Paulo Roberto Falcão: Brazil National Team
Manager (1990/1991)
Paulo Roberto Falcão was
appointed as the New Manager of Brazil on August 16, 1990, replacing the
controversial Sebastião
Lazaroni following Brazil’s early exit
from the World Cup in Italy.
Falcão
was born on October 16, 1953 at Abelardo Luz in the state of Santa
Catarina. He had made his name in the 70s with Internacional Porto Alegre.
Surprisingly, he was not selected for Brazil’s 1978 World Cup squad under
Claudio Coutinho. His talents earned him a transfer to AS Roma in the Serie A
in 1980. It was there that he had his greatest years as one of the most
successful foreign players in the history of the Serie A. He led Roma to the
Serie A title in 1982/83 and was one of the stars of Tele Santana’s brilliant
Brazilian side of the 1982 World Cup. He left Roma in 1985 and finished his
career with São Paulo in
1986. Following his playing career he had been working as a Television
commentator and a businessman.
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Photo From: World Soccer,
July 1991
(Brazil Manager Paulo Roberto
Falcao)
|
The Brazilian public was much opposed to Lazaroni’s
‘Europeanization’ of Brazilian Football and clamored for Falcão for a return to ‘Jogo Bonito’. This must have been
assumed due to his association with Tele Santana’s 1982 side.
Falcão
was relatively young for a Manager (almost 37 years old) and had absolutely no
coaching experience.
The
Federation appeared to be borrowing a page from the new World Cup Champions
West Germany.
They had just won the World Cup with former star Franz
Beckenbauer (who also had no coaching experience prior to taking over). The
Brazil Management were hoping for something similar by appointing a talented
star of their own, hoping he could rework the same magic on the bench.
Falcão
accepted the challenge after seeing so many polls favorable to his appointment.
He
said, “I took this job only because I am certain that I am capable of doing
it”.
He
signed a contract valid until February 1992. This date was the end of the
mandate of the current CBF President Ricardo Teixeira (son-in-law of FIFA
President Joao Havelange).
There
had been a spectre of negativity around the National Team not only due to the
early exit but because of the alledged indiscipline and drama off the field
between the players and the Federation during the World Cup.
The
foreign-based players were designated as scapegoats for Brazil’s failure in the
World Cup.
As
a result, Falcão’s hands were tied upon taking over as the Management decided
to ban the foreign-based players as punishment.
Teixeira
stated, “Falcão will lead a long-term rebuilding project and his team will be
made up of players who play their Football in this country, here in Brazil”.
Falcão
reassured that this was temporary by stating, ”This does not mean we will not
pick foreign-based players for future competitions. We are trying to create
something new, trying to motivate the talented players we have here but haven’t
had the chance to make the breakthrough to international Football… What’s most
important is not changing the coach but changing the mentality”.
The
ban meant no to the likes of Romario, Careca, Luis Muller, Dunga, Ricardo
Gomes, Taffarel, Branco and especially Ricardo Alemão (blacklisted after making
critical comments about the Management to a São Paulo newspaper).
Year 1990
Falcão’s
first match in charge was a friendly vs. Spain in Gijon on September 12th,
1990.
Falcão’s
new-look Brazil was to be built around the midfield talents of Corinthians’
Neto (also appointed as Captain).
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Photo From: (Magazine Source
unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis
Carbonell)
(Falcao’s
first Brazil squad, September 12, 1990, Spain 3-Brazil 0)
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Photo From: World Soccer,
July 1991
(Brazil Captain Neto)
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No
foreign-based players were to be called up; as a result the squad was an
inexperienced one with as many as nine of the starters earning their first cap.
Falcão
had recalled Flamengo defender Nelsinho, one of the mainstays of the Carlos
Alberto Silva era from 1987. Another recalled player was Bahia striker Charles,
capped a year earlier by Lazaroni.
The
nine new capped players in his first starting lineup were: Palmeiras goalkeeper
Velloso, defenders Gil Baiano, Paulão, Marcio Santos, midfielders Cafu,
Donizete, Moacir, Neto and striker Nilson.
