Milan, 12 June (LaPresse/AP) – Brito, the centre-back for the Brazilian national team that won the 1970 World Cup, has died at the age of 86. The Brazilian Football Confederation announced the news without providing further details. Brito played 61 matches for the national team between 1964 and 1972, including one at the 1966 World Cup, forming a solid defensive partnership alongside Wilson Piazza. In the 1970 final, the team led by Pelé defeated Italy 4-1 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. “Brito has left us as one of the greatest defenders in the history of Brazilian football,” said the federation’s president, Samir Xaud, in a statement. “His contribution to the 1970 World Cup victory will be remembered forever by all of us,” he added. “I pay tribute to this idol of our country. May his fighting spirit be an inspiration to our players who will take to the pitch at the World Cup,” concluded Xaud. Brazil, which holds the record for World Cup victories with five titles, will be aiming to win its sixth from Saturday against Morocco.