Monday, June 7, 2010

Today’s Video: Three's a charm for Brazil

With the World Cup starting this Friday it would be fitting to highlight some of the greatest games ever played in that tournament that involved Latin American teams. Tonight we highlight one of Brazil's greatest moments.

Coming into the title match of the 1970 World Cup, finalists Brazil and Italy had won the championship twice. Thus, the winner of that match would not only capture their country's third title but also permanent possession of the Jules Rimet trophy. What unfolded in Mexico City forty years ago this month was a masterclass of soccer by the South American titans.

Pele opened the match with Brazil's 100th World Cup goal though Italy would afterwords equalize via a Brazilian defensive blunder. The Auriverde pressured Italy's backline until Gerson found the back of the net in the 66th minute with a powerful strike from outside the penalty box. Two more goals (including an absolute gem from Carlos Alberto shortly before full time) meant that Pele would be carried on the shoulders of his fans off the field and Brazil would win their third World Cup crown in twelve years:

Online Sources - The Independent, YouTube

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