This Day in History: 2023-06-20

Nr. 479

BRAZIL’S PLACE IN HISTORY IS ASSURED (1970)

The Brazilan contingent in the 100,000 crowd in Mexico City rose as one to acclaim Brazil as epoch-making World Champions – and the 1970 World Cup final was not even over. By scoring Brazil’s third goal against Italy, prolific striker Jairzinho claimed his own personal record by becoming the first player to score in every round of a World Cup tournament. A Gerson free-kick was headed by Pelé into Jairzinho’s path and he simply guided himself and the ball between the goalposts. It put Brazil 3-1 up – a deficit from which Italy would not recover as Brazil went on to win 4-1.

Jairzinho celebrates not only helping Brazil to a World Cup win, but cementing his own place in history by scoring in every round.