This Day in History: 2023-06-15

Nr. 476

BRAZIL WAIT TWO DECADES FOR REVENGE (1970)

The crowds waving their partisan national colours sensed that this Brazil v Uruguay match was much more than a semi-final tie in the 1970 World Cup. The pride of South America was at stake and for the Uruguayans it was their big chance to emulate their achievement when they won the inaugural World Cup back in 1930. For Brazil, winners in 1958 and 1962 and hot favourites at this stage of the 1970 tournarnent, it was the opportunity to rid their country of the humiliating 1966 stain of submission.
On a hot day in Guadalajara, Brazil also had the opportunity to erase all memories of the last time these two South American neighbours had met in a World Cup final match, almost 20 years to the day, back in 1950. Played then on a league system, the host country Brazil needed only a draw to become World Champions. A world record 200,000 spectators watched the game and they could not believe the outcome – Uruguay won 2-1 after coming from behind. With West Germany playing Italy in the other semi-final the 1970 final would be South America v Europe and both Uruguay and Brazil also wanted the honour of representing their region.
In Mexico two decades later Uruguay, who had not sparkled in their qualifying group, met an exciting and adventurous Brazil, which included Pelé and Jairzinho in scintillating form. This time it was Brazil who came from behind. Uruguays Luis Cubilla scored in the 19th minute before Clodoaldo, Jairzinho and Rivehno completed a 3-1 win and booked their place against Italy in the final.

Pelé could finally celebrate along with the rest of the Brazil side after finally laying the ghost of 1950 to rest once and for all.