WFI‘s Adam Brandon counts down to Russia 2018 with 90 World Cup goals in 90 days, scored in the minute corresponding to the day in the countdown.
Context
In the 1958 World Cup Pele burst to global stardom with a series of eye-catching displays despite not being fit enough for selection at that start of the tournament.
In 1962 he got injured in Brazil’s second game of the competition, which left Garrincha to claim all the glory and in 1966 Pele found himself kicked out of it. All this meant 1970 was Pele’s last chance to dominate a World Cup from start to finish – and he would do just that.
Pele netted in Brazil’s opening game, a 4-1 win over Czechoslovakia but was famously denied by Gordon Banks in their second against England.
Their last group game saw them take on Romania and wasn’t long before they got going.
The Goal
Brazil’s pressure pays off as Pele smashes home a free kick to give Brazil the lead:
What Happened Next?
Brazil won 3-2, ensuring a 100% record in the group stage. They continued this form all the way to the final where they defeated Italy 4-1.