Author: Soorya G
Brazilian full-back and São Paulo captain Rafinha tried to contain his team’s excitement after their one-goal victory over Flamengo in the first of the two Copa do Brasil final matches. The São Paulo team have their hands on the trophy at the iconic Maracanã and hope to achieve the feat within the week.
As he left the field, the veteran player praised São Paulo’s performance in the opening match, but emphasized the need for another impeccable performance at the Morumbi next Sunday to win the title.
“Dorival has prepared the team very well. We know Flamengo’s strength. I know it well, I’ve been here before. It’s a powerful team, very strong. All the players have a lot of quality. We performed very well. Congratulations to our team. It’s very difficult to play here. The Maracanã was beautiful, it’s nice. We’re very happy to have won. But that doesn’t mean anything, we still have another 90 minutes to go. We have to repeat today’s performance, which was impeccable, to win the title,” said the full-back, adding: “We have to keep our feet on the ground, take it easy. One game won’t do any good.“
Rafinha also dedicated the victory to the São Paulo fans, who celebrated a lot last Saturday when the team left the training center for the trip to Rio de Janeiro.
“It’s always good to win, especially in a final. But let the euphoria be for our fans. We have to work hard. When everyone works hard and runs, our team is strong. The group is very united. We have Dorival’s whole week to prepare the team. Leave the euphoria to the fans. Today we played for them. They came all the way from CT da Barra Funda. I knew how strong the São Paulo fans were, but what they did yesterday was surreal. We’re happy, today we can give an answer to the fans.”
The final of the Copa do Brasil will be played next Sunday in Morumbi. Before the decisive clash, São Paulo face Fortaleza on Wednesday in the Brasileirão.