# @retro_calcio on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DaLkfC-yvDl
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/69875686-retro-calcio-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/b2fb923035.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-06-29T19:02:04.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Retro Calcio (@retro_calcio) — https://gondola.cc/retro_calcio

## Caption

Brazilian right-back Nelinho scored one of the classic “did he mean it?” goals during the third-place play-off at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina; unleashing a shot that bent past Italian ‘keeper Dino Zoff so wickedly that the ball’s flight path almost has a corner in it half-way through..
The victory over Italy, securing the bronze medal, had a goal with the mark of Nelinho. A long shot with bend that has been rarely seen in the world of football, making goalkeeper Dino Zoff squirm and helpless in net.
Nelinho played for América, Cruzeiro and Atlético, was one of the greatest goalscoring wing-backs and is considered one of the greatest free-kick takers in history. He scored 165 goals in 764 matches.

The Mechanics of Nelinho’s Swerve
In the 64th minute, Brazil broken the tactical deadlock through an individual action that defied standard ball trajectories.
Receiving a pass from Roberto Dinamite wide on the right flank, Brazilian right-back Nelinho pushed the ball down the touchline. Cornered near the edge of the penalty box and tracking parallel to the goal line, there was no clear passing lane into the box. Facing an incredibly acute angle—nearly level with the penalty box boundary—Nelinho struck the ball with the outside of his right boot (a technique known in Brazil as trivela).

This goal completely altered the momentum of the game. Just eight minutes later, Dirceu found space centrally and unleashed another swerving, long-range drive from 25 yards out, catching Zoff slightly unsighted to seal the 2-1 win for Brazil.

Match Stats & Lineups
Final Score: Brazil 2, Italy 1
Goals: Franco Causio (38'), Nelinho (64'), Dirceu (72')
Attendance: 69,659
Referee: Abraham Klein (Israel)
Venue: El Monumental - Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti

Brazil (4-4-2): Leão; Nelinho, Oscar, Amaral, Rodrigues Neto; Toninho Cerezo (Rivellino 64'), Batista, Dirceu, Gil (Reinaldo 46'); Jorge Mendonça, Roberto Dinamite.

Italy (4-4-2): Zoff; Gentile, Scirea, Cuccureddu, Cabrini; Antognoni (C. Sala 78'), P. Sala, Maldera, Causio; Bettega, Rossi.

#nelinho #selecaobrasileira #worldcup #buenosaires

## Stats

- **Views:** 32,337
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- **Comments:** 12

## Tags

nelinho, worldcup, selecaobrasileira, buenosaires

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