New Addition: Tournaments-Part one

The 1976 American Bicentennial Soccer Cup

The American Bicentennial Soccer Cup was a summer tournament staged in the United States as a means of promoting Soccer in a fledgling Professional League.

The NASL (North American Professional Soccer League) had started in the 1960s and had over the years imported many big name players at the twilight of their careers (Pele, Bobby Moore, Eusebio, etc.) and also many mostly British based players.

This event staged in 1976, as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial Celebrations, grouped three former World Cup Champions (Brazil, Italy, England). Since the USA National team at the time could not compete Internationally with teams of such pedigree, the hosts decided to select a NASL XI squad that included Americans as well as many of the best foreign players in the League. The squad (called Team Amercia) would be managed by former English Professional and then New York Cosmos Manager Ken Furphy. He would be assisted with the Italian Eddie Firmani of Tampa Bay Rowdies and the German-born Manfred Schellscheidt of Hartford Bicentennials.

Osvaldo Brandão, who had taken over since the end of the 1974 World Cup, managed the Brazilians. He had previously managed the national team twenty years earlier.

He had selected a relatively young squad to prepare for the future. He had stated the team would form the basis for the 1978 World Cup. The team was led by veteran Roberto Rivellino, and still contained a handful of players (including Rivellino) who had taken part in the last World Cup: Emerson Leão, Marinho Chagas, Marco Antônio and Valdir Peres. Rivellino, Marco Antônio and Emerson Leão were 1970 World Cup Champions.

The previous year, Brandão had given debuts to Amaral and Roberto Dinamite. That year (1976) he had launched Gil, Falcão and Zico in the International Arena. Zico was being touted as Brazil’s next superstar and was even dubbed, the ‘White Pelé’.

Don Revie’s England had mostly their mind on the World Cup Qualifier vs. Finland in June at Helsinki, and saw these matches as preparation.

They had just taken part in the preceding weeks in the annual Home Championship with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Revie had taken over in the Fall of 1974 and had overseen England’s European Championship elimination at the hands of Czechoslovakia. He still tinkered formations and tactics from match to match with no clear vision. The star of the team was Liverpool’s Kevin Keegan at his best.

Prior to the start of the Cup, Revie was faced with backup goalkeeper, Peter Shilton’s request to be omitted from England duty, as he was tired of being understudy to Ray Clemence (Though he would go back on his decision by August and ask to be reinstated).

Italy was also in a rebuilding phase after the disappointing 1974 World Cup and their elimination in the European Championships in a Group with Holland and Poland.

Fulvio Bernardini had led the team since the end the last World Cup. However, by September of 1975, Enzo Bearzot was appointed as the Manager with Bernardini acting at tandem as Technical Director. Bearzot’s handling of the national team was to be reassessed by the Italian Federation on June 30^th; therefore he probably had more at stake in this Tournament than the other managers.

The team itself was based around the Turin axis of Juventus and Torino, who would go on to form the backbone up to the 1978 World Cup.

The Captain was still the Internazionale Milano veteran Giacinto Faccheti nearing the end of his career (almost 34 at the time). In addition, the midfield organizer was Fiorentina’s bright young hope Giancarlo Antognoni.

The matches started on May 23^rd with the NASL stars hosting Italy at Washington, DC and Brazil and England squaring off in Los Angeles.

Photo From : Onze, Issue 6, June 1976

(Fabio Capello and Pele, May 23, 1976, Bicentennial Cup, Team America 0-Italy 4)

The NASL contingent was dealt with withdrawals of two its selected stars prior to the matches: Northern Ireland’s George Best and Englishman Rodney Marsh. They nevertheless fielded a squad captained by Pele, along with Bobby Moore and former Italian International Giorgio Chinaglia lining up vs. his own nation.

 For the Italians, Marco Tardelli was earning only his second cap. The Italians completely dominated and scored four unanswered goals.

In the 14^th minute, Franco Causio got past Peter Chandler and crossed for Fabio Capello who scored. Seven minutes later, Paolino Pulici took and scored from a penalty kick awarded after a foul on himself by American goalkeeper Rigby. In the second half, Italy scored twice more. In the 73^rd minute, Francesco Graziani pounced on a mistake by Stewart Jump. Ten minutes later, Francesco Rocca rounded out the scoring from a long distance shot.

Photo From : Onze, Issue 6, June 1976

(May 23, 1976, Bicentennial Cup, Brazil 1-England 0)

Photo From : Onze, Issue 6, June 1976

(Orlando, Keegan and Miguel, May 23, 1976, Bicentennial Cup, Brazil 1-England 0)

England and Brazil (Playing their first ever match on American soil) contest was a much tighter affair. The deadlock was only broken with a minute left. A corner taken from the left was headed across by Channon, Gil volleyed it across the goal, the ball struck an England defender and Roberto Dinamite struck the loose ball into the net from close range.

Many observers felt that England deserved at least a draw.

Photo From : World Soccer, August 1976

(May 23, 1976, Bicentennial Cup, Brazil 1-England 0)

The second day of matches took place on May 28^th, with England and Italy playing in New York City and Brazil and the NASL squad at Seattle.

The Italy-England match-up was played in the Yankees Stadium.  The venue was later criticized, as it was an exclusively a Baseball field and for virtually half the field, the sandy Baseball Diamond was visible. The match had significance since both teams were grouped in the same World Cup Qualifying Group and were due to play one another later in the year (November 17^th) at Rome.

The Englishmen Jimmy Rimmer, Ray Wilkins and Gordon Hill earned their first caps. Liverpool’s Phil Neal was earning his second cap. Revie did not lineup Gerry Francis, this gave an opportunity for Mick Channon to Captain England for the first time.

The Italians took an early two goal lead within the first twenty minutes. In the 15th minute, Mike Doyle lost a ball in midfield with Pulici pressuring him, the ball was picked up by Franco Causio who immediately passed to Graziani for the opener.

Three minutes later, Causio picked up another ball on the right wing and gave it to Capello, who then passed back for Benetti. Romeo Benetti crossed the ball across the goalmouth for Graziani to slot home for his personal second.

With England seemingly in shambles, Revie replaced goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer and sent on Joe Corrigan for his very first cap as well.

Similarly, defender Phil Neal was replaced with the more experienced Mick Mills.

The more galvanized England not only reduced the deficit but also actually took the lead in the first six minutes of the restart.

First, in the 47^th minute, Trevor Brooking crossed to Royle from the right side who picked the ball, turned and shot, Dino Zoff could not hold on and Channon knocked in the rebound.

A minute later, Gordon Hill took a corner from the right side that Thompson headed across and past Zoff.

