50 years later, we look back on one of the greatest sporting events the world has ever seen: the 1970 World Cup. Luis Miguel Echegaray talks about the importance of that tournament 50 years ago. 

Read full video transcript below: 

When I’m ever asked the question: why is soccer often referred to as THE BEAUTIFUL GAME - I simply tell them to sit back, relax and watch old clips from the 1970 World Cup - perhaps the greatest sporting event the world has ever seen - and the magic produced by arguably the greatest team ever assembled and the tournament’s eventual champion: Brazil.

The 1970 World Cup was held in Mexico, it was the first ever outside of Europe or South America, the first to be televised in color and broadcasted live to a global audience.

The symbolic meaning of this cannot be ignored.

It was as if the futbol gods looked down on the world and said “it’s time for you all to witness beauty. And to finally, fully celebrate Brazil’s yellow and blue kit in all its glory. 

And that’s exactly what happened.

The 1970 Brazilian squad was a collection of artists. From Jairzinho to Tostao, Rivelino and its captain Carlos Alberto - this was a squad that turned dribbling, passing and scoring into art - and all eyes were on the team’s Leonardo Da Vinci - Pele - as he aimed to win his third World Cup.

Every game they played turned into a lecture on how to attack. They won every game with style, including the final - a 4-1 win against Italy in front of more than 100,000 people inside the Azteca.

As we celebrate the tournament’s 50th anniversary and a Brazil team that inspired a global audience, I use this moment to remind every sports fan - young and old - to sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful game - in glorious color.