end.
Yet, true to their resilient spirit, Brazil would regroup. The 1966 disaster became a catalyst for change, sparking a new era of innovation and determination. Brazil’s ability to bounce back from adversity and continue its legacy as a footballing superpower was a testament to the country’s unyielding love for the game and its enduring place in the global footballing pantheon.
Saldanha Leaves, Zagallo takes over
The 1964 Brazilian coup d'état marked a pivotal moment in the nation's history, a turbulent series of events that unfolded from March 31 to April 1, resulting in the overthrow of President João Goulart by factions within the Brazilian Armed Forces. This political upheaval set in motion a period of intense instability that reverberated throughout the country. The opposition to the new regime faced dire consequences, with many political figures either exiled or silenced, and the nation as a whole grappling with the consequences of authoritarian rule. In the realm of football, this turbulence also had its impact. Brazil's footballing culture, once thriving and unifying, faced a period of stagnation, with the legendary players of the previous era—Garrincha, Bellini, Zito, and Djalma Santos—passing the zenith of their careers, leaving a void that needed to be filled by a new generation of talent.
However, the transition from one golden age to another was far from seamless. Brazil’s footballing establishment found itself at a crossroads, with the need to groom new players and develop a cohesive team that could maintain the country’s dominance on the world stage. In this climate of uncertainty, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) appointed João Saldanha as the manager of the national team, tasking him with leading Brazil through the South American Qualifying rounds for the 1970 World Cup. It is widely believed that the appointment was influenced by President João Havelange’s desire to placate the media. By placing a journalist at the helm, the government hoped that the press, which had been critical of the national team’s performance, would be less inclined to attack the team if one of their own was in charge.
Under Saldanha’s leadership, Brazil’s football team took on a fearsome, almost beastly persona, and their performances on the field reflected that intensity. The Selecao, as they were known, went unbeaten during this period, earning the moniker "Saldanha’s Beast" for their dominant and aggressive style of play. Saldanha’s approach, however, was not without its controversies. His temperament was volatile, and his arrogance and combative nature quickly drew the ire of both the media and football critics. His clashes with the press became increasingly public, culminating in a particularly infamous confrontation with Dorival Yustrich, the coach of Flamengo. Saldanha, in a fit of rage, reportedly confronted Yustrich while brandishing a revolver, a dramatic incident that only served to deepen his reputation as a volatile and unpredictable figure.
The tensions between Saldanha and the political establishment further complicated his tenure. He became embroiled in a dispute with President Emílio Garrastazu Médici, particularly over the selection of players. Médici, who had his own political agenda, reportedly pressured Saldanha to include certain players in the squad, including striker Dario. Saldanha, known for his stubbornness and unwillingness to bow to political influence, famously retorted that he had his own suggestions for the President’s cabinet appointments. This defiance further alienated him from the powers that be, and his relationship with the CBF began to deteriorate. Saldanha’s criticisms of Pelé, whom he called “myopic,” only served to isolate him further from the team’s star player and the footballing establishment.
As the 1970 World Cup loomed, tensions reached a boiling point. The assistant manager, unable to tolerate Saldanha’s temperament any longer, resigned from his post, leaving the national team in a precarious situation. With just 75 days remaining before the tournament and Brazil drawn into what was widely regarded as the "Group of Death," the CBF had little choice but to sack Saldanha. The decision to part ways with the manager was a reflection of the broader instability that had plagued Brazilian football during this transitional period.
In the aftermath of Saldanha’s dismissal, the CBF turned to another former player to take the reins. Dino Sani, a member of the 1958 World Cup-winning team, was initially approached for the role but declined the offer. The CBF then considered Otto Gloria, who had coached Portugal to a fourth-place finish in the 1966 World Cup, but ultimately, the job went to Mario Zagallo. At just 38 years old, Zagallo was a relative newcomer to coaching, though he was already a legend in Brazilian football, having played in the 1958 and 1962 World Cup-winning teams as a left-winger.
