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AL KASS COMPETITORS DARE TO DREAM TAKING JUNIOR FOOTBALL FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Chairman of Al Kass Organising Committee, Essa Al Hetmi: Tournament is a tribute to global football

t is not particularly conventional for a sports broadcaster to Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Fluminense, the Al host its very own tournament. However, in the case of Al Kass Cup is essentially a showcase of the future of football IKass, its International Cup, which kicks-off today, it is part right here in – host of the FIFA World Cup 2022 – and of a larger Corporate Social Responsibility project undertaken will most likely see some of the players return as seniors, by the channel, says Essa Al Hetmi, Chairman of the Al Kass representing individual nations on the biggest stage of all. Organising Committee. Held at Aspire Academy’s pristine pitches in ideal football “Essentially the Al Kass International Cup initiative evolved weather conditions, the tournament, which offers free public from the popularity of the Ramadan football tournaments access, is also a way to raise the level of competition in held in Doha,” said Chairman Al Hetmi. “Through it we with regards to its future national squad, as they are test sought to enhance the level and the quality of football themselves against some of the greats in their age group. It matches open to local public, as well as contribute to the is a measure of the advancements made in youth football wider regional and international footballing community.” in Qatar in recent years that both Aspire Qatar and Aspire International are expected to provide stiff competition for the Now in its third year, the #AlKassCup could be regarded as other sides. a fairly young tournament, like its contestants. However, “Although the Al Kass Cup is in its infancy, it will essentially Chairman Al Hetmi affirms that it is the contest’s resounding raise the standard of play within Qatar as we see the two past successes that continue to take the tournament from Aspire teams facing off with some of the greatest talents in strength to strength. their categories, which will no doubt strengthen the Qatari team in time for 2022,” Al Hetmi says. “I also think that the “Since its inception in 2012, year-on-year the Al Kass Cup tournament is an exciting learning experience for the young has grown to be an elite showcase of the world’s best junior players outside of the football realm, as the subsequent Spanish giants Real Madrid arrived at Doha International Airport on Saturday night football talent, providing a glimpse of what to expect from interaction between the local and visiting teams will no some of the world’s most beloved football clubs in years to doubt result in valuable cultural exchanges too.” nder-16 football teams from around the world have touched come,” said Chairman Al Hetmi. “The sheer names of the down in Doha ahead of the Al Kass International Cup, due to kick teams now taking part in the Al Kass Cup is evidence in and Welcoming the world of junior football back to Doha for Uoff today. of itself of our ongoing success. Add to that the number of the third time, the Chairman adds, “We are expecting to requests we receive versus invites we now send out, I think see an impressive turnout at this year’s Al Kass Cup as the Clubs from the United States, Europe and Japan will compete alongside it’s safe to say that a slot in the tournament line-up is now country’s youths come along to the matches in support of Qatar-based teams Aspire Qatar and Aspire International during the highly sought after.” their favourite teams, sporting their best banners and outfits. course of the ten-day tournament. I also hope to see greater participation from Arab teams at Hosting 12 youth teams from some of the best clubs in the next year’s tournament.” Essa Al Hetmi, Chairman of the Al Kass Organising Committee Saturday night saw the arrivals of two of the biggest footballing rivals in world, including FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, AC Milan, the game’s history, Spanish sides Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

Meanwhile, those amongst the first to arrive included French giants Paris Saint-Germain and AJ , both set for Monday night clashes with FC Barcelona and Fluminense respectively.

For Paris Saint-Germain, winners of the Al-Kass International Cup in 2012 and runners-up last year, expectations are high, and Team Coach François Rodrigues acknowledged “some extra pressure this year.”

New boys on the block: FC Barcelona kick off their first ever Al Kass International Cup game on Monday against Auxerre “We have a historic relationship with this tournament and in 2014 the competition at Al-Kass is stronger than ever before,” the 43-year old said. “This year we really will have to play at our very best, but still the feeling around the camp is good and I am optimistic about our chances. Playing for us are athletes who compete in the French national team, and we think our team can go all the way and make our club proud.” “We have a historic

PSG face a tough test against Barcelona, and for AJ Auxerre there is relationship with this an equally daunting challenge in prospect. Yet, despite having to line up against Cup holders FC Fluminense on Monday, their coach Robin tournament and in Courtois insists there are no nerves in the team’s camp. 2014 the competition “All of my players are so proud to be in Doha, and so very excited that the tournament is about to begin,” he said. “All we are focused on is at Al Kass is stronger making our club proud – by trying to get the best results possible. We have a very young group of players but we are actually quite confident than ever before” about our chances.

