Former Leeds United left-back Terry Cooper has recalled his part in Gordon Bank's iconic save from Pele ahead of Sunday's 50th anniversary of England's epic World Cup clash against Brazil in 1970.
Cooper was flying high with the Whites when he was named as part of the England squad tasked with defending their world title in Mexico and would be one of Sir Alf Ramsey's best performers as the Three Lions crashed out at the quarter-final stage.
While England fell short, they did give the eventual winners Brazil their hardest test in a group stage clash which saw Banks make one of the best saves in World Cup history.
Cooper was the man tasked with shackling Selecao right-winger Jairzinho, but on this occasion let his man get a cross in. Up leaped Pele, who nodded the ball down into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal, only for Banks to somehow dive down and tip the ball over the bar.
"The pitch was like rolled concrete," Cooper has told the Daily Mirror ahead of tomorrow's landmark anniversary. "It had a good, even covering of grass, but underneath it was rock hard.
"I was wearing rubber studs and I slipped as the ball came past me to Jairzinho, which was enough to give him half a yard, and he was away.
"His cross was perfect and, to this day, Gordon's save defies logic. Getting across his goal to reach Pele's header is one thing, but how he managed to scoop it over the bar, less than a yard from the line, was miraculous.
"I heard Pele shout 'Gooooaaal!' as it left his head and his strangled celebration. It's one of those moments that will never lose its magic."
Cooper would then be reunited with Pele 40 years on, with the former Leeds man surprised that the Brazilian legend instantly remembered him.
"I had exchanged shirts with the Brazil captain Carlos Alberto in 1970 and I thought it would be a good opportunity for Pele to sign it," he said.
"It was a complete scrum when he arrived, but as he made his way through the chaos he spotted me and called over, 'Hey, Cooper - come with me!' "As far as I can remember, I hadn't seen Pele since I played against him at the World Cup, yet he recognised me across a crowded room 40-odd years later.
"My son Mark was with me and we were ushered into this VIP room, away from the madness. I was amazed he even recognised me, but we spent 10 minutes chatting like best mates."
