Teams on Tour-Part 3-Brazil’s European Tour of 1981: The return of ‘Jogo Bonito’

Brazil’s European Tour of 1981: The return of ‘Jogo Bonito’

In May 1981, the Brazilian National Team embarked on a Tour of Europe, its first since 1978 under Claudio Coutinho.

In the preceding months, the National team had participated in the Mundialito Tournament in Uruguay and 1982 World Cup Qualifiers. Despite the loss in the Final of the Mundialito vs. the hosts Uruguay, they had left a positive impression. As it has been stated Ad Nauseam (on this blog), Brazil Manager Tele Santana (appointed in 1980) preached a more attractive brand of Football than his predecessor Coutinho. Santana’s approach was more in line with the traditional values of Brazilian Football.

Brazil had won all its four World cup Qualifying matches against Bolivia and Venezuela. They saw the Tour as a necessary step in preparation for the actual World Cup in Spain in a year’s time.

As was the case for the previous Tour under Coutinho, Santana was also very eager for this expedition. He felt the type of pressure and atmosphere that his players would face would be an important learning lesson for Spain.

For the Mundialito, in January, he had not been able to call upon the then-injured Zico. The much coveted Zico was now fit and available. Unfortunately, Batista and Tita were forced to bow out due to injuries. In addition, Serginho could not be called upon as CBF had suspended him.

Santana had wanted to integrate Paulo Roberto Falcao, but AS Roma officials would not release him.

Otherwise, most of the Mundialito squad was present. There was some debate whether Captain Socrates would be more efficient as a midfielder or a striker.

The opponents on the Tour were three of Europe’s best: the defending European Champions West Germany, England and France (identical to 1978 Tour opponents).

The Tour started on May 12th with Brazil facing off vs. England at Wembley. For the English this served also as a preparation for their upcoming key World Cup qualifiers vs. Switzerland and Hungary, not to mention British Home Championship matches.

The English were missing many players through injuries and unavailability.

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer

(Brazil squad, May 12, 1981, England 0-Brazil 1)

England Manager Ron Greenwood did not call upon any Liverpool and Ipswich Town players, who were preparing for the Champions Cup and UEFA Cup Finals. In addition other regulars like Kevin Keegan, Trevor Brooking, Trevor Francis, Tony Woodcock and Glenn Hoddle were missing.

Photo From : Mondial, New Series, Hors Serie 13, 1982

(Socrates, May 12, 1981, England 0-Brazil 1)

As a result, West Ham United defender Alvin Martin and Aston Villa striker Peter White earned their first caps.

Needless to say, with all the absences, the English failed to gel as a unit and struggled in the early stages.

Photo From : World Soccer, October 1981

(Ray Clemence and Socrates, May 12, 1981, England 0-Brazil 1)

The game itself was settled early on. In the 11th minute, Edevaldo sent in a cross from the right side to the edge of the box. Zico picked it up, evaded one defender and volleyed home from close range.

Photo From : Mondial, new series, issue 16, July 1981

(Reinaldo, May 12, 1981, England 0-Brazil 1)

In the First half, Brazil was more impressive and played a free flowing game. In the second half, England gradually started playing better and got the crowd behind them. Brazil’s Reinaldo scored a goal, which was called off as the Referee had already whistled for a foul. In the last minute the English nearly tied the match, but Peter White’s effort hit the post. Brazil were generally considered to be the better team and the result seemed a fair reflection of the proceedings.

Photo From : Mondial, new series, issue 16, July 1981

(Zico, May 12, 1981, England 0-Brazil 1)

Photo From : Mondial, new series, issue 24, March 1982

(Zico and Terry McDermott, May 12, 1981, England 0-Brazil 1)

Three days later, on May 15th, Brazil took on France in Paris. The only change in Brazil’s lineup was in the choice of goalkeeper. Paulo Sergio went in the net in place of Valdir Peres. Reinaldo was deployed as sole striker.

Much like the English, the French had many absentees including star and captain Michel Platini and others such as Dominique Rocheteau, Jean-Francois Larios, Alain Giresse, Bernard Lacombe and Gerard Soler.

Before the match, Brazilian Legend Pele was honored by ‘L’Equipe’ Magazine as ‘The Athlete of the Century.’

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer

(Brazil squad, Top, left to right : Cerezo, Edevaldo, Oscar, Luizinho, Paulo Sergio, Junior , Bottom, left to right : Paulo Isidoro, Socrates, Reinaldo, Zico, Eder , May 15, 1981, France 1-Brazil 3)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 66, June 1981

(Pele, May 15, 1981, France 1-Brazil 3)

While the English seemed to adjust to their key absences somewhat better, the French were in complete disarray against the more skillful Brazilians.

Jean Tigana was expected to be the playmaker, but the task was beyond him. Newcomer Phillipe Anziani was also lost and no match for Brazil’s defenders.

