It is quite usual to remember the finest team of a sport at the time of its biggest event.

This is the 23rd edition of the football World Cup since 1930. In all these World Cups, Brazil has remained the most successful country, having lifted the World Cup five times — in 1958 (Sweden), 1962 (Chile), 1970 (Mexico), 1994 (USA) and 2002 (South Korea and Japan). In all of Brazil’s World Cup outings, however, it is their 1970 victory in Mexico that remains the most memorable.

There are several reasons for this — such as their flawless run in the tournament, winning all six World Cup matches, scoring a staggering 19 goals in those six matches and averaging more than three goals per match. They also had the most fearsome five playmakers/forwards in the same starting line-up — Pelé, Tostão, Rivellino, Gérson and Jairzinho — never seen before or after in any World Cup.

They didn’t just win, they created a masterpiece showcase of football. Brazil provided magical spells in every match in Mexico.

In the opening match, they came from behind to beat the erstwhile Czechoslovakia 4-1. Their goals were captivating. The legendary Pelé brought a high ball down with his chest before slamming it in. Jairzinho chased a long high ball and, with his first touch, lobbed it over the goalkeeper and then calmly found the empty net. Then, Jairzinho again, dribbled past two defenders, moved away from the third and put the ball in the far corner of the goal.

Brazil are not among the favourites at this year’s World Cup. But their very presence is a reminder of the greatest football team ever to grace the global sporting event

Brazil are not among the favourites at this year’s World Cup. But their very presence is a reminder of the greatest football team ever to grace the global sporting event

Then there was Pelé’s audacious shot from the halfway line. Spotting the Czech goalkeeper far outside his penalty area, his precise chip from behind the centre line caught the keeper completely off-guard.

The second tie, against England, the defending champions, was the most anticipated of all the pool matches. Brazil triumphed........

© Dawn (Magazines)