Pele Cup '91 | |
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Tournament details | |
Host country | United States |
Dates | 18 – 27 January (10 days) |
Teams | 6 (from 2 confederations) |
Venue(s) | 1 (in 1 host city) |
Final positions | |
Champions | Brazil (3rd title) |
Runners-up | Argentina |
Third place | Italy |
Fourth place | Uruguay |
Tournament statistics | |
Matches played | 10 |
Goals scored | 29 (2.9 per match) |
Top scorer(s) |
Zico Enzo Bulleri (3 goals each) |
Best player | Zico |
Best goalkeeper | Hugo Gatti |
I World Cup of Masters (also known as III Copa Pelé) was the fourth edition of the World Cup of Masters ran from 18 to 27 January 1991 and for the first time, it was held outside Brazil. It was held in Miami, and all of the matches were played at the Joe Robbie Stadium. The six "Master" teams were reigning champions Brazil, Italy, Uruguay, Argentina and for the first time representatives from England and Germany. The tournament involved the teams divided into two groups of three. Brazil won their third title, beating Argentina 2–1 in the final in a dramatic last-minute victory led by Zico and attended by 13,550 fans.
As part of the push to help make the U.S. soccer literate in time for the 1994 World Cup, the 1991 Pele Cup, which featured the six nations that have won a World Cup, was played at Joe Robbie Stadium. Five double-headers were scheduled between January 18–27, and featured Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, Uruguay and England in a two-group, round-robin competition.
That was the first time this type of tournament has been performed in United States. Though, the Miami area historically did not prove to be a very enthusiastic audience for that kind of show, the organizers' aspect was to compete with the biggest sports event in the United States.
The tournament featured the six nations that had won World Cup championships. The year each nation won the title is in parentheses.
Argentina (1978, 1986)
Forward Mario Kempes, 36, scored two goals in a 3–1 win over The Netherlands in 1978 Cup final. Fullback Alberto Tarantini, 35, was the heart of the defense in 1978 and 1982 World Cups.
Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970)
Forward Roberto Dinamite started in the 1978 FIFA World Cup and was considered one of the most popular players in Brazil. He retired recently from Vasco da Gama. Zico who travelled to Miami injured was one of the leading scorers in Brazil's football history.