Brazil dominated completely and scored twice in the first half.

In the 21^st minute, Socrates split the French defense and sent Zico clear who slot home with only the goalkeeper to beat. This was Zico’s 500^th career goal.

The French were further weakened by the injury and replacement of veteran defender Marius Tresor in the 23^rd minute.

Minutes later in the 27^th minute, Brazil doubled its lead. Eder from the left sent in a cross that Zico trapped down for Reinaldo to pounce on.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 66, June 1981

(Reinaldo celebrating Brazil’s second goal, May 15, 1981, France 1-Brazil 3)

In the 52^nd minute, Zico and Socrates combined again for a beautiful third goal. Zico lobbed a ball into the French goal area for the onrushing Socrates, who in turn lobbed the ball himself into the net.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 66, June 1981

(The sequence of Socrates’ goal, May 15, 1981, France 1-Brazil 3)

In the 81^st minute, Didier Six reduced the deficit with a nice effort. He got possession of the loose ball outside of the box, dragged it across and from outside of the box scored with a low shot in the goalkeeper’s left corner.

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 15, June 1981

(May 15, 1981, France 1-Brazil 3)

Didier Six was sent off just before the end after making an insulting gesture to the Referee.

This was France’s first home loss under Michel Hidalgo.

For their final match of the Tour, the Brazilians faced the West Germans at Stuttgart on May 19^th.

This would turn out to be their most difficult and challenging match of the Tour.

The Germans had in the months prior, re-integrated former star Paul Breitner after many years of absence. They were at that point, the strongest team in Europe and seen as Brazil’s main rival for the next World Cup.

 They could not call upon Uli Stilieke, as Real Madrid would not release him. Bernd Schuster was also authorized to play only one half by his Spanish employers Barcelona.

For Brazil Valdir Peres was back in the net and Cesar started in place of Reinaldo.

As usual, Brazil were impressive despite the much sterner opposition. It was the Germans who went ahead first. In the 30^th minute Breitner, from the middle of the field, sent a cross to Rummenigge on the right side. Rummenigge crossed into the goalmouth for Fischer to score.

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 17, August 1981

(Klaus Fischer scoring for West Germany, May 19, 1981, West Germany 1-Brazil 2)

Brazil tied the score in the 61^st minute. Junior from the center released Cerezo, who volleyed a hard shot from outside of the box and into the net.

Brazil went ahead in the 74^th minute. Junior took a free kick that struck the Horizontal bar and landed behind the goal line. Some critics believed Eike Immel (who had replaced Schumacher in the goal) should have saved that attempt and blamed his tame effort on his inexperience.

Photo From: Placar, Issue 576, May 29, 1981

(May 19, 1981, West Germany 1-Brazil 2)

The Brazilians were in general physically stronger in the second half and later stages.

There was more drama in the 80^th minute after a penalty kick was awarded for the Germans after Luizinho had handled in the box. Paul Breitner failed to score from a twice taken penalty kick (Valdir Peres had moved on the first one).

This was West Germany’s first home defeat since April 4, 1978, when they also lost to Brazil.

Photo From: Placar, Issue 576, May 29, 1981

(May 19, 1981, West Germany 1-Brazil 2)

After the match, West German Manager Juup Derwall was very gracious in defeat. He felt they had lost to a better team and called them the best in the World.

Tele Santana was naturally proud and impressed with his squad’s assimilation to his attacking ideas. Brazil had shown that it could compete away from home.

Photo From: Kicker_Wm-Sonderheft_1982

(Brazilian players celebrating, May 19, 1981, West Germany 1-Brazil 2)

The Tour had proven to him that Brazil were firmly one of the favorites for the next World Cup and could defeat any team in the World.

The inclusion of Falcao made their future prospects look brighter. The majority of the players on this Tour made the World Cup Finals squad.

Of course we all know the ending. This Brazil became one of the greatest teams ever NOT to win the World Cup.

This Tour was a stepping-stone in the creation of that excellent Team that to this day lives in the memories of the Beautiful Game.

Photo From: Kicker_Wm-Sonderheft_1982

(Brazil squad, May 19, 1981, West Germany 1-Brazil 2)

Note:

Some sources reported that Brazil were scheduled to face Belgium on May 7th. For unspecified reasons this match was called off.

