Socrates (1954-2011)

The Doctor who prescribed football with backheels and a touch of rock 'n' roll

He looked more like a rock star than a footballer, with a towering awkward frame, straggly hair - and, of course, the beard.

The 1980s image of Brazil midfielder Socrates is still plastered across retro T-shirts today, a la his hero Che Guevara, and his effect on a generation who fell in love with the Samba Boys is almost as revolutionary.

Tall order: Socrates (right) shakes hands with Argentina skipper Daniel Passarella ahead of their match at the 1982 World Cup finals

The Socrates that was taken to Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein Hospital last week still wore the same hirsute look, with occasional head band, albeit with greyness that comes with age and a premature frailty that resulted from overindulgence in alcohol.

His death at 57 leaves behind a wife - Katia Bagnarelli - six sons, and a legion of those who witnessed the majesty of Spain '82.

There he captained perhaps the most thrilling team to have been denied the World Cup. After Pele's last title in 1970, Brazil spent a decade in decline until they were saved by the delicious midfield quartet of Falcao, Cerezo, Zico and their skipper.

It was the birth of the free-flowing 4-2-2-2 formation that has seen only minor adjustments for the Canarinhas over the last 30 years.

Socrates scored Brazil's first goal of the tournament - and it has become one of the most replayed in World Cup history. 

Trailing to Andriy Bal's opener for the Soviet Union, the No 8 pounced on a poorly cleared corner. Thirty yards from goal, he shimmied past two defenders before launching a long-range effort across the goalkeeper from the edge of the box with 15 minutes to play. 

Eder added a similarly spectacular late winner and a legend was born.

Aided by the back-heels and genius pinpoint passing that became Socrates' trademark, Brazil went on to steamroller Scotland, New Zealand and Argentina before succumbing to a man in the form of his life.

Paolo Rossi scored a hat-trick in Barcelona as Italy won 3-2 to send Brazil home without a trophy, but with the adulation of millions.

By 1986 Socrates, then 32, had lost the captaincy, Brazil had lost some of their magic, and they were knocked out in the quarter-final by France in what was to be Argentina's year.

Socrates would later say: 'Titles are ephemeral. What matters in football is the passion, regardless of conquests.'

The cerebral son of Belem do Para often sounded more like his ancient Greek namesake than a humble footballer. And away from the game he was a qualified doctor and also a campaigner who named his youngest son Fidel after Cuba's revolutionary president.

The start of career was punctuated by his insistence of practising as a medical student while playing in the Botafogo first team. The unusual career path gave him the nickname O Doutor - The Doctor.
In 1978 he moved from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo to join Corinthians, the club with which he became most associated. 

Aside from winning the Paulista title three times and earning the South American Footballer of the Year award with them, he also fought for players' rights off the pitch, winning freedoms and a say in club policy that was in contrast to the democracy denied to the wider Brazilian public.

Cool customers: Socrates with Zico relaxing in Mexico at the 1986 World Cup

Brandishing banners and wearing pro-democracy slogans on football shirts was one thing, but Socrates widened his fight in 1984 by joining the Diretas Já campaign, which demanded the direct election of presidents at a time when the country was under an authoritarian military regime.

An unhappy 18 months at Fiorentina in the mid-Eighties was his only spell outside of Brazilian club football until he briefly came out of retirement seven years ago to play for 12 minutes for Garforth Town in the eighth-tier Northern Counties East League.

In recent years he had written on many subjects, as well as turning his hand to colourful football punditry, and was working on a novel inspired by the 2014 World Cup being awarded to his homeland.

When signing up to analyse the Copa America for the Associated Press this year he insisted his musings would not be confined only to football. 

'It's not just about the game itself,' he said. 'Before anything, football is a psychological battle - the human aspect plays a significant role.'

Legend: Socrates (left) in his pomp and pulling pints on his famous trip to Garforth in 2004

Yet his medical background did not stop him indulging in vices. He was known as a heavy drinker and smoker, despite insisting less than a fortnight ago that alcohol was his friend rather than an addiction, and that he had been on the wagon for five months.

Socrates' decline was apparent in August when he was taken to hospital with a haemorrhage caused by high pressure in the vein that carries blood from the digestive system to the liver.

A recurrence of the same problem saw him spend another 17 days in hospital in September and he was in line for a liver transplant. 

Last Thursday he was to be admitted to the intensive care unit for the final time, after falling ill during dinner.

The man with 60 caps and 22 international goals died at dawn on the final day of the Brazilian league season, with his beloved Corinthians needing to beat Sao Paulo rivals Palmeiras to be crowned champions. 

The game - as all across the home of flamboyant football - will be preceded by a minute's silence in memory of one Brazil's most gifted sons. 

The Doctor. Golden Heel. The Big Thin One. 