Paris Saint-Germain will kick off against FC Barcelona at 4.15pm today, and AJ Auxerre will play Fluminense FC later this evening at 8.25pm - François Rodrigues, (Doha time). Les Bleus in Doha: PSG are amongst the favourites this year PSG U-16 Coach sdgerherttnhjq5h234w 13 MON DAY, JANUARY, 2014

5 Fluminense ReturnFluminense to International Al Kass Cup as Defending Champions TEAM HOPES TO RETAIN ITS TITLE USING FAMOUS BRAZILIAN PIZZAZZ

ast year’s winners of the second annual Al keeper Marcos Felipe saved numerous penalties Kass International Cup, Fluminense, return as Flu emerged victorious to win the Al Kass Cup Lthis year as defending champions and are - a victory which Câmara attributes to the team’s hoping to retain their title using their unique attacking philosophy. Brazilian flair. “We have just one style of play and that is Having beaten 2012 victors Paris Saint-Germain Brazilian style, offensive,” he says. “But we also in a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout in the final of value each individual player’s personal style and the 2013 tournament, ‘Flu’ went on to see several talent, which is something also very important of its players selected for the Under-17 South for us.” American Championships later that year. When asked who he would like to see Flu meet on the pitch, Câmara remains humble “When we came to the tournament last year and honours the opportunity to once again nobody knew us and we went on to become the take part in the Al Kass Cup. “The quality of this champions,” says Klauss Câmara, Flu’s Technical tournament is wonderful so any opponent we Coordinator. “This year we return as defending face will be great for us,” he says. “Participation in champions and are expecting not only a great this competition is very important for our youth tournament, but are hoping to win once again.” academy because it allows our players to learn the soccer culture of other schools and watch The team taking part in this year’s #AlKassCup their styles and adapt it to our own.” already has four players on the Brazilian national Under-17 team, including goalkeeper Filipe Besides the technical learning experience to be Gonçalves dos Santos, central defender Gustavo had by Flu’s players at this year’s tournament, Martini Rissi, forward Ramon de Araújo Siqueira Câmara believes they can learn a few things off and left back Matheus Mascarenhas dos Santos the pitch as well and says, “The Al Kass Cup is also “When we came to the tournament last year nobody knew us and we Raimundo. a great opportunity for our team to learn about then went on to become the champions. This year we return as defending Qatar and the other countries and cultures, which champions…and are hoping to win once again.” Last year’s final saw the Brazilians hold their adds to this already invaluable experience.” nerve in the final penalty shootout as impressive Klauss Câmara, Fluminense Technical Coordinator 13 MON DAY, JANUARY, 2014

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TOURNAMENT BOSSES CONFIDENT OF “BEST COMPETITION’ YET

eam officials and tournament organisers met on professionals yet.” points, qualification will then be decided by a number of Sunday to discuss final preparations ahead of the different factors - including goal difference, goals scored and TAl Kass International Cup, due to begin today. The During the competition, all matches will be regulated even team discipline records. meeting focussed on technical operations, and gave all according to FIFA rules, and will be played at the highly participating clubs the opportunity to familiarise themselves acclaimed pitches in Doha. Alongside the inter-club rivalry, all of the players competing with the tournament rules and protocol. The tournament aims to be a unique offering for football in the Al-Kass International Cup will have incentives to fans, with each of the 26 matches broadcast live on TV and perform as well as they possibly can. With half of the 12 teams taking part in the competition streamed online, for free, across various footballing websites. for the first time, it was also a chance for their coaches to During the technical operations meeting, competition learn about the Cup’s growing reputation and the unique Emphasising the rich potential on display, Mr Ward organisers announced that a $3,000 cash prize would be footballing facilities available to them in Qatar. Abdallah, Marketing and Communications manager at Aspire awarded to the 2014 tournament’s most valuable player, Academy, said, “This tournament is a chance to showcase with other awards going to each game’s man of the match, Tournament Director Hamad Al Mannai welcomed those some of the best young footballing talent in the world best tournament goalkeeper and tournament top scorer. assembled and said he was looking forward to the “most and we believe that this competition should be shown As in previous years, a cash prize will also be awarded prestigious and competitive tournament yet.” everywhere to everyone.” to the club with the best fair play record throughout the competition. This year the tournament winner will be awarded a record During the first five days of the competition, all 12 teams cash prize of $75,000 (USD) as well as a trophy and gold will play three times as they look to make their way out of Concluding the meeting, Tournament Director Hamad Al medals for the players. The runners-up will receive $40,000 the group stages. Mannai wished all of the clubs the best of luck and extended and silver medals, whilst the third-placed side will be a greeting to all of the competing players. awarded with $25,000 and bronze medals. The two top teams from each of the four groups will “This tournament is a chance to showcase some of the best young footballing talent in “We want the Al Kass International Cup to be one of the best tournaments in the world. then qualify for the knockout rounds, with their standings “Al Kass International Cup 2014 looks to be the most exciting the world and we believe that this competition should be shown everywhere to everyone.” This competition aims to treat the next generation of footballers as professionally as possible, “We want the Al Kass International Cup to be one of decided by the number of points each team has been able to yet and I look forward to watching some of the best youth even if they are not professionals yet.” the best tournaments in the world,” Al Mannai said. pick up against their competitors. football in the world,” he said. Ward Abdallah, “This competition aims to treat the next generation of Supreme Committee Member Head of Communication and PR of the tournament Hamad Al Mannai, Tournament Director footballers as professionally as possible, even if they are not If any teams in the same group share the same number of 13 MON DAY, JANUARY, 2014

