Elzo facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Elzo Aloísio Coelho | ||
| Date of birth | 22 January 1961 | ||
| Place of birth | Machado, Minas Gerais, Brazil | ||
| Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Defensive Midfielder | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1978–1981 | Ginásio Pinhalense | ? | (?) |
| 1981–1982 | Inter de Limeira | ? | (?) |
| 1982 | Amparo | ? | (?) |
| 1982–1984 | Internacional | 28 | (3) |
| 1984–1987 | Atlético Mineiro | 114 | (6) |
| 1987–1989 | Benfica | 51 | (1) |
| 1989–1991 | Palmeiras | 44 | (2) |
| 1991–1993 | Catuense | ? | (?) |
| 1993 | Caldense | ? | (?) |
| Total | 125 | (7) | |
| International career | |||
| 1986 | Brazil | 11 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Elzo Aloísio Coelho (born on January 22, 1961), known simply as Elzo, is a retired Brazilian football player. He was a strong midfielder who played for the Brazilian national team. Elzo also played for many clubs in Brazil and for Benfica in Portugal.
Contents
Elzo's Amazing Football Journey
Playing for Brazil in the World Cup
Elzo played a big part in the 1986 FIFA World Cup held in Mexico. He was a main player for Brazil in all five of their matches. He played alongside famous stars like Carecca, Sócrates, and Zico.
In the first round, Brazil won against Spain (1–0), Algeria (1–0), and Northern Ireland (3–0). They then beat Poland 4–0 in the next round.
In the quarter-finals, Brazil played against France, led by Michel Platini. The game ended in a 1–1 draw. Brazil was unfortunately knocked out after a penalty shoot-out. Elzo played 11 games for Brazil in total, all in 1986.
Playing for Clubs
In 1987, Elzo moved from the Brazilian club Atlético Mineiro to Benfica in Portugal. He had played three seasons with Atlético Mineiro. During that time, he helped them win the Campeonato Mineiro in 1985 and 1986.
At Benfica, the team was coached by the legendary Eusébio, also known as the black panther. Eusébio really liked Elzo's defensive skills. Elzo quickly became a regular player for Benfica.
He helped Benfica win the Portuguese league title in the 1988–89 season. They also reached the final of the 1987–88 European Champions Cup. This competition is now known as the UEFA Champions League.
Elzo played the whole final match in Stuttgart, Germany, in front of 75,000 fans. However, Benfica lost to PSV Eindhoven in a penalty shoot-out after a 0–0 draw. Elzo returned to Brazil in 1989. He then joined Palmeiras for two seasons.
Trophies and Awards
Here are some of the major trophies and awards Elzo won during his football career:
- Ginásio Pinhalense
- Campeonato Paulista: 1979
- Internacional
- Campeonato Gaúcho: 1982, 1983 and 1984
- Atlético Mineiro
- Campeonato Mineiro: 1985 and 1986
- Benfica
- Portuguese Liga: 1988–89
- UEFA European Cup: Runner-up 1987–88
Individual Awards
- Bola de Prata: 1989 (while playing for Palmeiras)