Quite simply, Socrates.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2069790/Socrates-dead-Tribute-Brazil-legend.html#ixzz1fcLvkICf

Shattered! My worst day in football, says Fergie, as sensational City destroy United

Manchester City gave Sir Alex Ferguson the worst day of his football life as they stormed Old Trafford to thrash neighbours United 6-1 in the Barclays Premier League.

On an astonishing afternoon which Ferguson admitted left him ‘shattered’, Roberto Mancini’s rampant team inflicted United’s biggest home defeat since 1955 — and equal biggest since 1927 — as they tore their opponents apart to go five points clear at the top.

The day was a triumph for Mancini and City forward Mario Balotelli, who recovered from setting his house on fire with fireworks early on Saturday to score the decisive opening two goals.

Plenty to ponder: Sir Alex Ferguson was left to reflect on a devastating defeat

Game for a laugh: City manager Roberto Mancini enjoys his side's thrilling performance

Let's all do the Poznan: City fans celebrate their stunning win at the home of their rivals

Ferguson said: ‘It was our worst ever day. It’s the worst result in my history, ever. Even as a player I don’t think I ever lost 6-1. I can’t believe the scoreline.’

Ferguson was hosting a function for his long-serving staff last night in recognition of his 25 years at the club, but he was in no mood for a party. 

‘I’m shattered. It’s an incredible disappointment,’ he said. 

Shellshocked: United's players were unable to contain a superb City performance

Bad day at the office: Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea conceded six goals

Dry your eyes, mate: A United fans sits dejected at the end of a dreadful match for his team

City led 1-0 at half-time thanks to Balotelli, who celebrated by revealing a T-shirt that said: ‘Why Always Me?’ 

The turning point came early in the second period, though, when United defender Jonny Evans was sent off. After that City ran away with the game and two goals in added time ensured United suffered their worst home defeat since City thumped them 5-0 in 1955, and equal worst since a 7-1 trouncing by Newcastle in 1927.

Lighting the fuse: Mario Balotelli strikes the ball towards the bottom corner of United's goal

No stopping that: United goalkeeper David De Gea attempts to get across but can't prevent the shot going in

Read all about it: Balotelli (left) celebrates by revealing a t-shirt that read 'why always me?'

Smells like team spirit: The Italian striker's City team-mates mob him after his opening goal

Mancini said: ‘We’ve beaten United away and not many teams do that. I’m happy not because of the 6-1 scoreline — that is important for the supporters and the goals column — I’m more happy for the three points.

‘I don’t know what happened on Friday. The most important thing was that Mario and his friend were OK. He is in a hotel now. Today Mario played very well. If we want to talk about Mario we can put him in the first five players in the world.

‘But he is young and at his age he can make some mistakes.

Seeing red: United defender Jonny Evans (right) is sent off by Mark Clattenburg after fouling Balotelli

‘What did his T-shirt say? Well, that is Mario. But that is why he is so popular with the supporters because he is crazy.

‘But I love him because he is a good guy. I hope the day arrives that he changes his mind completely. When he does that he will become one of the best three players in the world, like Messi, like Ronaldo.’ 

Having a ball: Argentina striker Aguero celebrates his strike in front of a stunned Old Trafford crowd

Silva service: David Silva celebrates after scoring City's fifth goal to cap another outstanding show

City led 3-0 with 10 minutes left but a goal from Darren Fletcher prompted United to push forward. 

Ferguson, who left captain Nemanja Vidic in the stands, said: ‘The first goal was a blow, but that’s retrievable. The sending-off was the killer blow. It’s a perfect result for us to react to because there is a lot of embarrassment in the dressing room which will make an impact.’

Six appeal: Dzeko shows the crowd the score and defender Aleksandar Kolarov celebrates

The scoreboard says it all: The sight many United and City fans thought they'd never see...

Google Earth downloaded more than one billion times

Steve Jobs - 1955-2011

apple.com main page on Oct 6, one day after iPhone 4s was announced.

MU 3 - 1 Chelsea - Nani Stars! Torres Misses!

Rooney misses a penalty, then Torres misses an open goal! This is highly entertaining match of football. United marching on as Chelsea crashed.

Smalling opener...

Nani magical goal...

Rooney scores the 3rd...

and then missed a penalty kick!

but Torres tops it by missing an opened goal!

Benfica 1 - 1 MU

The so called 'older' United just doesn't cut it any more. Dreadful performances from Fletcher, Carrick, Valncia and Park saw United escape a defeat in Lisbon.

A stunning 42nd-minute equaliser from veteran Ryan Giggs earned United a 1-1 draw in Lisbon after Oscar Cardozo had fired Benfica ahead in their Group C opener.

Bolton 0 Man United 5: Rooney bags another hat-trick in Reebok romp

By JOE BERNSTEIN

Last updated at 10:54 PM on 10th September 2011

Bolton tried to rough up the champions in traditional fashion and one of their uglier challenges - by Kevin Davies - left young Tom Cleverley with a suspected broken foot, which could keep him out for three months.

