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
Having suffered the shock of losing to Italy in 1982 while playing some of the finest football the world has ever seen, Brazil were determined not to make the same mistakes four years later. In respect to this they weren’t quite as gung-ho in Mexico as they were in Spain.
Key players still remained and they had added a top striker in Careca. Tele Santana stayed on as head coach and they were fancied to reach the semi-finals at the very least. Questions about the fitness of star player Zico followed the team wherever they went.
France meanwhile were also one of the favourites for the tournament, two years after winning Euro ’84 in their own country. They had a golden generation of players led by one of the best players in the world – Michel Platini.
The two sides were to play out one of the finest World Cup matches ever.
The Goal
A superb move from the Brazilians ends with Careca’s thunderous shot putting them one goal to the good:
What Happened Next?
Platini, on his thirtieth birthday equalised just before half-time.
Both sides played wonderful passing football, so the match is fondly remembered by those who watched it or have seen it since.
Zico came on for Brazil just before the end of the ninety minutes and had the chance to win it but saw his penalty saved which meant the game went to extra-time.
The next thirty minutes proved to be just as thrilling as the ninety previous, and the French were incensed when Romanian referee missed a clear foul by Brazilian keeper Carlos on Bellone. It remains when on the most remarkable decisions ever seen at a FIFA World Cup:
France beat Brazil in the penalty shoot-out despite Platini missing for Les Bleus.
In the semi-final France fell to West Germany, but went on to beat Belgium after extra-time in the third place play-off.
Extras
Brazil v France, Full Match