Zagallo’s appointment marked the beginning of a new era for Brazilian football. Reflecting on that fateful day, Zagallo recounted the moment when the CBF officials arrived at his training session with Botafogo and informed him that he had been chosen to lead the Selecao. “It was everything I wanted,” Zagallo recalled to FIFA.com. “It was around 4 o’clock in the afternoon. They took me home, I grabbed some clothes, and off we went. It was what I wanted the most in my life.” The transition from Saldanha to Zagallo was almost poetic—when Saldanha had taken over the Selecao the previous year, Zagallo had taken over his radio show, and now, as Saldanha was ousted, Zagallo was there to take his place on the bench.
Zagallo’s appointment would prove to be a turning point in Brazil’s footballing fortunes. Under his leadership, Brazil would go on to win the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, a triumph that solidified their place as the dominant force in global football. The transition from Saldanha’s tempestuous reign to Zagallo’s calm and calculated stewardship epitomized the resilience of Brazilian football—a team that, despite political upheaval and internal strife, could always regroup and rise to the occasion.
Zagallo Starts Working
Upon taking charge of the Brazilian national team, Mario Zagallo was determined to restore the essence of Brazilian football—freedom, joy, and fluidity. His approach was one of liberation, encouraging his players to play as friends as if they were enjoying a casual game on the streets of São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. This ethos of camaraderie and spontaneous play became the hallmark of the 1970 World Cup-winning side. However, Zagallo’s tactical genius also lay in his ability to make strategic changes that would enhance the team's cohesion and effectiveness on the field.
One of his first observations was the abundance of players in his squad who were accustomed to playing as the creative focal points of their respective club teams. These players, each a "number 10" in their own right, included the likes of Pelé, Gerson, Rivellino, Tostão, and Jairzinho. Under Saldanha, Rivellino had been excluded from the starting lineup, a decision that Zagallo was quick to rectify. He was determined to fit all of these creative forces into one cohesive unit, a decision that would ultimately define Brazil's success in Mexico.
Zagallo himself acknowledged the boldness of his vision, telling FIFA.com, “When I took over the Selecao, I had it in my head that’s what I was going to do. The changes I made were moving Piazza to play as a centre-back, bringing Clodoaldo into the team, and managing to field all those No.10s: Rivellino, Tostão, Pelé, Jairzinho, and Gerson. They said it would be impossible, in such a short time, to make them all gel, but we won the World Cup.” His tactical acumen was evident in the way he restructured the team, making the most of the players’ individual brilliance while ensuring they worked in harmony.
Zagallo’s defensive setup was designed to provide the freedom needed for his attacking players to flourish. He moved Wilson Piazza, traditionally a midfielder, into a central defensive role, allowing him to act as a ball-playing defender—an early precursor to the modern-day "sweeper" or "libero." Piazza, alongside the more traditional Brito, formed a solid backbone for the team, enabling the attack to flow without the burden of defensive concerns. Carlos Alberto, the right-back, was given the license to push forward, his attacking instincts unleashed with the support of Everaldo, a more reserved left-back, and the sturdy presence of Brito and Piazza.
In midfield, Zagallo opted for a more dynamic configuration. Clodoaldo was deployed as a ball-winning central midfielder, not a destructive enforcer like Zito or Dunga, but rather a player who could break up opposition attacks and quickly transition to offensive play. Alongside him, Gerson was given the role of a "Regista," a deep-lying playmaker who could orchestrate the tempo of the game. Gerson’s exceptional vision and passing ability allowed him to pull the strings from the centre of the park, a role that had previously been filled by Didi in the 1958 and 1962 World Cup-winning teams. His left foot was a thing of beauty, capable of threading intricate passes or launching powerful shots from a distance.
On the left wing, Rivellino, though playing slightly out of position, provided a unique solution to a defensive weakness on that flank. His narrow positioning and disciplined defensive work allowed him to contribute to both the attack and the defence, closing the gap between midfield and defence. Rivellino’s left foot, though not as artistically inclined as Gerson’s, possessed a raw power capable of dismantling opposition defences. His "flip-flap" dribble became a signature move, a trick that left defenders in his wake and opened up space for his teammates.