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12 FOOTBALL TEAMS, 12 VERY DIFFERENT HISTORIES

aris Saint-Germain (PSG) was founded in 1970 following With Paris considered to be the home of fashion, it is perhaps aunched in 2007, the ASPIRE Football Dreams project utilizes the skills of around 7,000 volunteers, in combination a merger between Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain, and unsurprising that PSG’s red and blue kit was designed by French tests over 600.000 young footballers annually and covers with highly qualified professional coaches and scouts. Pwas promoted to in 1974. Despite its relatively short fashion legend Daniel Hechter. The club badge features the iconic Lthree continents (Africa, Asia, and Latin America). The very history, PSG is ’s fourth most successful club, and one of Eiffel Tower. best prospects become part of Aspire Academy’s international There are significant challenges that can prevent young people only two French teams to have collected a European title, having program, and the Aspire International team is drawn from this from reaching their full potential in developing nations. ASPIRE won the UEFA Cup Winners Cup in 1996. The PSG Youth Academy was founded in 1974, and has produced talent pool. offers a window of hope and opportunity for those players several international stars including Nicolas Anelka and Liverpool who have the talent and dedication necessary to succeed at the PSG’s historic trophy haul includes eight French Cups (Coupe FC’s . The scouting program covers Thailand, Vietnam, Costa Rica, highest levels of international football. To reach this objective, de France) and three Ligue 1 titles. Their most recent league Guatemala, Paraguay, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, ASPIRE cooperates closely with national football associations triumph came in the 2012-13 season, and they are currently CLUB LEGEND: Gambia, , Mali, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Guinea and in the relevant countries, in order to encourage the players to the team to beat in France. Their first team squad includes Rwanda. progress to international level. As an important stepping stone, some of the game’s global greats, incluhding Sweden’s Zlatan Paris Saint-Germain was the club that brought the diminutive the very best prospects have the opportunity to play for Aspire Ibrahimovic, Uruguay’s , and Brazil’s . Brazilian legend to global attention, having signed him from To date, more than four million young boys have been screened Zone Foundation-owned KAS Eupen in the Belgian second Gremio in 2001, where he had come through the youth system. as part of football’s largest ever talent search. The program division. Paris Saint-Germain’s major rivals are Olympique de , Ronaldinho spent two seasons at PSG, before signing for FC and clashes between the two teams are known as ‘’. Barcelona for a fee of 30 million Euros, six times the amount that Paris Saint-Germain had paid for him.

