The Copinha final between Santos and Palmeiras was the perfect culmination of a tournament that once again left great pearls. The title went to Verdao, which thus achieved the first in its history, after a rout that reflects the extraordinary level exhibited from start to finish. The Endrick phenomenon, the boy 15 years old, grabbed the attention, but he was not the only star of an edition that was especially prolific in terms of talents and, more specifically, in terms of left-handed players. This is the ideal XI of the tournament in our opinion:
Diأ³genes (goalkeeper, Santos, 2001)
Fundamental in several matches, especially in the penalty shootout against Mirassol in the quarterfinals, very confident, always well positioned and with great authority. In a Copinha without great goalkeepers to stand out (Lucas Flores, from Inter, also gave a good sensation), the Peixe player had something to talk about, despite the setback in the final.
Garcia (defense, Palmeiras, 2002)
Lucas Kawan, from Gremio, or Sandro Perpetuo, from Santos, fit better into the archetype of Brazilian right back, but the injury of the latter and the early elimination of the former leave the infallible García, from Palmeiras, as the best in his position. . Defensively very complete, intense, maybe not so brilliant but he gave several assists going up with pride.
Jair (defense, Santos, 2005)
One of the names of the tournament, very young and yet with great authority and hierarchy in the axis of Santos’ defense. Long movement, good defensive height, excellent physically and with hardly any considerable errors. In the final the seams showed somewhat, although they faced probably the best attack of the championship.
Lucas Freitas (defender, Palmeiras, 2001)
With all the defensive players overshadowed by the attackers, it is also worth highlighting Lucas Freitas in Palmeiras as the best left-footed center back. Almost a veteran’s position, confident, forceful and with good ball delivery, it didn’t take him long to establish himself in the first team because he seemed like the Gustavo Gomez of Copinha. Cacique.آ
Matheus Juliao (defender, Vasco, 2003)
In a Vasco that left several interesting names such as the scorer Lucas Figueiredo, this offensive left back was liked on the wing, with a good foot for the center and very intense in the disputes that earned the attention of several of the European scouts in the tournament . It’s a shame that his team didn’t go further, it would have stood out even more.
Luiz Henrique (centerfield player, Sao Paulo, 2004)
Better than expected Sao Paulo with Vitinho as the most outstanding player and Maioli as the scorer. However, it is worth keeping Luiz Enrique, a very fine midfielder, technical, apparently fragile but full of talent, surprise of a tricolor team that reached the semifinals. He was, without a doubt, their most different player.
Estevao (centerfield player, Internacional, 2002)
The champion fell against Palmeiras in what could well have been an early final, several of his players were very popular (Alisson, Lucca, Rangel…) although without a doubt the prize goes to Estevao, a midfielder with great ball judgment and great distant shot. He scored several goals and, even suffering some discomfort during the tournament, he lived up to his expectations.
Giovani (centerfield player, Palmeiras, 2004)
Another sensation of the tournament, a wonderful left-footer, scored a great goal in the final and had already scored great goals in previous rounds as well. Always starting from the right wing, he confirmed what had been seen of him in the Palmeiras first team, with which he had also scored. Technically delicious, a pearl of this Copinha.
Patati (forward, Santos, 2003)
Left-handed, small, always intimidating when faced from the left, he grew in the tournament and left some of the most talented actions in Copinha. There were already expectations to see him and he more than responded. He on his side and Lucas Barbosa on the right – with his Rivaldo-style whips – were the perfect complement to Rwan.
Endrick (delantero, Palmeiras, 2006)
The great sensation of the tournament, 15 years old, left-footed, enormous talent in one-on-one and close to the area, better striker than winger, he was alternating starts with substitutes but at all times he was marvelous, including the final. In the orbit of the big clubs, who know that by not having a professional contract they can recruit him more easily. A viral phenomenon.
Rwan (forward, Santos, 2001)
Copinha’s best forward responded, although he barely appeared in the final. He is not only an area nine but he also feels comfortable leaving his zone of influence and combining with the players coming from behind. Very good plant, in addition to quality, which had already allowed him to appear in the Santos first team.آ
