Bobo scores the goal which should deliver Sydney FC their first silverware after seven barren years, and I'm thinking, once again: "Maybe this will finally make some people see sense." Maybe.

It's 11 goals now from the Brazilian, the Sky Blues marquee player. He's not flashy, but he's starting to do the business. Graham Arnold is entitled to feel vindicated. Bobo's CV always suggested it was a move which could work, and the club backed the coach by putting enough money into the deal to prise him away from the bench at Gremio. And that's where the crux of this story lies.

Brazil remains the land of opportunity for Australian football. Has been for decades, ever since Agenor Muniz and four Vasco da Gama teammates arrived here in 1971 as a bulk purchase by Sydney City. Within a year, a local social club, the "Canarinhos", was formed to embrace the arrivals. Muniz went on to play 20 times for the Socceroos.

Forty-five years later, the "Canarinhos" are still gathering each Sunday morning for their scratch game, their precious pelada, on field No.4 at Centennial Park – long since officially re-named "Brazilian Field". That's how long there's been a football connection between the two countries. A connection championed passionately by the late Johnny Warren, who as usual saw beyond the horizon. Build meaningful football ties between the two countries, and it's Australia which has the most to benefit. It's a message which still largely falls on deaf ears.