FIFA World Cup 2022: Greatest show on Earth returns
At its best and its worst, the FIFA World Cup is more thrilling than any other event can conjure up. A live performance unequalled in its vigour and trickery, the thralling geometry of its movement a mere foil to the violent earnestness of its combat. From 1930 to 2022, from Pele to Zidane to Mbappe, here's a walk down the lanes of the history of the beautiful game
By: Madhu Kapparath
1970
A miraculous save
For millions, it was a treat to watch the ‘save of the century’ in colour. In the first-ever World Cup to be televised in colour across the globe, the legend Pele’s downward header was destined for England’s net. Until goalie Gordon Banks chose to dive backwards, moving so far and so fast to his right, instead of forward, to fingertip the ball up and over. Pele, who was sure he had scored, was left transfixed. It triggered a friendship between them for the years to come.
