As part of Black History Month and on the weekend of his 80th birthday, Football Focus looks back at the career of Brazil icon and legendary goalscorer Pele, in his own words. Good video about Pele (real name - Edson Arantes do Nascimento) : https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/54668208 My father saw him in 1966 in Goodison Park and told me he was kicked all over the park. There was no-one to compare to him and the World Cup in 1970 in Mexico is still remembered by football fans all over the world
I was too young in 66 to appreciate him. I recall he featured in earlier world cups in 58 and 62. But I do remember him in the 1970 World Cup and that save by Gordon Banks. And he had a great friendship with Bobby Moore.
You're aging me now John because I remember the 1966 World Cup very well. The big name and top goal scorer was Portugal's Eusebio who was outstanding scoring nine goals (including four in one match against North Korea).
I was watching the Italy-Brasil Final in 1970 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico city, on the Colour TV in the Restaurant I was working in Stuttgart, W. Germany. First time ever I watched anything on Colour TV... He scored the first goal........... Sublime.
I actually watched the opening game. England v Argentina at Wembley. 0-0. The Argentinians were animals in that World Cup. But yes I do recall Eusebio.
This gentleman hosted the ITV coverage of the 1994 World Cup. Brazil beat Italy in the final. He interviews Denis Law and co in this clip. I used to go and watch West Ham with him in the 1970s. My cousin was his cousin. He did pretty well for himself in the world of football. Notice a younger Ronald Koeman who I never forgave for knocking England out that year. Did I not like that.
The opening game (0 - 0) was against Uruguay, John. The controversial game against Argentina (1 - 0) was the quarter final, when Antonio Rattin was sent off. Alf Ramsey called them animals but they actually played for the last 60 mins with 10 men. The rest, as they say..........
That’s the one. Long time ago now. It wasn’t a great game and it was my first match ever at the age of 10. The Uruguayans were pretty dirty too. I didn’t get a great view of the game but I don’t think I missed much. Unlike cousin Matthew I was a bit of a deprived kid and was given the ticket through a charitable organisation so I was very lucky to go. Too bad it wasn’t the final.
