Unforgettable World Cup match 1982 : Italy vs Brazil
Greetings everyone,
During World Cup 1982 , the match with the Brazilian national team, a miracle finally happened to star Italian striker Paolo Rossi himself ...
Both teams entered the field in their classic uniforms: Brazilians in yellow shirts and blue shorts, Italians in blue shirts and white shorts. The match itself turned out to be classic.
Perhaps the Brazilian national team was let down by excessive self-confidence, as has happened more than once at various world championships. The Brazilians entered the field of the Barcelona Sarria stadium carefree, lavishing smiles on the audience. But from the very first minutes it became clear that the Italian team would not be an easy prey for them that day.
As soon as the game began, Paolo Rossi could open an account, but he almost reached the ball after Marco Tardelli's cross. However, already in the 5th minute, after an excellent pass from the left flank, made by Antonio Cabrini, he sent the ball into the Brazilian goal with a strong and accurate heading against goalkeeper Valdir Perez.
The Brazilians, however, were not at all embarrassed by this beginning, they were sure that they would “score as much as they wanted” and played, playing the ball beautifully and demonstrating beautiful improvisations. Within 7 minutes, Brazil equalized the score. Zico unexpectedly passed the ball to Socrates with his heel, and he deceived goalkeeper Dino Zoff with an equally unexpected blow not to the far, but to the near corner.
Having equalized the score, the Brazilians continued to play easy, casual football - after all, the Brazilian national team was happy with a draw. But in the 25th minute, Toninho Serezo, somewhat carelessly, gives the transfer across the field to Junior, who acts sluggishly in this episode. Rossi intercepts the ball, accelerates and long-range strike again brings the Italian national team forward - 2: 1. This score did not change until the end of the first half.
In the second half, the Brazilians step up and intensify the onslaught, the Italians respond with sharp counterattacks. The speeds in the match increase. In the 68th minute, Falcao receives the ball at the penalty line, shifts slightly to the left and shoots without hindrance. Zoff, being covered by the defenders, can do nothing. The Brazilians are jubilant, 2: 2 - the score, which is quite happy with the “celesao”.
On the 75th minute, Italy delivers a corner for the first time in this match. Conti crosses into the goalkeeper's room. Graziani, in the fight against the defenders, manages to push the ball forward to Rossi, who in one touch sends it to Perez's goal. 3: 2. Italy comes forward for the third time!
The Brazilians, realizing that they seriously “smelled of fried,” unleash all the power of their attacks on the gates of Zoff. The Italians are staunchly defending themselves, Dino Zoff works wonders at the gate. The performance of the 40-year-old goalkeeper-captain in that match was beyond praise. If Socrates' first goal in the near goal can be blamed on Zoff, then he was not to blame for Falcao's goal. He practically did not make more mistakes in the match and deflected many of the most dangerous blows from Brazilian players. A few days later, this renowned goalkeeper became the oldest world champion in the history of football.
Italy's smashing counterattack! Graziani cleverly leaves the ball on the line of the field and gives it to Antognoni. He accelerates and passes to the right to Rossi. Pablito enters the penalty area and throws it off on Oriali, who, without hesitation, returns the ball to Antononi. Strike to touch in the near corner. Goal! 4: 2! But no! Giancarlo throws up his hands in despair. Out of the game! The replay shows that there was no offside. How so?!! Martellini repeats as instinctively: “Non era fuorigioco di Antognoni” - “Antognoni was not out of the game!”.
Less than two minutes left. Eder performs a cross from a free kick. Headbutt point-blank. But Zoff takes the ball on the ribbon! Socrates hangs in despair from afar. The goalkeeper of Scuadra Azzurra is impeccable.
Last minute. All Italian foot bench. It feels like Cesare Maldini ( at that time he was the assistant coach of the Italian national team - KP ) is now running out on the field. The Brazilians can't do the last corner in any way - they are hindered by an advertising poster ( I also remember this episode very well, how Zico "to hell" shifts the billboards that hinder him - KP ). A twisted serve straight into the goalkeeper's room, but Zoff clears the ball with his fist. Cabrini gets hit. He writhes while lying on the ground. For God's sake, don't get up any longer! Dino gestures to everyone to move away. Knocks out from the foot. Whistle. That's all! È finita! "
Italy in this match showed the whole world an example of balanced, harmonious football. Brazil, along with superstar midfield, had a fairly average offense and defense and an overtly weak goalkeeper. The “Scuadra Azzurra” had a super reliable goalkeeper, tenacious defense, mobile midfield and an excellent productive striker Paolo Rossi, who issued one of the best matches of his career.
Rossi will later write in his autobiography: “Before the match, Bearzot asked me to put pressure on Oscar and Luisinho, two not the fastest central defenders in Brazil. They will definitely be wrong, "he said." The Italy coach was right. Paolo gave his best and scored the legendary hat-trick, silenced his critics.
Altobelli solidified the Italians' lead. Breitner's return goal did not decide anything, and he was not even happy after he sent the ball into the net (an exceptional case for the final matches of the world championships). 3: 1. Italy is the world champion! The colorful Enzo Bearzot, along with his national team from a pejorative object of media criticism and tiffozi, instantly became heroes of Italy and forever entered the history of Italian and world football.
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Wow, a very well painted image of the match between Brazil and Italy.
I think complacency is the word to use for the celesao in that particular match. Of course, they were on top of their game but it is the world cup, don't underestimate any team.
Great entry, thank you for your participation.
One thing,
Image usage from the guidelines below are highly advised in this communiy since it removes all doubts of copyright material.
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