But nothing was simple that day, Pelé finding on his way an excellent goalkeeper in the person of the Argentinian Andrada. Until this match on November 19, the latter had only lost from the penalty spot, on two occasions, against “O’Rey”. Excited, Andrada repels all of Pelé’s attempts, in particular by going for an outside right that was heading for the top corner. And when it’s not the Argentinian goalkeeper, it’s the crossbar that stops him! “Pelé was crazy, he insulted everyone”Andrada will testify in a Pelé special from France Football, on December 28, 1999. And to recount the fateful moment, in the 78th minute of play: “ But with just a quarter of an hour remaining, he slipped between our stoppers, threw himself and referee Amaro Santos awarded a penalty. Even our supporters were singing ”Pelé, Pelé!”. I walked over and said to him: ”I wish you good luck for this long-awaited moment, but I will do everything to ruin it for you…””
55 years ago, Pelé scored his 1000th goal amid general jubilation, at the Maracana against Vasco da Gama