1966 And All That with Comet... No. 1: Gordon Banks v Brazil 1970
1970 World Cup Mexico
The irresistible force of Pele’s Brazil collided with England’s immovable object, Gordon Banks, in the group stages of the greatest-ever World Cup, Mexico 1970...
England arrived as reigning champions but faced a Brazil team widely regarded as the finest attacking side in world football, featuring the likes of Pele, Jairzinho, Rivelino and Tostao.
Brazil were constantly threatening when Jairzinho delivered a cross to the far post where Pele was waiting, seemingly suspended in mid air. The world's greatest-ever player met the ball with a thunderous downward header, shouting "Goal!" as he connected.
But, despite being out of position, Banks defied the laws of physics by somehow diving behind himself to get a hand to the ball and deny Brazil their celebrations. Banks only realised that he had managed to send the ball over the crossbar when captain Bobby Moore congratulated him on what is remembered as the save of the century.
Key Figures
Gordon Banks
Banks managed to keep a rampant Brazil at bay for an hour, although all his efforts paled into insignificance compared to ‘that’ save against Pele. The keeper claims that save is better remembered than him winning the World Cup in 1966. Even the greatest player to have ever graced the game said it was the best save he had seen – although Pele is unlikely to have witnessed many saves during his career.
Jairzinho
Jairzinho scored six goals in seven appearances during the 1970 World Cup, including the one that finally beat Banks. Brazil were loitering with intent in and around England’s penalty area when Tostao delivered a cross, which Pele’s sixth sense laid off for Jairzinho to fire a bullet into the roof of the net that ultimately decided the game.
Bobby Moore
Perhaps the other most famous moment during this game was the England captain’s tackle on Jairzinho. The Brazilian was racing into the penalty area where Moore waited patiently before sliding in a perfectly timed tackle, which would otherwise have been a penalty, before calmly playing the ball out of defence.
Did You Know...?
This game produced one of the most iconic moments in World Cup history - the mutual respect shown between World Cup winners Pele and Bobby Moore at the end of the game, which is said to have popularised the act of shirt-swapping in the modern game.
Mexico 1970 produced several World Cup firsts, including the introduction of substitutes and red/yellow cards. It was also the first tournament to be broadcast to a global TV audience in glorious Technicolor.
Conspiracy theorists claim Gordon Banks was poisoned before the West Germany game, although this was dismissed by the keeper. Banks was forced to watch the match from his sick bed and fell asleep after England had taken a 2-0 lead believing his team had won - only to be rudely awakened by news of the capitulation later.
What Happened Next
England eventually lost the game to Jairzinho's goal but still managed to qualify for the quarter-finals, and a repeat of the 1966 Final against West Germany.
Banks was taken ill before the game and replaced by Peter Bonetti in goal. England began well by taking a 2-0 lead but were eventually beaten 3-2 in extra-time as the Germans exacted their revenge.
England manager, Alf Ramsey, said of Banks' absence, "Of all the players we had to lose, we had to lose him".
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