When Flamengo and Fluminense united to face Brazil and hastened a coach’s fall | OneFootball

Flamengo and Fluminense renew their rivalry at the Maracanã on Sunday in the fourth round of the Campeonato Carioca. In 1977 they joined forces to face Brazil, a match that helped topple the national coach, according to Globo.com.

In the 1970s, fixtures against state selections or combined teams were common. Brazil were 15 games unbeaten but Osvaldo Brandão faced criticism over uneven displays, and he endorsed the friendly as a decisive test before the 1978 qualifiers.

The game on 30 January 1977 drew 64,084 paying spectators to the Maracanã and finished 1-1. Palhinha scored seven minutes into the second half, and Pintinho levelled on 39. Supporters of both clubs rallied behind their merged side.

Mário Travaglini and Cláudio Coutinho led the combined XI, which featured Cantarele, Carlos Alberto Torres, Rodrigues Neto, Pintinho and Paulo Cezar Caju. Brazil lined up with Leão, Roberto Dinamite and Marinho Chagas, while Zico and Rivellino were out injured.

The following day Brazil flew to Bogotá, beating Millonarios 2-0 in a friendly, then drawing 0-0 with Colombia in their first qualifier. Under pressure, Brandão was dismissed, Coutinho took charge, and Travaglini became Argentina’s technical supervisor.

Six members of the combined team were later called up, among them Carlos Alberto Torres, Carlos Alberto Pintinho, Paulo Cezar Caju, Toninho, Rodrigues Neto and Dirceu. Brazil went on to finish third at the 1978 World Cup by beating Italy.

Source: Globo.com