France v Brazil 1986, the ‘match of the century’ remembered by Jalisco witnesses | OneFootball

France v Brazil at Jalisco in 1986 still grips the memory, a quarter-final Pelé hailed as the match of the century. According to L'Équipe, spectators in Guadalajara have revisited that day.

The tie began at noon local time, at 1,550 metres and in 36C heat, with the stadium overwhelmingly for Brazil. France fell behind on 16 minutes when Careca finished a samba move.

Michel Platini, celebrating his 31st birthday, levelled on 41 minutes. After the break Careca headed against the bar on 71, then Joël Bats saved Zico’s penalty on 75.

In the shoot-out, Platini blazed over and still jokes they are still looking for the ball. Bats saved from Socrates, then Luis Fernandez beat Carlos with the decider to seal 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 and send France to the semi-finals.

Back home, France mourned comedian Coluche two days on, as Prime Minister Jacques Chirac welcomed Antenne 2 reporters Philippe Rochot and Georges Hansen at Orly, with Aurel Cornea and Jean-Louis Normandin still held in Lebanon.

A 10-metre bronze of Pelé, inaugurated on 21 May, now stands outside Jalisco, nicknamed La Canarinha on Plaza Brasil. Near the Monumento al Futbol, it underlines Brazil’s imprint and the scale of France’s feat, ending a nine-match run there, four clean sheets in that World Cup.

For the 65,000 inside, that Saturday will always be Guadalajara. Five of them have shared their memories.

Source: L'Équipe