The South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA) is the regional film archive for the South West of England. Established in 1993, SWFTA's core collection comprises of the combined programme libraries of Westward Television and TSW (Television South West). The archive also cares for a significant number of donated film collections, both amateur and professional, dating back to the early 1900s.
This film is part of Free
Day Pele Came to Town
Santos Football Club bring Brazil's world cup talent to Home Park in Plymouth with Pele playing his almost beautiful game.
From the collection of:
Overview
3-2 to Plymouth Argyle was the final score at Home Park in this friendly match against Brazilian Club Santos FC. Argyle were led by captain Dave Provan. The touring team decided to strike on the day of the match when they saw the crowd of nearly forty thousand and realised they had not negotiated a percentage of the gate. Pele, or Edson Arantes do Nascimento with wife Rosemeri was on a final tour with the club for which he had played since his debut as a talented 15-year-old in 1956.
The all-star team also featured Edu, Carlos Alberto and Clodoaldo from the Brazil squad who had won the 1970 World Cup. On the Argyle side Pele was marked by John Hore and by half-time Alan Dowling, Derek Rickard and Jimmy Hinch had all scored. Pele blasted a penalty and Edu scored before the final whistle and a pitch invasion. Pele retired in 1974 but made a comeback playing for New York Cosmos. He is considered the greatest footballer of his generation and remembered for his prolific goal scoring. He is also credited with calling football the beautiful game. Many people remember that day at Home Park and how seriously Plymouth Argyle took the match, perhaps the off-pitch antics ruined Brazilian concentration.