Carlos Germano

Carlos Germano Schwambach Neto (born 14 August 1970), better known as Carlos Germano, is a former Brazilian footballer who played goalkeeper.

He was a member of the Brazilian squads that won the 1997 Copa América and that reached the final of the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.

Club career

He began his football career in 1985 in his native town, and was discovered by Vasco's manager who proposed that he join the youth team for a test. In the same year he became the first choice goalkeeper for the youth side.

When Vasco's senior goalkeeper Acácio left the club, Carlos Germano became the number 1 immediately. He went to receive all of the club honours and was chosen top goalkeeper of the Brazilian Championship in 1997.

In 1999, he had some disagreements with Vasco's chairman and left the club. He signed with Santos in 2000 for four years, but one year later the club could not pay the total amount of the contract and he obtained the right to a free transfer, moving to Portuguesa. From then on, he signed one year contracts with different clubs, including his first club (Vasco), until he signed with FC Penafiel (Portuguese side at the time in the second division) in 2005.

International career Carlos Germano represented his country at the 1987 FIFA U-16 World Championship and the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship. In 1988, he was chosen as Brazil's goalkeeper in the South American U-20 Championship.

He went on to earn 9 senior caps for Brazil between 1995 and 1998.

Coaching career After retiring at the end of the 2005–06 Portuguese season, he subsequently embraced a career as a goalkeeping coach.

Honours

Club Vasco da Gama Campeonato Carioca: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998 Taça Guanabara: 1992, 1994, 1998 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 1997 Copa Libertadores: 1998 Torneio Rio-São Paulo: 1999 FIFA Club World Cup runner-up: 2000

International Brazil Copa América: 1997

Individual Silver Ball (Placar): 1997