Jairzinho, nicknamed "Furacão" (Hurricane), was a player whose explosive pace and acceleration made him a constant threat on the right wing. His positioning, at times almost as a second striker, allowed him to exploit space behind opposing defences. Though he was a creator at club level, Jairzinho’s primary role in Zagallo’s system was as a ferocious right-winger, tasked with linking up with Carlos Alberto and tormenting the opposition’s left flank.
Zagallo’s most daring tactical innovation was the deployment of Tostão as a "false number 9." While the concept of a false nine would later become synonymous with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona and Spain, Zagallo’s use of this strategy in 1970 was groundbreaking. Tostão, a highly intelligent and adaptable player, would drop deep into midfield to receive the ball, creating space for his strike partner and pulling defenders out of position. His ability to link up play and create opportunities, combined with his eye for goal, made him a perfect fit for this role.
At the heart of it all, however, was Pelé. In Mexico, Pelé was not merely a goal-scoring forward or an inside-out winger as he had been in 1958. Zagallo allowed Pelé the freedom to drop deep into midfield, join the defence when necessary, and orchestrate the play alongside Gerson. Pelé’s movement was fluid, his interchanges with Tostão and Jairzinho were seamless, and his vision enabled him to both create and finish chances. He was, in every sense, the leader of the team, a player who could dictate the flow of the game and make the difference in crucial moments. In what would be his final World Cup, Pelé proved once again that he was the greatest of them all, leading Brazil to a third World Cup victory.
Despite the brilliance of Brazil’s outfield players, one question mark loomed over the team: the goalkeeper. Félix, often considered the weak link in the team, was not held in the same esteem as the outfield stars. Yet, in a squad brimming with talent and attacking firepower, Félix’s shortcomings were rendered almost irrelevant. The attacking prowess of the team, led by Pelé and his creative partners, ensured that Brazil’s defensive vulnerabilities were seldom exposed.
Zagallo’s 1970 team is often regarded as one of the greatest football teams in history, a side that combined individual brilliance with collective unity, and tactical innovation with the spirit of Brazilian football. They played with freedom, joy, and a sense of camaraderie that became synonymous with the beautiful game. In the end, Zagallo’s vision was realized, and Brazil’s third World Cup victory was a testament to the power of teamwork, creativity, and the indomitable spirit of Brazilian football.
The Formation
The Brazilian national team’s tactical evolution in the 1960s and early 1970s was a fascinating study in adaptation and innovation. The foundation of Brazil’s success in the 1958 World Cup was built on the 4-2-4 formation, a system that balanced offensive dynamism with defensive solidity. This formation, which had been a hallmark of the team’s attacking prowess, would later undergo a significant shift under the guidance of Mario Zagallo, particularly when Pelé was injured during the 1970 World Cup. The injury forced Zagallo to adjust the team’s structure, moving from the fluid 4-2-4 to a more flexible 4-3-3 formation, which allowed for greater tactical fluidity and provided Pelé the freedom to operate in various roles across the pitch.
The shift from 4-2-4 to 4-3-3 was not a random decision but part of a broader evolution in Brazilian football that had been taking place for years. In the 1950s, Brazilian football thinkers such as Flávio Costa and Zezé Moreira were already contemplating the future of tactical systems. Costa, in particular, introduced what he called the "diagonal system" in an article published in O Cruzeiro, which he later argued was a precursor to the 4-2-4. Costa's vision of football emphasized the importance of balance between attack and defence. His mantra, "defend well so that you can attack even better," encapsulated his belief that a team must first be solid at the back to build the foundation for more potent attacking play. This was an idea rooted in the French maxim "reculer pour mieux sauter"—taking a step back to leap forward more effectively.
This emphasis on balance between defence and attack was not unique to Brazil. It was influenced by the Hungarian style of play, which had emerged in the early 1950s, particularly after Hungary’s triumph in the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki. The Hungarian "Mighty Magyars" were a team known for their fluidity, technical brilliance, and tactical innovation, and their influence on Brazilian football thinkers was evident. However, while the Hungarian approach was grounded in a more rigid tactical structure, the Brazilian vision was more fluid and improvisational, reflecting the cultural ethos of Brazilian football.
