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Fifty years ago, Brazil taught the world to play, in colour

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Fifty years ago this month, modern football was born at the World Cup in Mexico, kicking and yelling, and live in vibrant colour for a global audience.

This weekend marks the anniversary of the quarter-finals of that tournament as a star-studded cast played a thrilling series of knock-out games which built to a dazzling final, when the first World Cup broadcast in colour ended with an unparalleled display by a technicolour team.

Mexico in 1970 was not the first World Cup broadcast live. Four years earlier 400 million watched England beat West Germany in the final. But that tournament was shown in black and white. Battered Brazil, the reigning champions, limped out playing, as far as viewers could tell, in two shades of grey.

In Mexico, their yellow and green glowed in the sunshine.

Most viewers still watched in black and white. But the games were shot in colour and when the many iconic moments are replayed, that is how they are seen. And that is how the competition is remembered, even by its greatest star.

“I watch it because there are a lot of videos available and TV programmes,” Pele told FIFA’s website. “If I’m not careful, I always start crying.”

The tournament gave Pele his third winner’s medal but the images also cemented his reputation as the world’s greatest player, partly because of three spectacular near misses: a shot from his own half against Czechoslovakia, a header saved by England’s Gordon Banks and the dummy that almost turned a Tostao pass into a goal against Uruguay.

“I was at my peak,” Pele said. “We had a fantastic side and everyone expected us to win, which gave me the shakes.”

The quarter-finals all kicked off at noon on June 14.

Gigi Riva scored twice and Gianni Rivera once as Italy beat hosts Mexico 4-1.

Rivellino, Tostao and Jairzinho, but not Pele, scored as Brazil beat Peru 4-2.

Reigning champions England, with many of the stars of 1966 but not an ailing Banks and not, by the end, Bobby Charlton, substituted with his team two goals up to protect him from the heat, lost 3-2 in extra time to West Germany. Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Mueller were among the German scorers.

Pele said watching replays of Brazil at the 1970 World Cup makes him cry. PHOTO: MEXSPORT DIGITAL IMAGES/AFP/File / OMAR MARTINEZ

In the semi-finals, in Guadalajara, Brazil gave Uruguay a one-goal start but won 3-1. Again Pele didn’t score, but Clodoaldo, Jairzinho and Rivellino did.

In Mexico City, the other semi-final was heading for a 1-0 Italian win until Karl-Heinz Schnellinger scored a 90th-minute equaliser for West Germany.

Extra time was 30 minutes of mayhem.

Mueller gave West Germany the lead. Tarcisio Burgnich levelled and Riva put Italy ahead. Mueller replied, but a minute later Rivera gave Italy victory.

The abiding image is of Beckenbauer playing much of the game extravagantly strapped after dislocating a shoulder when West Germany had already used both substitutes.

‘Everybody is still talking about it’

The best was yet to come.

Italy were a good team, with the extravagantly gifted Sandro Mazzola. The defence was built on the great Inter Milan side, pioneers of ‘catenaccio’, with Giacinto Facchetti at its heart. Brazil tore them apart.

At an altitude of 2,200 metres (7,200 feet) in dazzling sunshine in the Azteca, Brazil produced a display of attacking football that touched Olympian heights.

Mario Zagallo, Brazil’s coach, later said he thought the 1-0 victory over England “was the best game of the tournament…a high-class game of chess.”

Yet Brazil’s attacking display in the first colour World Cup final set a benchmark against which every one of the tens of thousands of matches broadcast since is measured.

Pele leapt to celebrate with teammates Tostao, Carlos Alberto and Jairzinho. PHOTO: AFP/File / STF

Pele gave Brazil the lead with his fourth goal of the competition.

“I told myself before the game, he’s made of skin and bones just like everyone else —- but I was wrong,” Burgnich said later.

Roberto Boninsegna levelled, but in the second half Gerson and Jairzinho put the match beyond reach.

It was as if Brazil were inventing football. They finished with a flourish, scoring one of the great team goals with four minutes left as full-back Carlos Alberto finished a mesmerising eight-man move by lashing home Pele’s deft pass.

“I realise how beautiful and how important that goal was, because everybody is still talking about it,” Carlos Alberto told the BBC years later.

