Branco (footballer)


Cláudio Ibrahim Vaz Leal, better known as Branco, is a Brazilian former footballer who played as a left back. A member of the triumphant Brazilian team in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Branco was a free kick specialist with accurate placing of the ball.

Club career

At club level, Branco played for Internacional, Fluminense, Brescia, FC Porto, Genoa, Grêmio, Flamengo, Corinthians, Middlesbrough, and MetroStars. Branco's late career in England and the United States was marred by weight problems.
During his spell at Middlesbrough he scored twice, both goals coming against Hereford in the League Cup second round, once at home in the first leg and once away in the second. However, he played just nine times in the Premier League and by Christmas 1996 he had left the club on a free transfer after less than a year.

International career

Branco appeared 72 times for Brazil, between April 1985 and February 1995, and scored nine goals. He took part in three World Cups for the Seleção.
In the 1990 FIFA World Cup, the Brazilians were considered favourites. During an injury break in the round of 16 match against Argentina, Branco drank from a water bottle provided by Argentine physio Miguel di Lorenzo. The drink was allegedly spiked with tranquillisers; Brazil were eliminated 0–1, and Branco said he felt drowsy after the drink. Dubbed the "holy water" scandal by the Argentinian media, Diego Maradona later insinuated the allegation to be true in a 2004 interview.
After sitting out the first four games at the 1994 World Cup, he replaced Leonardo on the left after Leonardo was banned for a deliberate elbow on Tab Ramos in the second-round game against the United States. Branco scored with a late free kick from 35 metres to eliminate the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, and took one of Brazil's penalties in the shootout when they beat Italy in the final. He played in a total of twelve matches in three World Cup tournaments.

Manager

As of 2006, Branco was the general manager overseeing Brazil national youth teams.
From 2007 to December 2009, he worked as general manager of Fluminense youth teams.

Honours

Club

Internacional
Fluminense
Porto
Grêmio

International

;Brazil