The 4-2-4 system, which had been a natural progression from the earlier WM formation, embodied this flexibility and creativity. It demanded a high level of technical skill and mental maturity from its players, as well as the ability to adapt to the flow of the game. The system saw the defenders lying flat at the back, with one central midfielder remaining static and the other moving dynamically to support the attack. The front four—comprising two wingers and two forwards—engaged in a fluid interchange of play, which allowed for constant movement and the creation of space in the opposition’s defensive line. This attacking setup was complemented by a defensive structure that allowed for a balance between solidity and creativity.
As the game evolved, so did the tactical demands of the formation. The 4-2-4 was not a rigid system but one that allowed for tactical flexibility. It could transform into a 4-3-3 when the team needed to solidify its midfield and control the tempo of the game, or into a 4-4-2 when a more traditional, balanced approach was required. The adaptability of the formation was key to Brazil’s success, as it allowed Zagallo to respond to the specific demands of each match, whether it required a more defensive posture or an all-out attacking approach.
One of the most notable features of the 4-2-4 system was its capacity for fluid transitions. As the game progressed, one of the centre-backs would often be given the freedom to push forward, acting as a ball-playing centre-half who could link up with the midfield and initiate attacks. This was a precursor to the modern "sweeper" or "libero" role, which would become more prominent in European football in the following decades. This movement of the centre-back into midfield created a more dynamic and unpredictable attacking force, as it allowed the team to overload the midfield and stretch the opposition’s defence.
In attack, the formation was equally innovative. Pelé, the team’s talisman, was often the focal point of Brazil’s offensive play, but the system allowed him to drop deep and link up with the midfield, creating space for his teammates. On the left, Rivellino played a key role in building the attack, often dropping deeper to collect the ball and initiate play from the midfield. On the right, Jairzinho, known for his explosive pace and direct running, would cut inside and attack the goal, while Tostão, playing as a more traditional centre-forward, acted as the spearhead of the attack. The interplay between these attacking players was fluid and creative, with constant movement and positional rotations that kept the opposition guessing.
The 4-2-4 system, while not widely used in modern football, was a product of its time. It reflected the increased pace and technical sophistication of the game in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as Brazil’s unique footballing philosophy, which valued creativity, flair, and freedom of expression. The system allowed for tactical flexibility and could be adapted to suit different situations, whether Brazil needed to defend a lead or chase a goal. It was a formation that embodied the spirit of Brazilian football—unpredictable, exciting, and always focused on attacking play.
Ultimately, the 4-2-4 system was a key part of Brazil’s World Cup triumph in 1970, a victory that showcased the team’s technical brilliance, tactical innovation, and the harmonious interplay between its individual stars. While the system evolved over time, its legacy remains a testament to the ingenuity of Brazilian football and its ability to adapt to the changing demands of the game.
The Mexican Adventure
When Brazil arrived in Mexico for the 1970 World Cup, the atmosphere surrounding the team was far from one of optimism. At home, political unrest and the oppressive atmosphere of the military regime had cast a long shadow over the nation’s hopes for a third title. Rivellino, one of Brazil’s key players, admitted in a candid reflection: “We honestly never imagined that.” The team's recent disappointing performance in 1966, compounded by the tough group they had been drawn into—featuring defending champions England, and formidable European sides like Czechoslovakia and Romania—fueled skepticism about Brazil’s chances. Even with the presence of Pelé and other world-class players, there was uncertainty about whether the team could truly gel into a cohesive unit. “Did we have a team?” Rivellino recalled, expressing the doubt that hung over Brazil’s prospects.
The draw had placed Brazil in a daunting position, and the expectations from fans and critics were minimal. Few gave them a chance against the European heavyweights in their group. But when Brazil took to the field in Guadalajara, the Selecao defied the pessimism. Their opening match against Czechoslovakia saw them fall behind early, but Rivellino’s equalizer brought them back into the game. Soon, Pelé and Jairzinho ensured that the Czechs were overwhelmed, and Brazil emerged with a convincing 4-1 victory—a result that no one had anticipated. It was a crucial moment that set the tone for the tournament and marked the beginning of Brazil’s surge toward the title.
