A lovely bit of history: Corinthians FC
| 11
|
by Foolsgold
They were basically an English all-star side as most of the players had primary club affiliations, coming together to practice and play friendlies was meant to improve their ability to play as a cohesive unit when they did so representing England. They tended to embarrass most League sides, in 1884 they beat the FA Cup champs, Blackburn, 8-0, and in 1903, they beat Cup holders, Bury, 10-3. They still, to this day, hold the record for Manchester United's worst defeat when they beat them 11-3. Their popularity was so unrivaled that the Football League forced them to call off a friendly because they were afraid it would affect the attendance with a coinciding Crystal Palace match.
In 1885, it appeared that their efforts to make England a stronger side had finally paid off, because for the first time in six years the national side didn't lose to the Scots, drawing 1-1. Three years later they embarrassed the Tartan Army, 5-0, in Glasgow. Scotland's dominance of UK football had come to a crashing end, thanks largely in part to Corinthians F.C.
With their first objective accomplished, they then set out to popularize the beautiful game in the rest of the world. Their 'missionary' work took them all over the world including South Africa, Brazil, the United States, and Canada. They would influence clubs such as Real Madrid, who adopted their shirt style, and of course Brazil's current second most popular club with 24 million fans, Sport Club Corinthians Paulista. After a tour of their country, the Swedes began a tournament in their honor named the Corinthian bowl. As word of their ability and accomplishments spread, they reached a near legendary status throughout the world.
In 1900, they competed in their first competition, the Sheriff of London Shield, defeating the defending League champions, Aston Villa. They would win it again in 1904. After joining the Amateur Football Alliance, the club lost players to professional sides. It was almost as if with their 'Corinthian spirit' ideals, went their mystique and power. After World War I, they began playing in the FA Cup, but by then they were just a shadow of their former selves. In 1939, they merged with Casuals to form Corinthian-Casuals F.C., which is what they are known as today.
Corinthians FC at one time was arguably the most famous club in the world. Another example of their influence was former player Charles William Miller, who is considered the father of football in Brazil, instituted the ideals of the club in helping bring about organized soccer in that country. In this day and age, when winning above all else is valued at any cost, fair or not, it's a shame that a club born out of such pure and true values as Corinthians has been long forgotten.
Originally posted here
