World Cup 1982: Brazil v Italy and 'the day football died'
In November 2004, Brazilian football legend Socrates made a famous promotional cameo for English non-league side Garforth Town. As the football correspondent for a leading Brazilian newspaper, I arrived in the West Yorkshire town to write about the madness of it all.
"That game" was a World Cup classic played on a hot Barcelona afternoon 40 years ago. One of the most feted generations of Brazilian footballers saw their dreams shattered by an Italian side that transformed over the tournament, putting a stuttering start behind them on the way to demolishing West Germany in the final.
It was in this context that Tele Santana was announced as the new Brazil football manager in early 1980. Santana had been a good player - a winger who scored 164 goals in nine years with Rio de Janeiro side Fluminense. He still ranks as their fourth-highest scorer. The exploits of Pele and Brazil at the 1970 World Cup had seemed like a long forgotten dream during uninspired campaigns in the two following tournaments, despite the team finishing in the last four on both occasions.
The tournament started with 24 teams in six groups of four. The six group winners and runners-up went through to a second group stage. The four winners of those groups of three would contest the semi-finals. Santana fired this question at the end of a team talk in Barcelona. Falcao was already anxious about the winner-takes-all game to be played against Italy at Espanyol's now demolished Sarria stadium.
"That Brazil side wasn't from this planet," Rossi told me in 2006. "It had players who could pass the ball blindfolded.In the Brazil camp, the mood couldn't be more different. Brazil hit back shortly after through Socrates, but fell behind again in the 25th minute when Rossi latched on to a woeful loose ball in the Brazilian backline. When they equalised once more in the 68th minute, Falcao's screaming celebration was not only a reflection of joy but also the urgency of almost choking on his chewing gum.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Arsenal: Gabriel Martinelli making Tite's Brazil World Cup squad a 'joke' and 'lack of respect''Calling up Martinelli and not calling up Gabigol is heresy, a lack of respect. The biggest shame of all the call-ups.' AFC
Weiterlesen »
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe praises England World Cup hopeful after Carabao Cup heroics - Football365Football365 - With Southgate close to naming his England squad for the World Cup, Newcastle boss Howe was high in praise of goalkeeper Pope.
Weiterlesen »
Son gives injury update ahead of World Cup - 'I won't miss it for the world'Heung-min Son has confirmed he will recover from his facial surgery in time to represent South Korea in the World Cup this month. The Tottenham star recently had surgery to stabilise a fracture aro…
Weiterlesen »
EA predicts Argentina will win the 2022 World Cup, after getting the last three right | VGCEA has predicted that Argentina will win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, after getting the last three right.
Weiterlesen »
‘Devastated’ James confirms World Cup absence but insists he was willing to 'take risk'Chelsea defender Reece James has confirmed he will not be part of England’s World Cup squad for the tournament in Qatar. And the full-back says he has been left ‘devastated’ by Gareth Southgate’s d…
Weiterlesen »
France announce squad for the World Cup, attacking options are insaneDidier Deschamps has announced the France squad for the Qatar World Cup 🇫🇷🏆
Weiterlesen »