As the business end of 1974 World Cup loomed, for the sentimentalists, the field of title contenders still included Brazil. But for most, it had thinned to three: The Netherlands, hosts West Germany a
Peter Chandler felt "like a little kid looking at stars," he says now. Chandler was warming up, surrounded by 20,000 fans before his North American Soccer League (NASL) match with the Hartford Bicentennials started. And there, on the other side of the pitch, was Pelé.
A few down the years have even entered politics in an effort to improve the world around them. Having a huge profile from exploits on the football pitch can certainly help when it comes to winning votes.