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Roca Cup
Roca Cup
Roca Cup
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Copa Julio A. Roca
The trophy awarded to champions
Organiser(s) AFA
 CBF
Founded1914
Abolished1976; 49 years ago (1976)
RegionSouth America
Teams2
Related competitionsSuperclásico de las Américas
Last champions Brazil (1976)
Most championships Brazil (8 titles)

The Roca Cup (Spanish: Copa Roca) was a football competition contested between Argentina and Brazil national teams from 1914 to 1976 on irregular basis.[1] The Copa Roca was the first trophy, official or unofficial, ever won by a Brazil national team.[2]

History

[edit]
Julio A. Roca, then President of Argentina, donated the trophy

The competition was created by former President of Argentina, General Julio Argentino Roca, in 1913. A football enthusiast, Roca was at the time the Argentine ambassador in Brazil and felt matches between both countries would create a healthy rivalry and help the sport to develop. The Cup would be played each year in a different country, a fact that was actually kept in spite of the many changes to the Cup's format.

Roca donated a trophy to dissident body Federación Argentina de Football ("Argentine Football Federation" – FAF) and it was agreed that the competition would be played for three consecutive years in a single-leg format and the country with two wins would conquer the trophy forever. But in 1915 the FAF merged with Argentine Football Association, and the following matches were not played. In 1922, the Brazilian Football Confederation agreed to play the competition again, which Brazil won for the second time, and thus claimed the Roca Cup ownership, even though Argentina beat them the following year. Many sources say the 1922 match would not be a Class A match, because Brazil played with their B team; the brazilian first team played the same day the 1922 Copa America final vs. Paraguay). Argentine Football Association do not consider this match as official. [3][4][5][6][7]

In 1938, both football associations, AFA and CBF, accepted to play the competition once again. The format was changed and the trophy would be kept by the most recent winner. In case the first two matches finished in draws or each team had a win, then a third leg had to be played. In January 1939, Argentina got a 5–1 victory in Rio de Janeiro. The following game was packed with incidents and the visiting team left the pitch enraged after the referee awarded a penalty to Brazil. However the home side went on to score a third goal when the Argentine team had already left the field in protest. A third and fourth match were played in São Paulo, giving the victory to Argentina. The 1940 edition was played in Argentina, where Argentina won two matches (6–1 and 5–1) and Brazil won one (7-1)

In 1957's match, at Maracanã, Pelé made his debut in Brazil national team, drafted by coach Sylvio Pirillo, where he scored the first of many goals with the Brazilian jersey. From 1940 on, Brazil won every edition, except for the 1971 Cup, when with two draws, the Cup was also declared tied.[8]

List of champions

[edit]

Matches

[edit]

The following list includes all the editions of the Copa Julio A. Roca. Since 1939, the cup was played under a two-legged format. No goal difference was taken into account so in case of both teams won one match each, a playoff was held to define a champion. Nevertheless, since 1957 the cup was defined by goal difference between both matches.[9]

President of Brazil Getúlio Vargas meeting the Argentine players, January 1939
Ed. Year Winner Score City Venue Agg.
1
 1914  Brazil
1–0
 Buenos Aires GEBA
–
2
 1922[note 1]  Brazil
2–1
 São Paulo Parque Antarctica
–
3
 1923  Argentina
2–0
 Buenos Aires Sportivo Barracas
–
4
 1939 [n 1]  Argentina
5–1
 Rio de Janeiro São Januário
5–3 [n 2]
2–3
 Rio de Janeiro São Januário
2–2 (a.e.t.)
 São Paulo Parque Antarctica
3–0
 São Paulo Parque Antarctica
5
 1940  Argentina
6–1
 Buenos Aires San Lorenzo
4–2 [n 2]
2–3
 Buenos Aires San Lorenzo
5–1
 Avellaneda Independiente
6
 1945  Brazil
3–4
 São Paulo Pacaembu
4–2 [n 2]
6–2
 Rio de Janeiro São Januário
3–1
 Rio de Janeiro São Januário
7
 1957  Brazil
1–2
 Rio de Janeiro Maracanã
3–2
2–0 (a.e.t.)
 São Paulo Pacaembu
8
 1960  Brazil
2–4
 Buenos Aires River Plate
6–5
4–1 (a.e.t.)
 Buenos Aires River Plate
9
 1963  Brazil
2–3
 São Paulo Morumbi
7–5
5–2 (a.e.t.)
 Rio de Janeiro Maracanã
10
 1971  Argentina &
 Brazil [n 3]
1–1
 Buenos Aires River Plate
3–3
2–2 (a.e.t.)
 Buenos Aires River Plate
11
 1976  Brazil
2–1
 Buenos Aires River Plate
4–1
2–0
 Rio de Janeiro Maracanã
  1. ^ Many sources say it was not a “Class A match”. Brazil played with their B team, because the A team played the same day the 1922 Copa America final vs. Paraguay. Argentine Football Association do not consider this match as official. [3][4][10][11][7]

