Author: Soorya G
C
ruzeiro were beaten 1-0 by Fluminense
in the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship at the Maracanã. Celeste’s performance was lacklustre, with the game ultimately decided by a free-kick from Léo Fernández. Coach Zé Ricardo acknowledged the team’s poor night, but exempted Rafael Cabral from any blame for the opponent’s goal.
“We believe that, technically, we were below average. We weren’t able to connect or execute the second phase of defensive and offensive transitions, precisely because we weren’t having a very good night. At times, we managed to contain Fluminense’s volume of play. It’s a defeat that we feel, but we have to understand that it’s part of the sequence. Even when we won at Vila, everything wasn’t perfect. Now it’s the same” said Zé Ricardo.
Fluminense dominated possession throughout the game, pressing close to Rafael Cabral’s area, where he made crucial saves in the first half. Zé Ricardo praised his team’s defensive effort, but noted the need to improve ball control when in possession.
“We had to work hard without the ball. We did it, and I have to praise their dedication. When we have the ball, we need to be more precise in executing the second phase of the game” said the coach.
Despite Rafael Cabral’s impressive saves in the first half and his long-range passes in the second, he played a central role in the goal conceded. Léo Fernández took a long-distance free-kick that ended up in the middle of the goal, and Cabral, who was behind the barrier, stood still as the ball went in.
Zé Ricardo was asked about this moment and mentioned that he hadn’t seen the replay after the final whistle. However, from his position on the pitch, he had the impression that the goal came about only because of the free-kick taker’s skill. The coach was keen to praise Cabral’s overall performance during the match.
“In the video, I haven’t seen it yet, but I had a clear view between the ball and the goal. In fact, the finish was extremely precise. Initially, it looked like the ball was going to go through the wall, but it got away from Rafael. He was playing a brilliant game in terms of anticipation and tackling“, explained Zé Ricardo.