The 1970 World Cup was a tournament that saw some of the greatest teams and players in the history of football come together to compete for the ultimate prize. The final, which was contested between Brazil and Italy, was a match for the ages and will forever be remembered for one of the greatest goals in World Cup history – Carlos Alberto’s stunning strike.

Brazil entered the tournament as favourites, and they did not disappoint. Their flair, style, and attacking prowess were on full display throughout the tournament, and their players such as Pele, Jairzinho, and Rivelino wowed fans and critics alike. Italy, on the other hand, were a more defensive-minded team, but their disciplined and organized style had seen them through to the final.

A Team Of Stars

In a Brazil jersey, Pelé was without a doubt the indisputable number 10, thus Zagallo ordered Rivelino to play on the left side of midfield, with Tostão acting as a roving number 9. Jairzinho was instructed to play on the right side but given permission to move from his designated position if necessary to fill in elsewhere.

In actuality, Brazil had been using Total Football for four years before the Dutch made it popular. To generate room in one area and numerical dominance in another, players were allowed to change their places. Carlos Alberto’s final goal would depend on this tactical flexibility.

Here Comes Carlos Alberto On The Right

With just 4 minutes left on the clock, Carlos Alberto glanced up to find the entire right-wing open to him. He was shattered but began to run. Brazil led Italy 3-1 and the 1970 World Cup final was effectively already over. His teammates shared this sentiment and were casually passing the ball. However, Carlos Alberto, the rampaging full-back saw the opportunity for a fourth goal, even from far within his own half.

“We were winning 3-1 and the team was playing the ball around, just running the clock down. I was at the back, taking a breather. All I wanted was for the referee to bring the game to an end. Clodoaldo went past three players and when he laid it off to Rivelino on the left wing, I remembered what (coach Mario) Zagallo had said about pulling the opposition over to the left. I had a look and saw that the whole of my flank was wide open, because Jairzinho was over on the left and had (Italy’s Giacinto) Facchetti with him for company”.

“I said to myself: ‘I’m going to wait, and if the ball goes to Jairzinho and I sense that Jairzinho’s going to play it to Pele, then I’m going to go because I know that Pele will give me the ball’.

“And that’s what happened. I gave it all I had, and found the energy to sprint at least 50 metres and get in a position to score the goal.”

Carlos Alberto was well into his full sprint when Pele calmly passed the ball out wide. Not needing to break his stride the full-back charged in. And struck the ball into the bottom corner from 12 yards. Despite his obvious tiredness Alberto still had the energy to continue running to celebrate his goal. It was the ultimate team goal. The only Brazillian outfield players not involved in the move were Everaldo and Piazza.

Brazilian Magic

Brazil’s third victory, following their victories in 1958 and 1962, made them the most successful national football team in the world at the time. Overtaking Italy and Uruguay, who both had won two titles. Brazilian coach Mário Zagallo, then age 38, became the second-youngest coach to win a World Cup. In addition, he is the second youngest coach to win a World Cup, following Alberto Suppici in 1930. Pelé finished his World Cup career as the competition’s first three-time champion.