Italy started the 1982 World Cup slowly, barely making it through to the second group stage. Brazil on the other hand played the most exhilarating football and a first World Cup triumph in 12 years looked on the cards. The goals were abundant — Brazil's five-man midfield of Zico, Socrates, Falcao, Cerezo and Eder was arguably the most attack-minded in the history of the World Cup. With Brazil needing just a draw to progress to the semifinals, few gave Italy much of a chance. Rossi, who had just returned from a suspension for alleged match-fixing, suddenly found form. Though he hadn't scored in Italy's first four games, Rossi was given renewed confidence by coach Enzo Bearzot. He was rewarded with a hat trick that saw off Brazil 3-2 in one of the great World Cup encounters. No Brazil team since has ever matched the verve of coach Tele Santana's side.
(AP)