ne of the world’s most widely supported teams, The latest crop of budding Catalan superstars will be on show ounded in 1893, FC Porto is one of the ‘Tres Grandes’ (big have been inspired by the presence of a dragon on the crest of Barcelona’s motto is ‘Mes que un club’ (More than a at this year’s Al Kass International Cup. And, the tournament three) teams in Portuguese football, along with Benfica and the Royal House of Portugal, and the team’s official badge also Oclub). And so it is, with its Catalan roots having come sets up the mouth-watering prospect of a mini-‘El Clasico’, with FSporting Lisbon. Porto have won the Primera Liga 27 times, includes a green dragon. to symbolise the hopes and aspirations of the entire region of arch-rivals Real Madrid competing for the crown alongside their most recently in 2012-13, their third consecutive title triumph. Catalonia. Founded in 1899, FC Barcelona is owned and operated Barcelona contemporaries. The club has also won several European trophies, notably the Porto’s current first team squad includes several household by over 170,000 of its own supporters, all of whom are official European Cup / Champions League in 1987 and 2004. names such as Argentine and club captain Luco members of the club. CLUB LEGEND: Gonzalez and Belgian star player Steven Defour. Porto’s most recent Champions League victory represents Barcelona’s role call of former and current players includes some Diego Maradona the culmination of one of the most famous chapters in the CLUB LEGEND: of the greatest footballers ever to play the game, including Diego Considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, club’s illustrious history. In 2003 the team, managed by Jose Teofilo Cubillas Maradona, , Lionel Messi and Brazilian legends Maradona graced Camp Nou between 1982 and 1984. It was Mourinho, had completed a treble of league, cup and UEFA Cubillas made more than 100 appearances for Porto in the mid- Ronaldo and Romario. during this time that he rose to international superstar status, Cup titles. The following year they embarked upon a thrilling 1970s, averaging more than one goal every two games. A year with his dazzling performances lighting up Camp Nou. However, journey to Champions League success. A side featuring a clutch after leaving the club, he went on to achieve global stardom at Several of the current first team players are graduates of Maradona’s progress at Barca was severely curtailed when he of Portuguese legends such as Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and Jorge the 1978 World Cup Finals in Argentina, when he starred in the Barcelona’s world-class youth academy. In 2010 the club made suffered a career-threatening ankle injury after a savage foul by Costa eliminated Manchester United in the last eight, before Peru team that reached the quarter finals. He is one of only two history when the top three Ballon D’or awards went to Messi, Andoni Goikoetxea, known as ‘The Butcher from Bilbao’. Due going on to trounce AC Monaco 3-0 in the final. players in history to have scored five goals in two World Cup final Xavi and Iniesta, all of whom came through the ranks at to a combination of illness and injury, Maradona made just 56 tournaments, in 1970 and 1978. Barcelona. appearances for Barcelona, scoring 38 goals. The club’s nickname, ‘Les Dragoes’ (The Dragons), is thought to

ounded in 1940, were original members year he transferred permanently to Kashiwa, where he has ith a record nine Champions League / European Cup a perception that Real Madrid was powerful enough to sign any of the Japan Soccer League, inaugurated in 1965. In 2011 become a fan favourite with a scoring average of almost a goal titles to their name, Real Madrid can justifiably claim player in the world. FKashiwa set a Japanese record, winning the top tier J. League every two games. Wto be the most successful football team in European championship the season after topping the Japanese second Kashiwa’s youth academy continues to go from strength history. Founded in 1902, Los Blancos have since dominated This perception remains, with the current first-team squad division (J2). The team has continued adding to its trophy cabinet to strength. In 2012 the U-18 team were crowned national domestic football for long spells and, along with their age-old including superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and since then, claiming the Emperor’s Cup and Japanese champions. rivals FC Barcelona, have come to represent the essence of Xabi Alonso. However, its youth academy, known as ‘La Fabrica’, in 2012 followed by the J. League Cup in 2013. Spanish footballing excellence. has also been phenomenally successful, producing a host of CLUB LEGEND: first-class footballing talent including Raul, Iker Casillas and Kashiwa Reysol’s senior team is captained by Hidekazu Otani. Careca The word ‘Real’, meaning ‘royal’ in Spanish, signifies that the Emilio Butragueno. One of the most successful products of the club’s youth system, Brazilian legend Careca (full name Antônio de Oliveira Filho) club was given the royal seal of approval as early as 1920. Since Otani has made around 250 appearances for Kashiwa since rose to international fame as part of Brazil’s talented 1986 and that time an array of stars, from Alfredo di Stefano to Raul, have CLUB LEGEND: making his debut in 2003. 1990 World Cup teams. During this period he played for Italian helped ensure that Real remains one of the world’s elite clubs. Raul side Napoli alongside Diego Maradona, with whom he formed a Raul Gonzalez Blanco came through Real Madrid’s youth system, Brazilian midfielder Leandro Domingues spent time on loan at formidable striking partnership. Careca signed for Reysol in 1993, In the early 2000s a succession of the most globally famous going on to spend 16 years as the first-team’s main striker. In the fellow Al Kass competitors Fluminense in 2009. However, he did helping the team to promotion the following years. He scored 31 footballers signed for Real Madrid, boosting the club’s profile process, he became the club’s all time top goalscorer, with 323 not make any first team appearances for Flu, and the following goals in 60 appearances before returning home to Brazil in 1996. and massively increasing its international fan base. Collectively, goals, and holds the record for the most appearances at 741. He the team containing , , Luis Figo, is also the all-time leading scorer in European competition. and Roberto Carlos became known as ‘Los Galacticos’, and led to 13 MON DAY, JANUARY, 2014

