1970-1978 WORLD CUP HISTORY

world cup video 1970

Africa, at last, made a return to the world stage in Mexico four years later - Morocco finishing bottom of their group with one point after a 1-1 draw with Bulgaria.

But the 1970 FIFA World Cup has a special place in football folklore thanks to the awesome display of attacking power by Brazil, notably Pelé, Jairzinho, Tostao and Rivelino.

Brazil beat England 1-0 in a group match remembered for Gordon Banks' save from Pelé, and danced all the way to the Final, where they routed the defensively strong Italy 4-1.

The 1974 tournament in West Germany was dominated by two great sides: The Netherlands - who introduced the world to 'Total Football' - and the hosts. And, with Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer pulling the strings, it was they who met in the Final.

The Dutch took the lead from the penalty-spot before a single German had touched the ball. Germany drew level, also via a penalty, before 'Der Bomber', Gerd Muller, sealed another host nation victory.

Tunisia did Africa proud in 1978 in Argentina, beating Mexico 3-1 and drawing 0-0 with West Germany, but narrowly failed to advance.

There was a change of format as the second round consisted of two groups of four rather than a knockout. The hosts and Holland topped the groups to set up a pulsating Final, and though the Dutch equalised eight minutes from time to force extra-time, Argentina triumphed 3-1.

WORLD CUP HISTORY;1962-1966

England captain Bobby Moore is hoisted by his teammates after an incredible 4-2 extra-time win over West Germany in the 1966 Final at Wembley

IFA were brave to let impoverished Chile be host in 1962 as the country was devastated by an earthquake. Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria and Tunisia all took part in qualifying, with Morocco winning through to a play-off.

With the finals in sight, they lost to Spain, home and away, both by 1-0. Brazil retained much of the 1958 team, and though Pelé limped out early, they beat England 3-1 in the quarterfinal, Chile 4-2 in the semis and the Czechs 3-1 in the Final.

England 1966 signalled the arrival of football as a truly global game, with 600-million watching the tournament on television or listening on radio.

African and Asian sides withdrew in protest at being allocated only one spot, but the star of the show was an African. Eusebio, born in Mozambique, inspired Portugal to third place.

Brazil had only Pelé and Garrincha left from their victorious 1962 team and did not get through the first round. But the biggest shock of all was North Korea's elimination of Italy.

England beat Portugal 2-1 and West Germany defeated the USSR by the same margin to set up a thrilling Final. Germany forced extra-time with a disputed goal before Geoff Hurst became the only man to hit a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup Final as England won 4-2, though his second goal was hotly contested.

WORLD CUP HISTORY;1950-1958

The great Garrincha dribbles past Welsh defender Mel Hopkins in the 1958 quarterfinal in Gothenburg

After a 12-year break due to the Second World War, Brazil hosted the 1950 event. Again, numerous sides opted out, and with just 13 participants, the format changed, with no Final. Instead, a mini-league of four teams would decide the victor.

Brazil cruised through their group, Uruguay topped theirs, Sweden shocked Italy 3-2 to progress, and Spain completed the quartet ahead of England.

The four-team final group was dominated by Brazil and Uruguay, who were set to play in the last match. Brazil only had to draw with their neighbours to become champions; Uruguay needed to win to claim a second crown. 200 000 fans crammed into the Rio's new Maracana Stadium, but against the odds, Uruguay came from behind to win 2-1.

So to Switzerland in 1954. Hungary were considered the best team in the world and confirmed this by thrashing West Germany 8-3 in the group phase, then beating Brazil 4-2 in a quarterfinal that became known as the 'Battle of Berne' after three players were sent off for fighting.

The Germans had recovered to reach the last four, joined by Uruguay and Austria. Hungary beat the South Americans 4-2 in the semis, while Germany thrashed Austria 6-1.

Hungary, boasting Puskas, Kocsis and Hidegkuti, were clear favourites, and swept into a 2-0 lead after nine minutes of the Final. But the Germans rallied and were soon level. With Puskas limping, Hungary eventually succumbed to a late goal by Rahn, his second.

The 1958 FIFA World Cup is remembered for French striker Just Fontaine's record 13 goals, tiny Wales reaching the last eight, brilliant Brazil's 4-2-4 system and, above all, 17-year-old Pelé. Brazil captured the world's imagination as they swept all aside to win their first world title. They beat France 5-2 in the semifinal and hosts Sweden by the same score in the Final.