Jairzinho

Jairzinho, birth name Jair Ventura Filho, (born December 25 1944) is a former Brazilian footballer. He was a member of the Brazilian national team that won the 1970 FIFA World Cup, during which he scored in every game Brazil played. However, his seven goals at those finals were not enough to win the Golden Boot, which went to West Germany's Gerd Müller, who scored ten goals.

Jairzinho made his professional debut with Rio de Janeiro club Botafogo as a left winger at the age of 15. His hero Garrincha, whom he would eventually replace for both club and country also played there. Jairzinho spent most of his early games playing on the left wing or as a centre forward. However, when Garrincha was injured he filled in as a right winger, which was by far his strongest position.

Jairzinho made his international debut as a 19 year old in 1964 against Portugal, again when Garrincha was injured. He played in the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England, however, and with Garrincha back in the side, he played as a left winger and struggled to be effective. Jairzinho, with Garrincha retired from international football, played as a right winger in 1970, and revealed his talent to the world. Unsurprisingly, following his display in Mexico Jairzinho moved to Europe to play for French side Marseille. However, he struggled with Marseille and soon returned to Brazil to play for Cruzeiro, with whom he won the Libertadores Cup in 1976. The Cruzeiro team at time included the likes of Nelinho and Dirceu Lopes.

Jairzinho scored two goals in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, which would prove to be his last World Cup for Brazil. He did, however, continue to play for Brazil for another eight years. His final game was on March 3 1982 against Czechoslovakia in a game which Brazil drew 1-1. He scored 34 goals in 82 games during his international career.

Jairzinho finished his career playing for Portuguesa in Venezuela. Following his retirement Jairzinho became a coach and coached the Gabon national team. However, Jairzinho was sacked by Gabon's Football Federation after a crushing defeat against Angola in a World Cup 2006 Qualifier held in Luanda. Perhaps his greatest achievement as a coach was spotting Ronaldo as a 14 year old whilst he was coaching São Cristóvão. He kick-started the career of the future three-time FIFA World Player of the Year by recommending him to Cruzeiro, his former side, and the Brazil youth team.

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