Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Fernando Diniz, Fluminense’s coach, was happy at the press conference after the big 5-1 win over River Plate on Tuesday in the Copa Libertadores. Diniz praised his team’s performance, pointing out that although the first half of the game was challenging, the second half was a showcase of their potential. The coach encouraged everyone to celebrate the moment and enjoy the victory.
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Kano put the hosts ahead after 29 minutes. Beltran equalized ten minutes later. At the start of the second half, Cano scored twice and, in the 68th minute, River were down a player after Gonzalez was sent off for a second yellow card. Fluminense made the most of their numerical advantage. Arias scored in the 75th and 91st minutes, and Cano rounded things off with a hat-trick!
Diniz admitted that the flow of the game in the first half was less, and the referee’s decisions affected River Plate’s missed chances. However, the team recovered in the second half, using their strengths and overcoming a difficult opponent with skilled players.
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Diniz stressed that the team’s victory was fundamental and deserved, especially for the intensity and solidarity shown, which are hallmarks of his style of play.
The coach stressed that Fluminense’s success goes beyond its performance on the pitch. Diniz gave credit to the club’s entire management team and staff for their role in building confidence and improving the team in general.
He praised the president and CEO for their work to improve the club, despite the financial constraints.
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Diniz also defended the decision to rest the players during the team’s recent defeat to Fortaleza, saying that it was a strategic choice that he considered to be the right one.
The coach acknowledged that in soccer there is always room for improvement and that every opponent deserves respect. He stressed that a setback doesn’t mean the end of the world and that the team needs to keep working hard to improve on and off the pitch.