Author: Vishwajit Sawant
In a memorable event that captured the hearts of soccer enthusiasts across Brazil, the long-awaited CBF draw determined that Flamengo and São Paulo will face off in a thrilling battle for the Copa do Brasil title. The fervor of this much-anticipated contest is further heightened by the fact that both teams will have the overwhelming support of their fervent fans, with the first match scheduled for the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, followed by the decisive clash at the Morumbi in São Paulo on September 17 and 24 respectively.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, with a tempting prize of no less than R$70 million awaiting the winner, while the runner-up will walk away with an impressive R$30 million. The draw ceremony itself was a star-studded event, with players and coaches from both teams gathered on stage before the final matches were revealed. On the São Paulo side, president Júlio Casares, coach Dorival Júnior, right-back Rafinha and striker Jonathan Calleri attended the occasion, reflecting the immense importance of this title for the Morumbi team. Their last appearance in the final of the Copa do Brasil was in 2000, when they narrowly lost 2-1 to Cruzeiro.
On the other hand, Flamengo were represented by incredible figures including Jorge Sampaoli, Everton Ribeiro and Filipe Luís, a clear indication of the club’s determination to secure yet another championship. The Reds have lifted the Copa do Brasil trophy four times in their illustrious history, with triumphs in 1990, 2006, 2013 and, most recently, in 2022, under the leadership of coach Dorival Júnior.
Dorival Júnior: “I think that much more important than a personal achievement would be the achievement of a club. For me, that’s much more valuable. I’m very pleased to have worked for Flamengo, who are now the competition’s rivals. But for me what will really stand out is the possibility of playing in another final. It’s my fourth Brazil Cup, but the main thing is that I can satisfy the club and that São Paulo can have the best competition possible. Flamengo and São Paulo have deservedly arrived at this point. They’re great teams, regardless of whether they’re playing in Morumbi or Maracanã. There is no favoritism“.
São Paulo’s route to the final was a surprising one, as they overcame a 2-1 deficit in the first leg against Corinthians and eventually won 2-0 in the second leg in front of an electrifying crowd of over 60,000 at the Morumbi. Meanwhile, Flamengo’s path to the final was marked by dominant performances against Gremio, when they secured victories in both games, culminating in a 3-0 aggregate win.
This epic clash between two footballing giants isn’t the only challenge on the horizon for both teams. Before the clash with Flamengo, São Paulo will face LDU in a decisive Copa Sudamericana quarter-final at home. Meanwhile, his focus in the Brasileirão will be on the test matches against Coritiba and Internacional. Flamengo also have a busy schedule, with games against Botafogo and Atlético-PR in the national tournament.
As the countdown to the Copa do Brasil final begins, the excitement and anticipation in the soccer community is palpable. The match between Flamengo and São Paulo promises to be an unforgettable spectacle, as the two teams aim to etch their names in the annals of Brazilian soccer history and win the coveted Copa do Brasil title.