Brazil’s first-ever match came against Exeter City and ‘resorted to violence’
Very few people would guess that a country which has won a record five World Cups began their footballing journey by playing Exeter City.
That’s exactly what happened on 21st July 1914 as the Grecians helped form the Brazil national team as we know it.
The Selecao’s journey began when Exeter stopped off in Brazil on the way home from their pre-season tour of Argentina. It is believed they were only offered the opportunity after more esteemed clubs of the time like Nottingham Forest and Southampton turned down a request to make the trip.
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And so Exeter – who were a third division side at the time – travelled to Rio de Janeiro to play football. Their reluctance to also travel to Sao Paulo would have a seismic impact, forcing clubs from the two Brazilian cities to combine their forces.
That mixture of players was the first instance of the Selecao – the ‘selection’ – which still remains the national team’s nickname. With it, the stage was set for some marvellous football as five thousand fans filled the Campo da Rua Guanabara, home to Fluminense, who were celebrating their 12th anniversary.
Yet things did not quite go to plan. Disaster struck immediately when Exeter unwittingly decided to go for a dip in the sea and found themselves charged with gross indecency prior to kick-off.
After finally making it onto the pitch, the visitors’ brutish approach left a lot to be desired among the spectators. Brazil’s amateur stars were nevertheless able to bring trademark flair to the occasion and their leisurely approach was rewarded with Oswaldo Gomes and Osman both finding the net against their professional counterparts.
The English, not ones to take kindly to the shock humiliation, responded by knocking seven bells out of their opponents. They resorted to hitting Rubens Salles in the ribs and knocking two of Friedenreich’s teeth out.
The latter was left bleeding profusely but returned to action. Two of Exeter’s players – James Lagan and Jack Fort – even threatened to leave the pitch half-way through the second-half but were convinced otherwise by captain Jimmy Rigby.
A hundred years later, it was only fitting that City returned to Brazil to play a commemorative game against Fluminense’s under-23s. The affair was a far more toned down one, with the two sides playing respectfully to a 0-0 draw.
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