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Then came the much-anticipated clash between Brazil and England. The match was more than just a game—it was a battle of footballing philosophies, a clash between Brazil’s flair and England’s structured, disciplined approach. On a sweltering afternoon, Brazil and England produced a classic encounter that would be studied for years by coaches and analysts. In the end, Brazil triumphed 1-0, and the team’s confidence soared. Rivellino recalled the significance of the victory: “The first match against Czechoslovakia was very important. It calmed us down. That’s why I say that one of the most important goals of my career was the first against them. Before we knew it, we were winning 4-1. It gave us lots of confidence.” The match against England, however, was a different beast. Rivellino described it as “the most difficult game of the finals for us,” acknowledging the strength of the English team. But what made Brazil special, he said, was their ability to improve with each game, culminating in a team that could have beaten any opponent, even an all-star team.
Zagallo, reflecting on the tournament’s challenges, singled out the match against Uruguay as the toughest. Brazil had gone 1-0 down, and the tension was palpable. The coach recalled thinking about making a tactical change, moving Rivellino into central midfield and bringing on Paulo César Caju. But as if on cue, Clodoaldo’s equalizer just before halftime spared the team from a potentially disastrous situation. Zagallo, ever the perfectionist, was furious at the team’s performance up until that point. “I went mad at the whole team,” he said, emphasizing that they were not playing to their potential. It was a moment of frustration that, paradoxically, helped galvanize the team for the challenges ahead.
Brazil’s journey continued with narrow victories over Romania and Peru, but it was their semifinal clash against Uruguay that would go down in history. The match was a microcosm of Brazil’s attacking brilliance, with Jairzinho’s iconic goal—a lightning-fast 11-second counter-attack from the edge of his own half—becoming one of the most memorable moments of the tournament. The speed and precision of the move, culminating in a powerful finish, was a testament to Brazil’s ability to strike with devastating efficiency.
The final at Azteca Stadium was the culmination of Brazil’s journey, a match that would forever define the legacy of the 1970 World Cup. Despite the presence of a formidable Italian defence, Brazil’s attacking brilliance overwhelmed them. The crowd, overwhelmingly supportive of the Selecao, created an electric atmosphere that felt like a home game for Brazil. The chants of “Brazil! Brazil!” rang through the stadium, a testament to the team’s popularity and the excitement surrounding their play.
In the 17th minute, Pelé gave Brazil the lead with a header that showcased the precision of their training. “We used to work on that one in training,” Pelé explained, reflecting on the move that had been rehearsed countless times. “Not the whole move, obviously, but definitely the positioning.” The goal came from a well-executed throw-in, with Pelé pulling away from his marker and finding space in the box to score. But Italy responded with a mistake from Clodoaldo, allowing Bonensegna to equalize. However, Brazil’s response was swift and decisive. Gerson’s powerful shot put Brazil back in the lead, and Pelé assisted Jairzinho for the third goal, cementing the latter’s place in history as the first player to score in every match of a World Cup.
Then came the most iconic moment of all—Carlos Alberto’s thunderous strike to seal Brazil’s 4-1 victory. In an interview with FourFourTwo, Carlos Alberto recalled the buildup to the goal: “I noticed there could be a chance seconds after we stopped Italy and started that counter.” The move had been carefully orchestrated, with Zagallo having instructed the team to exploit Italy’s left flank. As Clodoaldo dribbled past four Italian players with dazzling footwork, the Brazilian attackers, including Pelé, Tostão, and Jairzinho, pulled their markers to the left, creating space on the right. Carlos Alberto surged forward, anticipating the moment when Jairzinho would cut the ball back to him. The result was a perfect strike, with the ball bouncing just before he hit it, allowing him to unleash a shot that would go down in history as one of the greatest goals ever scored in a World Cup final.
