Brazil (Home 1988-91)

The last jersey issued by Topper for Brazil was also the first one in which the selecao finally managed to win a title: the 1989 Copa America – a title that has been evading them for years. But on home soil, Brazil was finally able to concentrate all their powers to secure that trophy once again. However, the Jogo Bonito was gone since Sebastião Lazaroni took over in 1989. Brazil was to play a more European style and globalization had finally reached the proponents of the beautiful game (although it has to be said: as beautiful as Brazil can play it is more based on individual brilliance and tricks rather than effective team play as the Dutch and more recently Spain demonstrated). The displays at the 1990 World Cup were rather underwhelming and Brazil managed three one-gooal wins in the group stage. Next up were defending champions and eternal rivals Argentina who had a terrible first round and snuck through only as one of the best third-placed teams. It is not clear whether the media frenzy calling for a more attack-minded style got to Lazaroni, but finally Brazil played as they were expected to do only to lose on a counter attack in the final minutes of the game. The cynics would say that thus it was proven that you cannot win while playing the beautiful game.

Much more could be said about this team, but it is the shirts we are interested here. And again, the only modification from its predecessor was the collar. While the shirt collar remained, it was now not open but closed by a yellow triangle. A very unique design indeed that was copied when Nike issued the 2013 Brazil home jersey. The odd crest was retained one final time, but the logos could have been placed better. Still not much to argue with as compared to what was to come.

The collar is a classic although it may look odd at first. Other than that this is a very fine Brazil shirt that bears resemblance to the shirt worn in 1958. Never a bad comparison.

My rating: 9/10 stars.

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