Career in Pictures: Brazilian legend Zico

The Class of ’82

Simply one of the best international teams ever to have played the game, a bit like the Dutch sides of the 70s it’s a bit of a mystery as to why Brazil didn’t become world champions.

Played in Spain, Selecao’s squad included Zico, Socrates, Falcao, Eder and a host of other talented individuals.

Managed by the great Tele, the side started off on fire by winning all three group matches in which they scored 10 times.

Zico netted three times in those games and was involved (goal or assist) in eight consecutive goals for his country.

But after scoring the winner in a 3-1 win against Argentina in the second round – a game which eliminated their great rivals, Brazil came up against a strong Italy side to see who would take their place in the last-four.

And in a classic World Cup match in Barcelona, the Italians, who went on to win the tournament, won 3-2 thanks to a Paolo Rossi hat-trick.

Again, it was a tournament of style over substance for Brazil and Zico.