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Ely AmparoBrazilian footballer, midfielder
Date of Birth: 14.05.1921
Country:  Brazil |
Content:
Eli do Amparo
Early Career and Vasco da GamaEli began his footballing career at América FC in 1939. A year later, he joined Canto do Rio FC in Niterói, where he spent five seasons. In 1945, he made the pivotal move to Vasco da Gama.
At Vasco, Eli became a key member of the legendary "Expresso da Vitória" team that dominated Brazilian football in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Alongside Danilo and Jorginho, Eli formed a formidable central midfield partnership. They played a pivotal role in Vasco's five Rio de Janeiro State Championships and the 1948 Copa Libertadores triumph.
Move to Sport Recife and Heroic Triumph
In 1955, Eli was lured to Sport Recife by president Adelmar da Costa Carvalho. The club was celebrating its 50th anniversary and hoped to win the Pernambucano State Championship with the Brazilian star's help.
Sport and Náutico finished the championship level on points, leading to a three-match playoff. In the second match, with the score at 0-0, Eli suffered a severe head injury from a punch by Ivanildo. Blood poured down his face, but Eli refused to leave the field and played courageously to the end.
In the third and decisive match, Ivanildo injured Eli again with an elbow to the head. Despite the setback, Eli played on with a bandage and scored the winning goal in a 2-2 draw. The fans of Sport carried him off the pitch in jubilation.
International Career
Eli represented Brazil in 19 matches, participating in two South American Championships and two FIFA World Cups. However, in both World Cups, he served as a reserve goalkeeper behind José Bauer.
Achievements
As a Player:Rio de Janeiro State Champion: 1945, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1952
Copa Libertadores: 1948
South American Championship: 1949
Pan American Games: 1952
Pernambucano State Champion: 1955, 1956
