Aftermath

 

The aftermath. Despite some critical points, the 1970 World Cup was shining success. In brief:

Mexico was wonderful host, but much more important was that millions around the globe were able to see the games live via satellite. The negative side of it was heat and high altitude. Because of TV demands – the Europeans had to see the games in reasonable evening time and time difference made it possible only with very early playing the games – some games started at noon. It was terribly hot, which affected the players – tempo was quite slow and teams were exhausted in the second half. The hosts provided oxygen machines, expecting shortness of breath in the high altitudes, but it turned out they were not needed. Dehydration was bigger problem than adjustment to thinner air. However, the quality of football was not affected – instead of speed, teams showed more artistry and hardly any World Cup was more enjoyable to watch. The number of exciting games was perhaps bigger than any other World Cup, very few teams disappointed.

Two new rules were introduced: yellow and red cards and two standard substitutes instead of one substitute, mostly justified by injury, as it was before. USSR had the honour of being the first team to get yellow card (Evgeny Lovchev) and substitute a player (Anatoly Puzach replaced Serebryannikov in the 46^th minute), both in the first match of the tournament – against Mexico – in which both teams used substitutes and a total of 5 yellow cards were given.

New ball:

Adidas introduced the Telstar model, which eventually became iconic and used during 1970s and 1980s. It was design having television in mind, therefore named after the communication satellite Telstar, making possible for people around the globe to watch the finals live. However, black and white TV sets were still the most available and old balls were not seen on them very well: to fix the problem Adidas made black-and-white ball – it was seen fine. But... Adidas made a blunder, supplying only 20 Telstar balls for the tournament, they were not enough and other types of ball were used as well.

Stadiums were fine, especially giant Azteca. The hosts made sure the grass was perfect despite the dryness and heat.

Tactics: nothing revolutionary and perhaps because of inertia built if the 1960s observers focused on defensive approaches, disputing zonal or personal defense as more 'modern' and effective. Yet, it was noticed that defensive football lost significant ground to attacking football. 4-3-3 wasd out as example of this new 'libero'. As a prime example of the change towards attacking football Italy was compared to Brazil: if the Italian midfielders were the first line of defense (typically passing back when getting possession of the ball), Brazilian midfielders were the first line of attack (passing the ball ahead). No wonder Brazil became not only World champion, but the most beloved and iconic team to this day.

The championship was exciting, provided pleasant surprises – Peru, for instance (particularly Teofilo Cubillas and Hugo Sotil, both 21-years old) – and displayed to the fans excellent players and moments.

Perhaps the best moment was the fantastic save Gordon Banks made, preventing Pele from scoring beautiful goal. The sheer quantity of stars made for tough choosing of the best. Banks was not among them at the end. And not only he was out of the best eleven – the list was long. As usual, the best were from the top 4 teams and here they are:

Ladislao Mazurkiewicz (Uruguay)

Carlos Alberto (Brazil) Franz Beckenbauer (West Germany) Giacinto Facchetti (Italy) Atilio Ancheta (Uruguay)

Boby Charlton (England) Gerson (Brazil) Rivelino (Brazil)

Jairzinho (Brazil) Pele (Brazil) Gerd Muller (West Germany)

Pele was voted best player of the tournament – it was expected, but just choice, given his performance.

Gerd Muller was the top scorer with 10 goals – amazing achievement, given the doubts before the finals that he and Uwe Seeler couldn't play along and must be either the one, or the other among the regulars. Meantime, Italy, to a point, felt victim of its own cautious approach – Gianni Rivera was used only as substitute. Of course, it was tough to choose between him and Sandro Mazzola, but Rivera provided attacking edge, unlike more disciplined and therefore defense-oriented Mazzola. The gamble worked for West Germany, Italian caution did not.

Ladislao Mazurkiewicz was voted best goalkeeper at the finals.

Yet, even the best could be bested... if Pele is the opponent with his magic.

Two greats separated by winning and losing.

The best are also courageous – like injured Beckenbauer, coming back on field heavily bandaged and finishing the match.

The stories of 1970 World Cup can go on and on... better call it a day now with this boy – after all, football is for him and countless like him Adios, Mexico.