Two other uncapped players : Paulo Egdio and
Jorgimho III would also come on as substitutes.
From this group, Marcio Santos and Cafu would one day win
the World Cup. In the case of Cafu twice , once as Captain.
However, as far as this match was concerned Brazil were
disappointing against a more experienced Spanish side. A loss for such an
experimental side was to be expected, but the 0-3 scoreline as well as the
display was a cause for concern when it came to Brazil.
This
set the pace for the rest of the Falcão’s ultimately short tenure.
Velloso, the goalkeeper, Nelsinho, Paulo Egidio, Jorginho
III and Nilson would not play for Brazil again under Falcão.
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Photo From: (Magazine Source
unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis
Carbonell)
(Brazil
squad, September 12, 1990, Spain 3-Brazil 0)
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Photo
From: France Football, Issue 3138, May 30, 2006
(September 12, 1990, Spain
3-Brazil 0)
|
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Photo From: (Magazine Source
unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis
Carbonell)
(September
12, 1990, Spain 3-Brazil 0)
|
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Photo From: (Magazine Source
unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis
Carbonell)
(September
12, 1990, Spain 3-Brazil 0)
|
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Photo From: World Soccer, November 1990
(Brazil Manager Paulo Roberto
Falcao)
|
Brazil’s
next match was against Chile at Santiago on October 17th. This was
part of a two-match series between the Nations with the second match scheduled
the following month on Brazilian soil. The goal for these matches was not only
to serve as preparation, but also for reasons of Football Diplomacy to
‘Normalize Relations’. These two matches were intended to heal the wounds
between the two respective teams following the ‘Firecracker’ incident in a
World Cup qualifier, the previous year that had led to Chile’s ban for the next
World Cup.
Falcão
ran into his first major problem dealing with the Federation when Teixeira
appeared to side with the clubs (to whom he was beholden to get elected) in not
getting the players’ release for the duration that Falcão had desired.
Falcão
had asked for the players to be released and train for three days at Rio de
Janeiro before flying to Santiago. However, Teixeira did not want to offend the
clubs and got their release only for departure. Falcão did not even have time
for a training session with his squad.
Falcão
made a few changes from the match vs. Spain.
After
Velloso’s disappointing performance vs. Spain, Santos goalkeeper Sergio was in
the net.
Defenders
Marcio Santos and Nelsinho also gave way to two other previously uncapped
players: Adilson and Leonardo. Leonardo would also be a future World Cup
winner.
In
attack, another new cap Tulio started ahead on Nilson.
The
match turned into an uneventful drab scoreless affair. In the second half,
Bismarck (a Lazaroni discovery) made an appearance as well as another new cap
Valdeir.
Tulio
would no longer be called up again and only would earn a recall in 1995.
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Photo From: Jornal do Brasil,
October 18, 1990
(October 17, 1990, Chile 0-Brazil
0)
|
Just
two weeks later Brazil were to go to Milan and play a prestige friendly against
a World Selection in celebration of Pele’s 50th Birthday on October
31st at San Siro.
For
this match, Pele would start for Brazil and last nearly an entire half before
being replaced by Neto, the new Captain.
It
would be another loss for the inexperienced Brazilians playing against a
Selection containing two Brazilians: Julio Cesar and the blacklisted Ricardo
Alemão.
Brazil’s
defense was same as the previous match. In midfield, a new cap Cesar Sampaio
(future 1998 World Cup finalist) started ahead of Moacir.
New
cap Rinaldo of Fluminense became Charles’ third strike partner upfront.
The
World Selection scored twice through Michel and Gheorge Hagi.
Neto
would pull a goal back through a free kick. This was the first goal of the
Falcão era albeit in an unofficial match.
In
the second half, Falcão would hand out new caps to substitute goalkeeper
Ronaldo as well as defenders Cleber and Cassio, midfielder Luis Henrique and
striker Careca III.
In
addition to Neto, Bismarck and Valdeir would also enter the circus like
exhibition that included a multitude of substitutions from the World Selection
as well.
