Ball - England legend (Allsport)

By Alistair Grant, PA Sport

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The man who was inches away from preventing England losing against Brazil in their legendary 1970 World Cup showdown today urged the class of 2002 to seize their moment in Shizuoka on Friday.

In the searing heat of Guadalajara, Mexico, 32 years ago, Alan Ball - England's terrier-like right-midfielder - unleashed a shot which clipped the crossbar as Jairzinho's goal condemned England to a 1-0 defeat.

But, as Ball readily admits, the scoreline was overshadowed by both teams' recognition that they had produced perhaps the finest 90 minutes of football ever played.

Three famous moments sum up the group stage encounter - images that have lived on in the memory and been evoked and splashed across newspapers since Brazil's 2-0 victory over Belgium on Monday set up the quarter-final showdown with Sven-Goran Eriksson's men.

First, there is Gordon Banks' simply magnificent save - since dubbed the greatest of all time. Early on in the match, Jairzinho swung over a right-wing cross and Pele rose to thump a header towards the far post.

Banks, seemingly hopelessly stranded at his near post, flung himself across his goalline in just a fraction of a second, somehow parrying the ball round his post for a corner.

And, of the many great tackles made by the late, great Bobby Moore in the match, there is that frequently-replayed video footage of his patient approach and sublime interception, halting Jairzinho's raid down the inside-right channel.

Then - and most significantly of all - there is that glorious photograph of Moore and Pele, two legends, embracing at the final whistle, smiling openly and swopping shirts.

It all adds up to a heady dose of nostalgia.

Ball offered a telling throwback to that great game 32 years ago, telling PA Sport: "Unfortunately, we got beat - but I knew I was taking in part in something special. It was the most high-profile match I ever played in and something that was going to live on.

"Afterwards, we were disappointed but thought we could put it right and go on and meet Brazil again in the final.

"That was until that ridiculous game against the Germans, when were totally in control but lost and came home."

And focusing attention on 2002, he insisted: "I think England will win against Brazil and go on and win the World Cup.

"We've found a system that suits the players down to the ground - soaking up pressure and hitting on the break.

"Brazil will come onto us, allowing us to get in behind them and beat them. The time of day the match is being played is one minus - but we'll get over that."

The heat in Guadalajara in 1970 was stifling, but it could not prevent one of the world's most famous sporting occasions unfolding.

"Brazil were probably the greatest side ever ," Ball added. "They were choca-block with great footballers.

"It was a fabulous game and a privilege to play in that match. It was hot, but the two sides played a wonderful 90 minutes of football.

"Bobby made that wonderful tackle, waiting and waiting and nicking the ball. And when you had Jairzinho and Pele running at you, you had to be on the button.

"And there was Banksie's save - a terrific save. I knew, with the way Brazil's move was building, that is was more than likely going to be a goal - but Banksie made a wonderful save.

"Late on, I hit the top of the bar with a looping half-volley, which would have been the equaliser."

Pele has also spoken of the significance of the match, identifying it as a crucial stepping stone to one of the greatest moments of his career - winning the 1970 trophy.

"The World Cup has brought me so many great moments and memories," he told mastercard.com.

"The best were my first goal in the World Cup, against Wales in the quarter-finals in 1958 - and winning Brazil's third World Cup in Mexico in 1970.

"We reached the quarter-finals in 1954 and won in 1958, 1962 and 1970. I had the honour of being there every time.

"However, success brings its own pressure. It's partly because of that hat-trick that our fans expect us to win every match at every World Cup.

"The best players can cope with that pressure - but it's not so easy for the youngsters. That's why it wasn't until 1994 that we won the World Cup for a fourth time."

And the pressure will certainly be on in Shizuoka on Friday.

BRAZIL v ENGLAND: June 7, 1970: Guadalajara, Mexico.

BRAZIL: Felix (c), Carlos Alberto, Brito, Piazza, Clodoaldo, Jairzinho, Gerson, Everaldo, Rivelino, Pele, Tostao (Roberto 68).

ENGLAND: Gordon Banks, Tommy Wright, Brian Labone, Bobby Moore (c), Terry Cooper, Francis Lee (Jeff Astle 64), Alan Mullery, Alan Ball, Martin Peters, Bobby Charlton (Colin Bell 64), Geoff Hurst.