Date: 06-06-1970
Stage: first round
Place: CIUDAD DE MEXICO
Running time: 100 min.
Colour: PAL
Quality: HD 1080 50fps (9)
Commentary: english
My rating: ***
Notes: Byshovets,Asatiani,Khurtsilava, Piot,VanMoer,Lambert,VanHimst
MATCH SUMMARY
Saturday, 6 June 1970
Azteca, Mexico City
Attendance: 95,261
Meteo: Clear, 25°C
USSR
Anzor Kavazashvili
Valentin Afonin
Revaz Dzodzuashvili
Vladimir Kaplichni
Albert Shesterniev (c)
Kakhi Asatiani
Murtaz Khurtzilava
Vladimir Muntyan
Anatoli Byshovetz
Viatly Khmelnitzky
Gennadi Yevryuzhikhin
Coach: Gavril Kachalin (URS)
44′ ↓Vladimir Kaplichni ↑Evgeny Lovchev
66′ ↓Revaz Dzodzuashvili ↑Nikolay Kiselyov
BELGIUM
Christian Piot
Nicolas Dewalque
Georges Heylens
Leon Jeck
Jean Thissen
Leon Semmeling
Wilfried Van Moer
Jean Dockx
Raoul Lambert
Wilfried Puis
Paul Van Himst (c)
Coach: Raymond Goethals (BEL)
Referee: Rudolf Scheurer (SUI)
Goals:
14′ Anatoli Byshovetz, URS
57′ Kakhi Asatiani, URS
63′ Anatoli Byshovetz, URS
75′ Viatly Khmelnitzky, URS
86′ Raoul Lambert, BEL
Match overview
The USSR opened their 1970 World Cup campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Belgium at the Azteca in Mexico City. Byshovetz scored twice, with Asatiani and Khmelnitzky adding further goals. Belgium managed a late consolation through Lambert but were outplayed for most of the match in front of a huge crowd.
Trivia
This match marked a strong start for the Soviet Union in Group 1, demonstrating their attacking power and tactical organisation. Byshovetz’s brace was key, and the USSR’s performance set the tone for their group stage. The attendance at the Azteca was among the highest of the tournament, and the match was played in warm, clear conditions.
