This Day in History: 2023-06-19

Nr. 478

ZAGALO’S INNER CIRCLE (1970)

The meetings of Maria Lobo Zagalo’s ‘Cobras’ were never quiet affairs, but they were always passionate and well informed. As the new manager of Brazil preparing for the 1970 World Cup, Zagalo, a 1958 and 1962 winner as a player, relied on his inner circle of Cobras. With captain Carlos Alberta and star players Pelé and Gerson, Zagalo plotted an historic third World Cup win. Gerson said, «We tried to help Zagalo to solve the problems he had selecting the best team or the one that could become the best one.» New roles the Cobras formulated for Tostao, Rivelino and Clodoaldo proved vital to their tournament success.

Mario Zagalo knew what it took to be a World Cup winner and he imparted that knowledge onto his hugely talented 1970 squad.