Photo From : Onze, Issue 6, June 1976

(Francesco Rocca and Gordon Hill, May 28, 1976, Bicentennial Cup, England 3-Italy 2)

A few minutes later, Brooking sent a cross inside the box for Channon to score England’s winning goal.

With the match out of their control now, Bearzot made a triple substitution in the 57^th minute, by taking off Roggi, Benetti and Causio and sending on Aldo Maldera, Renato Zaccarelli and Claudio Sala.

Near the end, Facchetti scored a goal, which was ruled out after a foul on Corrigan. The frustrated Facchetti allegedly punched Mick Mills in the chest and swung at Clements in the aftermath.

Enzo Bearzot dismissed the incident by claiming that this was behavior unlike him and that he was under a lot of pressure.

Bearzot went on to say that he was proud of his team because the sustained pressure they applied in the last twenty minutes. To him, this showed that they were a team of fighters. However, the media pushed back on that claim, by advancing the idea that the pressure was an act of desperation in a losing fight.

Bearzot also took issue with English Journalist Brian Glanville, who had ran a story alleging that Franco Causio had spat on Bearzot when being substituted. Bearzot said had that really happened, Causio would not have played the next match. Glanville for his part apologized, but maintained his version by saying he had interviewed three eyewitnesses. He later re-interviewed two of the witnesses and they maintained their account. One even said that not only Causio spat, but was so angry that he would not even shake hands with the player substituting him.

Photo From : Onze, Issue 6, June 1976

(Rivellino, May 28, 1976, Bicentennial Cup, Team America 0-Brazil 2)

The NASL-Brazil match on the same say was less eventful. Brazil won the match with two goals by Gil. The first in the 29^th minute was a nice solo effort. Gil picked up a pass from Rivellino from the middle of the field and ran across towards the goal by dribbling and feigning a defender before taking a hard shot. 

Photo From : Onze, Issue 6, June 1976

(Gil scoring Brazil’s first goal, May 28, 1976, Bicentennial Cup, Team America 0-Brazil 2)

With a minute remaining, Roberto Dinamite passed to Zico, who received at the edge of the box, he took a shot that Martin parried, Gil picked up the rebound and scored from close range.

The last round of matches took place on May 31^st. NASL/Team America took upon England at Philadelphia and Brazil and Italy played in the unofficial ‘Final’ at New Haven, Connecticut.

In the records of the England national team, the match vs. Team America is considered an unofficial match and the players did not receive official caps for this International.

In a one sided affair, England defeated their hosts with relative ease.

Photo From : Onze, Issue 6, June 1976

(Pele in front of Kevin Keegan, May 31, 1976, Bicentennial Cup, Team America 1-England 3)

Kevin Keegan scored twice in the first half, the first from an indirect free kick and the second six minutes later from a pass by Channon from the left after Bobby Smith had been dispossessed in midfield.

Early in the second half, England scored the third goal. Channon spotted Francis on the right side, who went around the goalkeeper and from a narrow angle scored. With minutes remaining, Chinaglia passed to Scullion who scored from near the edge of the box.

Photo From : Onze, Issue 9, September 1976

(Kevin Keegan, May 31, 1976, Bicentennial Cup, Team America 1-England 3)

The deciding match between Brazil and Italy was played with USA Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in the audience. The teams were presented to him before the start of the match, along with FIFA President Joao Havelange.

The match was a replay of the 1970 World Cup Final, with team captains Rivellino and Facchetti present once again. Italy’s Dino Zoff and Brazil’s Marco Antonio and Emerson Leão were also present in 1970 though did not play in that match.

Photo From : Onze, Issue 6, June 1976

(Rivellino and Giancarlo Antognoni, May 31, 1976, Bicentennial Cup, Brazil 4-Italy 1)

Italy scored first in the second minute. Franco Causio took a free kick from the left side touchline that got past Leão, as he was attempting to punch it clear, and Capello knocked it in.

Brazil tied up the match in the 29^th minute. Rivellino, from his own half, sent a long pass to Lula on the left side touchline, who passed it across to Gil, who evaded Roggi and scored.

With minutes remaining to the end of the half, Capello was forced off injured after a foul by Gil. Pecci took Capello’s place. A few minutes later just before the half time whistle, the match turned into an ill-tempered affair with the first of three sending offs.

Lula was sent off after a violent foul on Pecci. In the next few minutes, there were protests and counter-protests from each side and Romeo Benetti had arguments with the Brazilian bench before he was taken aside.

Just like the 1970 Final, the score was 1-1 at halftime and just like the 1970 match the floodgates were opened in the second half.

Photo From : Onze, Issue 6, June 1976

(Zico, May 31, 1976, Bicentennial Cup, Brazil 4-Italy 1)

Though Brazil was a man down, they actually took control. Early in the second half, Gil scored Brazil’s second and his fourth overall. From his own half Rivellino sent a long cross to Gil on the right side, Gil got past Rocca and then dribbled past Facchetti in the box to score.

In the 62ns minute, the Italian substitute Eraldo Pecci was himself substituted due to an injury. Claudio Sala took his spot.

In the 66^th minute, Roberto Bettega was sent off for a bad challenge on Marco Antonio.

Seven minutes later, Givanildo passed to Zico who ran clear and shot past Zoff.

Two minutes later, Getulio crossed into box for Roberto Dinamite, who trapped the ball first and then shot past Zoff for the fourth.

With seven minutes left, Franco Causio was sent off for kicking Rivellino from behind.

Despite the victory, Osvaldo Brandão resigned as Brazil Manager by the following year.

Zico had been a disappointment given the hype and expectations. Brandão singled out Rivellino as his best player for the Tournament.

Photo From: Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983

(Falcao between Antognoni and Facchetti, May 31, 1976, Bicentennial Cup, Brazil 4-Italy 1)

For England, the positive performances did not turn out to be a springboard for future success, and they were eliminated by Italy in the qualification phase for the 1978 World Cup. By the next year, Don Revie himself was out as England boss under controversial circumstances.

Enzo Bearzot was eventually appointed as full time and sole Italy Manager by the Fall of 1977. He oversaw the fine Italy squad of the 1978 World Cup and more importantly won the 1982 World Cup in Spain with some of the players present on this tour (Zoff, Tardelli, Antognoni, Graziani and Causio).

He ended his managerial career a decade later also in North America (Mexico, 1986).

As far as Soccer in America, this Cup did not seem to have any effect in the long run. Within less than a decade the League had collapsed and there was no Professional League in America to speak off. The resurgence in American Soccer took place with hosting the 1994 World Cup that led to the creation of a Professional League (MLS-Major Soccer League) in 1996.

