The Selecao legend recalls his perfect record against the old rival and says the quest for Olympic gold should take priority over the upcoming Copa America
An idol in both Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro for his herorics with Corinthians and Fluminense, Roberto Rivellino also shone on the world stage, representing Brazil alongisde the likes of Gerson, Pele, Jairzinho, and Tostao in the now mythical 1970 side that captured the world’s imagination with their stunnig World Cup victory in Mexico. Credited by many as the father of the 'elastico', one of the most iconic skills in the game, Riva charmed the Mexican public throughout the tournament with his slick dribbling and absolute howitzer of a left foot, earning the nickname of the man with the 'Atomic kick'. 
It was also in that year that the Brazil legend truly introduced himself to Uruguay, Brazil's next opponent in World Cup qualification. Rivellino faced Uruguay five times in his career, ending up on the winning side on each occasion. And it was his strike in the final minute that securred a 3-1 semi-final victory over the Uruguyans, finally offering Brazil some redemption for the infamous World Cup defeat suffered on home soil in 1950. In a exclusive interview with Brasil Global Tour, Riva recalls some happy memories from that swealtering afternoon in Guadalajara, while also offering his thoughts on the upcoming qualifer in Recife, and opening up on this year's Copa America and Olympic Games. 
Brasil Global Tour: How did the players prepare for the 1970 World Cup semi-final against Uruguay, given the trauma suffered in 1950? Rivellino: “Back then, everyone wanted to carry the burden of the 1950 defeat. Then I said ‘My God, I was only four years-old in 1950, do you really want me to go out on the pitch concerned about that? You must be kidding me?.’ But everything ended in the best possible way. It was a very hard match and, luckily, I managed to score the final goal just as we were under pressure. That Uruguay team had lots of quality, it was a great match.” BGT: You were always fairly lucky Uruguay. Riva: “Facing Uruguay is always hard, but thank God I had the best times against them and won every time. I honestly can't remember ever having lost to Uruguay. This is wonderful. By the way, Argentina are also great rivals I never lost to. I always either won or drew against Argentina [2 wins, 2 draws]. Good times, right?” 
BGT: Brazil and Uruguay will face each other in Recife on March 25. What do you expect from the match? Riva: It will be a very hard match. Even more so because Luis Suarez is returning. Edinson Cavani is also in great form, and they are two very important players. Can Brazil win? Yes, but they can also complicate things for themselves. The Selecao has to prepare extremely well because this would be a vital home win." BGT: Brazil will face two important competitions this year: The Copa America Centenario and the Olympics. If you had to give priority to one, which would it be? Riva: "If you analyse in terms of medals, we lack an Olympic gold, and we have a very strong team for that tournament this year. We must show competence and work well with these boys, most of whom are top professionals, and about eighy per cent are starters with their club teams. So I guess we have a strong Selecao. And, if I could choose one, it would be the Olympics, no doubt about that."
- Goal