It's pretty much a direct translation. The team completely dominated in the midfield/middle of the field. The player is important in the transition from defense to the midfield.
Midfield! You need to check on an online translator...............some of these questions you are asking are easily answered. http://translate.google.com/#auto/en/
Hi schwuppe, I guess your interest began with Placar's rankings. Around 1970, most brazilian teams were based on 4-2-4 system. So, the positions in the rankings are refered to that system. Beque-Central = the centerback in a back three (ex. Bellini or Mauro) Ponta-Direita = right winger Ponta-De-Lanca = one of the two spearhead, whether he's paired with CF, then PDL is the player who has more freedom to roam (ex. Pele, Tostao) Quarto-Zagueiro = fourth back (ex. Orlando or Zozimo) Medio-Volante = the defensive minded midfielder (ex. Zito or Clodoaldo) Meia-Armador = the ofensive minded midfielder (ex. Didi or Gerson) Centroavante = striker or centreforward Ponta-Esquerda = left winger So, i think that until 80s the positions to rating players in Placar were still used based on 4-2-4, even the system for all teams changed to 4-3-3 or eventually 4-4-2 (in this case one of the wingers as false WG)
very well said ... Ponta de lanca is NOT a "position" but more like a role or label for the best attacker in the team who (like you described) has more freedom to be everywhere from their own half to opponent's dead spot. From Zizinho, Pele, Tostao to Rivelino, Zico, Socrates ...(of 80's) In the 90's some journalists promoted the term "playmaker" to be the max, to differentiate with normal AM or FW
Yeah, i've always seen it to mean focal point of the attack, not necessarily leading the line. The two volantes are the base, with the ponta the point, as the name suggests.