From Pelé to Barnes: four great clashes between England and Brazil

England entertain Brazil on Wednesday, sparking memories of some enthralling showdowns over the years

by Simon Burnton 3 months ago

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1956 WEMBLEY: England 4 Brazil 2, friendly

'The superiority of the English made one wonder whether the Brazilians could have taken a sleeping draught with their lunches,' wrote the Guardian after a 4-2 victory against a side that went on to win the World Cup two years later (but played here without Pelé, Garrincha or Vavá). A comedy highlight saw Brazil's inside-right, Alvaro, refuse to hand over the ball after the award of the first of two penalties, both missed.

1970 GUADALAJARA: England 0 Brazil 1, World Cup finals

The reigning world champions met their imminent replacements in their second group-stage match in Mexico, decided by a single Jairzinho goal but best remembered for Gordon Banks's incredible save from Pelé's header, Bobby Moore's impeccable sliding challenge on the goalscorer in the second half, and Jeff Astle's logic-defying miss as England sought an equaliser.

1984 MARACANA: England 2 Brazil 0, friendly

Brazil had not lost at the famous old stadium since 1980 and never at home to England, who that year had lost to France, Wales and the USSR and beaten only Northern Ireland. But the tourists celebrated a famous and totally unexpected 2-0 victory decorated by John Barnes's opening goal, one of England's greatest, while the Watford winger created the second for Mark Hateley.

2002 SHIZUOKA: England 1 Brazil 2, World Cup Q-F

Having beaten Argentina, England had high hopes of dispatching a second South American giant, raised when Michael Owen leapt upon Lúcio's defensive error to give them the lead. But Ronaldinho created an equaliser for Rivaldo, putting his side ahead, perhaps accidentally, from a long-range free-kick that baffled David Seaman, and getting sent off five minutes later. Brazil held out quite comfortably for the remaining half‑hour.

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