The Beautiful Team

Brazil won the 1970 World Cup with an exhibition of the most fluid, exhilarating football ever witnessed. Their young prodigy Jairzhino scored in every match. Tostao, Rivelino, Clodoaldo and Gerson emerged as masters of what became known as "samba football" -- slow, elegant moves punctuated by cobra-sharp strikes that often led to breathtaking goals. In a team of jewels, however, Pele, the Black Pearl, stood supreme. Brazil's 4-1 demolition of a cynical Italy in the Final remains the most joyous climax the tournament has ever witnessed. For many, the 1970 Brazilians epitomised all that is beautiful about the beautiful game, and they are revered not just in their home country but around the world. In THE BEAUTIFUL TEAM Garry Jenkins journeys to Brazil to track down the surviving members of that unforgettable eleven and talk to them about their memories of the World Cup. From the chaotic cabinet room of Pele's Sports Ministry in Brasilia to the home of the reclusive Tostao; from Carlos Alberto's soccer school in Rio to the Sao Paulo garage where Felix is still defending his calamitous contribution to the 1970 campaign, this is a travelogue into footballing legend. As colourful as Brazilian culture itself, THE BEAUTIFUL TEAM is a fascinating -- and often touching -- collection of personal histories and a celebration of the most revered team the world has ever known.