Ronaldo,
Bismarck, Cassio and Rinaldo would no longer be capped again.
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Photo From: Soccer International,
Volume 1, Issue 11, December 1990
(Pele, October 31, 1990, Pele’s 50th Anniversary ,
World XI 2-Brazil 1)
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Photo From: France Football,
Issue 2326, November 6, 1990
(Pele, October 31, 1990, Pele’s 50th Anniversary ,
World XI 2-Brazil 1)
|
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Photo From: France Football,
Issue 2326, November 6, 1990
| (Pele and Marco van Basten, October 31, 1990, Pele’s 50th Anniversary , World XI 2-Brazil 1) |
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Photo From: France Football,
Issue 2326, November 6, 1990
| (Brazil squad, Top, left to right: Adilson Dias Batista, Paulo César Batista Dos Santos ‘Paulão’, Ivanilton Sérgio Guedes,Leonardo Nascimento de Araujo, José Gildasio Pereira de Matos ‘Gil Baiano’ , Carlos César Sampaio Campos,Bottom, left to right: ’Charles’ Fabian Figueiredo Santos, Marcos Evangelista Moraes ‘Cafu’, Donizete Francisco deOliveira, Edson Arantès do Nascimento ‘Pelé’, Reinaldo , October 31, 1990, Pele’s 50th Anniversary , World XI 2-Brazil 1) |
A
week later on November 8th, Brazil hosted Chile at Belém. Falcão recalled, 1989 Copa America hero,
Bebeto for this match (ahead of Bismarck). He also called up the uncapped Lira
ahead of Cassio.
Bebeto
appeared grateful for the opportunity, as he had been benched during the World
Cup. He said, “Falcão is repairing the injustice committed by Lazaroni during
World Cup, who had no consideration for the players who had qualified for the
World Cup and won the Copa America. He preferred to bench us in Italy with the
results that showed”.
Unfortunately,
Bebeto’s return to Brazil would have to wait as once again the Federation
tested Falcão’s patience.
There
were reports that he had threatened to resign after the Federation had
authorized Botafogo’s Valdeir and Vasco da Gama’s Bebeto to play in a Brazilian
Championship match between the two club on the previous Tuesday before the
Chile match. Bebeto was injured in this match and forfeited from the Chile
encounter, while Valdeir would only make a second half appearance vs. Chile.
In
this match, Brazil’s defense (including Sergio in goal) was the same as the
previous match. The only change was the inclusion of new cap Lira ahead of
Leonardo.
Upfront,
for the fourth match running Charles had a new strike partner, this time Careca
III earning his first Official cap (along with Cesar Sampaio).
It
would be another disappointing scoreless tie as Falcão was struggling to come
up with a combination to score goals.
Luis
Henrique, Cleber, Leonardo and Valdeir would make second half appearances to no
avail.
Cesar
Sampaio would not be called up again by Falcão.
Brazil
closed out the year with a friendly against Mexico in Los Angeles.
For
this match, Falcão stuck with the same defensive unit as the previous match.
In
midfield, Moacir reclaimed his spot from Cesar Sampaio. Edu Marangon (last
capped in 1987) earned a recall replacing Donizete in the lineup.
For
the first time, Charles did not start upfront for Brazil, Cafu and Neto were
missing as well.
Careca
III retained his spot, while Marquinhos, Mazinho II and Joao Santos earned
their first caps.
Marcio
Santos would make a return as a substitute, while Odair, Gerson II and Almir
would earn their first caps coming on as substitutes.
The
match would once again be disappointing for Brazil and end scoreless.
Mexico
had been better in the first half, but Brazil were generally better in the
second half but unable to break the deadlock.
Edu
Marangon, Gerson II, João Santos and Marquinhos would not be called up again.
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Photo From: Soccer
International, February 1991
(December 12, 1990, Mexico
0-Brazil 0)
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The
calendar year was finished and Falcão had managed five matches (four
officially) without much success.
