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The Perfect Goal

After losing in the 1950 final and then in the quarterfinals in 1954, Brazil won the World Cup in 1958 and 1962 behind young superstar Edson Arantes do Nascimento, who is better known as Pelé. La Canarhino lost in the first round in 1966, however, and came into the 1970 final in Mexico looking for redemption.

The 1970 tournament featured a wide-open style of play, and the skilled Brazilians took full advantage. Nowhere was this skill level more evident than in the 86th minute of the final match against Italy. With the match already in hand at 3-1, defender Clodoaldo beat four Italians in his own half before passing to Rivelino. Rivelino passed down the left wing to Jairzinho, who crossed from the wing to the center of the box to Pelé. Pelé held the ball, waiting for the oncoming Carlos Alberto, who took the pass sprinting up from his right back position and buried it from the corner of the box.

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