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The 1970 FIFA World Cup: Shaping the Modern Game

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The 1970 FIFA World Cup can be considered the cornerstone of the modern World Cup. Many of the elements we now know in every four-year staging of the biggest football event were introduced at this edition of the World Cup.

Mexico 1970 was the first World Cup held outside of Europe and South America. The CONCACAF country was selected as the host at the FIFA Congress in October 1964, beating out other candidates like Argentina. Various breakthroughs were made by FIFA to standardize the rules, allocate team spots per confederation, and globally promote the World Cup and football in general.

The 1970 World Cup Fun Facts

The 1970 Mexico World Cup had several interesting facts, especially regarding the new match regulations used for the first time. Here are the highlights from the first World Cup held in North America:

  • Israel, Morocco, and El Salvador made their debuts.
  • North Korea boycotted the qualifiers, refusing to play against Israel.
  • Morocco only brought 19 players out of the 22 allowed in the official squad.
  • The red card, yellow card, and player substitution rules were officially introduced.
  • The opening match featuring the host team was the last time this format was used before it returned in 2006.
  • Adidas became the sole official ball supplier for the entire tournament, a first.
  • FIFA introduced the concept of an official World Cup ball starting with the Telstar.
  • Drawing lots was still used to determine progression if matches ended in a tie after extra time or if two teams had the same points in the group stage. This happened once to decide the winner of Group A between the Soviet Union and the host Mexico.
  • It was the first edition broadcast in color television, not just black and white.

The Dominance of Attacking Football

The 1970 edition became one of the most entertaining World Cups, with almost all teams adopting an offensive style of play. Some matches even produced goal-fests, like the quarterfinal between Brazil and Peru that ended 4-2, or the game dubbed the 'Match of the Century' between Italy and West Germany in the semifinals, which finished 4-3.

Brazil, the tournament favorites, once again displayed their attractive jogobonito (beautiful game) with Pelé in prime form. Accompanied by Jairzinho, Tostao, Rivellino, and Gerson, the Seleção advanced flawlessly from the group stage, despite being in the "group of death" with defending champions England, two-time runners-up Czechoslovakia, and Romania. In the knockout rounds, the team managed by Mario Zagallo eliminated Peru and Uruguay. 

Their final opponents, Italy, overcame the host Mexico and West Germany to reach the summit. Unfortunately, Italy's catenaccio style was completely stifled by the samba dancing of Pelé and his teammates, who crushed the Azzurri 4-1. Brazil was thus entitled to keep the Jules Rimet trophy permanently after winning their third title.

Top Scorer: Gerd Müller (West Germany) - 10 goals

Best Player: Pelé (Brazil)

Best Young Player: Teófilo Cubillas (Peru)

 


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