1970

Notes

Brazil's third title — by winning, they kept the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently (only nation to win three editions to that point). Mário Zagallo became the first man to win the WC as both player (1958, 1962) and coach. First WC with red and yellow cards (introduced after Ken Aston's idea), official substitutes (2 per team allowed), and global colour TV broadcast. The Italy 4-3 West Germany SF (extra time) is widely called the 'Game of the Century'. Brazil's 4-1 final win is celebrated for the team goal finished by Carlos Alberto. Pelé's third winner's medal — only player ever with three. First WC ball: Adidas Telstar.

📚 Trivia

• matchesThe 'Game of the Century' — Italy 4-3 West Germany SF, 17 June 1970 at the Estadio Azteca. Tied 1-1 after 90 minutes; FIVE goals in extra time. Italy went up 2-1; Schnellinger equalised 2-2 in the 90th; Müller 3-2; Burgnich 3-3; Riva 4-3; Müller 4-4 in 110th... no wait, Riva 4-3 then Rivera 4-3, then Italy held on after Müller 3-3. The match is commemorated by a plaque outside the stadium.
• championsBy winning a third title in 1970, Brazil were granted permanent ownership of the Jules Rimet Trophy under FIFA's three-wins rule. The trophy was stolen from the Brazilian football federation in 1983 and never recovered — believed to have been melted down for the gold.
• recordsMário Zagallo became the first man to win the World Cup as both player (1958, 1962) and coach (1970). Only Franz Beckenbauer (1974 player, 1990 coach) and Didier Deschamps (1998 player, 2018 coach) have matched the feat since.
• recordsBy winning the 1970 final, Pelé became the only player ever to win three World Cup winner's medals (1958, 1962, 1970). Two other players have won three (Cafu, Pirlo had 2 finals appearances) but only Pelé won three winners.
• firsts1970 was the first WC to use yellow and red cards (after Ken Aston's invention) and the first to allow substitutes (2 per team). It was also the first WC broadcast in colour worldwide.