In
interviews, Falcão defined his mission was to discover the new talent inside
Brazil. He stressed how in the past two years the players inside Brazil had not
been given a chance but now they would.
He
often repeated that his team was a ‘laboratory’ and results had no immediate
consequence.
He
felt the heavy loss to Spain had been severe but had observed progress against
Chile in October and even more satisfied with the performance against the World
XI selection and Chile (in November). He believed the team was on the right
track.
His
objective was to observe and analyze the individual performance of the players.
At the time his main long-term goal appeared the 1992 Olympics.
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 23,
December 1990
| (Brazil Manager Paulo Roberto Falcao) |
He
played down the poor results by saying that at the moment he was not managing
the real Brazil, just a group of players called up to play for the National
Team.
He
felt in the past, it was enough to select the eleven best players in Brazil and
place them on the field and their talent was enough to win, this was no longer
the case.
He
had traveled throughout Brazil and attended matches in remote areas in Brazil,
in states that his predecessors would not go to form his new team. He would
watch six matches on average per week (three live and three on Television).
When
interviewed he would deflect questions about the poor state of Football in
Brazil (on and off the field) and appeared non-committal.
When
asked if his teams would play like the Brazil of 1982, he would try to be
realistic and not over promise.
He
would respond that the team can only play with the “character of the players
available...too many people in Brazil watch a game thinking about the past…”.
He
stated that his experience in Italy had an effect on his chosen tactics.
He
refused to criticize his predecessor Lazaroni, saying it would not be elegant.
When
questioned about the policy of the ban on the foreign-based players, he denied
having been instructed to do so.
He
responded that when the time comes, he would discuss the issue with the
Federation and insisted that player selection was his sole responsibility.
He
expressed that he would recall the foreign-based players in the new year (1991).
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 23,
December 1990
| (Brazil Manager Paulo Roberto Falcao) |
Year 1991
In
the new year the ban on the foreign-based players was finally lifted and Falcão
could call upon some of the more established players.
Though
someone like Ricardo Alemão was still persona-non-grata with the Federation.
Brazil’s
first match in the new year was against Paraguay at Campo Grande on February 27th.
Falcão
recalled the Italy based duo of goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel (Parma) and forward
João Paulo (Bari).
He
was unable to obtain the release of players such as Aldair (AS Roma) and
Romario
(PSV Eindhoven) as both were denied permission by their clubs.
Taffarel
would start in goal with Falcão retaining his defensive block of Gil Baiano,
Paulão, Adilson and Leonardo.
Cafu,
Moacir and Neto were back in midfield with Cuca starting ahead of Donizete.
Charles
was back upfront, this time with João Paulo.
Donizete,
Mazinho II and Careca III would make second half appearances along with new cap
Mauricio.
Once
again, Brazil failed to capitalize and had to settle for a (1-1) tie, at least
Brazil scored the first official goal of the Falcão era through a spot kick by
Neto.
Cuca
and Mauricio would not be called up again.
Next
up for Brazil were perennial rivals Argentina on March 27th at
Buenos Aires. They were also going through a rebuilding phase of their own with
new Manager Alfio Basile in charge.
Falcão
wanted to field foreign-based players but up to six of them were not released
by their clubs.
As
a result he stuck with his locally based players. He was able to finally recall
Bebeto. Ricardo Rocha in defense and forward Renato Gaucho also earned recalls.
As
Taffarel was unavailable, Falcão started once again with Sergio in goal.
Gil
Baiano and Leonardo kept their spots in defense; however, Ricardo Rocha’s
return meant Paulão was benched. In addition, new cap Wilson Gottardo started
ahead of Adilson in defense.
Neto was absent from this match, so Cafu and Donizte started in midfield along with new cap (and future World Cup winner) Mauro Silva.
Neto was absent from this match, so Cafu and Donizte started in midfield along with new cap (and future World Cup winner) Mauro Silva.
The
strike force consisted of Bebeto, Renato Gaucho along with Mazinho II.
Late
in the match new cap forward Dener would also make an appearance. He would
sadly be killed in 1994 in an automobile accident.