Titles by country

[edit]
Team Titles Years won
 Brazil
8
 1914, 1922[note 1], 1945, 1957, 1960, 1963, 1971[n 3], 1976
 Argentina
4
 1923, 1939, 1940, 1971[n 3]
  1. ^ Argentine Football Association do not consider this match as official. [3][4][12][13][7]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Roca Cup

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Roca Cup (Spanish: Copa Roca), officially known as the Copa Julio A. Roca, was an international competition contested irregularly between the senior men's national teams of and from 1914 to 1976. Named after , a former (1880–1886 and 1898–1904) and avid football enthusiast who donated the trophy in 1913 to foster friendly rivalry between the two nations, the competition served as one of the earliest official encounters between the South American powerhouses. The format varied slightly across editions but generally involved a two-legged series played in the respective host countries, with the winner decided by aggregate goals or points system; in cases of ties, the was sometimes shared or extra time was used. The inaugural edition on 27 September 1914 ended with securing a 1–0 victory over in , marking the first official won by the Brazilian national team. Over its 62-year span, the Roca Cup was contested eleven times, producing intense matches that highlighted the growing rivalry between the teams; emerged victorious in seven editions (1914, 1922, 1945, 1957, 1960, 1963, and 1976), claimed three (1923, 1939/40, and 1940), and the 1971 edition resulted in a shared title after 1–1 and 2–2 draws (3–3 aggregate). Notable highlights included 's dominant 6–1 win in the second leg of the 1940 series—still the largest margin in their head-to-head history—and 's 2–0 triumph in the final 1976 edition at the . The competition's irregular scheduling reflected logistical challenges and shifting international calendars but underscored its prestige as a bilateral showcase predating the Copa América's dominance.

Origins and Format

Name and Establishment

The Roca Cup, officially known as the Copa Roca or Copa Julio A. Roca, derives its name from , a former (1880–1886 and 1898–1904) and diplomat who served as ambassador to in the early . In 1913, Roca, an enthusiast of football, personally donated a silver trophy to initiate a dedicated competition between the national teams of and , aiming to symbolize and strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations amid regional tensions over borders and armaments. The donation was made to the dissident Federación Argentina de Football (FAF), the amateur governing body for Argentine football at the time. The competition was formally established in 1914 under the auspices of the Federación Argentina de Football (FAF), the primary governing body for Argentine football at the time (which later evolved into the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino or AFA in 1934), and the newly founded Federação Brasileira de Sports (FBS, precursor to the modern Confederação Brasileira de Futebol or CBF) for . These organizations coordinated the inaugural edition as a gesture of goodwill, with Roca's donation serving as the central trophy to be contested regularly by the South American powers. Intended as a national team contest to promote friendly rivalry and cultural exchange, the Roca Cup was envisioned as an annual or biennial event but ultimately proceeded on an irregular basis due to logistical and political factors. The initial edition adopted a single-match format, held on September 27 in at the Gimnasia y Esgrima stadium, marking the first official encounter under the cup's auspices.