Bicentennial Cup Squads

Brazil:

Goalkeepers:

Emerson Leão (Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras- São Paulo) 

Valdir de Arruda Peres ‘Valdir Peres’ (São Paulo Futebol Clube- São Paulo)  

Jairo do Nascimento  (Coritiba Futebol Clube –Curitiba)

Defenders:
Orlando Pereira (América Tio de Janieiro)  
Miguel Ferreira Pereira (Fluminense Football Club- Rio de Janeiro)   

Rigoberto Costa  Beto Fuscão (Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense) 

João Justino Amaral dos Santos (Guarani Futebol Clube)
Marco Antônio Feliciano (Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama - Rio de Janeiro)  

Francisco das Chagas Marinho Marinho Chagas (Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas- Rio de Janeiro) 

Getúlio Costa de Oliveira (Clube Atlético Mineiro- Belo Horizonte-Minas Gerais)

Antônio Dias dos Santos Toninho (Clube de Regatas Flamengo- Rio de Janeiro) 

Midfielders:
Paulo Roberto Falcão (Sport Club Internacional- Porto Alegre)                  
Roberto Rivellino (Fluminense Football Club- Rio de Janeiro)   
Gilberto Alves Gil (Fluminense Football Club- Rio de Janeiro)
Artur Antunes Coimbra ‘Zico’ (Clube de Regatas Flamengo- Rio de Janeiro) 

Givanildo José de Oliveira  (Santa Cruz Futebol Clube-Recife)  

Francisco Jesuino Avanzi Chicão (São Paulo Futebol Clube- São Paulo)  

Geraldo Cleofas Dias Alves (Clube de Regatas Flamengo- Rio de Janeiro)   

Strikers:
Antônio Rodrigues Filho Neca (Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense) 

Carlos Roberto de Oliveira Roberto Dinamite (Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama - Rio de Janeiro)  
Luis Ribeiro Pinto Neto Lula (Sport Club Internacional- Porto Alegre)  

Gilberto Alves de Souza Flecha (Guarani Futebol Clube)

Enéas de Camargo  (Associação Portuguesa de Desportos – São Paulo) 

Coach: Osvaldo Brandão

England:

Goalkeepers:

Raymond Neal Clemence (Liverpool Football Club)

John James ‘Jimmy’ Rimmer  (Arsenal Football Club-London)

Joseph Thomas Corrigan (Manchester City Football Club)

Philip Benjamin Neil Frederick Parkes (Queen’s Park Rangers Football Club-London)

Peter Leslie Shilton (Stoke City Football Club) (withdrew from squad)

Defenders:
 Colin Todd (Derby County Football Club)

Michael Denis ‘Mick’ Mills (Ipswich Town Football Club)

Trevor John Cherry (Leeds United Association Football Club) 
Philip Bernard Thompson (Liverpool Football Club)
David Thomas Clement (Queen’s Park Rangers Football Club-London)

Philip George Neal (Liverpool Football Club)

Thomas ‘Kevin’ Beattie (Ipswich Town Football Club)

Roy Leslie McFarland (Derby County Football Club)

Midfielders:
Brian Greenhoff (Manchester United Football Club)
Michael Doyle (Manchester City Football Club)

Raymond Colin Wilkins (Chelsea Football Club-London)

Mark Anthony Towers  (Sunderland Association Football Club)

Trevor David Brooking (West Ham United Football Club-London)
Gerald Charles James ‘Gerry’ Francis (cap) (Queen’s Park Rangers Football Club-London)

Raymond Kennedy (Liverpool Football Club)

Strikers:

Kevin Joseph Keegan (Liverpool Football Club)

Peter John Taylor (Crystal Palace Football Club-London)
Michael Roger Channon (Southampton Football Club) 
James ‘Stuart’ Pearson (Manchester United Football Club)

Gordon Alec Hill  (Manchester United Football Club) 

Joseph Royle (Manchester City Football Club)

Charles Frederick ‘Charlie’ George (Derby County Football Club) 

Coach: Donald George Revie

Italy:

Goalkeepers:

Dino Zoff (Juventus Football Club-Torino)

Luciano Castellini (Torino Calcio 1906)

Paolo Conti (Associazione Sportiva Roma)

Defenders:
 Moreno Roggi (Associazione Calcio Fiorentina-Firenze)

Marco Tardelli (Juventus Football Club-Torino)

Francesco Rocca (Associazione Sportiva Roma)

Aldo Maldera (Associazione Calcio Milan)

Mauro Bellugi (Bologna Football Club) 

Giacinto Facchetti (captain) (Internazionale Football Club- Milano)   

Claudio Gentile (Juventus Football Club-Torino)

Roberto Mozzini (Torino Calcio 1906)

Gaetano Scirea (Juventus Football Club-Torino) (withdrew from squad)

Midfielders:
Romeo Benetti (Associazione Calcio Milan)

Franco Causio (Juventus Football Club-Torino)         

Claudio Sala (Torino Calcio 1906)

Fabio Capello (Juventus Football Club-Torino)

Giancarlo Antognoni (Associazione Calcio Fiorentina-Firenze)

Renato Zaccarelli (Torino Calcio 1906)

Eraldo Pecci (Torino Calcio 1906)

Patrizio Sala (Torino Calcio 1906)

Strikers:

Francesco Graziani (Torino Calcio 1906)

Paolino Pulici (Torino Calcio 1906)

Roberto Bettega (Juventus Football Club-Torino)

Giuseppe Savoldi I (Societa Sportiva Calcio Napoli)

Coach: Enzo Bearzot

Technical Director: Fulvio Bernardini

The Original Italy pool of players included the following before final squad selection :

Felice Pulici (Società Sportiva Lazio-Roma)   (goalkeeper)

Graziano Bini  (Internazionale Football Club- Milano)   

Antonello Cuccureddu (Juventus Football Club-Torino)

Luigi Danova (Associazione Calcio Cesena)

Franco Peccenini (Associazione Sportiva Roma)

Giovanni Vavassori (Societa Sportiva Calcio Napoli)

Egidio Calloni (Associazione Calcio Milan)

Gianfranco Casarsa (Associazione Calcio Fiorentina-Firenze)

Domenico Caso (Associazione Calcio Fiorentina-Firenze)

Team America (NASL XI):

Goalkeepers:

Robert Rigby (New York Cosmos) (Nationality: USA)

Eric Martin (Washington Diplomats) (Nationality: Scotland)

Arnold Mausser (Tampa Bay Rowdies) (Nationality: USA)

Defenders:

Peter Chandler (Hartford Bicentennials)  (Nationality: USA)

Robert Smith (New York Cosmos) (Nationality: USA)

