I enjoyed reading this book and was delighted to find the author here (on goodreads). It was amazing to read somewhat in-depth interviews about the 1970 World Cup with Gerson, Tostao, Rivelino, Carlos Alberto and some of the other heroes of the 1970 Brazil World Cup team (Clodaldo, Piazza, etc.). I hate nitpicking about this excellent book, but here are its shortcomings:
1. The interview with Pele is somewhat brief.
2. No interview with Jairzinho. This is not the fault of the author, but of Jairzinho, who demanded an astronomical amount for giving an interview to the author. I was very disappointed with this since Jairzinho was one of the stars of the 1970 World Cup.
3. No interviews with Everaldo (who was dead by the time the author started doing research for this book) or Brito (who decided not to meet the author for any interview).
4. The author could have incorporated interviews from some of the players who played against the Brazilian soccer team in the 1970 World Cup. It would have been fun reading what Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, Facchetti, etc. thought of the 1970 Brazilian soccer team players. Some samples of what i am talking about:
Just got this off the shelf due to the sad death of Pelé. Can I name all 11? Felix, Carlos Alberto, Wilson Piazza, Edu, Gerson, Rivilino, Tostao, Jairzinho and of course the king himself. That's 8. Quick check. The three I missed: Brito, Everaldo and Clodoaldo. I don't think any team will ever top them in my affections.
Great book! A lot of football history, not only from Brazil and the squad that played against Italy in the final, but also of other countries and players relevant to the performance of The Beautiful Team. Too bad we couldn't learn more from Jairzinho.
As a Mexican, I am amazed at the difficulty that the teams suffered in adapting to the country's climatic conditions.