Cruzeiro Esporte Clube
Cruzeiro are a Belo Horizonte based team in the State of Minais Gerais, and although primarily a Football Club, like some other Brazilian clubs they support and facilitate a wide-ranging activity of sport and culture.
Cruzeiro’s roots are distinctly Italian, not only was the club formed by Italian immigrants but the clubs original colours similar to that of the Italian national flag – they were however, at conception, not known as Cruzeiro, but as Palestra Italia, like thie namesake in Sao Paulo (also formed by Italian immigrants, now known as Palmeiras).
The change of name to Cruzeiro was forced upon the club by not only political pressure but military pressure too. It was in 1942 when Brazil entered World War Two, on the side of the allies. Of course, this meant Italy was an enemy nation and as such could not be referred to or referenced in Brazilian social, sporting or political life – not only that, most of Brazil’s active service was in fact in Italy fighting Italian and German forces.
To cut a long story short, the football club’s name was changed from Palestra to Cruzeiro (they had another forgettable name in between), but remained the same club as before; ie: Italian instigated and influenced – after all , the Italians who had settled in Brazil were not to blame for what was happening in Europe.As a football club, Cruzeiro has achieved quite a bit of success, winning 7 International Titles, in addition to, in 2003, Brazilian Championship, 5 Brazilian Cups and 35 State Championships. However, some would say the sweetest victories are when they beat arch-rivals , Atletico, although it must be said based on historical head-to-head statistics, it is Atletico who come out some way ahead.
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