88 days to go…
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Jairzinho
Brazil v England
Mexico 1970 | Group 3
Estadio Jalisco, Guadalajara
‘The Save of the Century’ denied Jairzinho an assist. ‘The Tackle of the Century’ denied him going clean through on Gordon Banks’ goal. There would, however, be no stopping ‘The Hurricane’ settling ‘The Final That Never Was’.
It was indebted to Tostao, who held off Alan Ball, nutmegged Bobby Moore and left Tommy Wright on his backside – and a portion of fortune.
“I had looked over to the sidelines and saw Roberto getting ready to come on,” explained Tostao. “He was a forward. I knew Pele wouldn’t get taken off, so I knew it was me. I knew I had to do something special. [If I hadn’t] who knows if I’d have stayed in the starting XI? I went for it. I managed to put the ball between Bobby Moore’s legs, pull off that dribble and find Pele.”
Pele controlled the adidas Telstar masterfully and craftily poked it to Jairzinho, who lashed it over Banks and home.
