Understanding Brazilian Soccer Part 1

[SoccerScout]

In attempt to shed some light into the great tradition of Brazilian Soccer I will make some posts covering various aspects of Brazilian Soccer. Hopefully it will shed some light on some and allow you to enjoy their just started Championship with a good knowledge of the smaller details.
No better time than now since the 2002 Brazilian Championship just started and they just won their 5th World title. I hope this entertains some.

PART 1 : The Big Clubs and the "Brasileirao" 1971 to 1979.

The new era of Brazilian soccer started in 1971 when the "Brasileirao" championship was created. It has been called a few things through the years (Copa de Ouro, Taca de Ouro etc..) but is usually know as the "Campeonato Brasileiro" or "Brasileirao" (Big Brazilian).

Nacional Championships were largely competitions between teams from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo but in the late 60's teams from around the country started participating in the Robertao on a limited basis.
Its good to remember that Brazil is one of the largest countries in the world and Rio and Sao Paulo seperated by a 1 hour flight are Brazil's largest cities.
The "Robertao" was played up until 1970 and then in 1971 the true Brazilian Championship with teams from around the country began play.

Today the countries traditional large clubs are essentially from 4 states. Brazil has over 25 states. The teams are :

From Rio de Janeiro City:
Flamengo
Vasco da Gama
Fluminense
Botafogo

From Sao Paulo city:
Sao Paulo
Palmeiras
Corinthians
and Santos from the city of Santos , state of Sao Paulo.

From Rio Grande do Sul State in the deep south of Brazil:
Internacional
Gremio

And from Minas Gerais state:
Atletico Mineiro
Cruzeiro

Those 12 are the Big boys and have been for quite a while, but their are many other 2nd tier teams that compete and even have won the Brazilian Championship. Some of these teams are :

Bahia from Bahia State. Guarani from Sao Paulo State. Coritiba and Atletico from Parana state. Portuguesa and Ponte Preta from Sao Paulo state. Sport from Pernambuco state. There are still dozen more clubs of less financial pull but that still have large followings in their home states. Some recent small clubs that have made some noise include Sao Caetano a 12 year old club from Sao Paulo State, Brasiliense a team only a few years old that made it to the Copa Brasil final this year and now Paysandu a team from the Amazon region that just won the champions cup and made it to next years Libertadores South American Cup. A first for a team from Northern Brazil.


First Brazilian Champs Atletico Mineiro
http://www.futbrasil.com/retrospectiva/brasileiro/imagens/1971.jpg
So in 1971 the 1st Brazilian championship took place and it eventually went to the final 3 , Sao Paulo, Botafogo and Atletico Mineiro. The team from Minas won and was declared the first Brazilian Champion. Amazingly Atletico never again won a Brazilian title and their shirt still has only 1 star representing that Championship. While they have won various Minas Gerais state titles a National title has been sorely missed by its fans for now 31 long years.

The first "dynasty" team happened in 72 and 73 when Palmeiras lead by goalie Leao and legend Ademir Da Guia took those titles.

Team of the 70's Internacional , here their 1975 Chamion squad. http://www.futbrasil.com/retrospectiva/brasileiro/imagens/1975.jpg

The team of the 70's though was Internacional of Porto Alegre. The red and white club won the title in 1975 and then again in 1976 bringing the title to the south for the first time. The team was led by legends Falcao, Carpegiani, Batista, Manga, Valdomiro, Lula, Dario and chilean Figueroa. This team is considered one of the best ever in Brazil. Inter would win a 3rd National title this time UNDEFEATED in 1979 with a few players from the 75/76 teamns still there. Mauro Galvao their 18 year old star defender still plays today at the age of 40. He was with cross town rival Gremio this past semester. The 79 championship was played by a record 100 plus clubs, due to the irratic organazation by the CBD (now CBF).

