Exeter lifts silverware in historic Rio rematch
Print Edition
ENGLISH fourth tier side Exeter City FC lifted silverware in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday as it played a rematch of Brazil’s first ever international encounter.
The minnows from southwestern England, who have never played even in the second division, played out a goalless draw with host Fluminense, which fielded its under-23 side at the same stadium which hosted their first encounter on July 21, 1914.
As the visitor, Exeter, which had two goals ruled out for offside while its rival hit the bar, was awarded the Marcos Carneiro de Mendonca Cup, named after Brazil’s first goalkeeper, who also played for Fluminense.
Exactly a century ago, the Brazilian authorities invited Exeter, which had been touring in Argentina, to come and play a Sao Paulo and Rio select XI and subsequently recognized the match as Brazil’s first ever international.
“It’s a massive honor to come over here and win the trophy. It’s a very different pre-season from the ones we’re used to. Usually we only play local sides,” City skipper Scot Bennett said as he held the trophy aloft to cheers from a 180-strong Exeter contingent among the 600 invited guests at the majestic old Laranjeiras Stadium.
“It’s been absolutely brilliant. We proved we are a good footballing side and we must press on from here and get promotion.”
Exeter lost the 1914 match 0-2 and several of the team perished in World War I, which started before the team had returned home by boat.
It was the first time Brazil’s amateurs had ever faced professionals — Exeter was the first professional club to visit Brazil — and the locals understood the significance of the event, with one newspaper reporting it was Brazil v England and another carrying the headline: “A Great Sporting Happening.”
“It was the first time a Brazilian team was formed by players from Sao Paulo and Rio,” said Aidan Hamilton, author of a new book on the game, entitled “Have You Ever Played Brazil?”
Paul Tisdale, coach of Exeter, nicknamed the Grecians, lamented being caught offside at the death on Sunday.
“We had a one-on-one in the last minute that was called offside and it was never offside,” said the former Southampton player, who admitted to being “bemused” by his side being handed the trophy after the stalemate.
But he added he was delighted to have participated in the game albeit from the bench.
“It was a wonderful occasion — a very, very unique ground. It has to be one of the most picturesque football stadiums I’ve ever been to.”
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