I'm brazilian. SporTV, the biggest sports' channel here in Brazil, has been reprising all Brazil games in the 1970 World Cup in chronological order every day. Today they reprised the second game of Brazil's campaign, a 1-0 victory over England. England had a truly great team in the 1970 World Cup. Better than the 1966 winner. They, alongside Uruguay's first half against Brazil in the semifinals (though the latter more due to Brazil being hugely nervous and scared of fear that 1950 could repeat), were easily Brazil's toughest opponent. And, despite losing, they not only stood up to probably the greatest national team ever, they actually were superior to Brazil in the game, specially in the first half (Pelé's famous header was the only great Brazil goal chance in the first half if I'm not mistaken while England had many). And Brazil was hanging on towards the end of the game. Astle's miss is unbelievable, one of the worst misses ever! England really deserved better luck, at least a draw. And what a player Bobby Moore was, his tackles, man-marking on Pelé and anticipations throughout the game were awesome!
No wonder England came into the 1970 World Cup as the biggest favorites, that was probably the best team that England ever had in World Cup, they were really were a coherent and cohesive unit, more than in 66, full of great players. At the same time, defeating England gave Brazil a huge boost of confidence for the rest of the tournament. Also, England going out in the quarter-finals was really surprising. They were defeating Germany 2-0, but then England's coach thought that the match was won and took out Bobby Charlton, England's greatest player and main playmaker... A rematch between England and Brazil in the final was totally possible!
No wonder England came into the 1970 World Cup as the biggest favorites, that was probably the best team that England ever had in World Cup, they were really were a coherent and cohesive unit, more than in 66, full of great players. At the same time, defeating England gave Brazil a huge boost of confidence for the rest of the tournament. Also, England going out in the quarter-finals was really surprising. They were defeating Germany 2-0, but then England's coach thought that the match was won and took out Bobby Charlton, England's greatest player and main playmaker... A rematch between England and Brazil in the final was totally possible!