Friaça was a Brazilian footballer who played as a forward, most often deployed on the right wing. He was born on October 20 and the year commonly given for his birth is 1924. He died on January 12, 2009. During his active years he earned recognition at national level and represented the Brazil national team.

Overview

Regarded in his era as one of the faster and more direct wingers, Friaça combined pace with a notably powerful shot. Contemporary accounts emphasize his ability to deliver hard, accurate crosses and to take effective set pieces. Though he was primarily an outside forward, he often contributed by cutting inside and attempting long-range efforts, which made him a dual threat on the flank.

Playing characteristics

  • Speed: quick acceleration and ability to run past defenders on the wing.
  • Shot power: renowned for a strong, sometimes ferocious strike.
  • Crossing and set pieces: reliable delivery from wide positions and on free kicks.
  • Positional sense: occupied the right side but could influence play centrally when needed.

Career highlights and historical note

Friaça is widely remembered for his involvement in Brazil's campaign in the 1950 World Cup final round. He scored in the decisive match against Uruguay, giving Brazil an early lead in the game often recalled as the "Maracanazo". Uruguay ultimately came from behind to win, and that match has remained a defining moment in South American football history. Beyond that fixture, Friaça appeared in several important domestic and international fixtures for his clubs and country, contributing with goals, assists and set-piece deliveries.

Legacy

Though later generations may be more familiar with other names, Friaça's combination of speed and a powerful shot left an imprint on fans and historians of mid-20th-century Brazilian football. He is remembered both for individual attributes and for his role in a World Cup match that became part of football lore. Modern summaries of his career emphasize the traits that made him effective on the wing and the enduring memory of the 1950 final.

For additional context and records related to his life and matches, consult contemporary match reports and archives that document Brazil's national team history and mid-century South American football competitions. The sources include match summaries, player profiles and retrospective analyses of key games and tournaments from that period. See also general references to Brazilian footballers and national team histories for broader background on the era in which he played.

Further reading and references are available in sports archives and national team compilations.