Among the things that have gradually disappeared from football are friendly matches between clubs and countries. Wouldn’t it be nice to see repeats of such games as (1993) AC Milan vs Colombia and (1999) Brazil vs Barcelona? In any case, in 1979 Ajax traveled to Sao Paulo to face none other than the Brazilian National Team.
After the Post-Cruyff depression, Ajax had finally assembled a genuinely good side again, with the fearless giant Piet Schrijvers guarding the goal, the world class libero Ruud Krol sending his famous long balls everywhere, the young Danish talents Soren Lerby and Frank Arnesen having fun on midfield, and tricky wingers Simon Tahamata and Tcheu La Ling dribbling circles around opposing defenders.
But how big the difference between a good Ajax and a great Brazil really was, was demonstrated on that evening in June, 1979, when a Brazil already resembling the side of 1982 ran rampant. Zico played. Falcão played. Junior played. And Socrates played.
It was only Socrates’ third or fourth international match. But he left an unforgetable impression. After the game, Zico commented:
“Socrates has exceptional feet and he’s everywhere at once. He’s unpredictable and supremely skilled in first-time passes – I’ve never seen anyone better in one-touch play.”
Check out these highlights.