Competition Rules and Evolution

The Roca Cup began as a single-leg match between the national football teams of and , contested from 1914 to 1923, with hosting duties alternating between the two nations or occasionally held in one country. This straightforward format emphasized a decisive encounter in a neutral or home venue, reflecting the competition's early bilateral nature without additional fixtures. Venues were typically major cities such as in or Rio de Janeiro in . Starting with the 1939 edition, the tournament shifted to a multi-legged tie structure, generally involving two home-and-away matches, though some editions extended to three or four legs based on bilateral agreements. The winner was determined by the aggregate score across all legs, marking a departure from the single-match simplicity to a more balanced assessment of team performance over multiple games. This evolution allowed for greater competitiveness, with the overall goal tally deciding the champion. Tie resolution rules also developed over time. Unlike later international competitions, the away goals rule was not adopted; instead, from 1957 onward, if the aggregate score was level after the second leg, extra time was played in that match to break the deadlock. Earlier multi-leg editions generally relied on the final aggregate score, though extra time was used in some matches, such as the third leg of the 1939/40 edition. served as an implicit within the aggregate framework, prioritizing total scoring margins. The competition's duration and frequency remained irregular throughout its history, governed by diplomatic and sporting agreements between the Argentine and Brazilian football associations, occurring typically every two to four years. Over 62 years, only 11 editions were held, underscoring its status as an occasional friendly rivalry rather than an annual event. Venue rotations continued to alternate between the countries, favoring prominent urban centers like , São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro to accommodate large crowds.

Historical Development

Early Competitions (1914–1923)

The early editions of the Roca Cup took place during the amateur era of South American football, when international matches were infrequent due to logistical challenges such as lengthy sea voyages and rudimentary transportation infrastructure between and . These competitions served as rare opportunities for the national teams to compete, fostering the burgeoning Argentina-Brazil rivalry in a period dominated by club-based amateur play and limited professional structures. The single-match format underscored the event's prestige, with the trophy donated by former Argentine president Julio A. Roca symbolizing diplomatic goodwill alongside sporting contest. The inaugural Roca Cup was held on 27 September 1914 at the Gimnasia y Esgrima (GEBA) stadium in , organized by the dissident Federación Argentina de Football (FAF), which had split from the main (AFA) in 1912. emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, courtesy of Rubens Salles' goal in the 13th minute, refereed by A. Boghert; this marked the first awarding of the trophy to the Brazilian side. The match exemplified the amateur ethos, featuring players from local clubs without full-time commitments, and highlighted the FAF's role in promoting international fixtures amid internal divisions in Argentine football governance. Following the 1914 edition, the competition paused due to the FAF's merger into the AFA on 22 February 1915, which unified Argentine football administration but temporarily disrupted international planning. A further split emerged in when the Asociación Amateurs de Football (AAF) broke away from the AFA, creating parallel structures that complicated national team selections and participation in global events until their reintegration in 1926. This organizational turbulence delayed the Roca Cup's resumption, reflecting broader instability in the amateur landscape where federation disputes often sidelined official international engagements. The second edition occurred on 22 October 1922 at Parque Antártica in , under AAF auspices, with defeating 2-1 through goals by Brasileiro (55') and Gambarotta (70') against Juan Francia's 17th-minute strike for the visitors, refereed by A. Carneiro de Campos. The timing coincided with 's final against in Rio de Janeiro on the same day, indicating that a reserve squad represented the hosts rather than their primary lineup committed to continental duties. This match underscored the era's scheduling conflicts and the AAF's efforts to assert legitimacy through high-profile fixtures despite the ongoing federation rift. Argentina claimed their first Roca Cup title in the 1923 edition on 9 December at Sportivo Barracas in , organized by the AFA, securing a 2-0 via an by Brazil's Dino (70') and Cesáreo Onzari's finish (83'), with L. Muzzio officiating. This win provided a measure of redemption after the prior defeats and affirmed the competition's role in building national pride during an era of sparse international exposure, where such encounters relied heavily on bilateral agreements amid constraints. The early years thus established the Roca Cup as a foundational element of bilateral football ties, navigating federation challenges to deliver memorable clashes.

