"LOS DE AFUERA SON DE PALO" - Obdulio.
Spanish expression that stands for "those from outside are made of wood". It's widely used throughout South America but has its 'origins' in one person: Obdulio Varela, "El Negro Jefe", Captain of the Uruguayan National Team that won the 1950 World Cup at Brazil (aka The "Maracanazo").
These words were said by Obdulio to his teammates in the dressing room, just before going out to the pitch and playing the final against the hosts, in front of more than 200,000 spectators (apparently a record that still remains). The Brazilians were the absolute favorites in all sense; they had won their previous matches convincingly, were declared anticipated champions by the press and people were celebrating early on the streets of Rio de Janeiro.
Uruguayan coach Juan López informed his team that their best chance of surviving the powerful offensive line of Brazil would come through adopting a defensive strategy. After he left, Obdulio Varela, captain of the team, stood up and addressed the team himself, saying "Juancito is a good man, but today, he is wrong. If we play defensively against Brazil, our fate will be no different from Spain or Sweden". Varela then delivered an emotional speech about how they must face all the odds and not to be intimidated by the fans or the opposing team. The speech, as was later confirmed, played a huge part in the final outcome of the game. In response to his squad's underdog status, the captain delivered the memorable line, "Muchachos, los de afuera son de palo. Que comience la función", which could be translated as "Boys, the crowd are to be disregarded (literally, "made of wood"). Let the show begin."
What happened next is history. Uruguay managed to win 1-2 after loosing 1-0 in the first half, in what is still considered, 62 years later, the greatest upset in world cup history.
Uruguay haven't managed to win a World Cup after that, but it is believed that players always find the strength in this "myth" when times are hard, and have managed to upset several hosts. Recently: Venezuela in 2007 Copa America, South Africa in 2010 World Cup group stage, Ghana in 2010 World Cup quarter-finals, Argentina in 2011 Copa America (amazingly, the same date as "Maracanazo", July 16th). It is also said because all of this that Uruguay strengthens in adversity ("se agranda en las difíciles").
Songs have been made based on this myth and expression "los de afuera son de palo", so every uruguayan knows about this.
I had thought of this idea for a banner before the M.United away match (were Suarez received tons of abuse) but couldn't share it because I wasn't a member yet
I think a banner with this expression is perfect given the abuse he is getting on away matches. It doesn't matter that MUFC or any other fans don't understand its meaning, that's the whole point: to disregard the crowds, go against all odds and get his job done, just like the 1950 Uruguayan team.
I think he will appreciate it and would be a nice piece of uruguayan history to be shared between him and LFC fans, who have never let him walk alone these past few months.
Thanks for reading and sorry I made it too long
