Diego is the real genius. Socrates is the most genuine, most socially conscious footballer ever played the beautiful game.
Brazil had won the match in 1982 world cup. Brazil got the better of Argentina 3-1 in their opening match of the second group round.
This was also the game in which a young Diego Maradona was infamously sent off for kicking Joao Batista. Never mind, he came back to win the cup in 1986. And took the team to finals in 1990. He again came back from retirement to get his team qualify for 1994 edition.
Going back to 1982 Brazil team.
Socrates mentions in his biography 'Doctor Socrates: Footballer, Philosopher, Legend' that he had a strange feeling it was going to be his final goal of the campaign when he netted the equaliser against Italy. The 'Doctor' and Zico returned for another shot at glory in Mexico under Santana four years later. But they were denied by Michel Platini's France on penalties in the quarterfinals. Zico missed a penalty in regular time while Socrates was thwarted by French goalkeeper Joel Bats in the shootout and Brazil paid the price.Brazil ended a long wait for a fourth World Cup with the mercurial Romario leading the way at USA 94. The trio of Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho led them to a record fifth world title in 2002.
Brazil under Luiz Felipe Scolari produced a superb display, but they were no match for Santana's class of 1982 as far as style and grace were concerned. Santana passed away in 2006 and Socrates breathed his last in 2011. But they will be remembered as long as the beautiful game is played.
