Fascinated by the creative and beautiful Brazilian football, he moved to Sao Paulo.30Over a year. Hiroaki Sawada, who has watched many games and interviewed players and coaches, tells us about the current state of the Kingdom.
football playerContinued from magazineWEBMonthly serial number11times (total189times) is2024of the yearCopa Libertadores and BrazilNationwideThe trajectory of Botafogo who won the league.faced with serious financial difficulties,3years ago2I was suffering in the club.rio de janeiroHow did the old man ofVHas he made a recovery?
The skill of the Portuguese coach and the dynamism of new players
Botafogo, Rio’s old powerhouse, had been in a slump in recent years, racked up huge debts, and there were even rumors of the club closing down, but this year a “miracle” occurred. They became the club’s first South American champion and their third Brazilian title in 29 years.
In the Copa Libertadores, which started in February, they participated in the second stage and advanced to the group stage (GS) with one win and one draw. GS got off to a bad start with two consecutive losses, but bounced back with three wins and one draw in the next four games to break through to second place. They defeated Palmeiras (Brazil) in the round of 16, São Paulo (Brazil) in the quarterfinals, and Peñarol (Uruguay) in the semifinals, and faced Atlético Mineiro (Brazil) in the final on November 30th.
This match was not easy either. Two minutes into the first half, defensive midfielder Gregori was sent off for rough play. Atlético, led by former Brazilian national team forward Hukki, who previously played for Kawasaki Frontale, Consadole Sapporo and Tokyo Verdy, came under a furious attack, but they persevered and took the lead in the 35th minute from a counterattack. In the 44th minute, they converted a penalty kick to give them a 2-point lead. They conceded a goal in the 47th minute of the second half, and were only on defense after that, but they scored the third goal in the final minutes of the game that clinched victory. Both players and supporters shed tears of joy.
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Hiroaki Sawada
Watched the entire 1986 World Cup in Mexico and changed his outlook on life. Fascinated by Brazilian football, he moved to Sao Paulo at the end of 1986, and has continued to watch Brazilian and South American football ever since. His publications include “The Tragedy of Maracanã” (Shinchosha) and “Passion of Brazilian Soccer” (Heibonsha Shinsho).