Brasilia, June 12 (IANS) Brito, who helped Brazil conquer the 1970 FIFA World Cup Mexico, has passed away aged 86. He had been hospitalised for a week with complications due to pneumonia, Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said.

The centre-back made his Brazil debut in 1964 and made one appearance, against Portugal, in the global finals two years later. Brito then played every minute of every game as ‘The Beautiful Team’ won Mexico 1970 in style.

The CBF condoled the passing of Brito, former defender and world champion and expressed its solidarity with his family, friends and fans.

“Brito left us as one of the greatest defenders in the history of Brazilian football. His contribution to the 1970 World Cup victory will be eternally remembered by all of us. I pay my respects to this idol of our country. May his fighting spirit be an inspiration to our players who will compete in the World Cup,” said the president of the CBF, Samir Xaud.

Brito became the seventh member of Mario Zagallo’s squad to pass away following Everaldo (1974), Fontana (1980), Felix (2012), Joel Camargo (2014), Carlos Alberto (2016) and Pele (2022).

In winning World Cup title, the Rio native formed a victorious defensive duo with Piazza. Together, they combined important attributes for a defense. Piazza was known for his technique, and Brito for his strength and physical presence. Not surprisingly, he was nicknamed Hercules. He started in all six World Cup matches and was never substituted.

Born on August 9, 1939, the former defender began his career at Vasco and played for other major clubs such as Flamengo, Cruzeiro, Internacional, Corinthians, Botafogo, and Athletico-PR.

His success with these teams made the Brazilian National Team a natural progression. He spent eight years (from 1964 to 1972) wearing the yellow jersey, during which he played 61 games, with 45 wins, 11 draws, and five losses. In addition to the three World Cup titles, he won the Copa Roca (1971) and the Taca Independência (1972).

–IANS

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