The 1970 World Cup was an incredible spectacle that holds a special place in the memory of folk my age: the colour pictures from the other side of the world, the distant, broken commentary of David Coleman and Kenneth Wolstenholme, moments of spectacular skill and incredible games, Brazil v England, Italy v West Germany, Brazil v Italy, Beckenbauer, Muller, Rivera, Boninsegna, Riva, Banks, Moore, Jairzinho, Rivelino, …
and Pele…
… Pele hanging in the air for an eternity before aiming a bullet header goalwards …
… Pele narrowly missing from his own half against Czechoslovakia …
… Pele throwing an outrageous dummy against Uruguay …
… Pele laying it on a plate for Carlos Alberto in the final against Italy. A pass so sublime, Eric Cantona compared it to a work of art.
Pele was a genius. He played with grace, invention, enjoyment, intelligence, style, and joy. He personified the beautiful game …
… and he scored a few goals too.
The Ned Wood Archive 