The Blind Boss, the All-Seeing Coach
Flávio Aurélio Silva, the ‘Ceguim’, is the only visually impaired coach in Brazilian football. Rafael Luis Azevedo of Verminosos por Futebol tells his story.
The Lone Star State, Botafogo at 111
On this day in 1904, Brazil’s Botafogo were founded as a football club by a group of teenagers following a maths class. First known as Electro Club, a merger with the Botafogo rowing team would see them rise to become one of Rio de Janeiro’s big four.
Passage of Play: Felipe Scolari
Brazil coach Felipe Scolari has placed restrictions on the sideways samba at the World Cup this summer. ‘Big Phil’ will allow his players to partake in nocturnal exercises with their wives and girlfriends, as long as it’s not of the ‘acrobatic’ variety. The Selecao boss was responding to a question in Portugal as he continues preparations to win the World Cup on home soil in the summer.
30 Goal Neymar Hails Little Pitch Invader
Neymar stopped stewards from ushering a little South African boy off the pitch following Brazil’s 5-0 win in Soweto. The video of the striker, who scored a hattrick, taking the child in his arms over to his team-mates has gone viral online. Neymar became the 12th Brazilian to score 30 international goals, and he did it in just 47 games.
Zico’s Birthday Marked by Carnival Tribute
In 1981, the legendary Zico almost single-handedly took Liverpool apart in the Intercontinental Cup final in Japan. This week, the Brazilian turned 61 and he could think of no greater honour than having an entire samba school pay tribute to his career during Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival.
Brazil Home Shirt – Nike Creative Director
Nike Creative Director Martin Lotti discusses the technological advancements in the new Brazil World Cup 2014 home shirt, including considered design, the Nike Pro Combat Baselayer system and the graphic on the neck – a collaboration with Brazilian designer Bruno Big.
Nike Brazil 2014 World Cup Kit
Adidas have been busy unveiling a host of Brazil-inspired World Cup gear in recent weeks. Now Nike have upped the ante by revealing the kit to be worn by the tournament hosts.
The Return of Ronaldinho
The day after he turned 21, all eyes at Wembley will be on Brazil’s latest superstar Neymar but the followers of the Selecao will also be hailing the return of another hero, the grinning teeth and smiling feet of the one they call Ronaldinho Gaúcho.