Brazil. Santa Catarina State Cup
The Santa Catarina State Cup is a prestigious regional football tournament in Brazil, held annually among clubs from the state of Santa Catarina. It provides a vital platform for local teams to gain experience, attract scouts, and compete for a trophy highly valued in southern Brazil's football culture. The competition blends fan passion with tactical maturity, often featuring surprising upsets.
History and foundation
The cup's history dates back to the mid-20th century, with initial editions in the 1960s aimed at bolstering local football amid Rio and São Paulo dominance. Avaí and Figueirense from Florianópolis have dominated with around 10 titles each. A memorable 1988 final saw Joinville break the capital's streak. The 2010s brought reforms, including more lower-division teams, heightening rivalry. COVID-19 nearly halted 2020, but it resumed with safety protocols, showcasing resilience.
Tournament format
The format typically features a group stage (4–6 teams per group) with top sides advancing to playoffs: quarterfinals, semifinals, and a two-legged final. It involves 8–12 clubs from state Series A, B, and C, plus invitees. Home-and-away matches add intensity. Since 2022, VAR has been introduced for key games, enhancing fairness.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 2.4, emphasizing counterattacks and set pieces. Top scorers include Wellington (Figueirense, 25 career goals) and Cláudio (Avaí, 22). Standout players: Rodrigo Rothenberger (Figueirense dribbling wizard) and Rafael Ratao (Joinville penalty king). It has nurtured talents like Everton Soares, who moved to Europe. Fans rave about Florianópolis derbies, where goals rain down.