Cláudio Taffarel became a great historical reference as a goalkeeper for the Brazilian national team. With more than a hundred games, he is the player with the most matches played for Brazil in his position.
Taffarel participated in five editions of the CONMEBOL Copa América with the Brazilian Team and lifted the title in two occasions, in 1989 and 1997.
In the 1989 edition, Taffarel made his debut in the competition as the undisputed starter in the Brazilian goal. The tournament was held in Brazil and they faced Uruguay in the final match, winning 1-0 with a goal from Romário.
Taffarel had a remarkable performance in the final and during the whole tournament, in which he conceded only one goal. In the decisive match, he avoided several goalscoring chances for the Uruguayans, keeping a clean sheet to seal the Brazilian win. It was Brazil’s fourth CONMEBOL Copa América title.
Eight years later, in 1997, Taffarel reappeared as Brazil's starting goalkeeper in the CONMEBOL Copa América played in Bolivia. On this occasion, Brazil had an impeccable performance, winning all their matches and conceding only 3 goals in the entire tournament.
Brazil faced the hosts in the final, beating Bolivia 3-1 with goals from Ronaldo, Zé Roberto and Edmundo. Taffarel had a remarkable performance throughout the tournament, showing great leadership and confidence behind the Brazilian defence.
Cláudio Taffarel was a fundamental pillar for the Brazilian side in both tournaments, thanks to his incomparable skill as a goalkeeper as well as his ability to lead. His performance in both editions of the CONMEBOL Copa América is remembered by fans as one of the most outstanding by a goalkeeper in the history of the tournament.
