The Jules Rimet Cup was forever headed to Brazil as the South American giants claimed their third World Cup triumph in blasting past Italy 4-1 in the final in Mexico City. The 1970 World Cup meant the final showcase for Brazilian star Pele, who bid adieu after his fourth finals.
Color TV, Worries About Conditions, New Rules, New Ball
For the first time in history, the World Cup was broadcast in color around the globe. Mexican officials however had health concerns coming into the tournament as the players would endure intense heat and high altitude in midday to suit television spectators in Europe. Luckily there were no serious incidents. But there were some changes as teams were allowed to make two substitutions while the referees were given yellow and red cards and the white-and-blacked checkered Adidas ball Telstar debuted in 1970. Israel and Morocco meanwhile were making their World Cup debuts. The tournament ran from May 31-June 21, 1970.
Bobby Moore Detained Before Cup
England's Bobby Moore nearly didn't make the tournament as Colombian authorities detained him in Bogota ahead of the match as he was falsely accused of stealing a bracelet. But he lined up for the defending world champions.
Massive Brazilian Firepower
Mario Zagallo, winner of the 1958 and 1962 World Cups as a player, had plenty of firepower as he took over as Brazilian coach three months before the tournament, with an attack which included Jairzinho, Pele, and Rivelino. The trio combined for all eight goals as Brazil collected three first round wins in Group 3, including a 1-0 result over fellow quarter-finalists England on Jairzinho's goal.
Mueller Seven Goals In First Round For West Germany
Also into the quarters with three victories was West Germany, who saw Gerd Mueller collect two hat-tricks in scoring seven first round goals. Peru also advanced from Group 4. The hosts Mexico and Soviet Union played to a scoreless draw before both advancing from Group 1. Reigning European champions Italy qualified as Group 2 winners despite scoring just one goal in three games. Uruguay was the second side from the group.
Tastao Two Goals In Quarters, Mueller Extra-Time Winner
Brazil were just too much for Peru - coached by Zagallo's team-mate on the 1958 and 1962 title teams, Didi - in the quarters as Tastao scored twice in a 4-2 win. In a re-match of the 1966 final, England jumped ahead of West Germany 2-0 before Franz Beckenbauer and Uwe Seeler scored to send the game to extra time, where Mueller was on target again for a 3-2 West Germany victory. Italy finally pushed forward for some goals as Gigi Riva scored twice in the second half as the Italians knocked off the hosts Mexico 4-1. And Victor Esparrago struck in the 116th minute for Uruguay's 1-0 win over the Soviet Union.
Brazil Revenges 1950 Final Loss, Italy Beat West Germany
In the semis, Brazil faced off with Uruguay in a re-match of the 1950 final which Uruguay won in Brazil. Uruguay jumped ahead through Luis Cubilla but Clodoaldo equalized just before the break and Jairzinho and Rivelino gave Brazil a 3-1 victory. Italy meanwhile pulled ahead after eight minutes but watched as Karl-Heinz Schnellinger evened the game in the 90th minute. That would be just the beginning of the scoring as the teams combined for five extra time goals. Golden Shoe winner Mueller struck twice for his 10th goal, but Europe's footballer of the year Gianni Rivera struck the winner in a wild 4-3 Italy victory.
Wolfgang Overath scored as West Germany beat Uruguay 1-0 to claim third place.
Brazil Run Over Italy In Final
Italy were appearing in their first World Cup final since 1938 and were major underdogs. Still Roberto Boninsegna equalized Pele's 18th-minute goal in the 37th minute. But Zagallo's offense took apart the Italian backline in the second half with Gerson (66th), Jairzinho (71st) and Carlos Alberto (86th) scoring in a 4-1 victory. Jairzinho scored in every game for the Brazilians to finish with seven goals.
By becoming the first nation to win three World Cups, Brazil earned the right to keep the Jules Rimet Cup.