Stewart Jump (Tampa Bay Rowdies) (Nationality: England)

Keith Eddy (New York Cosmos)  (Nationality: England)

Mike England (Seattle Sounders) (Nationality: Wales)

Bobby Moore (San Antonio Thunder) (Nationality: England)

Bob McNabb (San Antonio Thunder) (Nationality: England)

Midfielders:
Dave Clements (New York Cosmos) (Nationality: Northern Ireland)

Juli Veee (San Jose Earthquakes) (Nationality: USA)

Stewart Scullion (Tampa Bay Rowdies) (Nationality: Scotland)

Tommy Smith (Tampa Bay Rowdies) (Nationality: England)

Ramon Mifflin (New York Cosmos) (Nationality: Peru)

Alex Skotarek (Chicago Sting)  (Nationality: USA)

Hank Liotart (Seattle Sounders) (Nationality: USA)

John Pedro (Rochester Lancers) (Nationality: Portugal)

Strikers:

Giorgio Chinaglia (New York Cosmos) (Nationality: Italy)

John Kowalik (Chicago Sting) (Nationality: Poland)

Edson Arantes do Nascimento ‘Pelé’ (Nationality: Brazil)

Steven David (Miami Toros) (Nationality: Trinidad and Tobago)

George Best (Los Angeles Aztecs) (Nationality: Northern Ireland) (withdrew before tournament)

Rodney Marsh (Tampa Bay Rowdies) (Nationality: England) (withdrew before tournament)

Head Coach: Ken Furphy

Coaches: Ed Firmani, Manfred Schellscheidt

The Original ‘Team America’ pool of players included the following before final squad selection :

Telmo Pires (Hartford Bicentennials)  (Nationality: USA)

Chris Lawler (Miami Toros) (Nationality: England)

Tom Galati (Philadephia Atoms)  (Nationality: USA)

Jose Berico (San Antonio Thunder) (Nationality: USA)

Al Trost (St Louis Stars)  (Nationality: USA)

Wolfgang Suhnholz (Boston Minutemen)  (Nationality: West Germany)

John Mason (Los Angeles Aztecs) (Nationality: USA)

Antonio Simoes (Boston Minutemen)  (Nationality: Portugal)

Kyle Rote Jr (Dallas Tornado) (Nationality: USA)

Mike Flater (Minnesota Kicks) (Nationality: USA)

1976 Bicentenial Cup Matches:

May 23, 1976- Los Angeles, California – Memorial Coliseum

Referee:  Hans-Joachim Weyland (West Germany)

Brazil 1-England 0   (Roberto Dinamite 89)

Brazil : 1-Leão, 2-Orlando, 3-Miguel, 4- Beto Fuscão, 5-Marco Antonio (15-Marinho Chagas 52nd), 6-Falcão, 7-Gil, 8-Zico, 9-Neca (19-Roberto Dinamite 46^th), 10-Rivellino (captain), 11-Lula

England: 1-Ray Clemence, 2-Colin Todd, 3-Mick Mills, 4-Phil Thompson, 5-Mike Doyle, 6-Trevor Cherry, 7-Kevin Keegan, 8-Mick Channon, 9-Stuart Pearson, 10-Trevor Brooking, 11-Gerry Francis (captain)

May 23, 1976- Washington , D.C. (District of Columbia)-Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Stadium      

Referee:  Walter Hungerbühler (Switzerland)

‘Team America’ 0-Italy 4 (Fabio Capello 15 , Paolino Pulici  22 pen-Francesco Graziani 72- Francesco Rocca 84)

Team America’ : 1-Bob Rigby, 2-Bob Smith, 3-Peter Chandler, 4-Keith Eddy, 5-Stewart Jump,6-Bobby Moore, 7-Stewart Scullion (Ramon Mifflin 72^nd ) (Alex Skotarek 80^th ), 8-Dave Clements, 9-Giorgio Chinaglia, 10-Pele (captain),11- John Kowalik (Steve David 50^th )

Italy: 1-Dino Zoff, 2-Marco Tardelli, 3-Francesco Rocca, 5-Mauro Bellugi, 6-Giacinto Facchetti (captain) ,  4-Romeo Benetti, 7-Franco Causio (Claudio Sala 67^th ), 8-Fabio Capello, 9-Francesco Graziani , 10-Giancarlo Antognoni (Renato Zaccarelli 67^th ), 11-Paolino Pulici (Roberto Bettega 62^nd )       

Other Subs:Luciano Castellini, Moreno Roggi

May 28, 1976- New York City- Yankees  Stadium

Referee:  Hans-Joachim Weyland (West Germany)

England 3-Italy 2  (Mick Channon 47,51, Phil Thompson 48 / Francesco Graziani 15, 18)

England: 1-Jimmy Rimmer (13-Joe Corrigan 46^th), 2-David Clement, 3-Phil Neal (14-Mick Mills 46^th), 4-Phil Thompson, 5-Mike Doyle, 6-Mark Towers, 7-Ray Wilkins, 8-Mick Channon (captain), 9-Joe Royle, 10-Trevor Brooking, 11-Gordon Hill

Other Subs: Trevor Cherry, Ray Kennedy, Peter Taylor

Italy:

1-Dino Zoff,  2-Moreno Roggi  (13-Aldo Maldera 57^th ), 3-Francesco Rocca, 5-Mauro Bellugi, 6-Giacinto Facchetti (captain) ,  4-Romeo Benetti  (14-Renato Zaccarelli 57^th ), 7-Franco Causio (15-Claudio Sala 57^th ), 8-Fabio Capello, 9-Francesco Graziani, 10-Giancarlo Antognoni, 11-Paolino Pulici

Other Subs: Luciano Castellini, Roberto Bettega

May 28, 1976- Seattle, Washington - Kingdome Stadium

Referee:  Ramón Ivanoes Barreto Ruiz (Uruguay)

‘Team America’ 0-Brazil 2 (Gil 29, 89)

‘Team America’: 1-Eric Martin, 2-Bobby Smith, 5-Mike England, 6-Bobby Moore (Captain), 3-Stewart Jump, 8-Tommy Smith, 4-Keith Eddy, 10-Dave Clements,7-Stewart Scullion (12-Peter Chandler 85^th ), 9-Giorgio Chinaglia, 11-John Kowalik (15-Juli Veee 56^th )

Brazil: 1-Leão, 2-Orlando, 3-Miguel, 4- Beto Fuscão (14-Amaral 46^th), 5- Marinho Chagas (13-Getulio 89^th), 6-Falcão (15-Givanildo 67^th), 7-Gil, 8-Zico, 9- Roberto Dinamite, 10-Rivellino (Captain), 11-Lula

