Courtesy: FIFA.com

Brazil: a quarter century's work well done

(FIFA.com) 18 Jun 2004

The Brazilian Futsal Confederation (CBFS) was founded in Rio de Janeiro on 15 June 1979. Its first President, Aécio de Borba Vasconcelos, still holds the position today and found time to share his thoughts with FIFA.com, despite the pressing demands of overseeing the body's 25th anniversary celebrations.
"In 1979, the government abolished the Brazilian Sports Confederation (CFD), which had been in charge of the country's sporting infrastructure. That forced each sport to establish its own representative body. At the time we tried to remain part of the Brazilian Football Confederation, principally for the good of the game, but unfortunately our efforts were in vain. At that time, our situation was akin to that of an abandoned son who had been cut off and left penniless. A month later we were supposed to take part in a South American tournament in Colombia, so swift action was called for. We, the elected representatives, found a room in the city, made this our office, and the CBFS was up and running. We managed to send a team to Colombia, and as fate would have it, they won. It was a huge boost for everyone and paved the way for the fantastic success that would follow."

Thus, the President of the CBFS remembers the foundation of a sporting entity that has organised and governed the sport of futsal in Brazil. From its troubled inception to the present day, the evolution of the game has been extremely encouraging - and not only in terms of titles won. More than 284,000 players have joined the Confederation over the last 25 years and the CBFS now boasts its own impressive headquarters. Perhaps the most remarkable testimony to the Confederation's tireless efforts, according to a recent in the survey in "Placar" magazine, is that futsal is now the most practiced sport in Brazil.

Aécio de Borba Vasconcelos admits he has a sense of "having done what was asked of him" when he looks back over the last quarter of a century. But how does one manage to stay in such a complicated and demanding position as president for so long? "With hard work, dedication and a steadfast love for the sport. During this period the directive have not been split on one single issue," he says. "That's because there is nobody on the directive pursuing his own agenda or acting out of self-interest. Everyone involved is committed to the common goal of developing the sport of futsal."

Triple world champions

Brazil's sporting prowess in a variety of disciplines is envied the world over, and futsal is no exception. In 1989, the Auriverde won the inaugural FIFA Futsal World Championship in Holland. Subsequent triumphs in Hong Kong and Spain earned the seemingly unbeatable Brazilians their Triple Crown. However, in Guatemala 2000, their pre-eminence in the sport was shaken when a brilliant Spanish side wrenched the trophy from their grasp.

Twelve times South American champions, four times Pan American champions, five-time winners of the 'Mundialito' tournament under the auspices of the Brazilian Olympic Committee, Brazil has an overall success rate of 93% in international fixtures and tournaments. "Obviously I would be lying if I said we weren't satisfied with what we've achieved. Anyone would be proud of a record like that," said the President.

To ensure that Brazil continue winning tournaments for many years to come, the projects being put in place today will focus on the sport's development at under-age level. "Our goal is to have futsal played in all the country's state schools, where some 35 million students between the ages of 7 and 14 attend. We're also aiming to bring the same success we achieved in the men's game to that of the women's, which is why we're promoting national club competitions and the formation of national sides at all age groups," he explained.

First South American Futsal U-20 Championship

Among the many activities planned to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the CBFS's foundation is the friendly game between Iran and Brazil on 20 June. Furthermore, during that same week (14-20), the Brazilian city of Fortaleza will play host to the inaugural South American Futsal U-20 Championship. Teams from Argentina, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela and Ecuador will join the host nation at the 15,000 capacity Paulo Sarasate Arena to fight it out for regional bragging rights.

"The CBFS has always maintained that the players coming through from the under-age categories are what have enabled Brazil to dominate the sport for so long. This philosophy is also borne out of the need to replace the many top players who leave the country every year. Today there are more than 400 Brazilians playing for Asian and European sides where they can generally secure a better salary and standard of living. Organising this U-20 Championship is really just a stepping stone towards what we hope will soon be a world championship at this age level," claims Borba Vasconcelos.

The stage is set then for the Brazilian Futsal Confederation to celebrate 25 years of hard work with what should be a thoroughly enjoyable and exciting tournament. Given their incredible success to date, there is every reason to believe that the next 25 years will be even better.

Group A:
Argentina
Paraguay
Ecuador
Venezuela
Colombia

Group B:
Brazil
Uruguay
Chile
Peru

Fixture list and kick-off times: (local time)
Monday 14 June
15.30: Ecuador - Colombia
17.00: Peru - Uruguay
18.30: Argentina - Venezuela
20.00: Brazil - Chile

Tuesday 15 June
17.00: Paraguay - Venezuela
18.30: Colombia - Argentina
20.00: Brazil - Peru

Wednesday 16 June
17.00: Chile - Peru
18.30: Ecuador - Argentina
20.00: Colombia - Paraguay

Thursday 17 June
15.30: Ecuador - Venezuela
17.00: Argentina - Paraguay
18.30: Brazil -Uruguay
Friday 18 June
14.00: Colombia - Venezuela
15.30: Chile - Uruguay
17.00: Ecuador - Paraguay

Saturday 19 June. Semi-finals
11.00: 1º A x 2º B
13.00: 1º B x 2º A

Sunday 20 June
08.30 - Final