The goal was the culmination of a brilliant move involving four players in just four seconds. Clodoaldo’s dazzling dribbling, combined with the precise positioning of the attacking players, demonstrated Brazil’s technical superiority and tactical intelligence. It was a goal that encapsulated the essence of Brazilian football—flair, creativity, and teamwork at its finest. For Carlos Alberto, it was a moment he would cherish forever, a goal that defined his career and sealed Brazil’s place in footballing history.
Conclusion:
Brazil’s triumph in the 1970 World Cup was not just a victory; it was the culmination of a footballing revolution that would forever alter the course of the sport. With their third World Cup title, Brazil secured the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently, a fitting reward for a team whose blend of artistry, technique, and joy on the field had captivated the world. Pelé, the undisputed star of the tournament, was rightfully hailed as the best player in the World Cup, but the true brilliance of Brazil’s success lay not just in the individual brilliance of their players, but in the harmonious collective effort that defined their play.
As the final whistle blew, the Azteca Stadium erupted into a frenzy of celebration. The Brazilian fans, overcome with emotion, rushed onto the pitch, tearing the shirts off the players’ backs as cherished mementoes of a historic achievement. The fervour was so intense that it led to a stampede-like situation, with Rivellino, one of Brazil’s key players, suffering from hypoxia and requiring medical attention. This moment of madness was a testament to the unparalleled adoration and excitement that Brazil’s footballing prowess had stirred. It was a spectacle never before witnessed—an unrestrained outpouring of passion for a team that had seamlessly blended the scientific method with the free-flowing beauty of art, technique with joy, and music with every move they made.
This was a team that, throughout the tournament, found strength not only in their collective talent but in their unity of spirit. They prayed together, not just for victory, but for the safety and well-being of each player. Their prayers were answered as Brazil’s stars were spared from injury, allowing them to unleash their full potential and etch their names into footballing folklore. For Pelé, that unforgettable afternoon in Azteca was a testament to the fact that Brazil’s greatness was greater than the sum of its parts. It was a team effort in every sense, with players selflessly working for one another, and the collective spirit propelling them to greatness.
One of the most striking aspects of Brazil’s World Cup campaign was the unselfishness displayed in their attacking play. Some of their most memorable goals were the result of intricate team movements, where individual brilliance gave way to collective creativity. A perfect example of this was Jairzinho’s goal against England, where Tostão, despite being in a prime position to shoot, chose instead to pass to his teammate, demonstrating a rare selflessness that epitomized the spirit of the team. These moments of unselfishness, of players prioritizing the success of the team over personal glory, were emblematic of Brazil’s approach to football—a game of beauty, harmony, and mutual respect.
Brazil’s attacking prowess was reflected in their remarkable goal tally of 19, the second-highest total by a World Cup-winning team, trailing only West Germany’s 25 goals in 1954. Pelé, with his four goals and six assists, was directly involved in over half of Brazil’s goals, a remarkable achievement that underscored his central role in the team’s success. His ability to both score and create opportunities for others was unparalleled, and his six assists remain the most by any player in a single World Cup edition. No player has matched this feat since, with Robert Gadocha, Pierre Littbarski, Diego Maradona, and Thomas Hassler all registering five assists, but none were able to surpass Pelé’s total.
When Carlos Alberto lifted the World Cup, it was a moment of profound significance, not just for Brazil, but for the history of football itself. In that moment, many reflected on the painful lessons of 1966, when Brazil’s failure on the world stage had been a bitter disappointment. Yet, it was that very defeat that had ignited the fire within Brazil’s footballing soul, propelling them to rise from the ashes and deliver a performance that would go down as the greatest in World Cup history. The Brazil team of 1970, with its blend of artistry, intelligence, and technical mastery, was a footballing utopia—a team that transcended the boundaries of the game and became the standard by which all others would be measured.
As the world celebrated Brazil’s triumph, one could not help but think of Charles Miller, the man whose vision and passion had introduced football to Brazil. On that afternoon at Azteca, he would have been filled with pride, knowing that the beautiful game he had brought to Brazil had reached its zenith. The 1970 World Cup team was not just a symbol of national pride; it was a testament to the enduring legacy of Brazil’s love affair with football—a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate the world to this day.
Viva Brazil!
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