May 31, 1976- Philadelphia , Pennsylvania-John Fitzgerald Kennedy Stadium   

Referee:  Walter Hungerbühler (Switzerland)

‘Team America’ 1-England 3  (Stewart Scullion 87 / Kevin Keegan 22,28, Gerry Francis 53)

 ‘Team America’:  1-Robert Rigby, 2-Bobby Smith, 3-Stewart Jump, 4-Keith Eddy, 5-Mike England  (14-John Kowalik ), 6-Bobby Moore (Captain), 7-Julie Veee  (12-Stewart Scullion 46^th), 8-Tommy Smith, 9-Giorgio Chinaglia,10-Pelé, 11-Dave Clements  (16-Peter Chandler 50^th)

England: 1-Ray Clemence, 2-Colin Todd (12-Michael Doyle 84^th) , 3-Mick Mills, 4-Phil Thompson, 5- Brian Greenhoff, 6-Trevor Cherry, 7-Kevin Keegan (15-Peter Taylor 83^rd), 8-Mick Channon, 9-Stuart Pearson, 10-Trevor Brooking, 11-Gerry Francis (captain)

May 31, 1976- New Haven, Connecticut- Yale Bowl Stadium

Referee:  Ramón Ivanoes Barreto Ruiz (Uruguay)

Brazil 4-Italy 1 (Gil 29, 52, Zico 73, Roberto Dinamite 75 / Fabio Capello 2)

Brazil :  1-Leão, 2-Orlando (13-Getulio 46^th), 3-Miguel, 4-Amaral, 5-Marco Antonio (14- Beto Fuscão 80^th), 6-Falcão (15-Givanildo 46^th), 7-Gil, 8-Zico, 9-Roberto Dinamite, 10-Rivellino, 11-Lula

Booked: Rivellino

Sent off Lula 44^th

Other Subs: 12-Valdir Peres, Flecha

Italy:

1-Dino Zoff, 2-Marco Tardelli, 3-Francesco Rocca, 5-Mauro Bellugi  (13-Moreno Roggi 46^th), 6-Giacinto Facchetti (captain)  , 4-Romeo Benetti , 7-Franco Causio,  8-Fabio Capello  (14-Eraldo Pecci 41^st ) (15-Claudio  Sala 62^nd ), 9-Francesco Graziani , 10-Giancarlo Antognoni, 11-Paolino Pulici  (16-Roberto Bettega 46th) 

Sent off :Roberto Bettega 66^th  , Franco Causio. 83^rd

Other Subs: Luciano Castellini     

Final table              P   W   D   L  GF  GA  GD  Pts

1-Brazil                  3    3    0   0    7     1    +6       6

2-England              3     2    0    1    6     4    +2     4

3-Italy                    3     1    0    2    7     7     0      2

4-Team America    3     0    0    3    1     9    –8     0

P-Played, W-Win, D-Draw, L-Loss, GF-Goals For, GA-Goals Against, GD-Goal Difference, Pts-Points

Top Goalscorer-Gil (Brazil) 4 goals

New Addition: Teams on Tour-Part One

Brazil’s Tour of Europe (Spring 1978)

(Note: I would like to once again thank http://theantiquefootball.com for uploading this article  http://theantiquefootball.com/post/120670249768/brazils-tour-of-europe-spring-1978  )

In the spring of 1978 the Brazilian national team embarked on a tour of Europe to prepare for the 1978 World Cup to be held in neighboring Argentina.

The national team had been under the management of former Army Paratrooper Claudio Coutinho since the previous year. He taken over in the middle of the World Cup qualifying process from Osvaldo Brandão and had achieved the qualification a few months after taking over.

Coutinho was keen for this tour to prepare Brazil for much needed quality European opposition ahead of the World Cup. He wanted his squad to acclimatize to the close man-to-man marking that they would surely face in the World Cup.

He also wanted his team to be able to compete physically with the Europeans, reminiscent of Mario Zagallo’s attempt to do the same in 1974.  He wanted to blend ‘Total Football’ of the Dutch with Brazilian skills.

According to critics, Coutinho’s desire to physically strengthen his players came at the expense of their natural abilities and talent. Given that, it was strange, that the press continuously reported on stories that Zagallo was in the wings just waiting to be appointed.

Coutinho had to continuously deal with the difficult Brazilian press with other rumors as well such that he was only in the job because the Army had decided so and that there even Army personnel on his staff (remember Brazil was under a Military Government).

Coutinho brushed aside press rumors as he had bigger headaches on the horizon.

As early as February 27^th, Coutinho was to have all his desired players at his disposal.

The team would be concentrated at Hotel Peinheiros at Teresopolis in the State of Rio de Janeiro, before flying to Europe on March 28th.

In the World Cup, Brazil were to play their matches at Mar del Plata. Coutinho had been strongly opposed to the venue.  Not only was the weather cold and windy in June, but also the narrow pitch made the spaces between the defenders smaller and this did not suit Brazil.

Coutinho had proposed to change Brazil’s venue to Mendoza, but Mar del Plata possessed the necessary and required hotel accommodations.

Brazil were initially due to play Argentina (home and away) as part of Copa Roca, but Coutinho refused to take part as the match in Argentina was to take place at Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera Stadium. He only wanted to play in stadiums Brazil would be involved with in the Finals. Argentineans could not accommodate as neither the Mar Del Plata venue, nor River Plate’s El Monumental (provided Brazil reached the Final) were ready.

To prepare his squad for the World Cup conditions, he made his team train on muddy fields. The Terespolis training was held during the rainy season, but if it did not rain, he would order the field to be watered. The players were to train in specially designed boots to adjust to slippery fields.

For this ambitious European tour, Coutinho selected a squad of 21.

The starting goalkeeper was the veteran Emerson Leao with Carlos of Ponte Preta in reserve.

The chosen defenders were: Ze Maria, Toninho, Oscar, Abel, Amaral, Edinho, Rodrigues Neto and Polozi.

Only three midfielders were chosen: Captain Roberto Rivellino, Toninho Cerezo and Batista.

The strikers and wingers selected were: Tarciso, Gil, Reinaldo, Zico, Mendonça, Nunes, Romeu and Dirceu.

Only four of the selected players had previous World cup experience: Leao, Rivellino, Dirceu and Ze Maria.

Naturally there was controversy and second-guessing from the press for the omissions, such as Paulo Cesar, Marinho Chagas and Nelinho. The press suggested that Paulo Cesar and Marinho were ommitted because their strong personalities were at odds with the disciplinarian Coutinho.