Mid-Century Editions (1939–1960)

The Roca Cup was revived in 1939 after a long hiatus, marking a resurgence in bilateral football competitions between and amid the professionalization of the sport in both nations. secured victory in a four-match series played across Rio de Janeiro and , with results of 5–1, 2–3, 2–2 after extra time, and 3–0 in favor of the visitors, earning them 5 points to 's 3. This edition highlighted the shift toward more structured, multi-game formats that tested endurance and tactical depth, reflecting the increasing professionalism that had taken root in . The following year, 1940, saw host the competition in and , dominating with wins of 6–1 and 5–1 around a 2–3 defeat, clinching the trophy with 4 points to 's 2. These matches underscored the home advantage and the rising caliber of play, as professional leagues in (established in 1931) and (in 1933) had professionalized player development and club structures, fostering greater competitiveness. World War II interrupted international fixtures, but the cup resumed in 1945 in a environment of renewed enthusiasm for football as a unifying spectacle. staged a dramatic comeback, losing the opener 3–4 in before triumphing 6–2 and 3–1 in Rio de Janeiro, securing 4 points to Argentina's 2 and their first win since 1923. This revival coincided with a broader boom in South American football, where economic recovery and modern constructions amplified fan interest and attendance. The competition lay dormant until 1957, when hosted again, suffering a 1–2 loss at the Maracanã before prevailing 2–0 after extra time in to claim the title on . Three years later, in 1960, traveled to and reversed an initial 2–4 setback with a 4–1 extra-time victory in the decider, winning on aggregate. These later editions intensified the , as maturing professional systems produced star players and packed stadiums, elevating the Roca Cup's status as a high-stakes showcase of national pride.

Final Years and Discontinuation (1963–1976)

The 1963 edition of the Roca Cup marked a return to the competition after a three-year hiatus, featuring two legs between Argentina and Brazil. The first match took place on April 13 in São Paulo, where Argentina secured a 3–2 victory over Brazil. Three days later, on April 16 in Rio de Janeiro at the Maracanã Stadium, Brazil hosted the return leg, which ended 2–2 after 90 minutes and proceeded to extra time; Brazil ultimately triumphed 5–2, clinching the title on aggregate. This win extended Brazil's dominance in the rivalry during the period, with the matches showcasing intense competition typical of the tournament's format. The 1971 edition, held entirely in Buenos Aires at the River Plate Stadium (Estadio Monumental), produced a rare outcome in the competition's history. On July 28, the first leg ended in a 1–1 draw, followed by another stalemate on July 31, where the score was 1–1 after regular time and 2–2 after extra time. With both teams unable to secure a decisive result, an agreement between the (AFA) and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) led to the title being shared for the first time, as no outright winner emerged under the existing rules. Brazil claimed the final Roca Cup in 1976, also serving as part of the Copa del Atlántico. The opening leg on February 27 in resulted in a 2–1 victory for over . The return fixture on May 19 in Rio de Janeiro saw win 2–0, securing the trophy on aggregate with a 4–1 . This edition concluded the original run of the competition, which had been contested irregularly since 1914. Following the 1976 final, the Roca Cup was discontinued amid declining interest, as international football calendars became increasingly congested with major events like the and the revitalized taking precedence as the primary outlets for Argentina-Brazil rivalry. Logistical challenges, including disputes between the AFA and CBF over scheduling and organization, further contributed to its end, with no official reason formally announced but the overlap with other tournaments rendering it redundant. The original format has seen no revivals since, remaining defunct as of 2025, though a successor competition, the , was introduced in 2011 by mutual agreement between the federations.

