Remembering the UnConventional Rivelino of Brasil

1970 FIFA World Cup

The 1970 FIFA World Cup, the ninth staging of the World Cup, was held in Mexico, from May 31 to June 21. Mexico was chosen as hosts by FIFA in October 1964. In a match-up of teams that had won the World Cup twice, the final was won by Brazil, who beat Italy 4-1. This means Brazil were the first three-time champion and were allowed to keep the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently. The Brazilian team, featuring the likes of Pelé (who was in his fourth and final World Cup), Carlos Alberto, Clodoaldo, Gérson, Jairzinho, Rivelino, and Tostão, is usually regarded as the greatest attacking World Cup team ever. This tournament also saw the return of free-flowing, attacking play after the physical battles of 1962 and 1966, and is still considered by many fans to be the finest World Cup in history. 

Rivelino

Roberto Rivellino (b. January 1st, 1946 - São Paulo) is a Brazilian football player, famous for his extremely potent left-foot shot, thunderous long-range free kicks and large moustache. He also invented a soccer move called the "Elastico", also known as "flip flap". He is widely regarded as one of the most graceful footballers ever, and is usually ranked as the 4th best Brazilian, after Pelé, Garrincha, and Zico, respectively, as well as one of the best midfielders the world's ever seen.

Rivelino, as he is most commonly known in Brazil, started as a futsal player in Clube Indiano, São Paulo. He tried to get in his childhood favorite team, Palmeiras in 1963, but they did not utilize him in the team. After that he tried his luck in their biggest rival, Corinthians, one of the most important Brazilian soccer teams. Unfortunately for him, when he played for Corinthians, the club was in one of the worst eras of its history. After losing the 1974 São Paulo State championship to Corinthians' arch-rival, Palmeiras, Rivelino was ostracized by the majority of Corinthians' supporters, and left the club to play for Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro.

Among the cariocas, Rivelino was also an idol, winning the Carioca State Championship in 1975 and 1976. Towards the end of the seventies, Rivelino went to play in Saudi Arabia; he retired in 1981.

Rivelino is also one of the players that have more than 100 caps for the Brazilian national team. He was a starter in most games in the successful Brazilian campaign in the 1970 FIFA World Cup, scoring 3 goals, including the powerful free-kick against Czechoslovakia, which earned him the nickname "Patada Atómica" (Atomic Kick) by Mexican fans. Rivelino also played in the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups, although with less success (4th and 3rd places respectively).

After his professional retirement, Rivelino started a career as a soccer commentator and coach (he has directed the Japanese national team).

Rivelino was one of the players named by Pelé in 2004 as the 125 Greatest Living Footballers. 

2005 Golden Foot: Roberto Rivellino