Saturday, July 28, 2007

Latin Football Vocabulary

Latin football has many terms that are hard to translate correctly into other languages, and that sometimes express the things more exactly. There's nothing wrong in using those expressions that can enrich the language of commentators or journalists all over the world.

Brasileirão - [bra-zi-lei-ro'n]
That's an unofficial but widespread name of Brazilian National Championship, carried out since 1971.

Volante and meia
In Brazil they divide midfielders into two categories: those defending and those attacking, naming them correspondingly "volantes" and "meias". Quite short and quite eloquent. Don't mix it with Argentinean terminology, where "volante" is any midfielder.

Enganche [en-gan-cheh]
A uniquely Argentinean position that links midfield and attack. Usually, number 10 and the most talented team's player.

Golazo [gola'so]
This is what they call the supergoals in Argentina. Classy word.

Lujo [loo-ho]
Another bright term used to describe the game of talented players. Means fancy (cute, clever) movement (action). Is translated as "luxury".

Gambeta
The same as "lujo" with more narrow meaning. A foot-trick.

Caño
A "nutmeg"

Chilena
A "bicycle" kick

Paloma
A "dove" - a diving header with landing on the chest.

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