Win to reassure yourself. This is Vasco’s goal in this Sunday’s match (20), at 18:30 (Brasília time) against Audax, at Raulino de Oliveira. After the 2-0 victory over Bangu last Thursday (17th), Cruzmaltino reached 16 points and opened up seven points ahead of fifth-placed Boavista. With four games remaining to the end of the first phase of the Guanabara Cup, coach Zé Ricardo believes that the positive result guarantees the team in the semifinals of the competition, in addition to helping in the preparation for the confrontation of the Copa do Brasil, on March 2, against to Ferroviária-SP.
“We know that the Copa do Brasil is essential for us to bring the financial resources it offers. We took on an opponent who is extremely difficult playing at home and we have two classics from Carioca, one before and one after this match. We will face the next one, against Audax, understanding as what can definitely guarantee us among the four of the Guanabara Cup”, said Zé Ricardo, during a press conference.
Vasco will have three important absences for the game against Audax. Juninho, Bruno Nazário and Nenê received the third yellow card against Bangu and are out. Raniel, Matheus Barbosa, Ulisses and Thiago Rodrigues are suspended and if they are punished with a card this Sunday, they will not face Fluminense, on the 26th, at the Nilton Santos stadium.