Socrates - A Tribute

Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher. Former Brazilian soccer captain also named Socrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira aka Socrates died at aged 57 apparently due to food poisoning. He was previously bleeding in his digestive tract and he had problems with alcohol. (Watch:)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rRYcJ506RM&feature=related

Socrates was the captain of the Brazil team in the 1982 World Cup and I had the glorious opportunity to have watched him and that team played in 1982. It was the best team that never won the World Cup. They don't have to, just watching them play was breathtaking. Watch Socrates, Falcao and Zico mesmerized:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgRpRTbk1oo


Socrates besides being a wonderful soccer player was a medical doctor and yet he smoked and drank freely even in his playing days. To him, alcohol was his companion and believe it did not affect his performance for its regular use. He was also a very principled man who spoke his mind on various issues, sort of like a freedom fighter. (Watch:)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZxvYy5-ekI 

He was tall and thin, had a big hair do and bearded. He founded a movement called the Corinthians Democracy and under its principles, all decisions made by football clubs including training and contracting of players had to be approved by vote from all members. As a player, Socrates has amazing vision and well known for his brilliant through passed and was also a prolific goal scorer. He was also a "two-footed" player and you will rarely see in the world any player as good with both feet. His signature move was the "blind back heel" sort of like back heeling without even looking.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnoz4NuYMU8&feature=related

Socrates was easy to remember as he has an ungainly gait at times and yet so elegant with a ball. All Brazilians play with lots of back heels and all and Socrates is a master of that. His most amazing and recognizable trait was with the way he took his penalties. Standing close to the the ball at the penalty spot he took only one step and then he executed his spot kick into goal. Watch the Socrates penalty:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zelMbnH-DEE&feature=related


In life, sometimes we never know. Whether you are a soccer player, a medical doctor or both or something else, we have our weaknesses, our binges and we are certainly creatures of habit. Whatever it is, thanks for the memories, Socrates!

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