The world advent of São Paulo FC
[photo=trofeus.JPG id=124 align=right]Impressive is just one adjective to describe the facilities of São Paulo FC. Splendid pitches, swimming pool for relaxation, large press room, all surrounded by a security system which verges on ridiculous. In short, you could believe yourself to be in Europe. These ultra modern facilities at one of the most successful clubs in the world would almost make us forget that its history began more than 70 years ago.
Indeed the first history of the club begins at the turn of the 20th century under the name of Paulistano. This small amateur club dominated the amateur sport for 30 years before changing its name and becoming São Paulo de Floresta. One of the first clubs in Brazil and became home to a host of players who would go on to leave a mark on the history of auriverde football; such as Arthur Friedenreich, Araken and Waldemar de Brito. Who helped them win their first paulista championship in 1933.
Floresta also have the honor – this same year – of playing in the first professional football match ever, against the FC Santos which finished 5-1. However these early years were not all easy for the club. In 1935, the club changed its name again and became Clube Atlético de São Paulo in June, before finally settling on São Paulo Futebol Clube on the 16th of December the same year. Which thankfully they have stayed with since!
However, the new professional São Paulo FC found these years hard with significant financial difficulties and the departure of its best players. It would be 8 years before the club would shine again and win its first championship of the state of São Paulo.
In total, the Morumbi stadium club has gained more than 20 champion paulist titles and 3 titles as champions of Brazilian. But their world domination begin under the reign of Telê Santana. The coach of the Seleção 1982 and 1986 had a label of been a good loser when he arrived at the Morumbi in 1990. But no one had to chance to find out if this was true as they rarely lost. He quickly forged a very competitive team with top players like Raï, Pahlinha and Zetti.
The results of “the Master Santana" were quickly shown. In 1991, São Paulo wins the double, the championship Brazilian and pauliste-championship which gives them qualification for the famous 1992 Copa Libertadores. However the course of the “Tricolor" club will never be without obstacles after crusing through the group stages they meet there match, in a decisive final against the Argentinean team Newell" s Old Boys. A draw in both matches 1-1 meant Santana’s men would have to hold there nerve in a thrilling penalty shootout, which finished in victory to São Paulo FC, bringing the cup home to Brazil for the first time since 1983.
[photo=chute.JPG id=124 align=left]After been crowned champions of Brazil, then South America, São Paulo FC secured a place at the Toyota Cup in December 92. To be played against Johann Cruyff’s FC Barcelona. Once again Telê Santana’s men rose to the occasion winning 2-1 in this awesome confrontation with man of the match going to Rai, creator of the two goals.
The Paulista title followed 1993, and after having beaten the Chilean team Universidade Catolica they won the Copa Libertadores consecutively becoming only the second Brazilian side to have achieved this. Victory meant a game against European champions AC Milan. It was to be a goal crazy match that finished 3-2 to São Paulo, with a winning goal coming in the last minutes of the match from striker Müller, who went on to be a champion of the world one year later with Brazil in the United States.
Unfortunately Telê Santana was forced to leave the club in 1995 following health problems. The loss effected São Paulo badly. Since his departure the club only managed a Supercoupe Conmebol of 96 and the championship paulist 1998. But the club didn’t stop producing top talent with great talents like Dodô, Fabio Aurélio, Denilson and Juninho Paulista emerging from the club.
And in 2000, the return of the child prodigy, Rai gave the Tricolores supporters a new title; champion paulist. But the best was yet to come when in 2005, ex-Benfica boss Paulo Autuori succeeded in winning the Copa Libertadores by beating compatriots Atlético Paranaense in an historical final. Victory meant that in December, São Paulo will be once again competing against European teams at the World Club Championship in Japan.
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