The program features historical interviews with Pelé, Tostão, Gérson, Rivellino and Jairzinho
On June 21, 1971, a year after the Brazilian team defeated Italy, in Mexico City, 4-1, and won their third world championship, TV Tupi presented viewers with a historical document about the national victory. In addition to the striking images of the matches, still in black and white, it is possible to watch interviews with the stars: Pelé, Tostão, Gérson, Rivellino and Jairzinho.
The program is presented by Gontijo Teodoro, who made history when he ran “Repórter Esso”, and by commentator Rui Porto who, in 1970, was in Mexico on TV Tupi. Jairzinho praised the group’s unity: “There was always, every night, from 7 o’clock onwards, a meeting between the players and this meeting would take place at a mass. Several players participated who were Catholic and liked to pray. I was one of the participants”.
One of the rarities of the Tupi material is the appearance of Major Brigadier Jerônimo Bastos, head of the Brazilian delegation at the World Cup. The military praised the national preparation: “We all prepared admirably for that final bond. I’m sure the players, coaches and head of the delegation didn’t expect anything else”.
The Tupi program was shown on TV Cultura in the 90s, on “Grandes Momentos do Esporte”, and I recorded the content on VHS tape. Luiz Alberto Volpe, now deceased, begins the presentation talking about Brazil’s defeat in the 1966 World Cup, in England. The interference of the military in the 1970 selection is also one of the topics covered. I hope you like it:
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
