The Pele World Cup Final, also known as the 1970 FIFA World Cup, is one of the most legendary matches in the history of football, especially due to the major contribution of the Brazilian footballer Pele. This match brought football enthusiasts from all over the world onto their feet, and the memories from this iconic match continue to hold a special place in the hearts of football lovers everywhere. In this essay, we will explore the history of the Pele World Cup Final, its significance, and all the memorable moments that made this match so iconic.
What Do You Mean By The Pele World Cup?
The Pele World Cup Final, also known as the “Match of the Century,” took place on June 21, 1970, in Mexico City. It was a highly anticipated match between Brazil and Italy, two football powerhouses, and it showcased some of the most memorable moments in World Cup history. Let’s delve into the history of this iconic final.
The tournament itself was the ninth edition of the FIFA World Cup, and it was the first to be broadcast in colour. The competition had already seen impressive displays of skill and determination from teams around the world, but the final was set to be a clash of titans.
The History Of The Pele World Cup Final
- The 1970 FIFA World Cup took place in Mexico and was the ninth edition of the World Cup. Brazil emerged as champions of this tournament, thanks to their scintillating football. Brazil’s potential was evident after they won the previous tournament in 1966 held in England. Brazil went into the tournament as favourites, and the world was keen to see if they could successfully defend their title against tough competition from the likes of Italy, Germany, and Argentina.
- Brazil began the tournament in style, winning all their group games against Czechoslovakia, Romania, and England. Brazil’s matches featured some of the most fabulous football skills that the world had ever seen. Their attack was led by the mesmerising Pele, who remains one of the greatest footballers to ever grace the pitch. Pele was in exceptional form as he led the Brazilian team to glory with his brace in their opening match against Czechoslovakia.
- Brazil’s path to the final saw them defeat Peru and Uruguay in the quarterfinal and the semifinals respectively. This set up an encounter with Italy in the final, and this match went down in history as one of the most memorable finals in the history of football. Brazil started the game a bit nervously, and Italy took the lead through a spectacular Roberto Boninsegna’s goal in the 37th minute. Brazil quickly equalised through Pele, who brilliantly anticipated a Gerson pass before chipping the ball over the goalkeeper. The equaliser lifted the Brazilian team, and they went on to score two more goals before the end of the first half.
- In the second half, Brazil continued to dominate as they toyed with the Italian team, peppering their defence with a barrage of attacks that wouldn’t yield more goals. Italy, to their credit, fought back and scored a goal through Gigi Riva in the 66th minute, but Brazil sealed their victory when Carlos Alberto scored Brazil’s fourth goal, a stunning right-footed volley from outside the box. After this, the Brazilians were simply unstoppable, and they went on to record the famous 4-1 win in the final.
- This match was memorable for a number of reasons, including the stunning performance of Pele, who scored one goal and was involved in the other three. Pele’s overall contribution to Brazil’s victory in the tournament remains one of the most significant player contributions in the history of football. The Brazilian team was also notable for the quality of their play, which featured unmatched technical ability, skill, and creativity.
- The Pele World Cup Final also showcased Brazil’s dominance of world football in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This Brazil team, which featured some of the most iconic athletes in the history of football such as Pele, Carlos Alberto, and Jairzinho, was considered by many as the greatest football team of all time. Their stunning victories and the quality of their play paved the way for a new style of football, which relied heavily on individual creativity, fast-paced attacks, and flair.
Conclusion
The Pele World Cup Final will forever live in the memory of football lovers across the globe. It not only showcased the brilliance of Pele but also marked a significant moment in the history of football. It was a match that elevated football to an entirely new level, introducing a technical, artistic, and creative approach to the sport. For Brazil, it was a moment of pride to be crowned champions for the third time, and their dominance in the world of football continues to be felt even today.
