This Day in History: 2023-06-07
Nr. 471
BANKS’ ‘SAVE OF THE CENTURY’ (1970)
This was the save that produced a gasp that reverberated around the planet. England goalkeeper Gordon Banks underlined his claim to the tag of ‘world’s best goalkeeper’ with what was hailed as the greatest save of all time – and has arguably remained so since. Brazil’s Pele was so convinced his tenth minute downward header in the 1970 World Cup group match was destined for the net that he shouted «Golo!» But he reckoned without the agility of Banks as he dived, and angled backwards and to his right, to scoop the ball one-handed over the bar.
Banks recalled, «Pelé met the ball with the meat of his head. Textbook stuff. I found myself at a 40-degree angle with my right hand stretching out towards the post. I knew if I made contact, I’d have to get it up in the air. I made contact with one finger and rolled my hand, using the third and fourth fingers as leverage.» Ironically, Banks’ heroics could not stop Brazil’s ultimate 1-0 win in Guadalajara.
Banks’ acrobatic save stunned Pele and is generally considered to be the finest save ever seen at the World Cup.