The selected squad for the European Tour:

Goalkeepers:

1-Valdir de Arruda Peres  (São Paulo Futebol Clube- São Paulo)

12- ‘Paulo Sérgio’ de Oliveira Lima (Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas- Rio de Janeiro)

Defenders:
2-’Edevaldo’ de Freitas (Fluminense Football Club- Rio de Janeiro)
3-José ‘Oscar’ Bernardi (São Paulo Futebol Clube- São Paulo)
4-Luiz Carlos Ferreira ‘Luizinho’ (Clube Atlético Mineiro- Belo Horizonte)
6-Leovegildo Lins Gama ‘Júnior’ (Clube de Regatas Flamengo- Rio de Janeiro)       

14-Edino Nazareth Filho ‘Edinho’ (Fluminense Football Club- Rio de Janeiro)

13- Getúlio Costa de Oliveira  (São Paulo Futebol Clube- São Paulo)  (did not get a  agame)

Midfielders:
5-Antonio Carlos ‘Toninho Cerezo’ (Clube Atlético Mineiro- Belo Horizonte) 
8-‘Sócrates’ Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira (Sport Club Corinthians Paulista- São Paulo)
10-Artur Antunes Coimbra ‘Zico’ (Clube de Regatas Flamengo- Rio de Janeiro)
7-’Paulo Isidoro’ de Jesus (Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense) 

15-Vitor Luis Pereira da Silva (Clube de Regatas Flamengo- Rio de Janeiro)

Strikers:
9-José ‘Reinaldo’ de Lima (Clube Atlético Mineiro- Belo Horizonte) 

18-‘Éder’ Aleixo de Assis (Clube Atlético Mineiro- Belo Horizonte)  

11-José Sérgio Presti ‘Zé Sérgio’ (São Paulo Futebol Clube- São Paulo)

16-Carlos ‘Renato’ Frederico (São Paulo Futebol Clube- São Paulo)

17- ‘César’  (Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama - Rio de Janeiro)

The Matches on Tour:

May 12, 1981- London, Wembley Stadium

Referee:  Eric Linemayr (Austria)

England 0-Brazil 1  (Zico 11)

England: 1- Ray Clemence (captain), 2- Phil Neal,           3- Kenny Sansom, 5- Alvin Martin , 4- Bryan Robson, 6- Ray Wilkins, 7- Steve Coppell, 8- Terry  Mc Dermott, 9-Peter With, 10- Graeme Rix, 11- Peter Barnes

Coach: Ronald Greenwood

Brazil :   1-Valdir Peres, 2-Edevaldo, 3-Oscar, 4-Luizinho, 6-Junior, 5-Toninho Cerezo, 8-Socrates (captain), 10- Zico, 7-Paulo Isidoro, 9-Reinaldo, 18-Eder

Coach: Tele Santana

May 15, 1981- Paris , Parc des Princes

Referee:  Gianfranco Menegalli (Italy)

France 1-Brazil 3  (Didier Six 81 / Zico 21, Reinaldo 27, Sócrates 52)

France:  1-Dominique Dropsy (16-Jean Castaneda 46th ) , 2-Gerard Janvion, 4-Christian Lopez (captain) , 5-Marius Tresor (13-Leonard Specht 23rd ) , 3-Maxime Bossis, 8-Jean Tigana, 9-Phillipe Anziani (14-Patrick Delamontagne 59th ), 6-Alain Moizan, 10-Bernard Genghini, 7-Olivier Rouyer (15-Patrice Lecornu 78th ), 11-Didier Six

Coach: Michel Hidalgo

Sent-off: Six 90

Other Subs: None

Brazil :   12-Paulo Sergio, 2-Edevaldo, 3-Oscar (14-Edinho 78th), , 4-Luizinho, 6-Junior, 5-Toninho Cerezo, 8-Socrates (captain) (15-Vitor 78th) , 10- Zico, 7-Paulo Isidoro, 9-Reinaldo (17-Cesar 62nd), 18-Eder (11-Ze Sergio 73rd)

Coach: Tele Santana

May 19, 1981- Stuttgart , Neckarstadion       

Referee:  Clive White (England)

West Germany 1-Brazil 2  (Klaus Fischer 30 / Toninho Cerezo 61, Júnior 74)

West Germany: 1- Harald Anton ‘Toni’ Schumacher (12-Eike Immel 46^th ), 2-Manfred Kaltz, 3-Wilfried Hannes, 4-Karlheinz Förster, 5-Hans-Peter Briegel, 6-Bernd Schuster (13-Bernard Dietz 46^th ), 8-Paul Breitner, 7-Felix Wolfgang Magath, 10-Hans Peter ‘Hansi’ Muller, 11-Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (captain),

9-Klaus Fischer  (15-Karl Allgöwer 62^nd )

Coach: Josef ‘Jupp’ Derwall

Other Subs : Wolfgang Dremmler, Ronald Borchers

Brazil :   1-Valdir Peres, 2-Edevaldo, 3-Oscar , 4-Luizinho, 6-Junior, 5-Toninho Cerezo, 8-Socrates (captain), 10- Zico (15-Vitor 87th), 7-Paulo Isidoro, 17-Cesar (16-Renato 58th ), 18-Eder

Coach: Tele Santana

Other subs: 11-Ze Sergio, 14-Edinho

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer

(West Germany squad, May 19, 1981, West Germany 1-Brazil 2)