Cruzeiro EC vs. Botafogo FR Ganzes Spiel

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This match features a great head-to-head between Nelinho and Perivaldo, curiously not midfielders or strikers, but right defenders. They were considered the favourites for 2 spots at Spain 1982 WC (they would eventually lose them to Flamengo's Leandro and Fluminense's Edevaldo, 2 young promissing right defenders). Nelinho was regarded by many as the best Brazilian right defender of the 1970s, elected 4 times the best right defender of Brazil's National First Division (including the 1980 edition). He was known as a great free kick taker (one of the best in Brazil's history) and a real maestro playing as a defender because of his vision, passing ability and technique. He played 2 WCs for Brazil and scored one of the most beautiful WC goals ever during Argentina 1978. Cruzeiro also counted on Joãozinho, one of the most skilled players of his generation and a core piece of the great 1970s Cruzeiro alongside Nelinho, Jairzinho, Dirceu Lopes, Raul Plassmann, Zé Carlos (playing for Botafogo in this match), Piazza and Pablo Forlán. Perivaldo was a great right defender, twice elected the best right defender of Brazil's National First Division (including 1981) and a regular starter for the Seleção in the 1981 season. He was not a maestro like Nelinho, but he was a force in defense, he had almost infinite stamina and all the tools to be a real menace when attacking, with his good crossing ability and scoring important goals. Botafogo counted as well on Zé Carlos, one of the best Brazilian defensive midfielders of the 1960s and 1970s playing for Cruzeiro, Paulo Sérgio (1982 WC Brazil's National Team member), Marcelo (sadly not in good shape) and Mendonça, one of the most hyped Brazilian maestro prospects at the time. Unfortunately, for Brazil and all the lovers of the beautiful game, the careers of Mendonça and Perivaldo were impaired by extra field issues (the latter was even a homeless person in Portugal until 2013). // A few uneventful seconds missing during the first half. //