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Garrincha, Brazil’s Forgotten World Cup Star, Left in Pele Shadow
Published: March 11, 2014
So said Nilton Santos of one of the most gifted players to have ever graced a football pitch. Manoel Francisco dos Santos, better known as Garrincha, was Botafogo and Brazil's craque during the late 1950s and early 1960s, the ace in the hole and arguably the greatest player of his generation.
The stories about the star of Brazil's 1962 World Cup triumph, of his descent into alcoholism and his drinking feats during his playing days are infinite. What sometimes gets forgotten is without him the timeline of Brazilian success, not to mention the trophy cabinet, would be far emptier.
Truth is stranger than fiction, the old adage goes. A recap of Garrincha's times and troubles appears more fanciful than the telenovela soap operas beamed into Brazilian homes every evening.
But prefacing the tragic end to his life, the Garrincha of his pomp—from 1957 to 1962—was a joy. His achievements on the field are a tale of freedom of expression over tactical discipline. Of overcoming the physical obstacles that threatened to derail his career.
The right winger was born with both legs pointed inwards. Walking may have been seen as a challenge; bamboozling the world's sternest defences as he helped Brazil to two World Cup titles was to laugh in the face of biology and its conformities.
Not for nothing is he known as “The Joy of the People.” It is an interesting juxtaposition with his former teammate, Pele.
Pele is known as “The King.” He is adored by Brazilians, considered above the people he represented on the pitch.
Garrincha was the people. A symbol that you can overcome adversit...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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