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12 FOOTBALL TEAMS, 12 VERY DIFFERENT HISTORIES

ounded in 1899, ‘Associazione Calcio Milan’ is one of Italy’s Balotelli and Brazilian legend Kaka. reated in 2004, the ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence most decorated club sides. Having spent all but two of its in Doha has the dual aims of identifying and transforming Every aspect of the development of elite athletes is catered for by F114 seasons in the top flight of Italian football, AC Milan has AC Milan’s youth football system has been in place for over 50 Cpromising student athletes into world-renowned one indoor and seven outdoor football pitches, athletics tracks, won 18 Serie A titles, second only to Juventus. The club is one of years, having begun in 1962. At present, there are nine age champions across a wide range of sports, and to act as a beacon an Olympic-sized swimming pool, diving pool, combat arenas, the most successful in the world, having won 18 international groups within its youth academy, from U-9 to U-17. to draw sporting culture into the centre of life in Qatar and the gymnastics arena, specially fitness weight rooms, lecture halls, trophies, including seven European Cups / Champions Leagues. surrounding region. dormitories to accommodate what will eventually become 1,000 CLUB LEGEND: students, a medical centre and many more facilities. AC Milan’s famous red and black striped kit symbolizes fire (red) The Academy is distinguished by a philosophy which aims to and fear (black) – that is, the fear felt by Milan’s opponents. The Maldini spent his entire career at AC Milan, having also develop the student as a whole, providing each one with full The Aspire Qatar team comprises the very best prospects selected team’s nickname, Rossoneri, means “red and black” in Italian, come through the club’s youth set-up. He was renowned for academic, social and sporting development. from all the student athletes currently attending Aspire Academy. and is derived from the colours of the kit. his elegant playing style and leadership qualities, earning Since its founding, the Academy has produced a steady stream the nickname ‘Il Capitano’ (The Captain). Maldini made 647 Unrivalled facilities, housed in and around the world’s largest of players who have gone on to play professional football at both The AC Milan team of the late 1980s, including Dutch legends appearances for Milan between 1985 and 2009, and won the purpose-built indoor sports dome, ensure that the Academy’s club and international level. Ruud Gullit, and alongside Champions League a record five times. The club retired the reputation as one of the foremost sporting and educational Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldino, was voted the greatest club number 3 shirt in his honour upon his retirement. However, his institutions in the world continues to blossom. side of all time in a poll conducted by World Soccer magazine. sons Christian and Daniel both play in Milan’s youth sides, and if either of them go on to feature in the first team, it is possible Milan’s current first-team squad includes some of the most that the shirt number will be brought out of retirement. famous and talented players in world football, including Mario

