1970

Host nation: Mexico Games: 32 Goals: 95 (2.97 per match) Dismissals: 0 Venues: 5 Winners: Brazil Top scorer: Gerd Muller (10 goals)

The iconic photo of Pele and Bobby Moore swapping shirts after Brazil’s 1-0 victory over England (below) sums up what, for many, is the most beautiful World Cup ever played. Brazil won the event in a flamboyant style befitting the first World Cup finals broadcast in Technicolor. A record five goals were scored in extra time as Italy beat West Germany 4-3 in a breathtaking semi-final. England were unlucky – losing goalkeeper Gordon Banks to food poisoning before the quarter-final against West Germany – but did themselves proud against Brazil in the group stage.

STAR FACTOR

Has a national team ever possessed as much innate genius as Brazil in 1970? Pele, Jairzinho, Rivelino, Gerson, Tostao and Carlos Alberto were all magnificent in Mexico. The finals also starred four European Footballers of the Year – Franz Beckenbauer, Bobby Charlton, Gianni Rivera and Gerd Muller.

WONDER GOAL

Brazil’s fourth and final goal in the showpiece against Italy – finished emphatically by captain Carlos Alberto – was a creation of inspiration and perspiration. Tostao tracked back to regain possession. Clodoaldo dribbled past four players and passed to Rivelino. He found Jairzinho who, having drifted left to draw out two opponents, gave the ball to Pele. O Rei then carressed it into the perfect place for the onrushing Carlos Alberto to thunder home.

AGGRO

A qualifier between El Salvador and Honduras had inflamed tensions surrounding the flow of people moving across their borders, and led to a 100-hour conflict causing at least 2,000 deaths. It became known as the Soccer War.

THE THRILLERS

West Germany starred in two fascinating extra times, first defeating England 3-2 in the last eight (top), then losing 4-3 to Italy in the semis.

THE FINAL

A blind back-flick by Brazil’s Clodoaldo, inadvertently teeing up Roberto Boninsegna’s equaliser for Italy, could have changed football history. Brazil were, Pele admitted, worried that the emboldened Azzurri would attack as they had against West Germany. Yet Italy coach Ferruccio Valcareggi played it safe, and played to the Selecao’s strengths. When Gerson made it 2-1 in the 66th minute, the Azzurri were broken. Two more goals – from Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto – sealed the deal, the former becoming the last person to score in every round.

LEGACY

The first World Cup to feature red and yellow cards, substitutes (only two for each team) and a match ball designed by Adidas.