How Carlos Alberto Finished What Is Still Considered The Greatest-ever Team Goal

25 October 2016 17:05

Carlos Alberto, the captain of Brazil's 1970 World Cup-winning side, has died aged 72.

The defender scored one of the most iconic goals in football, his powerful angled drive from the right side of the penalty area completing a brilliant team move as Italy were beaten 4-1 in the Mexico City final.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look back at Alberto's moment of magic at the Estadio Azteca.

Brazil were on the verge of securing an historic third World Cup triumph, leading Italy 3-1 heading into the final four minutes.

After forward Tostao had tracked back to help Piazza clear up an Italian attack, the ball was tapped out of defence and into midfield for Clodoaldo, Pele and Gerson to exchange a triangle of quick passes.

Santos playmaker Clodoaldo then jinked past four Blue shirts, turning one way and then another, with a series of stepovers, before possession was swiftly moved up field by Rivelino, who effortlessly clipped the ball down the left channel to Jairzinho.

The Botafogo winger cut inside across the edge of the Italian penalty area before finding Pele, who has scored the opening goal on 18 minutes, in space just outside the arc.

The Brazil number 10, having glanced sideways, held the ball up before laying it off into the right side of the box and straight into the path of the on-rushing Alberto, who unleashed a fierce drive low into the bottom left corner past Italy goalkeeper Enrico Albertosi.

A total of eight Brazil outfield players had been involved in what is still considered the greatest team goal of all time.

"And up comes Carlos Alberto on the right... and it is four... oh, that was sheer delightful football!" was how the moment was described by BBC match commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme - a statement which remains true to the millions of football fans, young and old, who have watched the grainy footage since.

Source: PA-WIRE