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57 days to the World Cup: Jairzinho can't stop scoring during Brazil's 1970 title run
TL;DR
The 1970 World Cup in Mexico marked several historic firsts, including being the first tournament held outside Europe or South America and the introduction of yellow and red cards. It was also Pelé's final World Cup, where Brazil secured their third title and kept the Jules Rimet Trophy.
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The 1970 World Cup in Mexico was a memorable one for the number of firsts that happened. There was also an historic second, and one very notable last that occurred during the tournament.
It was the first World Cup to:
• be held outside of Europe or South America
• allow teams to make subs (Anatoliy Puzach for Viktor Serebryanikov, Soviet Union)
• feature a yellow and red card system
• see a coach win the World Cup as a player and a manager (Mário Zagallo, Brazil)
It was also the last World Cup for the legendary Pelé, who helped lead Brazil to its third title, which meant they were able to keep the Jules Rimet Trophy.
The joy and beauty here. Jairzinho scores for Brazil v England on this date 50 years ago at the 1970 World Cup. Tostao with the forearm smash in the build up pic.twitter.com/bebApL9I3L
— @forgottengoals (@forgottengoals) June 7, 2020
The 1970 tournament also marked the second time in World Cup history that a player scored in every single one of their team's matches en route to the title. Alcides Ghiggia found the back of the net in each of Uruguay's four matches in 1950. Two decades later, a Brazilian would match that record and do so in two more games.
After struggling as a left wing during the 1966 World Cup, Jairzinho moved to the right side for 1970 following the retirement of Garrincha. In a team full of stars like Pelé, Carlos Alberto, and Gérson, among many others, he would would shine for the Seleção.
Jairzinho, who earned the nickname "O Furacão'" (The Hurricane), scored twice in Brazil's opening match against Czechoslovakia and once in each of their final two group stage matches against England and Romania. The goals kept coming in the knockout round as he tallied once each against Peru, Uruguay and then Italy during a 4-1 win in the final.
After his playing career ended, Jairzinho became a coach for youth teams and is credited with discovering future legend Ronaldo Nazário, who was playing for São Cristóvão at the time.
Q&A
What were the significant firsts introduced in the 1970 World Cup?
The 1970 World Cup introduced several firsts, including being held outside Europe or South America, allowing substitutions, and implementing a yellow and red card system.
How did Pelé contribute to Brazil's success in the 1970 World Cup?
Pelé played a crucial role in leading Brazil to their third World Cup title in 1970, marking his final appearance in the tournament.
Who was the first coach to win the World Cup both as a player and a manager?
Mário Zagallo became the first coach to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager during the 1970 tournament with Brazil.