Before Inter took the 70's decade, in 1974 a Rio team took the title, Vasco da Gama, led by Roberto Dinamite. In 1977 Inter couldnt win a 3-peat and Sao Paulo took its first national championship.
In 1978 a surprise. A small town club Guarani from the University city of Campinas made a run for the title with its attack of Capitao, Careca and Bozo (Captain , Baldy and Bozo). Careac would later star in Brazil 86 and 90 WC squads.
The decade closed with Inter winning their 3rd, the 79 title undefeated with only 1 week to go in the decade while cross town rivals Gremio were still looking for a National title and enduring humiliation from their bitter rivals. Inter had also won the state Chamionship 8 years in a row from 1969 to 1976. Gremio was glad to see the decade end.

To be continued.

[sidspaceman]

Great post keep it up!

[mr magoo]

its good to findout about other countries football cultures keep up the posts.

[SoccerScout]

When the 70's decade ended not only was it a symbolic numerological change but it was also a change in the teams that would dominate the 1980's.
Brazil at this point was LOADED with huge talent. Every star played in a Brazilian club, Falcao, Zico, Socrates, Roberto Dinamite, Junior and endless list of talent that would soon head to Europe. The exodus slowly started with Falcao in 1980 when Roma purchased him for a record amount back then ($1 Million or was it $3 Million). Inter would lose its main star and from there take quite a while to recover.
The national team was building up to one of the most talented squads ever, the 1982 team. Only to lose to Italy in a classic 3-2 game in which Paolo Rossi's hat trick shocked the world.
The 1980 Brazilian Championship had one name all over it , Zico. The Flamengo Superstar along with Tita, Junior, goalie Raul Plasmann and forward Nunes brought the countries largest fanbase their 1st National championship. Atletico Mineiro had to settle for 2nd Place. Flamengo would win the 81 Libertadores and beat Liverpool in Tokyo for the World Title the same year.

The 1980 Champs Flamengo with Zico 2nd from right on the bottom:
http://www.futbrasil.com/retrospectiva/brasileiro/imagens/1980.jpg

Internacional fans had all the bragging rights in Porto Alegre. Gremio had won the 1980 State Gaucho title but what really counted was the National championship and Gremio hadn't even been close. Then in 1981 Gremio led by goalie Leao, Uruguayan defender Hugo De Leon and Bible pusher foward scoring machine Baltazar met Sao Paulo in the final and on a beautiful goal by Baltazar took the title back to Rio Grande do Sul, though this time for Gremio.

Gremio 1981 Champs (Baltazar middle front row):
http://www.futbrasil.com/retrospectiva/brasileiro/imagens/1981.jpg

The 1980 Champs would meet the 1981 champs in the 1982 Finals and Flamengo would again repeat with essentially the same team from 1980. Gremio settled for 2nd place, but it was that spot that led them to the Libertadores in 1983. They would conquer South America in 83 with that title and then play Hamburg in Tokyo and win the World Title. Renato Gaucho or Renato Portaluppi or simply Renato was the team star. An extremely talented young right winger that didnt make a huge impact on the national team but was a great player. As a matter of fact its quite common in Brazil for great legend of clubs to not really do very well on the national team. The talent pool is so large that some are always left off.

The 80's was now officially the Flamengo decade. They won again in 1983 this time over Santos. These were the days when a team would remain almost unchanged for years.

To be Continued.

[PumaBear]

I add my voice to the applause, Please keep it up.

[Native Aztexan]

Great work. Keep it up.

[Footie Man]

It's neat to hear about how soccer is run in geographically large countries like my United States. Sometimes I whine about how complex it is stateside, but it's just discombobulated (at least in the lower divisions, which is what I follow). Regardless, we could learn from the Brazils, Russias, and Mexicos about structure.

[SoccerScout]

The 1984 season in Brazil ened up with an ALL RIO final. This time though 3 time champs Flamengo werent part of it. The final was between Vasco and Fluminense. Fluminense led by a duo that came together from another team. Two tall thin forwards by the name of Washington and Assis became legends in Fluminense. When transfered to Fluminense they came together as they almost seemed as one, they complemented each other. Also on the team were a very young Branco and Paraguayan legend Romerito. The team beat Vasco and won their first national title.

http://www.futbrasil.com/retrospectiva/brasileiro/imagens/1984.jpg
Branco top right, Washington and Assis next to each other of course below Branco.

