The 2000 Club World Cup final had an almost uninterrupted chorus, sung by the approximately 25 thousand Corinthians fans present at Maracanã. “Oh, oh, oh, almighty Timão”, sang the gang, vital support for a brilliant but extremely worn-out team.
Vampeta, Ricardinho and Edílson, important figures in the campaign, could not stand the 120 minutes of a goalless duel with Vasco, in Rio de Janeiro. Replaced, they saw out the 4-3 triumph on penalties, the culmination of Corinthians at the end of the 20th century, also Brazilian champions in 1998 and 1999.
Since January 14th, the team has won seven São Paulo Championships, two Brazilian Cups and four Brazilian Championships. He also won the Copa Libertadores title he dreamed of in 2012, followed by the second world championship and the triumph in the Recopa Sul-Americana.
The last few years, however, have not been easy for those who have become accustomed to shouting “almighty Timão”. They haven’t shouted “it’s champion” since 2019, a six-year fast that is already the longest in the dry period, between the Paulistas of 1954 and 1977. Internationally, the team didn’t come close to any trophy after the 2013 Recopa.
Full of administrative problems, with a declared debt of R$2.4 billion, Corinthians became accustomed to fighting relegation in the Brazilian Championship. This was what happened again in 2024, until a surprising surge occurred, with nine victories in the last nine rounds. The black and white team jumped from 18th to seventh place and obtained a place in the preliminary round of the Libertadores.
The administrative problems are far from over – just note that the club delayed December salaries and that president Augusto Melo faces two impeachment proceedings, for “reckless management”. But the positive end to the year on the field and the place in the main South American competition led fans to dream again of an internationally relevant team.
Foreign interest in the team grew significantly with the media signing in September of Dutch striker Memphis Depay, 30, a well-known name in European football. He immediately knew how to deal with the crowd, responded on the field (there were seven goals and four assists in 14 games) and helped two players to improve their production significantly, Argentine midfielder Rodrigo Garro and striker Yuri Alberto.
As hadn’t happened for a long time, the Corinthians player started the year showing optimism, which may or may not be justified. Before putting his trust to the test, he celebrates 25 years since the day he was all-powerful.
“It was the best team I played for in my entire life”, summed up former defender Fábio Luciano. He had just arrived from Ponte Preta, still a young man of 24, and did not have the wear and tear of his teammates, Brazilian champions on December 22, 1999, in a decision against Atlético Mineiro.
“We had just played the Brazilian Championship until the end, without resting, and the journey before the decision was tough”, said captain Rincón, who died in 2022, in a car accident. “That’s why the game against Vasco was so difficult. Their team was rested and had many quality players: Romário, Edmundo, Juninho Pernambucano, Felipe…”
Corinthians was in Group A of that World Cup, the first organized by FIFA (International Football Federation). Also national champion in 1998, the team entered the dispute as the representative of the host country. Vasco won its place as champion of the 1998 Copa Libertadores. The confusing criteria generated complaints from Palmeiras, who won the Libertadores in 1999.
The dispute was divided between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In the capital of São Paulo, at the Morumbi stadium, Corinthians beat Raja Casablanca 2-0, drew with Real Madrid 2-2 and defeated Al Nassr 2-0, advancing as first in the group, on goal difference, to the decision.
At Maracanã, in Rio, Vasco scored 2-0 against South Melbourne, triumphed over Manchester United 3-1 and beat Necaxa 2-1. And went to the final, also at Maracanã, a truncated game that ended in 0 to 0 until the end of extra time.
On penalties, Rincón, Fernando Baiano, Luizão and Edu scored for Corinthians. Marcelinho stopped at goalkeeper Helton, but the error did not cost him the title. For Vasco, Romário, Alex Oliveira and Viola scored. Gilberto had his charge saved by Dida. And Edmundo kicked out the last ball of the championship.
