A long-term project
A large club, it is initially a large president. Many will say it to you. São Paulo Football Club must much with that which was its president of 1947 to 1957. Because president (and ex-player of the club) Cícero Pompeu de Toledo offered four titles to the club, durably installing it among large Brazil, and largest of the championship paulist, at the sides of Corinthians, of Palmeiras and Santos. But also because president Toledo offered to São Paulo FC his more beautiful jewel: its stage. It is him indeed which decides to launch the project of a large arena for the club, of which it poses the first hones on August 15, 1952, after the blessing of the bishop of the city, monseigneur Bastos. The acquired ground (partially by the club, partially by the city) is in the district of Morumbi, the Leonor Garden, dedicated up to now to the construction of residences. Work really begins in 1953, within Vilanova Artigas, one of the large modernistic architects of Brazil.
But the way is still long. The stage of São Paulo FC is a project which will mature slowly. A commission is created to conclude it. Whereas Santos bets on a small named pearl Edson Arantès C Nascimento, or more simply “Peeled”, São Paulo FC prefers to invest in the concrete. The solid. The near total of financial means of the club are devoted there, in particular the product of the sale of Canindé in 1956. That does not prevent the Tricolour ones from gaining some titles. At the end of the Fifties shines in the rows of the club certain Zizinho, arrived at the club on late after a long carière with Flamengo, it makes it possible the club to return at the top of the championship of the State in 1957.
18 years of work
The opening of the stage is an almost national event. The result of a true adventure. The building can be baptized only of one name: that of president Toledo, dead little after having left the head of the club, which wanted the stage and will never see it. But the name running, it will be Estádio C Morumbi, like the district. Or simply “Morumbi”. This one is officially inaugurated on October 2, 1960, by a friendly match against Sporting of Lisbon (1-0). Arnaldo Poffo Garcia mark the first goal in the places, him which one calls Peixinho (the small fish). 56 448 people furnish the platforms.
But Morumbi is far from being completed. A part only of the platforms, which must draw a perfect oval of 120 000 places around the ground, were built. The remainder will wait, the building will be supplemented year after year, according to the appropriations available. The budget of the club is burdened on the long term. Consequence: no the star. Only players young, voluntary, who play São Paulo FC because they like the tricolour shirt. It is the case of Peixinho, Djalma Santos, Julinho Botelho, and later of Roberto Dias and Jurandir. One week later, São Paulo FC continues the inaugural festivities by facing Nacional of Montevideo. An offensive festival, gained 3-0 by the buildings, thanks to goals of Canhoteiro and Gino (x2). The Sixties are overall a period of construction on the ground as in platforms, and São Paulo has much merit under these conditions to continue to be among the best. Even without title with the key, the visitors of Morumbi never come in full confidence, Pelé including.
The greatest private stage
Almost 18 years since the building site was launched, and finally, Morumbi is completed. The result and there: a stage of 120 000 witnesses, the greatest private stage of the world. Because Maracanã is larger, but it does not belong to a club. That does not prevent Seleção besides from regularly attending Morumbi, and this since 1962 (Brazil 4-0 Paraguay, April 24). São Paulo FC is rightly proud of this realization. This one is inaugurated on January 25, 1970, with approximately 100 000 witnesses, by a match against the FC Oporto (1-1). Vieira Nunes marks initially for Oporto, and Minuca equalizes, marking the first goal of São Paulo FC in its cave finally finished. The international baptism takes place little time after, March 22, 1970, with a Brazil-Chile meeting which is concluded by the victory crushing from Auriverde (5-0). The end of work is the welcome: São Paulo FC finds finally financial means to devote to the sporting sector, whereas no title has been gained for twelve years. Gérson, Pedro Rocha: here are new idols of Morumbi, inter alia great talents. As of the season 1970, the title paulist is acquired. Another follows in 1971, with an ideal crowning against the rival of always, Palmeiras. A great stage, a large club: what to ask moreover?
Not large-thing. Perhaps only of successes in two new competitions: the national championship of Brazil and Taça Libertadores. The Tricolour ones are only second of the Brazilian championship in 1971 and 1973. As for the South American cut, it is still another pair of handles. Arrived finally in 1974, the Brazilian club is beaten by Independiente, the invincible champion of Argentina. Despite everything, São Paulo FC (again champion paulist in 1975) made tremble Brazil, with its jewels Pedro Rocha, Chicão, Valdir Fathers. And crowning arrives, logically, in 1977: São Paulo is champion of Brazil. Morumbi is in festival. A few weeks earlier, October 13, this one also knew a record of multitude of 138 032 witnesses, at the time of the finale of the championship paulist: Corinthians and Ponte Preta which has not been able to decide between itself to go it and with the return (2-2 with the cumulated score), the match of support proceeds in Morumbi, where Corinthians carry it 1-0 on a goal of Basílio (81e). Once is not habit, Morumbi celebrates other colors.
Of Taça Libertadores… to the world cup?
The Eighties represent another cycle of victories for São Paulo, in Morumbi from now on blessed by the skies, after the mass given in the places by the pope Jean-Paul II on July 3, 1980, in front of 150 000 faithful. Champion paulist in 1980, 1981, 1985, 1987 and 1989, champion of Brazil in 1986: only the continental title still escapes the team from Leonardo, Cafu and Raï. More for a long time fortunately: again champion paulist in 1991 and 1992, again champion of Brazil in 1991, São Paulo FC passes finally at the higher stage by gaining the final of Taça Libertadores 1992. Beaten by Newell’ S Old Servant boys with the outward journey (1-0), the Tricolour ones go up the score with the return and take the top at the time of the meeting of shootings to the goals (3 shootings with the goals with 2). This exploit is renewed since 1993, with a final victory over Universidad Catolica of Santiago of Chile.
But times change and Brazilian football does not have any more the dimension. Perhaps in a Brazilian championship weakened year after year by the exiles of the best players in Europe, São Paulo FC forms part of the clubs which draw some best. After a new title of the championship of State in 1998, the club gains its twentieth Paulistão in 2000, then still one in 2005, for what it is necessary to add a tournament Rio – São Paulo in 2001. In São Paulo, only Corinthians also remained on the same level, while Palmeiras and Santos are with the sorrow.
Morumbi, is to him always one of the most beautiful stages of the country, and one of the most memorable environments. Renovated in 1998-1999 to be in conformity with the safety requirements of the FIFA, the stage cannot accomodate but 74 000 people any more, but under optimal conditions. A new lighting was installed besides to improve the spectacle, the four pylons having been removed with the profit of two side slopes suspended above the platforms by a metal structure. Around the stage, various installations still add to the single character of the place: the seat of the club, a swimming pool, spaces of leisures. With Morumbi, São Paulo, the club, but also São Paulo, the city, have an exceptional place. A temple of the football which looks towards the future. About the World 2014, perhaps?
Recommended links:
The stadium pictures taken at the time of our travel to Brazil