In 1985 came a Golden chance for original Brazilian champ Atletico Mineiro to win their 2nd title. The final 4 consisted of teams that were usually 2nd or 3rd division clubs, Bangu (from outside Rio), Coritiba (Parana state) and the unknown "Brasil de Pelotas" (from the southermost part of Brazil Rio Grande do Sul state).
Galo (nickname for Atletico meaning "Rooster") couldnt pull it off and didnt even make the final. Coritiba went on to win what is their only Brazilian championship to date.

In 86 Sao Paulo won again with Muller and Careca. In 87 Confusion, as the league split into 2 due to CBF problems. The big clubs played seperate championship from what CBF called the Brazilian Championship. So the official champ is SPORT Recife (of Pernambuco state) but the championship between the big clubs ended up with Flamengo (Zico-less now) of Bebeto beating Internacional.

In 1988 Internacional hadnt won the title in 9 years and lost to Flamengo in 87. They had a chance against the less traditional Bahia. All they had to do was win the final at home, by any score and they would pocket their 4th Championship. Instead they played out to a 0-0 tie and Bahia won the cup, another first timer.

The decade came to a close with Vasco da Gama, now with rivals Bebeto on their side winning the 89 cup over Sao Paulo.

From 1990 to 1994 Brazil saw 4 different champs, all big clubs. In order Corinthians (2nd largest fanbase finally winning a National title), Sao Paulo (Rai, Cafu, Muller), Flamengo (5th title this time with Zinho, legendary Junior and Renato Gaucho) and finally Palmeiras (Zinho, Edmundo)in 1993.

Sao Paulo conquered the world back to back in 91 and 92 beating Barcelona and Milan. In 94 Palmeiras won again, their second Back to back championships.

In 95 a miracle happened. The old traditional club of Botafogo, usually the 4th team in Rio, the place that Garrincha played at went all the way to win the Championship beating Santos in the final. Santos Pele's old team still had yet to win a modern day Brazilian Championship.


15 years after winning their first Brazilian championship Gremio did it again in 1996, this time beating Portuguesa in an incredible 2 goal comeback in the final. Crosstown rival Inter fans still had a 1 cup edge on Gremio, but Inter's drought had now extended to 17 years (not counting the 1992 COPA BRASIL which they won and is an elimination type championship, but is not considered THE ultimate Brazilian Championship). Gremio would win the libertadoes in 1995 but lose in Tokyo.

In 1997 Vasco led by veteran defender Mauro Galvao beat Palmeiras in the title match. Galvao was a champ with Inter in 1979 and 18 years later was Champion again with Vasco. Galvao was praised by fans and media but Zagallo, Brazil's coach refused to take a 36 year old to France 98. Brazil payed the price by showing lousy defense in the final against France. Cruzeiro would win the Libertadores in 97 but lose in Tokyo.

In 1998 Corinthians won their 2nd trophy with players like paraguayan Gamarra, Edilson, Rincon and Marcelinho Carioca. They topped Cruzeiro in the finals. Vasco would win the libertadores but yet again a Brazilian team would lose in Tokyo.

In 1999 Corinthians does a back to back job beating another team from Minas Gerais state, this time Atletico Mineiro. Palmeiras would also win the Libertadores but again lose in Tokyo representing Brazil.

In 2000 Sao Caetano would be the huge surprise. Coming out of the 3rd division obscurity they gained access to the 1st division and went all the way to the final against Vasco. The 11 year old team became everyones 2nd team overnight. In the final Vasco's stadium suffered a partial collapse and the game was postponed. Vasco players were told to go on the field and celebrate the title by fat corrupt president of the club Eurico Miranda. It was a low point in the clubs history as nothing had been settled on the field. Both claimed to be champs and finally CBF (with the heavy hand of Miranda) anounced a replay of the game this time in Maracana stadium. Sao Caetanos players had been vacationing for at least a week and returned unprepared. In the anticlimatic game Vasco won and Romario was Champion for the first time. Mauro Galvao INCREDIBLY had won another Brazilian Championship 21 Years after his first in 1979.