Results and Records

List of Editions

The Roca Cup consisted of 11 editions contested irregularly between and from to 1976. The competition format varied, with early editions featuring single matches and later ones typically involving two- or three-legged ties decided on aggregate scores, though some included extra time or shared titles.
YearDatesMatches and ScoresVenue(s)WinnerNotes
191427 SeptemberArgentina 0–1 BrazilBuenos Aires (Gimnasia y Esgrima)BrazilSingle match; trophy donated by Julio A. Roca to the dissident Argentine Football Association (FAF).
192222 OctoberBrazil 2–1 ArgentinaSão Paulo (Palestra Itália, now Allianz Parque)BrazilSingle match; disputed as Brazil fielded a reserve ("B") team while their senior squad was at the 1922 Copa América.
19239 DecemberArgentina 2–0 BrazilBuenos Aires (Sportivo Barracas)ArgentinaSingle match.
1939/4015 & 22 January 1939; 18 & 25 February 1940Brazil 1–5 Argentina (15 Jan 1939, Rio de Janeiro, São Januário)
Brazil 3–2 Argentina (22 Jan 1939, Rio de Janeiro, São Januário)
Brazil 2–2 Argentina (a.e.t.) (18 Feb 1940, São Paulo, Palestra Itália)
Brazil 0–3 Argentina (25 Feb 1940, São Paulo, Palestra Itália)		Rio de Janeiro (São Januário, twice); São Paulo (Palestra Itália, twice)ArgentinaFour-match series (aggregate 12–6); second match saw Argentina protest a penalty decision and leave the field late in play, leading to postponement of the decider to 1940; third match went to extra time.
19405, 10 & 17 MarchArgentina 6–1 Brazil
Argentina 2–3 Brazil
Argentina 5–1 Brazil		Buenos Aires (San Lorenzo de Almagro; Independiente)ArgentinaThree-match series (aggregate 13–5).
194516, 20 & 23 DecemberBrazil 3–4 Argentina
Brazil 6–2 Argentina
Brazil 3–1 Argentina		São Paulo (Pacaembu); Rio de Janeiro (São Januário, twice)BrazilThree-match series (aggregate 12–7).
19577 & 10 JulyBrazil 1–2 Argentina
Brazil 2–0 Argentina (a.e.t.)		Rio de Janeiro (Maracanã); São Paulo (Pacaembu)BrazilTwo-legged tie (aggregate 3–2); second match decided in extra time.
196026 & 29 MayArgentina 4–2 Brazil
Argentina 1–4 Brazil (a.e.t.)		Buenos Aires (River Plate, twice)BrazilTwo-legged tie, both legs in Argentina (aggregate 5–6); second match decided in extra time.
196313 & 16 AprilBrazil 2–3 Argentina
Brazil 5–2 Argentina (a.e.t.)		São Paulo (Morumbi); Rio de Janeiro (Maracanã)BrazilTwo-legged tie (aggregate 7–5); second match decided in extra time.
197128 & 31 JulyArgentina 1–1 Brazil
Argentina 2–2 Brazil (a.e.t.)		Buenos Aires (River Plate, twice)SharedTwo-legged tie, both legs in Argentina (aggregate 3–3); title shared after no further playoff.
197627 February & 19 MayArgentina 1–2 Brazil
Brazil 2–0 Argentina		Buenos Aires (River Plate); Rio de Janeiro (Maracanã)BrazilTwo-legged tie (aggregate 1–4); also counted toward the 1976 Copa del Atlántico.

Titles and Statistics

Brazil has won the Roca Cup eight times, in the editions of 1914, 1922, 1945, 1957, 1960, 1963, , and 1976, while has won four times in 1923, 1939/40, 1940, and ; the edition was shared following two draws. Across the 23 matches contested in the competition's history, achieved 11 victories to 's 9, with 3 draws; scored 49 goals overall, compared to 's 51. Argentina hosted six editions (1914, 1923, 1940, 1960, 1971, and the first leg of 1976), winning three (including the shared 1971 title), demonstrating strong home performance. hosted five editions (1922, 1939/40, 1945, 1957, and 1963), securing four victories and underscoring its dominance as host. The highest-scoring encounter was Argentina's 6–1 triumph over on 5 March 1940 in . also holds the record for the longest sequence of successes, capturing four consecutive titles from 1945 to 1963.