Coutinho did however; include the two players, along with six others on a reserve list that he could call upon. The others were Roberto Dinamite, Paulo Cesar Carpeggiani, Marinho Peres, Paulo Roberto Falcao, Chicão and Luis Pereira.

Luis Pereira was a special case. The Atletico Madrid sweeper was perceived by many as a must for Brazil. He was looked upon as a sort of Brazil’s Mario Kempes, the foreign-based player that efforts must not be spared to include.
Brazilian Federation emissaries negotiated with Atletico Madrid officials to obtain his release, however, they informed the Brazilians that he would only be released after the first week of May, when the Spanish League had concluded.

The efforts for Luis Pereira did not please everyone and some Brazilian club managers even stated in newspapers that his incorporation under these conditions was not necessary. A section of the fans also turned against him, especially after he declared that he had to prioritize his club because they paid his wages.

In any case he was not selected for this tour or the World Cup itself.

Prior to departing for Europe, Brazil played three unofficial friendlies vs. State selections.

On March 12^th, they defeated the Rio de Janeiro State Countryside XI (7-0) with Zico scoring five goals. The following week on March 19^th, they defeated the Goiás State Team (3-1) and three days later, defeated Paraná State XI (1-0).

Prior to departing to Europe, Coutinho gave a directive of ’19 rules’ to his players. These included: no alcohol, no beards, no long hair, no gambling, hefty punishment for any player who argued with referees, etc.

The team embarked on schedule to Europe to face its first opponents, the rising France squad that had given them a scare at Maracana the previous summer by tying (2-2) after being behind (0-2) and had left the field under the applause of the Brazilian audience.

The match took place at Paris’ Parc des Princes stadium on April 1^st . In the audience were a number of France’s 1958 World Cup heroes, who had succumbed to Pele’s Brazil, such as Raymond Kopa and Jean Vincent. Also in the stands were the managers of France’s first round opponents (and potentially Brazil’s future opponents): Argentina’s Cesar Luis Menotti, Italy’s Enzo Bearzot and Hungary’s Lajos Baroti.

Brazil’s right wing had been a problem; Tarciso of Grêmio started the match on that position. He had been selected for this tour to be tested, since Gil had been disappointing. Similarly, prolific club scorer Reinaldo was selected to resolve Brazil’s problem in finding a genuine center forward. He started this match alongside Dirceu and Zico. Toninho Cerezo took his place as defensive midfielder (to mark Platini) and Rivellino was the organizer and leader.

France was missing many players through injury. These included starting goalkeeper Andre Rey, and others such as Marius Tresor, Gerard Janvion, Dominique Bathenay, Dominique Rocheteau and Bernard Lacombe. They were replaced with Jean Paul Bertrand-Demanes, Christian Lopez, Patrick Battiston, Loic Amisse and Marc Berdoll.

Brazil viewed France’s zonal marking to their advantage, as they preferred it to individual marking.

Just like the match, the previous summer, Brazil started the match in relentless fashion with attack after attack.

However, they were unlucky and Zico was guilty of missing chances that he otherwise would have scored.

French goalkeeper Bertrand-Demanes was excellent and kept the French in the match with many saves. 

Photo From: Onze, Issue 28, April 1978

(Reinaldo and Platini, April 1, 1978, France 1-Brazil 0)

For the second half, Brazil were clearly tired and could not maintain the same pace and intensity and slowly gave the initiative to the French with an excellent Jean-Marc Guillou taking charge in the midfield.

In the 86th minute, Jean Petit (who had replaced an injured Henri Michel), started a move on the right side with another substitute François Bracci who gave the ball back to Petit, who immediately crossed the ball into the box. Oscar managed to intercept the pass, however, the ball deflected in the direction of Platini who striked it home from near the edge of the box.

This was France’s first ever victory vs. Brazil.

Many were crtitical of Coutinho’s decision to take Tarcisio off at halftime and replaceing him with Gil. Tarcisio had given Maxime Bossis a difficult time and was a thorn in their side.

Photo From: Mondial, old series, Issue 18, May 1978

(Henri Michel between Edinho, Rivellino and Cerezo, April 1, 1978, France 1-Brazil 0)

Reinaldo had also been unimpressive as a striker. The weak point for Brazil, had been the left flank, where defender Edinho’s constant sorties upfield eventually tired him out and left that side unbalanced. (It must be noted that Edinho was really a central defender).

Afterwards, Coutinho was impressed with France’s display despite missing many key players through injury.

He felt the French were closer to them as Latins and singled out Platini and Didier Six as players who could fit in any Brazilian squad with Rivellino and others.

Four days later on April 5th, Brazil met West Germant at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion.

Brazil wearing blue uniforms started with virtually the same squad, except with Ze Maria (right back) and Gil starting in place of Toninho and Tarciso respectively.

Coutinho had a lot of praise for German midfielders Heinz Flohe, Bernd Holzenbein and Rainer Bonhof and was certain Helmut schoen would select his strongest squad and formation to face Brazil.

For the Germans this match marked the international debuts of VfB Stuttgart pair of Karl-Heinz Foerster and Hansi Muller.

Brazil improved during the match after Rivellino was substituted and Zico took upon organizational duties.

Photo From: Mondial, old series, Issue 18, May 1978

(Manfred Kaltz and Roberto Rivellino, April 5, 1978, West Germany 0-Brazil 1)

Brazil scored the match winning goal in the 76^th minute, when Ze Maria started a move on the right side of midfield, after a one -two with Zico he took a shot that Sepp Maier parried, the ball deflected back into Ze Maria into the path of Nunes, waiting in front of the goal to score.

Unlike the France match, the Brazilians actually looked physically fitter especially towards the end of the match. This was surprising since the Germans were considered to be much more physically fit players.

Photo From: Mondial, old series, Issue 18, May 1978

(Edinho, April 5, 1978, West Germany 0-Brazil 1)

A few days later, Brazil traveled to Saudi Arabia, to the city of Jeddah for a match vs. Al Ahly on April 10^th.  They won the match comfortably (6-1) and Carlos, Abel, Mendonça and Romeu saw some playing time.

Three days later, they traveled to Milan, for a friendly vs. Internazionale Milano commemorating their 70^th Anniversary on April 13^th .

Brazil dominated their Italian hosts and scored first in the 24^th minute, when Nunes picked up a rebound after Ivano Bordon had blocked a shot by Zico.

Early in the second half, Dirceu scored Brazil’s second from a volley thirty yards out with Bordon out of position.  Polozi and Rodrigues Neto played their first matches of the tour.

Inter’s Gabriel Oriali was very impressed with Brazil, especially with Zico and Rivellino.

