Carlos Alberto Torres vs Johnny Carey
Brazil against Ireland. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Carlos Alberto Torres
Brazil · 1964–76 · RB
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in Brazil
- #19 of 33
- Caps
- 53 · 8 goals
- Clubs
- Fluminense, Santos, New York Cosmos
With four minutes left at the Azteca on 21 June 1970, Pelé rolled the ball square into his path and he hit it first time, low past Enrico Albertosi, for the fourth in Brazil's 4-1 win over Italy. He was the captain who lifted the 1970 World Cup, and beyond it came 53 caps, five Paulista titles with Santos, three Carioca championships with Fluminense in 1964, 1975 and 1976, and four Soccer Bowls with the New York Cosmos. Career record: 53 caps and 8 goals for Brazil; club career at Fluminense, Santos, New York Cosmos.
Johnny Carey
Ireland · 1937–1953 · RB
- Almanac rating
- 89
- Rank in Ireland
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 29 · 3 goals
- Clubs
- Manchester United, Shamrock Rovers, Everton
Nine different positions bore his name on Manchester United teamsheets, goalkeeper included, yet it was as captain that he lifted the FA Cup after the celebrated 4-2 final against Blackpool in 1948. The First Division title of 1952 followed, along with the 1949 Footballer of the Year award and the honour of captaining the Rest of Europe XI at Hampden in 1947. Career record: 29 caps and 3 goals for Ireland; club career at Manchester United, Shamrock Rovers, Everton.
The verdict
The almanac puts Carlos Alberto Torres ahead by 2 rating points, 91 against 89.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.