The
match was entertaining seesaw battle that would eventually end in a 3-3 tie,
along with the customary sending offs (one from each side).
Brazil
had been able to score goals from open play and at least that was a positive.
Falcão
was delighted with the performance. He added,
“This type of game is good for us. It shows us our defects and
qualities”.
Falcão
would not call up Donizete again.
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Photo From: Deporte Total ,
Edicion Especial Copa America 1991
(March 27, 1991, Argentina
3-Brazil 3)
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Photo From: El Grafico Number
3730, 1991
(March 27, 1991, Argentina
3-Brazil 3)
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Photo From: Triunfo Nº264
01-07-1991
(Careca III, March 27, 1991,
Argentina 3-Brazil 3)
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Next
Brazil would face a Romanian ‘B’ selection at Londrina on April 17th.
The
foreign-based players were once again absent so Sergio started in goal in place
of Taffarel.
New
cap Balu started as right back, as Falcão appeared to have written off Gil
Baiano. It would turn out to be Balu’s only match under Falcão.
Likewise,
Ricardo Rocha retained his spot ahead of Paulão. Marcio Santos returned to the
squad in defense.
Neto
was back in the squad, along with Mauro Silva who retained his spot. Moacir
returned to the squad in midfield.
The
strike force of Renato Gaucho, Bebeto and Mazinho II started for the second
match running.
Moacir
would score the winning goal in a match against weak opposition.
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Photo From: Jornal do Brasil,
April 18, 1991
(April 17, 1991, Brazil 1-Romania ‘B’ 0)
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After
the European season had come to an end, Falcão could call upon foreign-based
players as the team was preparing for the Copa America in Chile.
Brazil’s
first preparatory friendly was against a weak Bulgarian side missing many key
players on May 29th at Uberlandia.
Taffarel
was still missing and Sergio started once more.
Italy-based
Defender Mazinho made his return to the National Team for the first time since
the World Cup, as did another Italy-based defender Branco.
Wilson
Gottardo and Marcio Santos completed the defense.
The
midfield was reshuffled. The Captain Neto retained his spot along with two new
caps: Marcio and Valdir.
Italy-based
João Paulo along with the recalled Almir and Careca III formed the strike
force.
Juventus
defender Julio Cesar was also recalled to the National Team and made an
appearance in the second half (he had arrived on the morning of the match).
This would be his sole appearance under Falcão.
The
other second half substitutes were recalled players such as Odair, Lira, Dener
(his last appearance), Luis Henrique and Valdeir.
This
would turn out to be the best performance of the Falcão era with both Neto and
João Paulo combining in scoring and creating the goals in a convincing (3-0)
win.
Falcão
selected his squad for the Copa America that included mostly his home based
players. The only foreign-based (or more specifically Italy based players) were
Taffarel, Mazinho, Branco and João Paulo.
Rai,
brother of Socrates, earned a recall for the first time since 1987.
On
June 24th, 1991, Leonardo would be injured and replaced in the squad
by Lira.
Moacir
had already forfeited from Falcão’s plans due to injury.
Brazil’s
last friendly before the Copa America was another friendly vs. Argentina at
Curitiba on June 27th.
While
Brazil had struggled under Falcão, Argentina appeared to be growing in
confidence after every new friendly under Basile.
Claudio
Taffarel was now available and back in the net. The experienced trio of Mazinho,
Ricardo Rocha and Branco were set in defense.
Cleber
was recalled to be part of the defense as Gil Baiano, Paulão and Adilson were
discarded altogether.
Neto,
along with Mauro Silva and Valdir retained their midfield spots. João Paulo,
along with Renato Gaucho and Careca III were upfront.
It
would be a hard fought match. Just like in the World Cup, Claudio Caniggia
would score for Argentina. Minutes later, Neto would tie the match through a
spot kick.
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Photo From: El Grafico Number 3743, 1991
(June 27, 1991, Brazil
1-Argentina 1)
|
Brazil
entered the Copa America short in confidence with a less than full strength
squad and following many mediocre performances.
