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Jairzinho is the only man to have scored in every round of a World Cup competition. Allsport/Hulton/Archive |
Jairzinho grew up at Botafogo in the shadow of Garrincha, the man he would eventually replace in the Brazilian team and spent the early years of his career playing out of his preferred position on the right.
At the 1966 World Cup he was stuck out on the left, but following Garrincha's retirement Jairzinho was finally able to make his mark and by the 1970 finals he was a crucial presence on Brazil's right, despite having twice recovered from a broken leg.
Jairzinho's main strength was his powerful shooting, which brought him seven goals during the tournament, and he remains the only player to score in every round at a World Cup. In the first round he struck a memorable freekick against Czechoslovakia, he grabbed the winner in Brazil's 1-0 win over England and was also on target against Romania.
Further goals followed against Peru, Uruguay and Italy as Brazil strolled to the title, but Jairzinho's driving runs and subtle passing were just as significant factors in Brazil's victory.
Jairzinho also played at the 1974 finals. He scored against Zaire and Argentina but neither Jairzinho nor Brazil could re-create the magic of Mexico.