ounded in 1905, Auxerre currently play in , the Prince Segbegfia, and Gabonese defender Henri Ndong. hicago Fire plays in the US MLS (Major League Soccer) US international goalkeeper Sean Johnson, Malian international French second division. Their full name is ‘Association de CLUB LEGENDS: division. The club takes its name from the Great Chicago Fire Bacary Soumare and Jamaican defensive midfielder Lovel Palmer. Fla Jeunesse Auxerroise’. Until they were relegated in 2012, Cof 1871, a disaster which decimated a large part of the city, Auxerre had spent over 30 year’s in Ligue 1, and established Guy Roux is one of the legends of French football, and and came into existence on the 126th anniversary of the blaze, Chicago Fire has a well-developed youth system, consisting themselves as one of the top clubs in France. epitomises the spirit of Auxerre. Having represented the club as 8th October 1997. of the Chicago Fire Premier (Premier Development League a player between 1952 and 1961, he went on to manage the first and Super-20 League teams), the Chicago Fire NPSL team, the The club’s most successful period came in the mid-1990s, team for an amazing 44 years, making Auxerre Ligue 1 regulars ‘The Fire’ have been a fixture in the MSL for the last 16 years, and Chicago Fire Development Academy, and the Chicago Fire Juniors winning the Coupe de France in 1994 and a Ligue 1 and cup in the process. Roux holds the all-time record for the number of have enjoyed considerable success in that time. In its inaugural youth organisation. double in 1996. games (894) managed in Ligue 1. season the team claimed the MLS Cup and the US Open Cup, followed by the Supporters Shield in 2003. Chicago Fire has won CLUB LEGEND: Auxerre’s youth system has a fine track record having produced a total of four US Open Cups, most recently in 2011. CJ Brown several players who went on to become established stars. These Many Manchester United fans consider Cantona to be one Brown holds the record for the highest number of competitive include former Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, AC Milan of the greatest players ever to represent the club, having Some of the US’s most decorated footballers have played for appearances for ‘The Men in Red’, totaling 372, the third highest defender Philippe Mexes, , and former Liverpool acted as a catalyst for the team’s successes during the 1990s. Chicago Fire, including Eric Wynalda, Carlos Bocanegra and number of starts for a single team in the history of the MLS. A striker Djibril Cisse. Other world-famous players to have However, it was at Auxerre where ‘King Eric’ made his name, Brian McBride. The first team head coach is the former Canada formidable defender, Brown also won 15 international caps for represented the club include current France manager Laurent progressing through the youth team before going on to make 82 national team manager Frank Yallop. The current squad includes the US. He is currently Chicago Fire’s assistant head coach. Blanc and . appearances for the club in the mid-1980s. It was also at Auxerre Auxerre’s current first team squad features several international where Cantona’s reputation for courting controversy began, after players, including Adama Coulibaly of Mali, Togolese midfielder he was fined by the club for punching a teammate in the face.

ounded in 1902, Fluminense is one of the most decorated Flu’s current first team squad is captained by star striker Fred, ounded in 1880 under the name ‘St Marks (West Gorton)’, Manchester City’s current first team line-up includes famous football clubs in Brazil. Based in Rio de Janiero, the team formerly of French Ligue 1 side Lyon. Its U-16 team is returning the club became known as Manchester City in 1894. Eight names throughout, from England number one goalkeeper Joe Foriginally drew its support from the city’s aristocratic class, to Doha to defend its Al Kass title, having defeated Paris Fyears later, local team Newton Heath changed its name to Hart to Spain’s David Silva and Argentina’s Aguero. and to this day it retains these connections. Saint-Germain in last year’s dramatic final following a penalty Manchester United, and a fierce 112-year rivalry began. shootout. The budding professionals who play in City’s youth academy Fluminense have won the local (state) title 31 times, and the Manchester City have won the English league title on three enjoy some of the finest training facilities in world football. Brazilian national league on four occasions, most recently in occasions, and the FA Cup five times. The most recent league 2012. However, last year they almost became the first team CLUB LEGEND: victory came in the 2011-2012 season, and was delivered in CLUB LEGEND: in Brazilian history to be relegated immediately after winning Rivelino incredibly dramatic fashion thanks to a last-minute goal from Bert Trautmann the championship, only for this unenviable fate to be narrowly Roberto Rivelino shot to global fame as part of Brazil’s 1970 striker Sergio Aguero that denied the title to Manchester United. Trautmann is justifiably famous for his goalkeeping heroics in averted at the end of the season. World Cup winning team, widely accepted to be one of the the 1956 FA Cup Final, where he played on despite suffering a greatest ever international sides. His explosive free kick against Until recently, City’s most successful period took place in the late broken neck. Equally, he is revered for the suffering he withstood Fluminense’s home ground is the Maracana. One of the world’s Czechoslovakia was a tournament highlight, and earned him 1960s and early 1970s, when they won several domestic and before ever playing professional football. Trautmann had been a most iconic stadia, it was first used during the 1950 World Cup, the nickname ‘Patada Atomica’ (Atomic Kick). Rivelino played European honours. However, in the late 1990s the club suffered prisoner of war in England during World War II and stayed in the when almost 200,000 fans attended the final between Brazil and for Fluminense between 1974 and 1978, scoring 53 goals in 158 a serious decline, which saw them relegated to English football’s country when the war ended, signing for City four years later in Uruguay. Later this year the stadium will once again host the appearances. third tier in 1998. Few could have predicted that, less than 15 1949. World Cup final, 64 years after its inaugural game. years later, they would be crowned champions.