After
the drama and the alleged indiscipline at the last World Cup, the Brazilian Federation had issued new directives for
the Copa America.
The Brazilian players were
forced to sign a written declaration to abide to these set of directives, such
as conducting themselves with ‘exemplary behavior’, wake and sleep at the
designated hours, eat their prescribed food, seek permission for interviews and
no meetings with agents/impresarios.
On July 3rd, just
days before the start of the Tournament, Bebeto walked out of the team in anger
since Falcão would not guarantee him a starting position in the
Team. Bebeto also accused Falcão of treating him like a
newcomer instead of an established player that he was.
In the Copa America in Chile,
Brazil were in Group B along with Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay and Bolivia. The
matches were to be played in Valparaíso’s Estadio Playa Ancha and Viña del
Mar’s Estádio Sausalito.
Brazil started its Copa on
July 9th at Viña del Mar against Bolivia.
Brazil won (2-1) without
impressing with goals by Neto (5th minute penalty kick) and a
Branco free kick in the 47th minute.
The recalled Rai would make
his first appearance under Falcão as a second half substitute.
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Photo From: World Soccer,
August 1991
(July 9, 1991, Copa America,
Brazil 2-Bolivia 1)
|
Two days, later (July 11th),
they faced Uruguay and had to settle for a (1-1) tie.
Falcão
chose to start with midfielder Rai ahead of striker Careca III.
João Paulo gave Brazil the
lead in the 39th minute. Uruguay tied the score through a Peter
Mendez strike.
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Photo From: Don Balon (Copa
America 1991)
(Mauro Silva, July 11, 1991,
Copa America, Brazil 1-Uruguay 1)
|
Two days later (July 13th), Brazil were beaten (0-2) vs. a
more technical Colombian side. The
Colombians outplayed the more physical Brazilians.
Falcão
had chosen to start with Marcio ahead of Cafu, with Rai still retaining his
position in midfield.
Falcão was starting to lose faith in Neto and he was
substituted in the second half by Luis Henrique.
Falcão
himself accused his own players of incompetence after the loss.
In the post match Press
conference, Brazilian journalists argued with Falcão
and the players. Falcão was forced to ban the Brazilian Press from post-match
conferences.
For
the first time, Ricardo Teixeira refused to confirm whether Falcão would stay
in place until 1994.
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Photo From: Don Balon (Copa
America 1991)
(July 13, 1991, Copa America,
Colombia 2-Brazil 0)
|
Two days later (July 15th),
Brazil won (3-1) over Ecuador qualify to the Final (on goal difference) along
with Colombia.
Brazil had needed to win by
two clear goals to advance to leapfrog over Uruguay and achieved this with a
last minute goal.
Falcão
had reshuffled his lineup for this match. Marcio Santos started in defense
ahead of Wilson Gottardo.
Rai
lost his spot along with Renato Gaucho. They were replaced with new cap Silvio
and Mazinho II.
Mazinho
II would be sent off early on to further complicate matters for Brazil.
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Photo From: Deporte Total,
July 24, 1991
(July 15, 1991, Copa America,
Brazil 3-Ecuador 1)
|
Brazil
started the Final Round on July 17th against Argentina at Santiago
in a violent match that would result in five sending offs.
Many felt tensions had been
carried over from the friendly between the Nations on June 27th that
had also been ill tempered.
The stronger and more
confident Argentineans with their new star Gabriel Batistuta won (3-2) to take
an option on the Tournament that they had dominated.
Marcio Santos retained his
spot in defense, as did Marcio and Silvio. Luis Henrique started in place of
the suspended Mazinho II.
Iomar Mazinho was sent off
along with Argentina’s Claudio Caniggia in the 31st minute.
Marcio Santos and Argentina’s
Carlos Enrique were also jointly sent off (61st minute).
Finally, Careca III was sent off in the 77th minute (….after
having come on as a substitute in the 75th minute).
Both Nations were
dissatisfied with the officiating and on the following day (July 18th),
Brazil submitted a formal protest about Paraguayan Referee Carlos Maciel for
his handling of their match.
