THE 1970 World Cup in Mexico was totally mesmerising and holds a very special place in my heart.
I was seven years old and it was the first time that I had watched football on television. Indeed, I was absolutely captivated by this stunning tournament and it sparked my lifelong interest in the beautiful game.
Brazil are usually near the top of World Cup odds in football betting and that was no different in 1970.
Looking back to that period, there are so many vivid memories for me to reflect on…
Back Home
England were the reigning World Cup champions after winning the 1966 Final and the players released a rousing song called ‘Back Home’ in the build up to the 1970 event.
The lyrics were simple but effective and got everyone thoroughly energised for the World Cup:
“Back home, they’ll be thinking about us,
When we are far away,
Back home, they’ll be really behind us,
In every game we play,
They’ll share every goal we are scoring out there,
We will still hear them roaring,
And we’ll give all we’ve got to give,
For the folks back home…”
Black & White TV
And so I settled down to enjoy all the action sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of our black and white TV. This was perched on an accompanying wooden stand with a mangled metal coat hanger forming the rudimentary antenna aerial.
Not many people could afford to buy colour television sets back then. I grew up in a one parent family and all of our durable goods – including the telly - were purchased at local jumble sales.
Many of the 1970 World Cup matches kicked-off at 11pm UK time but good old mum allowed me to stay up late. My excitement was heightened by the fact we were constantly being reminded that coverage was “live by satellite”.
Only two TV channels were widely available so it felt as if the World Cup was plastered everywhere on the box.
Presenters, Commentators and Panellists
There were truly outstanding television personalities in those days. BBC1’s World Cup shows were presented by Frank Bough whilst Brian Moore did the honours for ITV.
The match commentators included Kenneth Wolstenholme, Barry Davies, David Coleman, Gerald Sinstadt, Hugh Johns and Gerry Harrison. I sat back and wondered what it must be like to commentate or report on a top football match.
Tackle by Moore
The biggest game in the group stages saw Brazil beat England 1-0. I recall an immaculate tackle by England captain Bobby Moore when Jairzinho was pounding into the box at full pelt.
It needed scientific precision otherwise a penalty would undoubtedly have been conceded. However, Moore slid in to perfection and was cool and composed as he strode away with ball at his feet.
Incidentally, I later got to know Bobby really well when we were both part of the Capital Gold Radio commentary team. In fact, I sat next to him in the Wembley Stadium press box a week before his very sad death in 1993. He was a lovely man.
Gordon Banks Save
The other iconic incident from that Brazil game was the greatest goalkeeping save of all-time in my opinion. Again, Jairzinho was involved as he whipped over a tantalising cross from the right.
This picked out the World’s best player Pele just eight yards from goal. His bullet header was down into the turf following every textbook’s recommendation.
But it was matched by Gordon Banks scampering across his line to anticipate the vicious bounce and claw it away one handed. Breath-taking stuff!
#OTD 50 years ago, Gordon Banks made his wonder save to deny Pele ⚽️🙌
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 7, 2020
Is this the greatest save in World Cup history?
🎥: https://t.co/NKt1UAP1vR#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/pSQngNF1cU
1970 World Cup Quarter Finals
Despite that defeat, England qualified for the Quarter Finals and opposed old foes West Germany. There was huge interest in this re-match of the 1966 Final.
Mullery and Peters put Sir Alf Ramsey’s men 2-0 up within 49 minutes but back came the Germans through Beckenbauer and Seeler to force extra-time.
Then in what seemed like slow motion to me, Gerd Müller hung in the air to perform a spectacular scissors kick for the goal that knocked England out.
1970 World Cup Semi Finals
That pulsating drama of England versus West Germany was totally eclipsed in the Semi Finals. Italy faced West Germany and this is still the most exhilarating football match I have ever seen on television.
A seven goal thriller that ebbed one away and flowed the other as the lead changed hands in pendulum-like fashion. With nine minutes of extra-time remaining, Gianni Rivera tickled home a sensational winner for Italy to make it 4-3.
1970 World Cup Final
Brazil turned on a dazzling masterclass to defeat Italy 4-1 in the Final. The fourth Brazilian strike is the finest team goal I have witnessed in a World Cup.
It was a seven man passing move that originated from deep inside their own half before culminating in Pele nonchalantly setting up Carlos Alberto for a thunderous finish.
I can still hear the immortal words of commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme in my head: “And it’s four! Oh that was sheer delightful football!”
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 4th October 2022
