Communism, Nasa and a place for Pelé: how Brazil prepared for the 1970 World Cup
This article explores the unconventional appointment of communist journalist João Saldanha as the coach of Brazil's national football team during the 1970 military dictatorship. It details the political tensions and erratic behavior that defined his brief tenure leading up to the World Cup.
Why it matters
It provides historical context on the intersection of sports, politics, and national identity in Brazil.
Pelé takes a seat but keeps his eye on the ball as Brazil prepare for the 1970 World Cup finals. Photograph: Popperfoto/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Pelé takes a seat but keeps his eye on the ball as Brazil prepare for the 1970 World Cup finals. Photograph: Popperfoto/Getty Images Brazil Communism, Nasa and a place for Pelé: how Brazil prepared for the 1970 World Cup In this extract from their forthcoming book on South America and the World Cup, Mark Biram and Tim Vickery describe a Seleçao’s strange buildup to the classic tournament
The article is a historical feature piece that presents facts about a past political and sporting era.
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