Stories, History, Facts,Cases and “Causos”

8 – Didi: the secret of the Dry Falling Leaf

Didi, Waldyr Pereira, born in Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, on October 8, 1928, was a football player and coach.

He played for Botafogo, Fluminense and the Brazilian National Team, playing for this 3 Cups (54-58-62) winning the World Championship in the last two alongside Zito in midfield. Elegant, haughty, he seemed to parade on the field. It was notable for the “Leaf-Dry” in the free kick, with double effect over the barrier, initially the ball in “spin” went in the direction of the goalkeeper, trapping him in his corner, then a second effect took it to the opposite side and down, like a dry leaf falling free…

In the role of Coach, he did great work, but he was notable for leading the Peru National Team to the honorable 3rd. placement in the Mexican Cup in which Brazil won its Tricampeonato in 1970.

In 1979, I was co-founder of the BFA (Brazilian Football Academy) created by the Fundão Pioneer, Prof. Dr.  Espezim Neto, for the development of Football in Africa and other continents, on the recommendation of the then President of FIFA, Dr. João Havelange.

There were 3 (three) weeks of Course, with about 30 (thirty) Coaches residing in a Hotel, attending classes of Physical, Technical and Tactical Preparation in the morning, when a Youth team from Rio (Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco da Gama) performed the proposed training, the students watched, photographed and filmed the classes. In the afternoon, they themselves, Coaches or pretenders to the Coaching Diploma recognized by FIFA, held the class, exercising from the warm-up to the main part within the physical, technical or tactical planning, always at the end of the sessions, questions and answers to resolve doubts.

In the evening, lectures were held in the classroom on the most diverse aspects of Physical, Technical and Tactical Preparation, but also Sports Medicine, Nutrition, Psychology, Physiology and Preparation of Goalkeepers. In advance, a “Star” was invited to speak: Jairzinho, Carlos Alberto Torres, Brito, Zagallo, Parreira, Evaristo, René Simões, Chirol, Américo Faria, Dr. Lydio Toledo, Carlos Alberto Lancetta, Dr. Artur Jordy, Nielsen, Leonardo Vitorino, among others, and Mestre Didi, the reason for this story. On weekends they watched games of various categories and strolled knowing the beauties of the Marvelous City,

When he came to lecture, Didi was already of advanced age, difficulties to walk and many pains, even with the help of the cane and companion. It was good to get out of the house, he said! Taken to the auditorium to lecture about his brilliant career, football and life in general, to a group of Asian coaches who surprised us with the knowledge of Brazilian football. Football began in Asia 5,000 years ago.

Gang seated, we entered with Didi, it was great his difficulty in walking, they all stood up, respectfully. When the presentation was made by Dr. Espezim, they erupted in applause. With the word, the Genie pulled out this one, pointing to his body from bottom to top: “The building caught fire, collapsed, you can see! And pointing to his head, “but the “Library” was saved”! Delirium in the auditorium.

He talked about his career, his achievements, his work philosophy and his training methodology, leaving everyone stunned, eyes and ears attentive. When the final part came, that of questions and answers, soon a South Korean rushed to ask: what about the “dry-falling-leaf”, the Dry Leaf? Didi, who had not mentioned his creation, shone: “in Botafogo I asked the Wardrobe to keep for me the right foot of Zagallo’s boot (left-handed) when he no longer wanted his. The right, still good and softened I used to practice the fouls, train and play. He would arrive early at training, tie a cobblestone or a ring to a crepe bandage and sit at the desk in Técnico’s office, which had a gap and allowed the action. He repeated the movement several times, in series of 10, simulating the kick of the foul, passing his foot under the ball, from the outside to the inside (1st. effect) and quickly bring in and up to give the 2nd. Effect. The goal was to trap the goalkeeper in his corner not covered by the barrier and then make the turn over the barrier quickly falling out of sight of the archer, sometimes even close to the ground depending on the effect charge and the ball. Work-work-work…

They must be cheering to this day, I am!!

Governor’s Island honored by its Illustrious Inhabitant at one time!

Thank you, Master Didi! God have it!

P.S. 1 – Happy Birthday Cousin Cecília Magalhães! Be a happy day and great experiences in the new age! Kiss

P.S. 2 – Today also is Birthday of my Good Friend Gugu Marawa, the Best in South Africa! Have a nice day and a great new age, dreams coming through. Big hug;

P.S. 3 – Marriage celebration of my Aunt Belita and Uncle Amauri. Joy and party! Kisses

P.S. 4 – I will be back in November! Thanks

By Jucele

Julio Leal

Coach Champion of the World Under 20 in Australia, 1993

June 2022- repost September 2023

Website: www.julioleal.com.br

You Tube Channel: @julioleal5218

Email: juliocesarlealjr@gmail.com

Book: Football Art and Craft

Futebol Arte e Ofício

Editora Sprint – ano 2000