“Nobody talks about Pele’s goal, the first goal, the second goal. It is always about the fourth goal. I think it was the best goal ever scored in a World Cup.”

It was a fitting exclamation mark at the end of what might have been the best World Cup.

Reporting and photos: AFP

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W Maldives sets coral restoration benchmark with Sea of Stars activation

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Following the launch of SEA OF STARS, W Maldives has successfully concluded a landmark week of sustainability-driven experiences that brought guests, marine experts, and the resort team together in celebration of ocean conservation and creativity.

The event kicked off on 26 October with an exclusive screening of Peixinho (Little Fish) at FIRE, hosted by award-winning wildlife filmmaker and conservation biologist, Kaushiik Subramaniam. The film, a moving story of ocean stewardship and intergenerational change, was followed by a mix-and-mingle session where guests connected with Kaushiik to discuss the power of storytelling in inspiring environmental action, along with the MARS Sustainable Solutions team on the reef restoration project.

The momentum carried into the following days as the W Maldives team, led by the resort’s Sustainability Manager, Harald Schaller, together with MARS Sustainable Solutions, completed the installation of 400 Reef Stars and 6,000 coral fragments across the resort’s house reef on 28 and 29 October. Guests joined the marine biologists in assembling and deploying the hexagonal reef structures, turning collaboration into tangible impact. The two-day reef star creation and installation marked a key milestone in one of the Maldives’ largest coral restoration projects.

“With all Reef Stars successfully installed, we’re excited to see this restored reef become a thriving ecosystem,” says Kate Janetski, Marine Program Lead for Maldives & Caribbean and Global Training Manager at MARS Sustainable Solutions. “The partnership with W Maldives shows what can happen when science, hospitality, and community come together for a shared purpose. Seeing guests and the resort team work side by side to restore this reef is a powerful reminder that protecting our oceans can be a collective and inspiring experience.”

With the success of SEA OF STARS, W Maldives is setting its sights even higher, Under the vision of Amila Handunwala, the resort’s General Manager and Chair of the Marriott Maldives Business Council, this activation marks just the beginning of a wider movement to make W Maldives, and eventually, Marriott International properties in the Maldives, a driving force in coral restoration across the archipelago.

“Our reef has always been the heart of W Maldives,” says Amila Handunwala. “SEA OF STARS is more than a single event, it’s the spark of a long-term journey. Our goal is to strengthen W Maldives’ stance as a leader in marine restoration and to extend this initiative to other Marriott resorts in the Maldives. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and set a new benchmark for sustainability in hospitality.”

The W Maldives team will continue to collaborate with MARS Sustainable Solutions to monitor coral growth and reef resilience in the coming months and years. Guests are also invited to be part of this journey by joining guided house reef snorkeling sessions with the resort’s marine biologist to learn more about the ongoing coral restoration program.

This initiative is part of W Maldives’ evolving and growing sustainability strategy, which extends beyond its reef restoration work. The resort continues to enhance its biogas plat, waste management system, and solar energy operations, building a more self-sustaining and environmentally conscious island ecosystem. Each initiative reflects the resort’s approach to modern luxury, one that connects guests to nature through innovation, community, and car.

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Sheraton Maldives partners with tennis pro Jackson Withrow, yoga expert Dawn Sim for guest experiences

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Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites guests to reconnect with mind, body, and spirit from November 15-19, 2025, through two inspiring collaborations that celebrate sports and wellness in the heart of paradise. The resort will welcome Jackson Withrow, a celebrated American professional tennis player and winner of 10 ATP doubles titles, and Dawn Sim, a renowned Singapore-based yoga instructor and wellness ambassador, for a series of exclusive guest experiences designed to inspire connection, vitality, and inner balance.

Set amidst the shimmering turquoise waters and lush tropical surroundings of the resort, these curated programs offer guests the extraordinary opportunity to engage with world-class professionals through immersive sessions that blend movement, mindfulness, and Maldivian serenity. From the thrill of perfecting a serve alongside an elite athlete to the calm of a sunrise yoga flow by the ocean’s edge, each experience reflects Sheraton Maldives’ dedication to fostering connection and wellbeing in a truly idyllic setting.

