Brazil Wins Third World Cup

Brazil's victory at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, its third title in four tournaments, earned the team permanent possession of the Jules Rimet Trophy and cemented a reputation as one of the finest sides in the history of football. Led by Pelé, the team beat Italy 4-1 in the final at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and many fans and writers still regard it as the standard against which other great teams are measured. It was also the first World Cup broadcast in color to a global audience, which helped spread its images around the world.

Brazil arrived in Mexico having won the tournament in 1958 and 1962, but the 1966 competition in England had been a disappointment. Pelé was repeatedly fouled and the team went out in the group stage. Qualification for 1970 was overseen by coach João Saldanha, a journalist turned manager, who was replaced shortly before the tournament by Mário Zagallo, himself a veteran of the 1958 and 1962 title teams. Political context mattered too: Brazil was under a military government, which sought to benefit from the team's popularity, though historians debate how much this shaped events on the pitch.

The squad was remarkable for its attacking talent. Pelé, Jairzinho, Tostão, Rivelino and Gérson all played prominent roles, while Carlos Alberto captained the side from defense. Brazil won all six of its matches. In the group stage it beat Czechoslovakia, England and Romania, the England game being remembered for a famous save by Gordon Banks from a Pelé header. In the knockout rounds it defeated Peru in the quarterfinal and Uruguay in the semifinal. Defensive weaknesses and goalkeeper Félix's uncertain reputation drew criticism, but the attack usually outscored opponents.

In the final, Pelé opened the scoring with a header, Italy equalized before halftime, and Brazil took control in the second half with goals from Gérson, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto. The last goal, finished by Carlos Alberto after a sweeping move involving several teammates and a pass from Pelé, is frequently ranked among the greatest team goals ever scored. Jairzinho scored in every match of the tournament, a notable feat.

The win gave Brazil permanent custody of the original trophy, under rules set by FIFA, and a new trophy was introduced for 1974. The triumph strengthened the global image of Brazilian football as joyful, creative and skillful, a perception that persisted for decades. It also marked the peak of Pelé's international career; he retired from the national team a year later. For many supporters, 1970 remains a symbol of how beautifully the game can be played.