ETERNAL SQUADRON! COMPLETE SELECTION WORLD TRIUMPH 54 YEARS OLD

Exactly 54 years ago, the Brazilian team won the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. It was the consecration of a team that was full of talent and that had Pelé's genius as its greatest reference. The number 10 became the first and only player in that competition to win three World Cups - a mark that remains to this day.

Under the command of coach Zagallo, Brazil's third world title was not easy, but it ended flawlessly. In six games, there were six victories, in a campaign with 100% success, with 17 goals scored. Even in the group that was considered the most difficult of the 1970 World Cup, the Brazilian team managed to overcome opponents such as Czechoslovakia, England, Romania, Peru, Uruguay and, finally, Italy.

In the final, the The team defeated Italy 4-1. The goals of the match were scored by Pelé, Gérson, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto Torres. Boninsegna scored the goal of honor for the Italians at the Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City. With the title, Brazil was the first team to reach their third world championship, a fact that guaranteed them definitive possession of the Jules Rimet cup. Before this achievement, the team had also been champions in 1958 and 1962.

Brazil 4x1 Czechoslovakia

Expectations for their World Cup debut were high, but Brazil managed to start on the right foot. Or rather, with the left, since it was with this that Rivellino scored the equalizer that would motivate the Brazilian reaction to seek victory. Pelé and Jairzinho (twice) closed the scoring in that match.

Epic. This is how the match against England in the second round of the group stage can be defined. In what was considered the most difficult confrontation of that stage for the Brazilians, Jairzinho's talent and artillery stood out and the English were unable to react. Leading the way to the quarterfinals, that was a key point for the team to gain everyone's trust once and for all.

This was the only game in which Brazil suffered criticism from the press and fans. Without some of his players, such as Gérson and Rivellino, Zagallo made important changes and counted on the brilliance of Paulo Cézar Caju and Clodoaldo for the victory. Doubt before the match, Pelé scored two goals and Jairzinho also scored his own.

In the clash between the King of Brazil, Pelé, and the King of Peru, Cubillas, the Brazilian number 10 did better. Under a strong sun at the Jalisco Stadium, Rivellino, Jairzinho and Tostão (twice) scored the goals that took the Seleção to the semi-finals of the competition. On the field, Brazil went 2-0 up on the scoreboard and saw the Peruvians try to equalize, but the triumph was green and yellow once again.

The most anticipated game of the 1970 World Cup was the semi-final between Brazilians and Uruguayans. Thanks to the ghost of the 1950 World Cup, Brazil knew it needed to shake off the memory and create a new journey. When, on the eve of the match, Uruguay's coach declared that he was already thinking about the decision, the Seleção gained extra motivation and played a fantastic match. Clodoaldo, Jairzinho and Rivellino were responsible for the goals. Brazil 4x1 Italy

And then came the decision. On that June 21, 1970, Brazil and Italy entered the field to battle for the Jules Rimet Cup. Until then, each team had two titles. The high expectations and confidence of the Brazilians were justified, as, after a tough start, Amarelinha shone. With all the players available for the match, Zagallo brought his best to the field. The lineup was the one that was most repeated during the World Cup, with the base team formed by: Félix; Carlos Alberto Torres (c), Brito, Piazza and Everaldo; Clodoaldo and Gerson; Jairzinho, Pelé, Rivellino and Tostão.

The Italians were coming off a historic battle against West Germany in the World Cup semi-final. Considered by many as one of the best games in the history of the World Cup, the confrontation with the Germans ended in a 4-3 victory for the Azzurri, after extra time. In the 90 minutes, there was a 2-2 draw. Afterwards, Italy took the lead in extra time, suffered another draw and finally scored the qualifying goal, in the 114th minute of the match.

All this wear and tear caused for Brazil to reach the final with a little more physical energy. The decisive game marked a series of individual achievements for the Brazilian team. Jairzinho finished the World Cup as second top scorer, with seven goals, and became the first champion to score in all six of his team's games. Pelé scored again in a World Cup final and became the only three-time world champion in history. The King also finished the competition with six assists.