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Dynamic duo key for Vasco
Posted: Tuesday January 04, 2000 09:14 PM
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Vasco da Gama will face some stiff competition in the early rounds of the World Club Championships. CNN/SI |
By Pedro Pinto, CNNSI.com
Much like the 15th century Portuguese explorer that it was named after, Vasco da Gama has sailed head and shoulders above its competition. The Brazilian club has captured a record 100 titles since being formed in 1898 and also became the first champion of South America, winning the inaugural Libertadores Cup title in 1948.
Ironically, victory in that competition in 1998 has enabled Vasco to qualify for the first edition of another tournament: FIFA's Club World Championship.
Antonio Lopes' team will start off its campaign at home in Rio de Janeiro against South Melbourne of Australia. It will also have to battle Necaxa of Mexico and Manchester United in its group. Then there is always the possibility of facing Spanish giant Real Madrid.
Forward Osvaldo Donizete says that it will be scary to play against high-quality opposition such as United and Real.
Vasco fans live and die with the fortunes of returning hero Romario. CNN/SI |
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"Without a doubt, they are two big teams, with world potential," Donizete said. "Scary in a way, you know? But, I think that Vasco is a good team. It's a very big club, and I think that we have to have respect from the competitors and for ourselves. So, I think that it scares, but I think Vasco scares them too."
Especially since golden-boy Romario returned to the club. The 33-year-old striker, who is idolized by all that support the side, will be linking up with Edmundo in attack. And fans believe that partnership can lead Vasco to the world title.
"I hope that the team will be the champion because it has various stars, but the European teams are very good -- like Manchester, who are very rich," said one Vasco supporter. "So, Real Madrid is the second one to worry about, but Vasco ... you know Vasco. We have Edmundo now. Romario is playing with us now. We hope Vasco will be the champion."
And to achieve that goal, the club is hoping manager Antonio Lopes can continue to work his magic. Since taking over three years ago, Vasco has won four championships. Three of them on the domestic scene.
But in the upcoming world club tournament, it might all come down to Vasco's temperamental dynamic duo. The fate of one of Brazil's greatest clubs rests on their feet.
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