By Chris Roberts, PA Sport

Brazil lifted football's biggest prize for an unprecedented fifth time with victory over Germany on Sunday - but it is the Samba stars of 1970 who still stand alone as the best ever.

In many people's eyes the class of 2002 are fast approaching their former heroes with their brand of high-tempo, free-flowing football.

The likes of Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho conjured up some moments of brilliance, but the Brazil side of 32 years ago is still rightly considered to be the best of all time.

The 1970 side lifted their nation's third World Cup in Mexico - following on from triumphs in 1958 and 1962 - by scoring a 19 goals in six games.

The final itself against Italy turned into an exhibition match with Brazil romping home 4-1.

Symbolically, it was the incomparable Pele who scored their 100th World Cup goal - a magnificent header and he went on to collect his third winners' medal.

Pele was the shining light in a team full of stars. While, to a man, they were all superb players, their organisation under shrewd coach Mario Zagallo had to be admired.

Brazil had an unforgettable front line of Pele, Jairzinho - who scored in every game - Tostao and Rivelino.

They looked perfect in every sense, the balance was spot on and captain Carlos Alberto knew he had a relatively easy job. All he had to was give the ball to one of the front four and watch the fireworks start.

Brazil began the finals in style, winning all three group games against the holders England (1-0), Czechoslovakia (4-1) and Romania (3-2).

They then despatched fellow South Americans Peru (4-2) in the quarter-final and Uruguay (3-1) to set up a showdown with the Italians.

Pele had shown his full range of skills to delight the neutral fans and a huge worldwide television audience.

Highlights included his attempted lob from the halfway line against Czechoslovakia and a stunning header that brought an even more stunning save from England goalkeeper Gordon Banks.

There was also a wonderful moment of mischief when he stepped over the ball, letting it run past the Uruguay goalkeeper, before shooting narrowly wide.

The Italians never got going after a stamina-sapping semi-final victory against Germany.

Brazil had too much pace, too much skill and too much quality. They took full advantage.

Tarcisio Burgnich, the defender who had been handed the unenviable task of marking Pele was later quoted as saying: "I told myself before the game, 'he's made of skin and bones just like everyone else' - but I was wrong".

Pele may have been on a different planet but the rest of his supporting cast were certainly world class.

The side at this year's World Cup finals have also been scoring goals for fun after struggling to qualify and coach Luiz Filipe Scolari deserves much of the praise after dramatically turning around their fortunes.

However, like the 1970 side, such is there willingness to go forward they do leave gaps at the back, but they have also dug deep to show great restraint and German-esque battling qualities while letting their forward stars wreak their havoc.

And wreaking havoc they have done by scoring 18 goals to lift the World Cup with Ronaldo and Rivaldo proving they are the best in the business.

But while they can consider themselves up their with the West German side of 1974, the Italians of 1982, Argentinians in 1978, French of 1998 and even some of their own great sides of the past, the Brazil World Cup-winning team of 1970 stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Brazil 1970 World Cup-winning side: Felix, Brito, Piazza, Carlos Alberto, Clodoaldo, Jairzinho, Gerson, Tostao, Pele, Rivelino, Everaldo.

Brazil 2002 World-Cup winning side: Marcos, Cafu, Lucio, Roque Junior, Edmilson, Roberto Carlos, Gilbert Silva, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Kleberson.