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FROM CHAMPIONS TO OUTCASTS

THE STRANGE AND TRAGIC STORY OF ZAIRE AT WORLD CUP, 74

It is June 22nd 1974 at the Parkstadion in Gelsenkirchen and World Cup folklore is about to be written. The final Group B match is taking place between reigning champions Brazil and tournament first-timers Zaire, who have already been eliminated following defeats to Scotland and Yugoslavia. With their team leading 2-0, Rivelino and Jairzinho are standing over a freekick when a Zaire defender runs headlong at them and hoofs the ball up field. Mwepu Ilunga doesn’t know it yet, but he’s just achieved footballing immortali...

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