ROAD TO RUSSIA: 1970
Mexico hosted the ninth edition of the World Cup from May 31 to June 21 in 1970, two years after staging the Olympics.
It was the first World Cup in North America, and the first outside Europe or South America. Teams representing 75 nations entered the competition, and qualification began in May 1968. Fourteen teams qualified to join the hosts and defending champions England in the 16-team final.
The tournament was won by Brazil, who defeated fellow two-time former champions Italy 4-1 in the final in Mexico City. The win gave Brazil their third World Cup title, allowing them to keep the Jules Rimet Trophy, and a new trophy was introduced in 1974.
The victorious team, led by Carlos Alberto and featuring players such as Pelé, Gérson, Jairzinho, Rivellino, and Tostão, is often touted as the greatest-ever World Cup team. They won all six games in the finals, as well as all of their qualifying fixtures.
Brazil, with Pele back at his best, were magnificent. They beat holders England 1-0 in the group stage despite Gordon Banks' now legendary save from Pele, and with Jairzinho on fire up front, sailed into the knockout stages.
West Germany, with the imperious Franz Beckenbauer and dangerous striker Gerd Muller in top form, gained revenge for their defeat in the 1966 final by recovering from 2-0 down against England to win 3-2 after extra time in the last eight.
Their semi-final against Italy was just as dramatic, the Italians eventually coming through 4-3 in extratime after another seesaw encounter.
Brazil marched past Peru in the quarter-finals and then saw off Uruguay 3-1 in the semis.
Italy never stood a chance in the final as the South Americans gave an exhibition of "the beautiful game". Pele, Gerson, Jairzinho and, gloriously, Carlos Alberto scored in a 4-1 rout while West Germany beat Uruguay 1-0 to finish third.
— S. PERVEZ QAISER