Roberto Boninsegna is an Italian former professional footballer who mainly played as a forward. After retiring, he worked as a football manager. As a player, he played for the Italy national side at two World Cups, reaching the final in 1970.
Boninsegna in Rotterdam, 1974
Boninsegna scoring for Cagliari in the late 1960s
Boninsegna (right) playing for Inter Milan in 1974 against his iconic rival, the juventino and future teammate Francesco Morini.
The 1970 FIFA World Cup was the ninth edition of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football championship for men's senior national teams. Held from 31 May to 21 June in Mexico, it was the first World Cup tournament held outside Europe and South America, and also the first held in North America. Teams representing 75 nations from all six populated continents entered the competition, and its qualification rounds began in May 1968. Fourteen teams qualified from this process to join host nation Mexico and defending champions England in the 16-team final tournament. El Salvador, Israel and Morocco made their debut appearances at the final stage.
Official poster
Plaque commemorating the "Game of the Century"
Adidas Telstar of 1974
Salvadoran captain Salvador Mariona (in white) and Mexican captain Gustavo Peña (in green) before their match.