Copa Roberto Chery: The 1919 Tribute Match Between Brazil and Argentina
In the early history of South American football, few matches carried as much emotional weight as the Copa Roberto Chery. Played on July 1, 1919, this friendly encounter between Brazil and Argentina was not merely a sporting contest, but a solemn tribute to a fallen athlete whose sudden passing shocked the footballing world.
The Tragedy of Roberto Chery
The match was organized by the Brazilian Football Confederation to honor Roberto Chery, a talented goalkeeper for the Uruguay national team and Club Atlético Peñarol. Chery passed away on May 30, 1919, at the young age of 23 while in Rio de Janeiro.
His death was the result of a hernia complicated by strangulation, an injury he sustained during a match between Uruguay and Chile on May 17 during the 1919 South American Championship. The tragedy left a deep mark on his teammates and the wider sporting community.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]A Gesture of Solidarity and Substitution
Originally, the tribute match was intended to be played between Brazil and Uruguay. However, the Uruguayan players, still grieving and shocked by the loss of their teammate, declined to participate. In a gesture of solidarity and respect, Argentina stepped in to take Uruguay's place, ensuring the tribute could proceed.
The visual presentation of the match further emphasized the spirit of remembrance. Brazil took the field wearing black and yellow striped shirts, the colors of Club Atlético Peñarol, Chery's club. Meanwhile, Argentina wore light blue shirts, mirroring the traditional uniform of the Uruguayan national team.
Match Details and Outcome
The encounter took place at the Estádio de Laranjeiras in Rio de Janeiro, drawing a crowd of 30,000 spectators. Officiated by Uruguayan referee Angelo Minoli, the match marked the 8th time that the rivals from Brazil and Argentina had faced one another on the pitch.
The game ended in a 3-3 draw. Rather than declaring a winner, the captains of both national teams agreed that the trophy should be awarded to Club Atlético Peñarol. Additionally, a portion of the match revenue was donated to Roberto Chery's family.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Date: July 1, 1919.
- Venue: Estádio de Laranjeiras, Rio de Janeiro.
- Score: 3-3 (No winner declared).
- Attendance: 30,000 people.
- Trophy Recipient: Club Atlético Peñarol.
- Purpose: Tribute to Uruguayan goalkeeper Roberto Chery.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Teams | Brazil vs. Argentina |
| Referee | Angelo Minoli (Uruguay) |
| Brazil Kit | Black and yellow stripes (Peñarol colors) |
| Argentina Kit | Light blue (Uruguay colors) |
| Final Result | 3-3 Draw |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Roberto Chery?
Roberto Chery was a 23-year-old goalkeeper for the Uruguay national team and Club Atlético Peñarol who died in May 1919 due to complications from a hernia suffered during a match.
Why did Argentina play instead of Uruguay?
The Uruguayan players were too emotionally affected by the death of their teammate to participate, leading Argentina to take their place in the tribute match.
What was unique about the team uniforms during the match?
Brazil wore the black and yellow stripes of Peñarol, and Argentina wore light blue to represent the Uruguayan national team, both as marks of respect for Chery.
Who received the trophy for the Copa Roberto Chery?
Because the match ended in a draw and was a tribute event, the captains agreed to send the trophy to Club Atlético Peñarol.
Where was the match held?
The match took place at the Estádio de Laranjeiras in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.