Football history would be a rather boring affair if not for South-America and all the brilliant players born and raised on that continent.
Having previously considered all-star Argentina and Brazil teams, it’s now time to create at an all-star team from the entire continent. While there have been many great players from other South-American countries – Francescoli, Varela and Cubillas to name a few – such has been the dominance of the two aforementioned rivals that this feature is bound to be a largely Brazilian-Argentine affair. Let’s keep count. By the way, still active players are banned. Saves a headache over Messi’s spot. The system employed is a 3-4-3 – more than justified by the wealth of attacking genius available.
Goalkeeper ~ José Luis Chilavert
Neither Argentina nor Brazil wins the first battle. Brazil’s Gilmar was good, but he was Brazil’s best in a time when those on goal were Brazil’s worst. A better candidate is Argentina’s Ubaldo Fillol, elected as best goalkeeper of the 1978 World Cup and player of the year in Argentina in 1979. He lacks the supreme class however to outbeat the mythical Argentinian Amadeo Carrizo – reportedly the first goalkeeper to start using gloves and to consistently leave his penalty area to intercept attacks. In recognition of his abilities, innovative style and longevity, IFFHS experts voted Carrizo in the top 10 goalkeepers of the 20th century. Higher still on that list is José Luis Chilavert – the Paraguayan who could score free kicks as well as stop them. Much more than a circus artist, he was so good that he was voted World Goalkeeper of the Year in 1995, 97 and 98, while also winning, in 1996, the South American player of the year award.
Left Back ~ Nilton Santos
This one is for Brazil. Throughout football history, Brazil has produced better left-backs than any other country: Junior, Blanco, Roberto Carlos, Marcelo, etcetera – but whereas these four are better known for their attacking drive than their defensive responsibilities, the great Nilton Santos, winner of the 1958 and 1962 World Cup, mixed brilliant skills on the ball with very solid defensive abilities. A guaranteed spot in this three-man defense. No Argentine comes close.
Central defender ~ Elias Figueroa
The second – and last – spot to go to neither Argentina or Brazil is that of Central Defender – or Libero, if you will. Elias Figueroa, thanks to his clean style, his leadership and his technique, was deservedly named Chile’s greatest player of the 20th century. He took Chile to three different World Cups – a formidable achievement by itself – and in his club career he won three successive South American Player of the Year awards. He’s also been recognized as the greatest foreign footballer to play in the Brazilian league. He takes the nodge over Daniel Passarella as well as Brazil’s legendary Domingos da Guia.
Right Back ~ Carlos Alberto
Many greats from the past would have trouble adapting to the modern game. Not so Carlos Alberto. With his powerful physique and all-round skills (check out his pass to Jairzinho in the build up to the famous ‘impossible save’ from Gordon Banks on Pelé’s header), he would be right at home today as both a right-back and a central defender. Javier Zanetti, Djalma Santos and Cafu all can lay claim on this spot with some justification, but in this three man defense, it’s Carlos Alberto’s versatility that makes him the ideal man for the team.
Defensive Midfielder ~ Luis Monti
Argentina finally get their man in. As far as genuine Defensive Midfielders go, Brazil’s best bet is probably the mustache wearing Toninho Cerezo or the boring Dunga. Quality players, but no match for Argentina’s Fernando Redondo. He had the technique, the marking abilities, the flair – but what we really need more than anything in this side, to balance all the offensive qualities up ahead, is physical ruggedness. A reliable man who battles for every ball – with enough ability to create play too. That’s what we find in Luis Monti. The man who played a World Cup final with Argentina, and four years later won a World Cup final with Italy. But regardless of his changing nationality, he always was a rock in midfield, a rough tackler as well as a playmaker, known for covering large portions of the field. Edges out Uruguay’s Obdulio Varela.
Right Midfielder ~ Didi
The Ethiopian Prince, the midfield master of Brazil 1958 and 1962. Gifted with incredible technique and vision, he is credited with inventing the Folha Seca – “falling leaf” – free kick technique. Check out Didi’s performance in the 1958 game vs France . His aristocratic and distant attitude never made him a popular figure with the crowd, but nobody could deny the man’s talent. Gets the nod over Paulo Roberto Falcão, Simeone and Gerson.
Left Midfielder ~ Alfredo di Stefano
The Argies get one back: 3-2. In his day, Alfredo di Stefano was, simply put, the greatest player of all time. The great icon of the Real Madrid that dominated European football in the late 50′s, Di Stefano was the type of player who did everything. He dropped back to defense to help his team out, passed the ball from midfield to create opportunities, and often rushed forward to finish the attack himself. His superior work ethic, as well as his goal record give Di Stefano a firm edge over all competition – from Socrates to Ardiles.
Attacking Midfielder ~ Zico
Oh Zico, the playmaker who scored more goals than the strikers he was tasked to create chances for. Fabulous vision, impeccable ball control, and master of the free kick. Only Maradona and Di Stefano can argued to have been better playmakers – but they already have their positions elsewhere in this team.
Left Winger ~ Maradona
There, we found a spot for Maradona. With his dribbles and crosses, he’s perfectly suited for a role starting from the left – with the liberty to dribble inwards, of course. All other greats available for this spot – from Rivelino to Orsi – are but dwarfs when measured against the shortest player on this team.
Right Winger ~ Garrincha
The ultimate winger. The man with crooked legs who played solely for his own enjoyment. Who could contest his claim on the right wing spot? All falter before the myth that is Garrincha.
Striker ~ Pelé
If the King is eligible for election, then the King gets elected. With Zico and Di Stefano making runs into the penalty area from midfield, Pelé will get plenty of opportunity to drop back deep and orchestrate play. Romario, Ronaldo and Batistuta – three of the greatest strikers of all time – have to sit on the bench. Nothing more needs to be said.
South America All-Star team
For those who haven’t been paying attention – Brazil has 6 players in the team, and Argentina only 3. There’s a lot that can be argued however. Messi has been ignored. He would most certainly replace a Brazilian – either Zico or Garrincha. One can also argue that this formation is too offensive. Bringing in another defender – Passarella – and switching to a 4-3-3 would have Maradona move to Didi’s spot, with Didi leaving the team. This would bring the score back to 5-4 in Argentina’s favour.
As for the coaches: Tele Santana’s legacy of dying in style gets the win over Cesar Luis Menotti’s stained 1978 World Cup win.
This is the reserve side, using the same 3-4-3 formation.
Do you disagree with any of the choices made? Don’t hesitate to make your opinion known!