Brazil’s goalkeeper Emerson Leao learned after the match that his club Palmeiras wanted to transfer him out, because he had given them many problems.

Six days later on April 19^th, Brazil met England at Wembley in a high profile match. Brazil scored first through Gil in the tenth minute, who took a low shot from the right edge of the box between two defenders into the lower left corner.

England equalized with twenty minutes remaining from a free kick from Kevin Keegan that Leao touched but could not hold onto.

However, the match is remembered for Brazil’s cynical and rough play in a match that England dominated.

Edinho, Ze Maria, Cerezo, Batista and Abel were all booked in a foul ridden match that was very unlike them.

Edinho was booked as early as the fifth minute for a bad tackle on Brian Greenhoff. Batista was booked for standing in front of Keegan prior to him taking his goalscoring free kick.

Dutch referee Charles Corver was criticized for not calling at least one penalty kick for England and not sending off any Brazilian players.

He later said he should have sent off at least one, but was afraid of spoiling the occasion and perhaps a worse violent outcome.

Photo From: Mondial, old series, Issue 18, May 1978

(April 19, 1978, England 1-Brazil 1)

Coutinho blamed the England match on his players being tired of traveling and moving from hotel to hotel and different food and temperature changes. He stated he later had told his players that this type of display would not be tolerated in the finals.

Brazil concluded its tour two days later vs. Spanish club Atletico Madrid, celebrating their 75^th Anniversary. Brazil won (3-0) with goals by Nunes, Edinho and Jorge Mendonça. The much talked about Luis Pereira lined up for the Spanish hosts vs. his country. He was somewhat responsible for Brazil’s third goal by giving away a free kick, from which Jorge Mendonça scored Brazil’s third goal.

Photo From: AS Color, Issue 303, March 8, 1977

(Luis Pereia in action for Atletico Madrid, 1976/77)

At the conclusion of the tour, Coutinho was satisfied claiming Brazil had proven that it is among the contenders. For him the most important aspect had been the experience of playing in five different countries with as many different styles. He added that the players had learned man-to-man marking that was essential for future success.

Although it was obvious to most that Brazil still lacked a genuine center forward, with Reinaldo not living up to the occasion. Midfielder Batista earned much praise for his performances.  As for Team Captain Roberto Rivellino, for much of the Tour, he had to contend with press reports of his contract negotiations with Fluminense, as New York Cosmos had apparently approached him.

No sooner had Brazil retuned that Coutinho finalized his squad on April 26^th.

Ze Maria, Tarciso, Nunes and Romeu were out of the Finals squad. In their place came Zé Sérgio, Nelinho, Roberto Dinamite, Chicão and Valdir Peres as a backup goalkeeper.

As always the selections did not please everyone. Pele had been a vocal supporter of Marinho Chagas. Mario Zagallo stated that without any hesitation he would have selected Marinho Chagas, Paulo Cesar and Luis Pereira. Luis Pereira’s exclusion even baffled Argentina Manager Cesar Luis Menotti, who expressed his surprise, though he said he would not criticize the decisions of a colleague.

Within days, they played friendlies vs. Peru (May 1^st, 3-0 win), Pernambuco State Team (May 13^th, 0-0), Czechoslovakia (May 17^th, 2-0 win) and Rio Grande do Sul State Team (May 25^th, 2-2).

Even before the World Cup had begun, Brazil had not resolved all tactical issues. There were reports that Coutinho had taken each midfielder aside and asked one by one if they would play a Zagallo type left wing role, and all had refused. Apparently, he had even asked Rivellino if he would be willing play like 1970, in midfield rather than central role, and naturally Rivellino had refused.

At the World Cup, Brazil were disappointing in their first two matches vs. Sweden (1-1) and Spain (0-0). The Brazilian Press, including Pele working as a Television commentator, were up in arms for Brazil’s unimpressive displays and naturally pointed their fingers at Coutinho.

The night following the Spain match, there were unsubstantiated reports within the Brazil camp, that the Brazilian Sports Authority Admiral Helenio Nunes had taken control of team selection from the manager Coutinho. In addition, the reports suggested that Coutinho had offered to resign but was refused. There were also reports of a rift between Coutinho and Rivellino and Zico He still sat on the bench for the rest of the tournament, but as a member of a selection committee and stripped of powers. Once Brazil reached the second round and out of Mar Del Plate, they improved and defeated Peru and Poland, while holding the hosts Argentina to a scoreless tie. Of course, they were eliminated because of the controversial victory of Argentina over Peru (6-0). They finished on the Podium by beating Italy, but Third Place was a disappointment for a nation like Brazil.

After the finals Coutinho returned to club football and was appointed Manager of Flamengo. Months later in an interview, he denied the alleged ‘sacking’ during the finals, as well as any problems with Rivellino and Zico. No one will ever know what really happened during the closed meeting that night following the match vs. Spain.

In the end this European tour did not appear to have the desired effect, nor did it resolve any of the problems they already had (i.e. no center forward, weak in the wings, etc..)

Coutinho’s era is regarded with disdain by Brazilian Football purists and is synonymous as another of Brazil’s attempts at ‘Europeanization’ of its football at the expense of ‘jogo bonita’ (Much Like Sebastiano Lazaroni, over a decade later).

Claudio Pecego de Morais Coutinho was killed on November 27, 1981 in a scuba diving accident, while vacationing near Ipanema Beach, age just 42.

Photo From: kicker_WM-Sonderheft_1978

(Claudio Coutinho)

The selected squad for the European tour:

Goalkeepers:

Emerson Leão (Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras- São Paulo) 

‘Carlos’ Roberto Gallo (Associação Atlética Ponte Preta- São Paulo)

Defenders:

Zé Maria José Maria Rodrigues Alve (Sport Club Corinthians Paulista- São Paulo)  

Antônio Dias dos Santos Toninho  (Clube de Regatas Flamengo- Rio de Janeiro) 
José ‘Oscar’ Bernardi (Associação Atlética Ponte Preta- São Paulo)

Carlos da Silva Braga Abel  (Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama - Rio de Janeiro) 
João Justino Amaral dos Santos (Sport Club Corinthians Paulista- São Paulo)  
Edino Nazareth Filho ‘Edinho’ (Fluminense Football Club- Rio de Janeiro)   

José Rodrigues Neto  (Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas- Rio de Janeiro)

José Fernando Polozi (Associação Atlética Ponte Preta- São Paulo)

Midfielders:

Roberto Rivellino (Fluminense Football Club- Rio de Janeiro)   
Antonio Carlos ‘Toninho Cerezo’ (Clube Atlético Mineiro- Belo Horizonte-Minas Gerais) 

João ‘Batista’ da Silva (Sport Club Internacional- Porto Alegre)

