Brazilian forward who is one of only two men (Franz Beckenbauer is the other) to serve as both captain (1962) and coach (1970, 94) of World Cup champion.
In 1958, he played in Brazil's World Cup team as a left-winger. But his playing style was completely different from that of Garrincha, the Brazil's right-winger. Although he did not possess the exotic skills of the Little Bird, Zagalo was a more intelligent player, always consistent and very versatile. He can play in attack and midfield, sometimes he even in defense. Energetic and versatile, Zagalo covered lots of ground. He had a great match against Sweden, scoring the fourth goal and also creating Pele's final goal of the match as his country crushed Sweden 5-2.
In the sixities, as the game had become more and more defensive, few national teams play with two genuine wingers. With Didi well past 30, Zagalo dropped back to midfield to help out and assumed a more complete role. His playing style made him the player responsible for converting the Brazilian 4-2-4 formation to 4-3-3. And with Garrincha providing the magic in attack and Vava providing the goals, Brazil was too strong for everyone and went on to win their second World Cup.
In 1970, Zagalo coached one of the greatest attacking teams in World Cup history. His decision to play Rivelino on the left side of midfield proved an inspired choice. The great Brazilian players were thus allowed to make optimum use of their attacking talent. Zagalo was praised as a the man responsible for positive soccer in an age where catenaccio, the defensive Italian tactics, prevailed. However, his tactics in other World Cups were controversial. He was often criticized for employing ultra-defensive tactics, the 2-0 defeat by Holland's "Total Football" proved one of the lowest point of Zagalo's and Brazil's moment in the World Cup.
Twenty years later, he was back in the Brazilian coaching staff as a technical advisor of the 1994 World Cup campaign. Although Brazil won the trophy, the media and fans slammed the veteran coach for the part he played in creating a cautious, safety-first Brazilian team.
After the World Cup triumph, Zagalo succeeded Carlos Perreira as head coach and led Brazil to the 1998 World Cup in France. He was critisized for his lack of preparation and unorganized tactics. Brazil eventually lost 3-0 in the Final to France and Zagalo was dismissed very soon afterwards. |
Brazil