The red and black people want the world again and will have the chance to win it back. This Saturday (13), the Flamengo defeated Pyramids, from Egypt, 2-0, at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, in Al Rayyan, guaranteeing a place in the final of the International Football Federation (FIFA) Intercontinental Cup, held in Qatar.
The decision will be against Paris Saint-Germain, from France, who entered directly into the final. The match between the winners of the Libertadores and the European Champions League is scheduled for Wednesday (17), again in Al Rayyan, at 2 pm (Brasília time).
The duel between Flamengo and Pyramids was called the Challenger Cup. And just like last Wednesday’s game (10), against Cruz Azul, from Mexico, in the Derby of the Americas, this Saturday’s clash was worth a cup for the 1981 world champion.
Coach Filipe Luís made three changes in relation to the 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul. Scorer of the Libertadores title goal, Danilo resumed Léo Ortiz’s place in defense. In attack, there were two changes, with Everton Cebolinha and Gonzalo Plata replaced by Samuel Lino and Bruno Henrique.
Dominant in possession of the ball and in occupying the opponent’s field, Flamengo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute of the first half. After a free kick from midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta on the left, defender Léo Pereira appeared in the small area and headed the ball into the net.
The combination of dead ball and aerial play also made a difference after half-time, precisely at a time when Rubro-Negro were at their worst on the field. In the sixth minute, Arrascaeta took a free kick from the midfielder on the left and Danilo headed it into the corner of goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy.
With the game under control, Filipe Luís promoted changes to rest important members of the team, such as Arrascaeta, Everton Cebolinha, full-back Alex Sandro, midfielder Jorginho and striker Jorge Carrascal. The latter gave way to center forward Pedro, who had not played for almost two months due to injuries to his forearm and left thigh. Despite Pyramids’ pressure attempt, Rubro-Negro secured their place in the decision.