Significance and Legacy

Role in Argentina-Brazil Rivalry

The Roca Cup served as a key bilateral trophy in the Argentina-Brazil football rivalry, complementing earlier competitions like the Copa Lipton and later ones such as the Copa Río Branco, by providing dedicated encounters that amplified national pride and competitive fervor between the neighboring nations. Established in 1914 through the initiative of Argentine president , the tournament was explicitly designed to promote goodwill and strengthen sporting ties amid historical border tensions and regional power struggles. However, while intended as a gesture of , the matches often intensified rivalries, transforming friendly intentions into high-stakes battles that mirrored broader geopolitical frictions in 20th-century . Though less prestigious than major tournaments like the or the , the Roca Cup played a crucial role in sustaining annual or near-annual clashes during periods when international schedules were sparse, particularly before the Copa América's more regular format solidified in the mid-20th century. Contested over 11 editions from 1914 to 1976, it filled critical gaps, building sustained anticipation and contributing to the rivalry's enduring intensity without the multilateral context of continental competitions. This frequency helped embed football as a barometer of national strength, influencing bilateral relations by channeling diplomatic goodwill into sporting passion that occasionally escalated into public fervor. A notable example of heightened tensions occurred during the 1957 edition, where Argentina's 2-1 victory over at the in Rio de Janeiro—Brazil's iconic home ground—stirred significant national disappointment and underscored the emotional weight of these encounters, even as Brazil secured the overall title with a subsequent 2-0 win in . Such outcomes exemplified how the Roca Cup, despite its amicable origins, often amplified the Superclásico's stakes, fostering a legacy of mutual laced with intense rivalry that shaped South American football dynamics for decades.

Notable Matches and Players

One of the most iconic matches in Roca Cup history occurred on March 5, 1940, when delivered a resounding 6–1 victory over in during the first leg of the edition. The Argentine goals were scored by Herminio Masantonio (two), (three), and Emilio Baldonedo (one), while Jair da Rosa Pinto netted 's lone reply. This result marked 's largest margin of victory in the rivalry and showcased the dominance of the Argentine side, led by key figures from River Plate's famed forward line. The match highlighted the tactical prowess and attacking flair that defined 's successful 1940 campaign, which they ultimately won with a 13–5 aggregate score across three legs. The 1957 edition produced another standout encounter at Rio de Janeiro's on July 7, where a youthful upset 2–1 in front of a capacity crowd exceeding 100,000 spectators. Miguel Juárez and scored for , with marking his international debut by netting 's consolation goal as a substitute. This victory gave an early edge, though rallied to win the second leg 2–0 after extra time (goals by Mazzola and ), securing the title on goal difference. The Maracanã clash exemplified the intense rivalry, with 's emergence adding a layer of future promise amid the drama of a packed iconic venue. In 1971, the competition reached a rare equilibrium with two draws: a 1–1 result in on July 28 (Paulo César Caju for ) and a 2–2 tie in the return leg on July 31 ( and for ). With no decisive winner, the title was shared for the only time in Roca Cup history, reflecting the balanced strength of both nations during a transitional era. These matches underscored the competition's evolution toward more competitive stalemates, as extra-time efforts failed to break the deadlock. Among the tournament's top goalscorers, leads with six goals across editions, followed by Herminio Masantonio with five. Brazil's scored two goals in the 1945 edition, including contributions in decisive legs that helped secure victories. Argentina's Norberto Méndez tallied four goals in Roca Cup matches during the 1940s and 1950s, establishing himself as a prolific forward in bilateral clashes, particularly in the 1945 edition. These totals highlight their impact in a competition marked by high-stakes, low-volume encounters, where efficiency in front of goal often decided outcomes. While comprehensive all-time records are sparse due to the irregular format, Peucelle, Masantonio, , and Méndez represent the era's leading contributors, blending skill with consistency against top opposition. The Roca Cup featured several legendary players whose performances elevated the tournament's prestige. Argentine icon Adolfo Pedernera, the creative hub of La Máquina, featured prominently in the 1940s editions, orchestrating attacks that led to Argentina's 1940 triumph and influencing the side's fluid, possession-based style. On the Brazilian side, Garrincha dazzled in the 1960 edition, using his dribbling wizardry to dismantle defenses during Brazil's 4–1 victory (after extra time) in the second leg in Buenos Aires, despite a 2–4 loss in the first leg—Brazil won overall on goal difference. Pelé's involvement added star power, from his debut goal in 1957 to starring roles in the 1960 and 1963 victories, where he scored multiple times and helped Brazil claim titles with his visionary play. These figures not only drove results but also symbolized the technical excellence that defined the cup's memorable moments, such as Brazil's extra-time comeback in 1957.
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