Timed Reading — World Cup Stories

Some teams are remembered for winning. The Brazil team of 1970 is remembered for something more — the way they played.

By the time the 1970 World Cup began in Mexico, Pelé was 29 years old. He had already won two World Cups. This would be his last. Brazil’s squad also included some of the most talented players of the era — Jairzinho, Gerson, Rivelino, Tostão, and captain Carlos Alberto.

Brazil won every match in the tournament — six games, six victories. Jairzinho scored in every single match, something no player had ever done before or has done since. But it was not just the results that made people watch in amazement. It was how Brazil played — fast, creative, joyful football that looked almost effortless.

In the final against Italy, Brazil scored four goals and Italy scored one. The last goal, scored by Carlos Alberto, became one of the most famous in football history. Nine players touched the ball before Carlos Alberto ran onto Pelé’s pass and drove it into the net at full speed.

Because it was Brazil’s third World Cup title, FIFA gave them the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently. They would never have to return it. Pelé retired from international football soon after. He had appeared in four World Cups and won three of them. More than fifty years later, the 1970 Brazil team is still called the greatest of all time.