The final of the Copa America 2019, which will be played this Sunday between Peru vs. Brazil, caused the media in that country to recall the last time Peru eliminated 'Canarinha' and then became champion of the tournament. It happened in 1975, 44 years ago, and a protagonist from that match remembered that they suspected some illicit or corrupt maneuver that allowed the bicolor to advance to the final.
The story goes that Peru vs. Brazil faced each other in home and away matches for the semifinals of the Copa America (formerly, the format did not have a fixed venue and the matches were played in two legs) and the overall score was 3-3, with the bicolor winning 3-1 in Belo Horizonte and the Scratch winning 2-0 at the National Stadium in Lima. Since there was no tiebreaker format, the finalist was decided by drawing lots.
The draw took place in the hall of the National Football Association (ANF) of the National Stadium. While they were thinking about who would pick the ball with the name of the finalist, Veronica Salinas entered looking for her father, Teofilo, who was then the president of the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol), and she decided the fate. Peru became the finalist.
Peru was the champion of the 1975 Copa America after eliminating Brazil in the semifinals. (Photo: Archive GEC)
Peru was the champion of the 1975 Copa America after eliminating Brazil in the semifinals. (Photo: Archive GEC)
"It was the only time in my career that I saw a match being decided in that way. We had already left the stadium (National Stadium in Lima) and we saw fireworks. That's when we knew we were eliminated. I don't have any proof, but I remember that at that time we suspected some 'maracutaia' (Portuguese term used to talk about an illicit or corrupt action)", said Piazza, former player and captain of Brazil in that match against Peru, and currently president of the Federation of Professional Athletes Associations in his country.
"I'm not saying it happened, but we know that everything happens in football. Maybe a frozen ball. If the draw had been on the field, I, as captain, would have participated. It wasn't like that", added the former player in an interview with the portal Globo Esporte from Brazil.
Because of that fact, Piazza considers it important to defeat Peru in this Sunday's final. "We were left with a bitter taste at that time despite the victory. Now, with all due respect to Peru and their great victory in the semifinals, it is a matter of honor for Brazil to win. Considering everything that has happened in the last World Cups, it is a good chance for the national team to regain its pride, confidence, and credibility with a title", he said.
Peru was the champion of the 1975 Copa America after eliminating Brazil in the semifinals. (Photo: Archive GEC)
Peru was the champion of the 1975 Copa America after eliminating Brazil in the semifinals. (Photo: Archive GEC)
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