RIO DE JANEIRO: A one-minute’s silence is being observed by all Brazilian domestic matches this weekend in memory and tribute to Felix, goalkeeper for the 1970 World Cup-winning side.

Felix Mieli Venerando – his full name – died on Friday aged 74. Tributes have been paid by Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo and, in particular, by 1970 team-mates Carlo Alberto Torres and Clodoaldo. Both had met Felix recently and noted that his health was failing.

In 1970, in Mexico, Brazil won the World Cup for a then record third time. Felix was not considered one of the country’s greatest goalkeepers in technical terms but played a significant role in terms of team and dressing room morale.

Felix was born in Sao Paulo on December 24, 1937. He turned professional with the Juventus SP at 18 then transferred almost immediately to Portuguesa and helped win the Sao Paulo state championship in 1957. After a short spell on loan with Nacional-SP he returned to Portuguesa in 1960.

Felix made his Brazil senior debut in a 5-3 win over Hungary in Sao Paulo in November 1955.

In 1958 Felix was sold to Fluminense of Rio for whom he played more than 300 games over the next 18 years until his retirement in 1976.

Felix played 36 games for Brazil between his debut and 1972, conceding 37 goals.

 

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