The twelve days of World Cup: 2 days to go...

I'm keeping this one brief, because actions (or in this case, pictures) speak louder than words. The Brazil side of 1970 is the greatest side many have seen; pace, power and skill from 1 to 11, with the 1970 final being a football-defining match and a touchstone for team performaces and 'how to play the right way'. Indeed, the image of a veteran Pele after the opening being hoisted into the air by the great Jairzinho has become iconic; a representation of sporting greatness. That's how to head a ball without a run-up too.

So I give you, Brazil 1970: The absolute pinnacle of team sports. They defeated Italy 4-1 (Boninsegna's goal for Italy was fortuitous) in Mexico to win their third trophy, taking the Jules Rimet trophy home for good. The game and the team is exemplified by the absolute perfection of the fourth goal: the centre half striding out and easing past a couple of Italians, the pass down the wing, instant control, the cut inside, Pele's seemingly endlessly delayed pass, and the great Carlos Alberto's storming run from full back and inch-perfect hammer of a first-time finish into the bottom corner, eight of the ten outfield players touching the ball in the build up. Gerson's goal put Brazil 2-1 up wasn't bad either, what looks a really languid first touch just to knock it away from the defender before an unstoppable left foot shot into the opposite corner. And the third goal? Well, that one was a bit scrappy...


See all the goals below...



TOMORROW: Perhaps miracles can happen, sometimes...