Amid allegations of gerrymandering and grave concerns for altitude and heat, Mexico was the choice after 56 countries voted in their favour while 32 opposed and 7 abstained at the1964 FIFA Congress in Tokyo. After the big success of the sport in England four years ago the 9th Edition of the World Cup Football finals could ill afford to fall short since the quadrennial Event had now become a much looked-forward Global showpiece. The TV spectacle now in full colour and Universal demand forced FIFA into TV request for all Sunday matches to be played at noon in intense heat, not to mention the high altitude that makes difficulty for breathing.
Despite these and other fears, Mexico hosted another, if not, more successful Tournament where Brazil, in total command, excited the World while clinically disposing of all opposition to become the first country to win 3 titles. The great King Pele in his analysis of the final simply said ‘a beautiful game’, and from since that time football has been proudly referred to as The ‘Beautiful Game’. Not a single player was sent off, equaling the 1950 Tournament Record, unlike the last 2 finals where violence replaced the ‘Beautiful Game’.
A record 75 Nations entered the Qualifying Competition and among the top teams not to qualify were: Portugal, Hungary, Spain, France and Argentina. The newcomers were El Salvador, Israel and the African Zone winner, Morocco and for the first time Red and Yellow Cards were used, though there were only little use for the latter. From the very opening game at the new Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, the crowds were huge. A total of 107,160 fans attended the dull 0 – 0 draw between Mexico and Russia in a group 1 fixture. The Russians after easy 2- 0 and 4 -1 wins against El Salvador and Belgium respectively topped the group. The host joined them in the Quarter-finals with comfortable victories over the Salvadoreans and Belgium by 4 – 0 and 1- 0 margins.
Italy despite only scoring in their 1- 0 win over Sweden was the top side from group 2. Against former Champs and newcomer Israel the ‘Azzurri Boys’ failed to score in securing draws. Uruguay also progressed, superior goal difference, although they tied with the Swedish who incidentally beat them 1- 0. Sweden were held to a 1-1 tie with Israel who were beaten 2- 0 by the Uruguayans.
Brazil in all its glory played attractive and attacking football to emerge unbeaten and were accompanied into the next round by the Cup holders whose only blemish was a hard fought 0 -1 loss to Brazil who also put away Romania 3 -2 and the Czechs 3 -1. England made sure of progression with 1- 0 wins over Romania and Czechoslovakia.
It was group 4 which exploded with goals, led by West Germany (10) and the other group qualifier Peru (7). The Germans wasted little time in beating Bulgaria 5 – 2, Peru 3 -1 and Morocco 2 -1. Peru had the better of Bulgaria 3 – 2 and Morocco 3 – 0.
Of all the Quarters the one which was highly anticipated was staged in Leon, a repeat of the ‘66’ finals and it truly lived up to earlier widespread predictions. Alan Mullery gave England the lead after 31 minutes and Martin Peters doubled it 5 minutes after the 2nd half resumption. The Germans by now have built a reputation for a ‘never say die attitude’ and led by Franz Beckenbauer who converted in the 68th minute slowly began to take control with their superior fitness. Uwe Seeler headed home the equaliser 14 minutes from the end of regulation and forced the game into extra time, paving the way for the big Gerd Muller to produce the winner 3 minutes into the 2nd half of extra-time and avenge the Championship loss 4 years ago and thus the reign of the English came to an end.
Another game also went into extra time. At the Azteca, neither Uruguay nor Russia could find the net in regulation time, but with 4 minutes from the final whistle Victor Esparrago delivered the winner. It was much easier and more encouraging for the Italians at the height of Toluca as they scored four against one by the host to book a last four meeting with the Germans.
Meantime in Guadalajara, the South Americans Peru and Brazil entertained close to 55,000 cheering fans with the ‘Beautiful Game’ brilliantly exhibited. The Peruvians for all their flair as well as guidance of the former Brazilian star of the ‘58’ and ‘62’ winning sides, Didi, could not match the Samba boys whose artistic abilities and sound Technical skills were a joy for the eyes to behold.
For the first time in the history of the Cup all four teams of the semi-finalists were champions of the Cup. At Guadalajara, Brazil paid little attention to the physical tactics of the Uruguayans and advanced to the final with a 3 -1 triumph, yet again the elusive Jairzinho on the right flank was among the scorers.
In Mexico City, it was a different story as the battle was extended 30 minutes beyond the 90, producing a record 5 goals in the extra period after a 1-1 stalemate at the end of regulation. The ‘Kaiser’ with a fracture strapped to his body was not rewarded for his bravery as the Italians prevailed 4 – 3. The Germans got some consolation with a 1- 0 win over Uruguay for the 3rd place.
Over 107, 000 fans flocked the Azteca Stadium on June 21st for the clash to see who would lift the Jules Rimet Cup for the last time since both sides had already secured 2 Cups each and FIFA had declared that whichever side wins the Cup thrice would have it for keeps.
The Mario Zagallo coached side was full of confidence and playing near flawless attacking football while the Italians reflected a defensive mindset. It was also the final World Cup appearance for the Greatest to ever grace a football pitch, Edson Arantes do Nascimento – King Pele and the most fitting way for a send off to mark the end of a great era in World Cup history.
The King and Brazil did not disappoint and thrashed Italy 4 -1, with Jairzinho ending the Tournament as the only player to score in every game including the final. He ended with 7, three less than Germany’s Muller, the top scorer of the Tournament.
Such was the brilliance of the Boys from Brazil that the British Press commented: ‘Such beautiful football should be outlawed’. Undefeated Champions for a 3rd time and Brazil kept for good the Jules Rimet Cup.