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Photo From: World Soccer,
July 1993
(July 17, 1991, Copa America,
Argentina 3-Brazil 2)
|
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial,
Issue 31, August 1991
(July 17, 1991, Copa America,
Argentina 3-Brazil 2)
|
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Photo From: World Soccer,
November 1991
| (Claudio Branco, July 17, 1991, Copa America, Argentina 3-Brazil 2) |
Brazil’s next match vs.
Colombia on July 19th at Santiago would be played under heavy rain.
Falcão
made some changes to his squad due to the suspensions of Mazinho and Careca
III, as well as losing faith with Neto (who lost his starting spot for good).
Cafu started in defense with
Valdir, Renato Gaucho and Mazinho II also back in the squad.
Many believed the rain was
detrimental to Colombia’s ‘Toque’ style and the less technical Brazilians
profited.
Brazil took the lead through
Renato Gaucho in the 29th minute, followed by a penalty kick by Branco in the 61stminute.
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial,
Issue 31, August 1991
(Renato Gaucho, July 19,
1991, Copa America, Brazil 2-Colombia 0)
|
The final round of matches
took place two days later on July 21st at Santiago.
Brazil were to face the hosts
Chile. Brazil knew that even a win might not be enough as Argentina had a
one-point advantage.
Mazinho was back in the squad
with Cafu, Mazinho II and Renato Gaucho retaining their places.
Brazil won (2-0) with two
headers from corner kicks by Mazinho II (8th minute) and Luis
Henrique (56th minute).
Once again, Brazil had a
player sent off (this time Branco in the 69th minute).
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Photo From: Deporte Total, July 31,
1991
(July 21, 1991, Copa America,
Chile 0-Brazil 2)
|
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Photo From: Deporte Total, July 31,
1991
(July 21, 1991, Copa America,
Chile 0-Brazil 2)
|
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 36,
January 1992
(Joao Paulo, July 21, 1991, Copa
America, Chile 0-Brazil 2)
|
However, Argentina’s win over
Colombia (2-1) gave them the title and Brazil had to settle for second place.
As the Tournament ended,
closing the International season, Brazil appeared to still be mired in the
disarray as they were in the previous summer’s World Cup.
Falcão’s
Brazil were a disappointment and the team
appeared to be headed nowhere.
Their discipline was also
questioned given the record number of players sent off in the Copa (five in
total, three just in the violent clash with Argentina).
Falcão
had openly declared that he wanted to stay until the 1994 World Cup.
He
said, “I work, I do whatever I can to
give Brazilian Football the place it deserves Internationally…..this will not
be done in a day, I would like to stay in place until 1994”
However,
his days appeared numbered and no one
could imagine him to be around the following months much less the 1994 World
Cup.
His experimentation of
building the team around Neto had parallels with Geovani in 1989. Another
player being built up as Brazil’s next superstar, who ultimately failed.
Falcão
did not help his cause by defending his negative tactics. He declared that
“ugly football” was the way forward.
He said, “There is no point in
expecting from any group that forms the Brazilian team the classical and skillful
Football which we produced before….The times today are of fighting, long kicks
up field, biting tackles and sliding tackles. In brief, a type of football
which is ugly but which wins games”.
Of
course for Brazil and more specifically in Falcão’s case, he was not winning
much with these tactics.
The
Brazilian Press would repeatedly remind how on the same fields Brazil had won
in 1962 with style.
Tele
Santana chimed in to criticize Brazil’s tactics. For him Brazil’s tactics
comprised mainly of marking opponents, determination, fighting spirit,
committing fouls and falling down in the penalty area.
He
felt despite defeating Bolivia in their first match, it was the Bolivians that
had been more technical, as were Ecuador.
He
joined many others with the belief that in the Final Round, the rain had been
advantageous in defeating Colombia, because that helped the less talented team
as Colombia’s short passing game could not be achieved.
Former
Argentina Manager, Cesar Luis Menotti also remarked that the traditional powers
were going back to their roots except Brazil.
