Socrates

Sad to hear about the passing of the legendary Socrates yesterday, at the too young age of 57.

Of all my childhood sporting memories, the 1982 Brazilian world cup side is perhaps my most fondly recalled, despite their Paolo Rossi inspired demise. Perhaps more than any Brazilian side before them, and certainly more than any of the functional units since, the 1982 team played the game in the most carefree and expressionist way imagineable.

Faced with the dliemna of having to leave out one of his four enormously talented midfield playmakers, manager Tele Santana decided instead to play them all, and let the players figure out a natural balance. And so, for a stiffling hot month in Spain, the world was treated to Socrates, Zico, Cerezo and Falcao, magically supported by the likes of Junior and the wonderful Eder.

Zico may have been the finest footballer, but Socrates was the salient figure in the side. He looked and moved differently to everyone else, and possessed an aura that set him apart. For all the talk about Socrates not being a finely tuned athlete, he was brilliantly balanced and had a powerful burst of pace. He had superb control for a man of 6'3, and of course he was a master of the backheel which he used, not as a party piece, but as a viable weapon to change the direction of play.

That they never won the world cup was a sporting tragedy, not just for the players themselves, but for soccer in general. The day they crashed out to Italy was the day that Brazil gave up on the 'Joga Bonito', and joined the rest of the game in favouring functionality over genius. Thank God for EPSN Classic, where one regularly has the option of watching 1982 re-runs over the Premier League dross being served up by Sky Sports 1. It is worth a look some evening, to recall the game at its best, as well as one of its finest and charismatic exponents - Socrates.

TC. Spot on. Socrates was the greatest player not to win a world cup medal. R.I.P.

Thomas Clarke wrote:That they never won the world cup was a sporting tragedy, not just for the players themselves, but for soccer in general. The day they crashed out to Italy was the day that Brazil gave up on the 'Joga Bonito', and joined the rest of the game in favouring functionality over genius.

Ah yes - identical to what happened to the Dubs in their quest for Sam. Abandonment of the beautiful game in favour of a little more functionality! But their is still an element of swagger and entertainment there!

But Socrates was a one-off. A tremendous athlete despite himself. RIP.

Thomas Clarke wrote:
He had superb control for a man of 6'3,

TC masterfully getting around saying "he had great feet for a big man", top work TC!

Definately a brilliant player, the 1982 world Cup is my first memory of soccerball and looking back that team were simply magical! Way too young for anyone to die, but by God did he enjoy life and was able to say he played for Garforth Town (something none of us would be able to say!!!)

Real Kerry Fan wrote:Socrates was the greatest player not to win a world cup medal.

bullshít

The Puke wrote:

Real Kerry Fan wrote:Socrates was the greatest player not to win a world cup medal.

bullshít

Well bar Cryuff or maybe Best who else would be near his class?

Real Kerry Fan wrote:

The Puke wrote:

Real Kerry Fan wrote:Socrates was the greatest player not to win a world cup medal.

bullshít

Well bar Cryuff or maybe Best who else would be near his class?

Johan Cryuff is the greatest player never to win a WC. That is not up for dispute. Please refrain from sweeping statements and hyperbole in future

The Puke wrote: Johan Cryuff is the greatest player never to win a WC. That is not up for dispute. Please refrain from sweeping statements and hyperbole in future

While I'd tend to agree with you on Cruyff, it is very much up for debate. Anyway, feel free to comment on Socrates, as this thread is about him, not Cruyff.

The Puke wrote:

Real Kerry Fan wrote:

The Puke wrote:

Real Kerry Fan wrote:Socrates was the greatest player not to win a world cup medal.

bullshít

Well bar Cryuff or maybe Best who else would be near his class?

Johan Cryuff is the greatest player never to win a WC. That is not up for dispute. Please refrain from sweeping statements and hyperbole in future

Sweeping statements? Pot and kettle etc!

Puskas would be right up there too.

Would Socrates be in the same league as Zinedine Kilbane?

bald eagle wrote:Would Socrates be in the same league as Zinedine Kilbane?

Sorry in fairness I slipped up and omitted Kilbane.Ahead of Cryuff.

Did Zinedine Kilbane not win the World Cup?