Soccer VHS Video: 1982 World Cup Second Round, Brazil vs. Argentina

1982 FIFA World Cup Spain
July 2nd, Barcelona, Attendance: 44,000
Second Round Group C: Brazil vs. Argentina
[Full Match Recording, English Commentary]

[Defending Champions (1978) vs. The Golden Quartet]
Argentina's captain, Daniel Passarella (29), is a player who will always be included in the country's all-time strongest eleven. Though he is small for a defender at 174 cm, he has a strong header and was adept at penalties and free kicks with his left foot. His record of [22 goals in 70 national team appearances] is an unbelievable number for a defender. He managed the team in the 1998 World Cup and caused controversy by forbidding the famous player Redondo's long hair.

In the closing stages of the match, with Argentina trailing 0-3 and defeat looming, a deadly tackle on Brazil's ace, Zico, demonstrated the fierce intensity of this South American Clasico. In today's game, it would undoubtedly result in a straight red card. Zico was forced to leave the field injured. Passarella walked away as if nothing had happened (photo included).

The matches from this era possess a unique, palpable atmosphere that cannot be experienced today.

The calm fighting spirit of the skilled Ardiles, the individual brilliance of the young [Maradona (21)], who showed glimpses of his genius (he was sent off in the 85th minute for retaliation, but had moments of brilliance throughout), and the desperate defense led by Passarella. For some reason, the 1982 Argentina team was a team that touched the heart.