Strikers:
José Tarciso de Souza (Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense) 

Gilberto Alves Gil (Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas- Rio de Janeiro) 

José Reinaldo de Lima  (Clube Atlético Mineiro- Belo Horizonte-Minas Gerais)  
Artur Antunes Coimbra ‘Zico’ (Clube de Regatas Flamengo- Rio de Janeiro) 

Jorge Pinto Mendonça (Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras- São Paulo) 

João Batista Nunes de Oliveira (Santa Cruz Futebol Clube-Recife)   

Romeu Evangelista (Sport Club Corinthians Paulista- São Paulo)  
Dirceu José Guimarães (Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama - Rio de Janeiro)  

The Matches on Tour:

April 1, 1978- Paris – Parc des Princes

Referee:  Patrick Partridge (England)

France 1-Brazil 0 France 1-Brazil 0 (Michel Platini 86)

France : 1-Jean-Paul Bertrand-Demanes, 2-Patrick Battiston (12- François Bracci 61st), 3-Maxime Bossis,  4-Patrice Rio, 5-Christian Lopez, 6-Jean-Marc Guillou,  7-Bruno Baaronchelli, 8-Henri  Michel (captain)  (13-Jean Petit 67th), 9-Marc Berdoll, 10-Michel Platini, 11- Loïc  Amisse (15-Didier Six 80th )
Coach: Michel Hidalgo

Other Subs: Dominique Dropsy , Olivier Rouyer

Brazil : 1- Leão, 2-Toninho, 3-Oscar, 4-Amaral, 5-Cerezo, 6-Edinho, 7-Tarciso (18-Gil 46th ) , 8-Zico, 9-Reinaldo (20-Nunes 61st), 10-Rivellino (captain), 11-Dirceu

April 5, 1978- Hamburg – Volksparkstadion  

Referee:  Karoly Palotai (Hungary)

West Germany 0-Brazil 1  West Germany 0-Brazil 1 (Nunes 76)

West Germany :  1-Josef ‘Sepp’ Maier , 2-Hans-Hubert ‘Berti’ Vogts (captain), 4-Rolf Rüssmann, 5-Manfred Kaltz, 3-Bernhard Dietz (14-Karl-Heinz Förster  77th), 6-Rainer Bonhof , 8-Erich Beer  (18-Ronald Worm 80th), 10-Heinz Flohe,   7-Rudiger Abramczik (17-Hans Peter ‘Hansi’ Müller 52nd), 9-Klaus Fischer , 11-Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Coach: Helmut Schön

Brazil : 1- Leão, 13-Ze Maria, 3-Oscar, 4-Amaral, 5-Cerezo, 6-Edinho, 18-Gil, 8-Zico, 9-Reinaldo (20-Nunes 67), 10-Rivellino (captain)(15-Batista 46), 11-Dirceu

April 10, 1978- Jeddah – Nacional Stadium

Referee:  Almozarhan (Saudi Arabia)

Al Ahly (Saudi Arabia) 1-Brazil 6 (Fuad Rizik 84 / Toninho Cerezo 33, Nunes 37,49, Gil 39, Jorge Mendonça 79, Toninho 82)

Al Ahly (Saudi Arabia):  Ali Ahmed (Adel Rawas), Ed Fahd, Abdel razak, Wahio Johar, Ibrahim Meriki (Mohamed Bakhit), Ahmed Sagir, Kala Traik (Jamal hamza), Fuad Rizik, Emad Khogall, Saoud Sammaro (Habi Saad), Amin Dabi

Coach : Didi (Brazil)

Brazil : Carlos (Leão), Ze Maria (Toninho), Oscar (Abel), Amaral, Edinho, Cerezo (Rivellino), Batista, Gil, Zico (Jorge Mendonça), Nunes, Romeu

April 13, 1978- Milan- San Siro

Referee:  Alberto Michelotti (Italy)

Internazionale Milano FC (Italy) 0-Brazil  (Nunes 24, Dirceu 47)

Internazionale Milano FC (Italy): Ivano Bordon (Renato Cipollini 76th), Nazzareno Canuti, Graziano Bini, Adriano Fedele (Angiolino Gasparini 25th), Giuseepe Baresi, Gabriele Oriali, Giampiero Marini (Giorgio Roselli 43rd), Claudio Merlo (Odoacre Chierico 62nd), Giuseppe Pavoni (Roberto Tricella 71st), Pietro Anastasi (Carlo Muraro 46th), Alessandro Altobelli

Coach: Eugenio Bersellini

Brazil : Leão, Ze Maria , Oscar ,Amaral (Polozi 46th), Rodrigues Neto, Cerezo, Rivellino(captain) (Batista 70^th), Gil (Tarciso 76^th), Zico (Jorge Mendonça 70th), Nunes, Dirceu

April 19, 1978- London - Wembley

Referee:  Charles George Rainier Corver (Holland)

England 1-Brazil 1  England 1-Brazil 1 (Kevin Keegan 70 / Gil 10)

England :  1-Joe Corrigan,  2- Mick Mills, 3-Trevor Cherry, 4-Brian Greenhoff , 5-David Watson , 6-Tony Currie, 7-Kevin Keegan (captain), 8-Steve Coppell, 9-Bob Latchford, 10-Trevor Francis , 11-Peter Barnes 

Coach: Ronald Greenwood

Brazil : 1-Leão, 13-Ze Maria , 14-Abel, 4-Amaral,  6-Edinho, 5-Cerezo, 10-Rivellino (captain), 18-Gil, 8-Zico, 20-Nunes (17- Batista 60^th), 11-Dirceu

Booked : Edinho 5- Ze Maria 35-Cerezo 50 –Batista 70, Abel 89

April 21, 1978- Madrid-Estadio Vicente Calderon

Referee:  Luis Montesinos (Spain)

Atletico Madrid (Spain) 0-Brazil  3 (Nunes 29, Edinho 52, Jorge Mendonça 73)

Atletico Madrid (Spain): Miguel Reina, Marcelino Perez, Luis Pereira, Eusebio Bejarano, Jose Capon, Marcial Pina (Robi 68th), Alberto Fernandez, Eugenio Leal, Ruben Ayala, Leivinha (Juan Jose Rubio 68th), Ruben Cano (Francisco Bermejo 46th)

Coach: Luis Aragones

Brazil : Leão (Carlos 46^th), , Ze Maria  (Toninho 68^th), Abel, Amaral, Edinho (Rodrigues Neto 80^th), Batista, Dirceu, Gil (Tarciso 75^th), Zico (Jorge Mendonça 46th), Nunes (Reinaldo 46^th), Romeu