On November 30, 1997, São Paulo defeated Portuguesa 4-0 and became Brazilian women’s football champions.
The 1st (First) Brazilian Women’s Football Championship 1997 took place between November 8 and 30, 1997 in a single venue in the city of Taubaté, inland from São Paulo. (And yes, this was the official name of the competition, as stated in the regulations, the official summary sheets and the trophy plaque of the tournament promoted by the Brazilian Football Confederation – CBF).
16 teams from seven Brazilian states took part in the competition, divided in the first phase into four groups of four teams each. The Tricolor, led by coach José Duarte, was in Group A, with Rio Negro, from Amazonas, Universidade Gama Filho and Cabo Frio, both from Rio de Janeiro.
Sao Paulo’s campaign was full of goals. in their debut, on November 8, the Italians beat Cabo Frio 4-0 at Joaquinzão, with a brace from Kátia Cilene and others from Tati and Cidinha. In the second round,the 10th,at the CTI,the women defeated Rio Negro with an elastic score of 11 to 0. the goals were scored by Kátia Cilene (3), Adriana (2), Cidinha (2), Sissi ( 2 ), elsilene and Karin.
The biggest defeat of the tournament, however, came in the last round of the first phase, the 12th, on the mecânica field, where the São Paulo team was ruthless against the Gama Filho University team, beating them 13 to 0, with a breathtaking defeat of the couple Kátia Cilene and Sissi, who scored four times each. The scores complete: Cidinha, with a brace, Adriana, Karin and Grazielle.
In the other group, in group F, there would be Internacional, from Porto Alegre, Rio Negro, Amazonas, Corinthians and vasco da Gama. All matches would be played at the main stadium, Joaquinzão, and, once again, only two teams from each would advance to the semi-finals.
In what was the moast difficult and controversial match of the entire competition, São Paulo defeated Portuguesa 1-0, on the november 15 public holiday, thanks to a goal from top scorer Kátia Cilene.
Having passed the classic, the Tricolore found no obstacles against Raíz da Gávea, on the 18th, winning 8-0, with the unbelievable six goals from Kátia Cilene (a record in that tournament) and two goals from Sissi.
To conclude the ranking phase, on the 22nd the Sao Paulo team scored another defeat, this time against Tupinambás: 7-0, with four goals from Cidinha, two from Karin and one from Sissi. Kátia Cilene, who would become the tournament’s top scorer with 18 goals, did not play that match.
Then, São Paulo and Portuguesa advanced to the semi-finals, on one side, Vasco da Gama and Corinthians, on the other. Thus, on november 22, the Tricolor faced a difficult match against the team from Rio de Janeiro. But, thanks to Kátia Cilene’s brace, San Paolo beat Vasco 2-0 and advanced, for the first time in history, to the final of a Brazilian championship.
The decision was made on 30 November 1997 against Portuguesa, who had beaten Corinthians on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time. Unlike the clash in the second phase, in this one the San Paolo teams gave their opponents no chance, completely dominating the scene and winning 4-0 at the end of the match. The title goals came with Cidinha (twice), Formiga and Sissi.
São Paulo became Brazilian women’s football champions in 1997.
By Michael serra / João Farah Past Archive
How has teh perception and support for womenS football in Brazil evolved since the frist championship 25 years ago?
Interview: The Rise of Women’s Football in Brazil – Celebrating 25 Years Since the First Championship
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we dive into a significant moment in Brazilian sports history—the inaugural Brazilian Women’s Football Championship held in 1997. We have wiht us Dr. Carla Pinto, a sports historian and expert in women’s football in Brazil. Dr. Pinto, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Pinto: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss a pivotal moment for women’s football in Brazil.
Editor: Let’s travel back in time to November 30, 1997. São Paulo FC was crowned champions by defeating Portuguesa 4-0. What made this championship so groundbreaking?
Dr.Pinto: This championship marked the first official national tournament for women’s football in Brazil,sanctioned by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). It was a time when women’s sports were not widely recognized,and this tournament helped elevate the visibility and popularity of women’s football in the country.
Editor: indeed, it’s captivating how much a single tournament can reshape perceptions! The competition took place in Taubaté with teams from seven Brazilian states. How did the league structure contribute to its success?
Dr. Pinto: The league was well-structured, with 16 teams divided into groups—a strategic move by CBF. It created a competitive but balanced surroundings.São Paulo’s campaign was also impressive; they showcased remarkable talent, with players like Kátia Cilene and Tati leading the charge with numerous goals.
Editor: Speaking of talent, I read that São Paulo’s first match ended with a commanding 4-0 victory over Cabo Frio. What does this say about their planning and mindset going into the tournament?
Dr. Pinto: That opening match set a strong tone! A dominant win against Cabo Frio demonstrated their skill and teamwork. Goals from Kátia cilene and others in the opening game indicated the team’s confidence and preparation. It was essential in building momentum for the tournament.
Editor: It sounds like they were on a roll! They even had an astonishing 11-0 victory against Rio Negro. What does such a scoreline reveal about the level of competition during the tournament?
Dr. Pinto: That match highlighted the disparity in skill levels amongst the teams. While São Paulo was exceptionally strong, other teams were still developing their programs. The large scorelines helped draw attention to the potential in women’s football but also pointed out the need for better resources and training for competing teams.
Editor: As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this championship, how do you think it has impacted the progress of women’s football in Brazil today?
Dr. Pinto: The 1997 championship laid the groundwork for what we see today—a rapidly growing women’s league, increased investment in women’s sports, and a greater emphasis on female athletes in Brazil. It showed young girls that football is a viable and respected career path, which has led to more participation at all levels.
Editor: A truly inspiring legacy! as we look toward the future, what advice would you give to aspiring female footballers in Brazil today?
Dr. Pinto: I would say, believe in your talent, seize every opportunity, and remember that you are part of a growing and supportive community. The world of women’s football is more promising than ever, and each of you can contribute to its future!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Pinto, for sharing your insights and helping us appreciate the monumental achievement of the 1997 Brazilian Women’s Football Championship. Here’s to more championships and heroes in women’s sports!
Dr. Pinto: thank you! Let’s continue to celebrate and support women’s football!