From November 15-16, the spotlight turns to the tennis court, where Jackson Withrow, who achieved a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 16 in 2024, will host a two-day Tennis Experience that brings professional sports to paradise. On November 15, guests can join Jackson for an interactive Doubles Clinic, learning advanced techniques, teamwork strategies, and court fundamentals. The session will conclude with a relaxed autograph signing and Q&A, offering a glimpse into life on the ATP Tour.

The excitement continues on November 16, as Jackson returns to the court for a Tennis Engagement Activation, where guests can watch his personal training session before joining him for friendly on-court challenges, including the opportunity to return his serve or rally alongside a world-class athlete.

Following a weekend of exhilarating sports, guests can look forward to a more tranquil rhythm as the resort shifts its focus toward mindfulness and rejuvenation. Beginning November 18, Dawn Sim will guide guests on a journey of serenity and self-awareness. A certified yoga instructor who has led sessions at Glow Fest 2024 and The Singapore Edition, Dawn brings her holistic approach to wellness to the tranquil shores of Sheraton Maldives.

Her wellness activations will take place in two of the resort’s most picturesque settings — Sunrise Yoga at Kakuni Beach on November 18 and Sunset Gentle Stretch at Anchorage Beach on November 19. Each session will offer guests a soothing, restorative experience that harmonises body and mind, surrounded by the gentle sounds of the ocean and the radiant hues of sunrise and sunset.

“At Sheraton Maldives, we take pride in curating experiences that bring people together through shared passions and authentic connections,” said Greg Allan, General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. “From world-class tennis sessions with Jackson Withrow to mindful wellness sessions with Dawn Sim, these collaborations embody our island’s spirit of balance.”

Nestled on a private island in North Malé Atoll, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa continues to redefine meaningful travel through experiences that inspire connection, wellness, and discovery. This November’s activations perfectly capture the resort’s commitment to creating memorable moments that unite guests through sports, wellness, and the island lifestyle — celebrating the true essence of “where the world comes together.”

To learn more about Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, visit www.sheratonmaldives.com.

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New Year’s voyage of indulgence: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau’s private yacht experience with Chef Tom Aikens

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Nestled within its own pristine lagoon on the serene southernmost tip of the Raa Atoll, on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is redefining high-end travel with an exclusive invitation to celebrate New Year’s Day in unparalleled luxury. For those seeking an unforgettable start to 2026, guests can indulge in an intimate private yacht escape, blending Michelin-starred dining, luxurious comfort, ocean exploration, and stargazing beneath the Maldivian sky. This first-class experience is crafted for those who wish to welcome the year ahead with indulgence, privacy, and personalised luxury on the glistening Indian Ocean.

The journey begins with a one-hour Sunset Cruise, paired with premium Champagne, setting the tone for an evening of elegance. Guests can delight in a Caviar & Oyster Tasting, savouring the freshest ocean delicacies, followed by an intimate private dining experience featuring a set menu expertly curated by Michelin-starred Chef Tom Aikens, showcasing the finest in culinary mastery. As the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars, Tom Aikens is revered for his ingredient-led, deeply personal approach to modern European cuisine. The onboard Wine Cellar at Sea, led by a dedicated sommelier, also ensures impeccable pairings throughout the evening, creating a true voyage for the senses.

For opulent entertainment, a live musician will perform onboard, setting the perfect ambiance beneath the stars, while unforgettable moments are captured with a professional minute drone video for a cinematic keepsake. As darkness falls, guests will enjoy a guided stargazing session, whilst drifting along the ocean’s gentle waves, before returning to their refined onboard suite for the night, beautifully decorated and with a homemade chocolate box to conclude a perfect evening of serenity.

The following morning, guests will awaken to a surprise gourmet breakfast accompanied by Champagne served onboard, and depart with a personalised gift from Chef Tom Aikens as a cherished memento of this enchanting escape.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort promises exceptional, personalised service for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. As part of the resort’s festive programme, a thoughtfully curated overnight yacht journey offers discerning travellers the perfect way to celebrate the New Year, creating unforgettable moments in a truly breathtaking setting.

The full festive brochure can be found here.

Rates for exclusive overnight yacht hire start from USD 16,500 ++ per night. This rate includes up to two adults. Rates for four adults and two children, or alternatively up to six adults, start from USD 20,000 ++.

This exclusive overnight yacht experience is limited and offered by reservation only. For inquiries and reservations, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.

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