‘Time da Virada’: how Vasco’s terrace anthem was born in a title-winning comeback | OneFootball

The terrace anthem that hails Vasco as the comeback side emerged in a classic against Fluminense in 1988, according to Globo.com.

It began on 29 May 1988 in the Taça Rio final. Vasco trailed until the 35th minute, then Vivinho and Bismarck struck to seal victory and the trophy. The club later clinched the Campeonato Carioca against Flamengo.

Only 18 at the time, Bismarck finished as the hero at the Maracanã. He has called it one of the most unforgettable moments of his career, and said the display inspired supporters to create the chant.

The comeback identity stretches back further. In 1975 a run of turnarounds birthed the phrase “Vascão Vira-Vira”. The song later drew on a Beija-Flor samba from 1978, when the Nilópolis school won a third straight Special Group title.

Its melody, by Neguinho da Beija-Flor, Gilson and Mazinho, became terrace fare from the 1990s. A Flamengo supporter, Neguinho has spoken warmly about seeing Vasco fans immortalise his samba.

Thirty-eight years on, the anthem is still belted out, though many would rather not need it. Bismarck, set to be at the Maracanã as a supporter, joked he hopes Vasco lead early and stay there.

Under Renato Gaúcho, Vasco came from behind to beat Palmeiras 2-1 at São Januário, then rallied at Cruzeiro before a 3-3 draw at the Mineirão. Vasco meet Fluminense on Wednesday at 21:30 Brasília time at the Maracanã, and sit 15th on five points.

Source: Globo.com