Brazil at the World Cups: 1986, the magic of Estadio Jalisco, Guadalajara | OneFootball

Team that debuted against Spain: 1-0 victoryCredits: CBF Archive

Coach Telê Santana had his second opportunity with the Brazilian National Team at a World Cup. After leading the team to play enchanting football in 1982, he wanted to go further and win the title at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. However, he had problems putting his team together. Zico was coming off a painful recovery from three surgeries due to twists in both knees. Falcão and Sócrates were also dealing with injuries.

This gave the Seleção inconsistency and a lack of confidence, as it still relied heavily on the talent of its stars. There was great expectation that Brazil could, at the very least, repeat the spectacle of 1982, when it delivered great performances but did not win the title.

In the opener, at Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, the Seleção beat Spain 1-0, with a goal by Sócrates. The venue brought back beautiful memories for the Canarinho. It was exactly there that Brazil defeated Czechoslovakia, England, Romania, Peru and Uruguay at the 1970 World Cup, qualifying for the final against Italy, then held at Azteca Stadium.

Josimar jumps to celebrate his goal in the match against Northern IrelandCredits: CBF Archive

Jalisco Stadium had already grown used to Brazilian victories. It was there as well that the Seleção beat Algeria 1-0, with a goal by Careca, and Northern Ireland 3-0, with goals by Careca (2) and Josimar, in the group stage of the 1986 World Cup.

The next match, already in the knockout stage, was also scheduled for Jalisco. It was against Poland and once again ended in a Brazilian triumph: 4-0, with goals by Careca (2), Josimar and Edinho, which sent the Canarinho to the quarterfinals.

The chemistry between the Guadalajara stadium and the Brazilian National Team seemed endless. Many were already convinced of that. But then, just as events unfolded, came the match against France, worth a place in the semifinals, and the wind changed direction.

Brazil went 1-0 up, with a goal by Careca in the 18th minute, and was playing very well. Then, from a fortunate cross by Rocheteau, the ball glanced off Edinho, falling kindly for Michel Platini to equalize, still in the first half.

Edinho challenges for the ball with two opponents in Brazil vs. FranceCredits: CBF Archive

The Seleção remained the better side and kept pressing when Zico, who had just come on for Sócrates, made a beautiful pass to Branco, who dribbled past the goalkeeper and was brought down in the box by Joel Bats. Zico took the penalty himself, and Bats saved it.

Extra time followed, and then the penalty shootout for a place in the next round. France would win 4-3. Brazil was eliminated at Jalisco. It may be some consolation that it remained unbeaten in that stadium, since after 90 minutes the match had ended 1-1.

See Brazil's squad for the 1986 World Cup:

Goalkeepers: Carlos Gallo (Corinthians), Emerson Leão (Palmeiras) and Paulo Victor (Fluminense);

Defenders: Branco (Fluminense), Edinho (Udinese), Edson Boaro (Corinthians), Josimar (Botafogo), Júlio César (Guarani), Mauro Galvão (Internacional) and Oscar (São Paulo);

Midfielders: Alemão (Botafogo), Elzo (Atlético-MG), Falcão (São Paulo), Júnior (Torino), Silas (São Paulo), Sócrates (Flamengo), Valdo (Grêmio) and Zico (Flamengo);

Forwards: Careca (São Paulo), Casagrande (Corinthians), Edivaldo (Atlético-MG) and Müller (São Paulo).

Coach: Telê Santana.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.