 By 1945 Viera had succeeded in establishing a competitive side and led the Vasco to the sixth state championship – undefeated.The "Expresso da Vitrória", the "Victory Express", as which the team should be known from 1945 to 1952 benefited in particular from its strong attack with
Ademir de Menezes, top scorer Lelé, Isaías, Jair da Rosa Pinto und Chico on the left wing.Chico by then Chico was already renowned as an athletic, fast, both-footed dribbler with a sharp shot and was soon considered for the national team.