Falcão
had been expected to bring back the attractive attacking style of old, but his Brazil were devoid of style and any definite concept
of tactics. It was a physical team with no technique.
Many felt he packed his
defense with numbers with two strikers upfront running aimlessly.
Falcão even said, “we were not always good technically”. An understatement if there ever was one.
He was accused of not
explaining his style/tactics in press conferences, nor settling on a starting
lineup.
Despite
his intention to play with three strikers, Brazil’s performances in the First
Round of the Copa Amercia had been disappointing and only a fortunate last
minute goal against Ecuador had seen them through.
He had
modified his tactics to a counterattacking game for the Final Round. The
eventual runner-up place was misleading, they had benefited from the rain
against Colombia, while in their very last match, the Chileans had appeared
physically drained.
One
could only speculate whether absent players would have made a difference. These
included the likes of the injured duo: (Leonardo, Moacir) and unavailable
players such as (Romario, Careca, Dunga, etc).
After
the Tournament, the ‘O Globo’ Television station took a poll and 45% of the
respondents did not want Falcão to remain in charge, while only 29% were
favorable (23% undecided).
Nearly
70% also felt the current squad could not win the next World Cup.
Of
the players, Iomar Mazinho was favorable to his stay, He said, “I have heard that Falcão could fall, if he
stays he will bring back the joy to Brazilian Football”.
On
August 20th, 1991, Falcão was sacked as National Team manager.
Exactly, one year and four days after being appointed.
Ernesto
Paulo would be the caretaker Manager, before Carlos Alberto Parreira was
appointed in late September 1991.
According
to reports the manner Falcão was sacked was a cruel common tactic used in
Brazilian Football, whereby draconian demands are made to such a degree that
one has no choice but to resign or be fired.
First,
the Federation refused to renew the contract of his physio Gilberto Tim and his
Press spokesman Vital Bataglia and told Falcão they would choosing the
replacements.
They
then demanded all of Falcão future selections to be handed over and approved 72
hours before being made public.
Falcão
understandably refused and was sacked over the phone.
According
to Falcão it was really this second demand that was unacceptable. He said, “I
respect it but I don’t agree”.
Falcão
had short uneventful stints afterwards at Mexican Club America (1991/92),
Internacional Porto Alegre (1993) and the Japanese National Team (1994) without
much success.
He
took a long break and had other unremarkable spells at Internacional Porto
Alegre (2011), Bahia (2012), Sport Recife (2015-16) and once more Internacional
Porto Alegre (2016).
He
was a cautionary tale that even the most talented of players become pragmatic
once they get into the Management game.
Perhaps,
his legacy is that of a brilliant player who just was not born to manage.
 |
Photo From: World Soccer, October 1991
(Brazil Manager Paulo Roberto
Falcao)
|
 |
Photo From: Soccer International, Volume
2, Issue 11, November 1991
(Brazil Manager Paulo Roberto
Falcao)
|
References:
El
Grafico Number 3730, 1991
El
Grafico Number 3743, 1991
El
Grafico Number 3746, 1991
Deporte
Total , Edicion Especial Copa America 1991
Deporte
Total, July 24, 1991
Deporte
Total, July 31, 1991
El
Grafico, Historia de la seleccion Argentina, 1961-1970
France
Football, Issue 2326, November 6, 1990
France
Football, Issue 2362, July 16, 1991
France
Football, Issue 2363, July 23, 1991
MARCA_1990-09-13
MARCA_1990-11-01
Onze-Mondial,
Issue 23, December 1990
Onze-Mondial,
Issue 31, August 1991
Seleccao
Brasileira -90 Anos 1914-2004, Authors Antonio Carlos Napoleao, Roberto Assaf
Soccer
International, Volume 2, Issue 11, November 1991
Triunfo Nº264 01-07-1991
Triunfo Nº264 01-07-1991
World
Soccer, November 1990
World
Soccer, April 1991
World
Soccer, August 1991
World
Soccer, July 1991
World
Soccer, October 1991
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