The 2001 season brough Sao Caetano back to the finals, this time determined to win. They lost this to first timer Atletico Paranaense (Parana state). Coach Jair Picerni was praised with what he had done with a small club and maintained his job despite still titleless. Sao Caetano had even lost the 2nd division title the year beofre and Picerni back in 1984 was Brazils coach at the LA Summer games. Brazil lost the final to France, another 2nd place fiunish for Picerni. The Brazil team in 84 was basicly Internacional of Porto Alegre wearing the Brazilian uniform. In a last minute desperate attempt from CBF they called on the club to try to win Brazils first olympic soccer medal. It worked but came short of Gold.

http://www.futbrasil.com/arquivo/01/imagens/cb4.jpg
Atletico Paranaense current Brazilian Champs

Now with the stigma of 2nd place finishers in 2002 Sao Caetano went on to the Libertadores finals against Olimpia. A tie away from going from obscurity to the World Championship match against Real Madrid in Tokyo. Picerni's team took the lead but blew it in the second half, AT HOME, and lost the game and the title. ANother 2nd place finish for Sao Caetano. This time Jair Picreni was fired. But his stay at Sao Caetano lasted years, much longer than the average coach.

The 2002 Brazilian Championship is currently in week 4 and can be seen on Fox Sports World.

Coming Soon: Part 2 : The Stadiums and the fierce State Rivalries

[FunGuy]

nice, and very informative colums keep it up

[ritchie]

An excellent book on soccer in Brazilian culture is Futebol:Soccer, the Brasilian Way - by Alex Bellos.

[kanasai100]

Perhaps you should post articles on futbal de selao, the unique modified Brazillian futbal game

[SoccerScout]

I'll try to update this thread soon.

[russ]

Thanks for the great info.

One question:we so often hear stories of corruption in the Brazilian domestic game.In your opinion,is there a real problem with corruption (fixed games,paid-off referees,etc.),or is this just complaining from losing teams?

[SoccerScout]

>>In your opinion,is there a real problem with corruption (fixed games,paid-off referees,etc.),or is this just complaining from losing teams?
>>


I dont think the corruption has anything to do with paid off refs. I think Brazilian refs are as honest as any other ref and I do not think that its even an issue. Occasionally you have some controversial calls and situations but nothing that doesnt happen anywhere else on the globe.
As for fixed games, I dont think so. I cant remember when that has ever happened in Brazilian 1st division soccer, the teams take game way to seriously to lose a match.
I think the corruption in Brazil is mostly in politics but in soccer it has to do with front office guys that take advantage of their position like the president of CBF and also the Flamengo president and steal money over time.

[Marcio]

SoccerScout,

I don't know if you're Brasilian but i hope you will understand . Muito Obrigado

Living in US for 2 years now and I'm starving for soccer, particularlly for Brasilian soccer.

Can't wait to see a picture of Maracana in your next Part!

[Sao Taffarel]

...........do a search on the internet for the Maracana.................

[SoccerScout]

OK Finally PART 2.

BRAZILIAN SOCCER PLAYER NICKNAMES, WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?

I'll get to the other promised topic on another post, but this time I wanted to talk about those whacky nicknames in Brazil. Unfortunetly I had made a long post on the topic a while back but since has dissapeared from BS. In a nutshell though, this is what YOU need to know about Brazilian Players and their names.

First of all understand, just about every Brazilian has a nickname! When I went to High SChool in Brazil, you had to see the variety of nicknames everone had. Usually everyone was called something other than their names. Normally the names came from personal features or other traits that described the person and normally they werent done with bad intentions , just a friendly thing people do in Brazil.

For example, in my school I remember an Asian guy, I dont have a clue what his real name was but he was always known as TOSHIBA, a Japanese TV brand that they sold in Brazil. That name immediatly stuck and again understand it wasnt considerd an insult and the guy didnt have a problem with it. I also had a nickname that was used on ocassion especially when I first arrive din Brazil, I was known as "Americano", even though I was Brazilian born (but I had lived in the US for years). Others were called "Pardal", a type of bird because of his beek like nose. Pardal was our goalie. Two brothers that joined our class in our second year were immediatly named Rubem Paz and Sapuca because they resembled two soccer players that Played for Internacional at the time. I studied with them for 2 years and cant remeber their real names! Anyway you get the picture, nicknames are common in Brazil.

