World cup Legends

ROBERTO RIVELLINO
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Brazil’s number 11 was one of the stars of the 1970
World Cup, and he was renowned for his powerful
left foot – something he said was a gift from God.
Operating on the left side of midield, he became known
as ‘Patada Atómica’ (‘Atomic Kick’), and his devastating
ability was highlighted by his bending free kick against
Czechoslovakia. This level of skill also left fans of East
Germany open-mouthed in 1974 when he blasted the ball
through a small gap in their defence during Brazil’s opening
second round game. But Rivellino, who also played in
1978 when Brazil came third, was just as good at dribbling,
employing a technique dubbed the ‘Elastico’, or feint.
FRANZ
BECKENBAUER
20
Pelé was full of praise for
Beckenbauer, famed for his
stylish defending and ability as captain
of West Germany. He inluenced the
nation both on and of the pitch as his
country secured the World Cup in 1974,
and winning the World Cup in 1990
as manager.
GARY LINEKER
21
Lineker knew
how to ind the
net. As England’s most
successful World Cup
striker with ten goals
to his name, his clinical
approach to the game saw him shoot six
past opponents in the 1986 tournament
(winning him the Golden Boot) and grab a
further four in 1990. Three of those goals
came in a blistering irst-half hat-trick
against Poland in the inal group game
of 1986, and it only cemented the
reputation of a player known not only as
‘Mister Nice Guy’, but as a footballer with
pace and an uncanny ability to ind space
in front of goal.
DINO ZOFF
22
Zof made his
Italy debut in 1968
and went on win 112
caps for his country
Zof was aged 40 and 133 days when he lifted the World Cup trophy for Italy on 11
July 1982 against West Germany – the oldest player to win the tournament. As Italy’s
irst-choice goalkeeper and captain during that summer, he kept two clean sheets and made
a jaw-dropping reaction save in the second round against Brazil, ensuring his team preserved
their 3-2 lead and progressed. Zof was named in the All-Star team, and he was heralded as 1982’s
best goalkeeper. He also appeared in the previous three World Cups, keeping three clean sheets
in 1978 as Italy came fourth.
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