O Canarinho: The Most Iconic Shirt in History

Known ‘O Canarinho’ The Little Canary, it is one of the most iconic images in sport. Yellow flashing with blue on bronzed skin, dancing, darting, with a ball moving like paint strokes. Zig-zags, turns, pass, pass pass. Brazil. The cradle of football. Movers. Masters. The jersey of the Selecao epitomises soccer and the World Cup, and when the tournament kicks off in Sao Paulo on June 12, millions will wear the beloved shirt in a nation besotted with the beautiful game. And yet, the garment wouldn’t exist – certainly not in its current form – without the devastation of Brazil’s loss in the 1950 World Cup final and the subsequent imagination of a 19-year-old from the city of Pelotas.

Maracana History Repeating Itself

The Brazil Series, a collection of articles inspired by the world’s greatest footballing cradle, Póg Mo Goal looks at the storied past of the iconic ground that holds a special place in the heart of all Brazilians. It’s ironic that the reopening of Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium with Brazil vs England was overshadowed by accusations that the venue wasn’t ready. It’s merely a case of history repeating itself.

Godín Heaven if Uruguay Repeat Glory

Brazil last hosted the World Cup in 1950 when Uruguay shocked their neighbours by winning the final at the Maracana in a game that still haunts the natives. To coincide with PUMA’s launch of Uruguay’s World Cup kit, Diego Godín looks forward to returning to the scene of glory.

Brazil Exorcises ‘El Fantasma del 50′

Brazilians are still haunted by the 1950 World Cup final defeat to neighbours Uruguay – a game that became known as the Maracanazo – the Maracana blow. Last November Puma, kit suppliers to ‘Los Charrúas,’ sent the Ghost of 1950 to Rio de Janeiro to remind the natives. Now Brazil has responded.

‘El Fantasma del 50’ Haunts Rio

Brazil last hosted the World Cup in 1950 when Uruguay shocked their neighbours by winning the final at the Maracana in a game that still haunts the natives. Now Puma, kit suppliers to ‘Los Charrúas,’ have sent the Ghost of 1950 to Rio de Janeiro ahead of next summer’s competition.