As for the soccer players I would say a small percentage actually use their reals names or something close to it. For example lets say "Bebeto" , Bebeto is really "short" for Roberto which I can almost guarentee you is his real name. Ronaldo gets to use his real name but what about the other Ronaldo, known also as Ronaldinho or Ronaldinho Gaucho? That there is a key to Brazilian names. You might hear lots about somebody PAULISTA, or somebody GAUCHO, or somebody MINEIRO or somebody CARIOCA, well those attachments arent really lastnames. They are simply what people are called when they come from certain States in Brazil. Thats why Ronaldinho is called at times Gaucho, because he is from the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. If you are from Rio, you get the Carioca name, if from Sao Paulo , Paulista. These are attached in case another teammate has the same name as you. That is a way to differentiate them. So next time you hear of a Juninho Paulista, dont think Paulista is his family name, in essence its the same as saying "Juninho New Yorker" or "Juninho Texan".

So whats with all the "inho's" anyway? Thats also important. "inho" at the end of a name is like Jimmy is to Jim or Tommy is to Tom. It really is supposed to add a diminuative tone to the name, like Little Jim or Little Joe. The opposite is a name ending in "AO" with a hat accent over the "a". Like in RONALDAO. Usually big guys get the "AO" ending because thats what it means, BIG. Or as in MAGRAO a common nickname usually give to a Tall , skinny guy (Magro).

Here are some Brazil players that have nicknames that have apparently no connection to their real name. Vampeta, Pele, Dunga (which is one of the 7 dwarfs in Portuguese), Ratinho (Little Rat), Careca, Branco (White), Roberto Dinamite , Zico among many others.

A Brazilian team currently even has a MARADONA, but thats not his real name, he was just named that early on as a kid cause he resembled Maradona and it stuck even in the Pros.

The NBA just drafted a Brazilian, in Brazil he is known just as Nene (Baby) and in the states Im sure the NBA will try to shove us his real last name Hilario which Nene is not happy about.

So remember when watching Brazilians play, there is a good chance that the player is playing under an adopted nickname. The funniest 3 man forward lineup that I remember played in the 1978 Champions Guarani team, Capitao, Careca and Bozo (aka Captain, Baldy and Bozo).

Hope that helps you better understand the wacky world of Brazilian nicknames.

[Various Styles]

For example lets say "Bebeto" , Bebeto is really "short" for Roberto which I can almost guarentee you is his real name.

Ahemm but i believe that Roberto's are called Beto. The 94 WC champ Bebeto has an extra "be" which he explained got oit from his friends because he was better than the avarege beto, twice as good always scoring goals so Bebeto :)

Now i understand the nicknames. They are very common in all of Latin America. The only diffrence with the Brasileiros is that they wear their nic names in the jerseys. Do you know how this came about ???

[SoccerScout]

>>Now i understand the nicknames. They are very common in all of Latin America. The only diffrence with the Brasileiros is that they wear their nic names in the jerseys. Do you know how this came about ???>>

http://www.jubi-net.com/dunga/dunga_h1.jpg
Dunga or Carlos?

Because thats who they are. Thats how people know them. Most people dont know these players REAL name. We know DUNGA as DUNGA (nickname given to him as a child, the name comes from 1 of Snow White's 7 Dwarfs in Portuguese, the only one without a beard) and not Carlos Caetano Bledorn Verri, his real name. Dunga is how the media calls him, the fans, the club, thats how he signs his autograohs. The same goes for the other players with nicknames. To have Verri on the back of Dungas shirt wouldnt make sense.

[Sao Taffarel]

I find this type of thing very interesting. I did take Portuguese lessons and - though not a natural scholar - I did learn something (so knew a fair bit of what you mentioned). On another forum, I started a thread on names with a difference: Filho do Vento (Son of the Wind), Capetinha (Little Devil) etc.