July 16, 1950. A small house in the town of Bauru, Sao Paulo. A number of people are waiting around a radio. On the radio is an eyewitness account of the World Cup football final being held at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, 750 kilometers away. The match is between the hosts Brazil and Uruguay. Every face is filled with eager anticipation that Brazil will win the maiden World Cup.
In the 47th minute, Brazilian striker Friaka scored a goal, and the excitement of the audience increased. In the 66th minute, Uruguay’s attacking midfielder Alberto Schiafino returned the goal, but no one gave up hope. But with only 11 minutes left in the game, Uruguay’s lead winger Alcides Gigia scored a goal, and the 200,000 spectators in Marakana and the audience in Bauru fell silent. Minutes later, when the final whistle blew, they stood in tears at the thought of a shattered dream.
João Ramos dos Nascimento nicknamed Dondinho and his son Edson were among them. The son asked the sad father what was the matter. When Dondinho said that Brazil had lost the World Cup, a nine-year-old boy named Edson Arantes dos Nascimento said in a firm voice: ”Don’t cry! One day I will win the World Cup for my father! The boy, later known as Pele, kept his word, not once, but three times!
Carrying the head…
This is the time when the praises for the six foot two inch Cristiano Ronaldo are heard as the ball soars in front of the goal area. However, Pele’s feat in the 1970 World Cup final, which is only five feet eight inches tall, ranks among the greatest goals in the history of the tournament. History was born when Pele rose to meet Rivelino’s cross from the left side of the box. Brazil beat Italy 4–1 to win their third title, along with Pele.
Best goal
Pele considers his best goal to have been scored for Brazilian club Santos in 1959 against Italian club Juventus. But it is the world’s loss that video footage of that goal is no longer available. Later, the computer-aided recreated video has marked the legendary actor’s prowess throughout.
After receiving the ball, Pele lifted the ball over the heads of three defenders. Meanwhile, the ball never touched the ground! Eighteen-year-old Pele’s powerful header rattled the net, surprising the keeper who rushed to catch it.
Assal all rounder
Former Argentina player and coach Cesar Menotti has declared that if the talent of Alfredo Di Stefano, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff and Lionel Messi has been gathered in one player, it is only Pele. Brazilian midfielder Seiko, nicknamed White Pele, testified that he learned the game through Pele’s sticker albums.
Pele stopped the war!
When Pele and his team visited Nigeria in 1967, the civil war was at its height. But Pele’s game is a must-see for both teams fighting against each other. The only way to do that was to stop the war. Both sides agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire!
103
In 1959 alone, Pele played in 103 matches. That means one game every three days. Pele’s goal average is also unparalleled. For Brazil, he averaged .92 in official games and .94 in unofficial games. Santos scored 643 goals in 656 games for the club (average .98).
English Summary: Instead of losing one World Cup, Pele won for Brazil 3 World Cups