Chapter 23: This Day in History

February 11th, 2001 - Kaka's fourth match. 

This was a state league match for the State of Sao Paulo, with the opponent being Palmeiras. Like Sao Paulo, Palmeiras was a traditional powerhouse, having won the state championship 21 times, while Sao Paulo had 20 titles. However, Palmeiras' last triumph was in 1996, whereas Sao Paulo had won it twice since 1998, most recently in the 2000 season (state leagues run from January to May, not across years).

Historically, the two teams were evenly matched, but currently, Sao Paulo had the slight edge.

Kaka started again but felt no inner turmoil. For a young player just promoted to the first team, starting was a decent reward and even a short-term goal. But for a prodigy like Kaka who had already displayed immense potential, a regular rotational spot was inevitable. He wouldn't get overly excited about starting or distraught about being benched for a game or two.

However, in this match, Kaka failed to make any significant contribution to the team's victory. The opposition's focused defense, combined with the normal fluctuations in his form, meant his performance was merely average - no highlights, no mistakes. Like a veteran player clocking in and out daily, his display was unremarkable, slightly cooling the rapidly rising popularity of this newly-debuted superstar.

Fifth match: Played 60 minutes, created one attack, one assist.

Sixth match: Played 23 minutes, no impact. 

Seventh match: Started, two goals, one of which was an own goal.

Eighth match: Came on as a sub, assisted the winning goal.

In five matches, three starts and two substitute appearances, one goal and two assists. Not as dazzling as the first three games but still a near-perfect record for a newcomer - if not for that own goal. 

But it was precisely by scoring an own goal and then immediately redeeming himself that Kaka transitioned from a rising name to a household one. Facts kept proving the notion that "the quieter ones get ignored" - those who constantly cause a stir are far more memorable.

There should have been an achievement or reputation reward here, but the novice system remained silent, without even a shred of presence. It was hard to imagine such an honest add-on actually being released in 2020.

While Kaka's performance steadily improved, the previously impressive Burgess seemed to have lost his edge. He appeared in all five matches, even starting one more time than Kaka, but only had one goal to his name - a lucky one at that.

It was clear the coach still rated Burgess highly, starting him again on March 7th, likely his last chance.

This was an important match - the 2001 Rio-Sao Paulo Tournament final. 

This cup competition had been held since 1933, making this the 23rd edition.

The so-called Rio-Sao Paulo Tournament involved the eight clubs from the states of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo participating in a traditional event. The Rio clubs were Flamengo, Botafogo, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama, while the Sao Paulo clubs were Sao Paulo, Corinthians, Palmeiras, and Santos. However, with increasingly congested schedules, these clubs didn't place much importance on this tournament, usually fielding youngsters or reserves.

To change this, the organizers sold the broadcasting rights, offering lucrative prize money - $1.8 million for the champions, $1.6 million for the runners-up, and at least $670,000 in appearance fees for each club, in addition to ticket revenues. The clubs' contracts stipulated they must field a certain number of first-team players or face penalties.

Rumor had it the matches would also be broadcast in Europe this year. 

Of course, the prize money was irrelevant to fans - they cared because since last year, the quarterfinal winner would qualify for the newly created Brazilian Champions Cup.

Also new last year, this cup was organized by the top 13 Brazilian clubs, with regional champions participating. The victor would earn a spot in the following year's Copa Libertadores (the South American equivalent of the UEFA Champions League).

Sao Paulo's last Libertadores appearance dated back to the early 1990s when they won back-to-back titles in 1992 and 1993 under coach Telê Santana - Sao Paulo's most glorious era. After Santana's departure, the club hadn't qualified for eight years.

Winning the Champions Cup meant qualifying for the Libertadores, which required winning this quarterfinal stage. Simple as that.

So for this match, Sao Paulo's fans accepted nothing less than victory. Even if they lost but still won the overall tournament, it wouldn't be enough - though that's an exaggeration; realistically, if the team lost, what could the fans do?

In any case, this was a highly anticipated match. 

The opponents were Botafogo, and the venue was the Morumbi Stadium. In the first leg away, Sao Paulo had won 4-1.

Looked secure, right? 

But like football everywhere, the Brazilian game also loved drama. Just when you thought it was a foregone conclusion...

What people didn't know was that if not for an unexpected twist of fate, this match would have become an even more memorable backdrop: Originally, it was in this match that Kaka made his debut as a substitute, scoring twice in the final two minutes to lead his team to an incredible comeback victory, launching him on the path to superstardom. This match would have become one of the most pivotal in recounting Kaka's career.

A match that would leave its mark on history. 

But now, the script had completely changed.

Kaka had achieved stardom early, and his breakout performance had come against this very Botafogo side, so there was no chance of him bursting onto the scene unnoticed like before.

But Kaka hadn't been a sudden explosion either. 

His success wasn't due to others' negligence or underestimation, but his own skill and determination, like a master holding a powerful weapon.

With the ultimate ability in hand, the world was his.

(end of chapter)