Mexico
was a controversial choice to host the 1970 World Cup, and the
distressed condition of some of the athletes in the Olympic Games held
there two years earlier did nothing to help the Mexican cause. But in
the event the finals not only provided thrilling competition and
splendid entertainment, but there was little of the negativity and
thuggery that blighted football in the sixties. Brazil, with the
incomparable Pele, raised the game to newr heights and were universally
popular winners. And England, who did not give up their hold on the
trophy without a fight, took part in two unforgettable matches. A Record
: 71 countries entered the 1970 World Cup, bill none had a more
eventful passage to Mexico than El Salvador from the Concacaf zone. They
played 10 games before qualifying, and one win over the neighbouring
Honduras sparked off a two-week war between the mutual!) antagonistic
countries. By contrast. Brazil qualified effortlessly from South
America, winning all six matches and scoring 25 goals (Tostao nine, Pele
six. Jairzinho four) to two. With England exempt as holders, Wesl
Germany were the most impressive European qualifiers, dropping only one
point. Gerd Muller scored 10 of their 20 goals, and they mauled Cyprus
12-0 in one game. The Germans conceded only three, all to Scotland, who
were eliminated.
