With such a nickname, you might be anything but a sweetheart.One would even say he has chosen the wrong sport to engage in and should try martial arts (or MMA, to be precise) instead of football.But his long-lasting career in the world of football proves that Brazilian striker Givanildo Viera de Sousa – better known as simply and shortly Hulk – made the right choice.Although he never starred for any European giants (the Portuguese side Porto is close to it, but actually not the highest level in the European football hierarchy), Hulk has been anything but a low-profile player in the last decade and a half.Hulk in action for Porto (©Gallo images)The robust attacker travelled the world and the seven seas, leaving a significant trace and heritage in Japan, Portugal, Russia and, of course, his homeland – Brazil. He returned there this January by signing a two-year deal with Atletico Mineiro. They were desperate to sign the big guy so they could eventually make a serious step towards the Copa Libertadores title (South American version of the Champions League). And guess what?They made it.One on three? No problem for him (©Gallo images)Last night or this early morning, to be precise, Atletico Mineiro trashed Argentinian powerhouse River Plate 3-0 in the return leg of the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals. With a 1-0 victory in the first leg, the Brazilians swept off their rivals, with all the uncertainties being washed away by none other than Hulk. In the 34th minute, he ran smoothly into open space between the opposing defenders, and just when everyone expected one of his powerful trademark shoots, Hulk simply chipped the ball with his left and scored a true beauty.A FIFA level chip from Hulk and some great limbs from the Atletico Mineiro fans behind the goal.pic.twitter.com/oc8LkMK0Ir— Sam Street (@samstreetwrites) August 19, 2021 The 35-year-old striker still looks like he’s preparing for the MMA showdown, but a vast experience and a natural talent provide him with enough quality to be one of B|razil’s most gifted players. And that is a massive thing, and always will be.COPA LIBERTADORES – 1/4 FINALSWednesdayPalmerias – Sao Paulo 3-0 (1-0) /Veiga 10, Dudu 67, De Paula 78/ThursdayFlamengo – Olimpia 5-1 (2-1)/Barbosa 30, 77, Henrique 36, Arao 49, Salcedo 56 og – Recalde 45/Atletico Mineiro – River Plate 3-0 (2-0)/Zaracho 22, 61, Hulk 34/Friday03.30: (2,05) Barcelona SC (3,20) Fluminense (4,00) **odds are subject to change