Wayne Rooney left the Reebok Stadium clutching another match ball as Manchester United showed that the best way to deal with bullies is to stand up to them.

But the intimidating approach, while incensing United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, failed to upset his young players.

All together now: Man United continued their excellent form

MATCH FACTS

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Boyata, Cahill, Knight, Robinson, Eagles (Pratley 61 mins), Reo-Coker, Mark Davies, Petrov, Kevin Davies (Ngog 65 mins), Klasnic (Tuncay 75 mins).

Subs not used: Bogdan, Muamba, Kakuta, Wheater.

Yellow cards: M Davies, K Davies.

Man Utd: De Gea, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans (Smalling 61 mins), Evra, Nani, Cleverley (Carrick 24 mins), Anderson, Young (Giggs 61 mins), Hernandez, Rooney.

Subs not used: Lindegaard, Berbatov, Park, Fabio.

Scorers: Hernandez 5, 58, Rooney 20, 25, 68.

Referee: Andre Marriner.

Attendance: 25,944.

By the time they had torn Bolton apart with a free-flowing masterclass, Owen Coyle's men were left kicking at shadows, thanks to a Rooney hat-trick - to follow the one he scored in the 8-2 demolition of Arsenal a fortnight ago - and two goals from Javier Hernandez.

United have scored 18 in their opening four games of the season, a Premier League record and the best by any club in the top flight since Wolves in 1947.

Rooney has eight on his own, more than any other club bar Manchester City. He has now scored seven hat-tricks for United, the same as Sir Bobby Charlton.

And he is only the fourth striker - following Les Ferdinand, Ian Wright and Didier Drogba - to score back-to-back hat-tricks in the Premier League era.

Best of all, he is reunited with Hernandez, whose start to the season had been delayed by concussion suffered on tour in the US.

Ferguson said: 'Their partnership was excellent, they were a constant threat and caused our opponents big problems.'

Opener: Wayne Rooney wheels away after scoring his first

Hernandez was just as glowing in his tribute to Rooney.

'Anyone can play with Wayne, he is world-class, he can do anything,' said the Mexican.

Arguably, though, even the two strikers were overshadowed by a peerless display from Phil Jones, usually a centre-half but yesterday shining as a marauding right-back, who set up Rooney's first two goals.

Pea-sy does it: Javier 'Little Pea' Hernandez slides in to score the second

It was the perfect riposte from United, who had to overcome questionable Bolton tactics.

Jones was winded by Paul Robinson in the opening minutes and skipper Davies put Cleverley out of action with a bad challenge from behind, then put his boot down on Patrice Evra's foot.

By that stage, Ferguson was arguing with the fourth official about the lack of protection, but his players ultimately shut Bolton up by outplaying them.

Jav some of that: Hernandez celebrates his first goal

Rooney said: 'We always know Bolton is a difficult place to come. We got an early goal and kicked on. It could have been more. It was my first start with Chicharito and it's great that we both scored.'

The pre-match talk had been of how United's 20-year-old goalkeeper, David de Gea, would cope with an aerial onslaught.

But the real issue was how Bolton were repeatedly opened up by United, with England's goalscoring defender Gary Cahill and veteran goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen as powerless as anyone.

Keeping up with the Jones's: Phil crosses for Rooney's second

United had seen neighbours City go top a couple of hours earlier with a 3-0 win over Wigan, meaning they had to win by three to stay ahead of Roberto Mancini's men.

Five minutes in, the fleet-footed Nani put in a low cross and while Jaaskelainen and Cahill hesitated, Hernandez hooked it in.

All smiles: Rooney and Nani show their delight after the third goal

Bolton's response saw shots by Ivan Klasnic and Mark Davies blocked by Jonny Evans and Rooney. De Gea then palmed away a shot by Klasnic.

But the harder Bolton tackled, the better United became. Mark Davies joined namesake Kevin in the book for flattening Nani, and with alarming gaps developing down Bolton's left, Jones surged forward and crossed for Rooney to score from a few yards.

Top of the league: United leap-frogged rivals Man City

Jones then instigated United's third, cutting in and releasing a shot which hit Jaaskelainen's boot and fell kindly for Rooney to tap in the rebound.

United scored a fourth on the hour mark. Nani could have won a penalty as he was felled in the area but as the ball fell loose to Michael Carrick, his cross-shot was turned in from eight yards by Hernandez.

Double trouble: Hernandez hails his second strike

Former Liverpool striker David Ngog came on for his Bolton debut after 65 minutes but Rooney soon completed his hat-trick, taking a square pass from Nani and burying it first-time low past Jaaskelainen from 18 yards.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle said: 'There was never five goals between the teams. I thought the margin was hard. But United are ruthless.' He can say that again.

Hat-trick: Rooney celebrates his second trio in two Premier league games