Football’s biggest tournament is back on North American soil this summer, 32 years after Italy’s Roberto Baggio sent the ball flying over the crossbar in the final, tragic act of one of the most iconic World Cups to date. Before the US hosted the world of “soccer” in 1994, neighbouring Mexico had become the first country in the world to organise two World Cups, first in 1970 and again in 1986, when it stepped in for Colombia. As the two countries team up with Canada for an unprecedented three-host World Cup, running from June 11 to July 19, we look back at some of the highlights of the first three tournaments held on the continent. 1970: Pelé strikes back
Brazil's captain Carlos Alberto with his English counterpart Bobby Moore at the 1970 World Cup. AP file photo
The first tournament held in North America is still regarded by many as the finest yet, won by a legendary Brazil team boasting the likes of Gerson, Rivelino, Tostao, Jairzinho and, of course, Pelé. The latter – already a two-time champion – was making his comeback to the Selecao, after injury had forced him out of the 1966 World Cup. Brazil faced their toughest test in the group stage when they took on defending champions England in a clash of titans that saw Gordon Banks famously deny Pelé with one of the greatest saves in history, before Jairzinho sealed a hard-fought 1-0 win in the searing heat of Guadalajara.
