Home » Sport » What has changed? Flamengo and Al Hilal face off again in the semifinals of the World Cup

What has changed? Flamengo and Al Hilal face off again in the semifinals of the World Cup


Rubro-Negro beat the Saudis 3-1 in 2019 (Photo: Disclosure / Al Hilal)

Photo: Lance!

On Saturday afternoon, Flamengo met its opponent in the semifinal of the Club World Cup. It’s about Al Hilal, from Saudi Arabia, who beat hosts Wydad Casablanca on penalties after a heroic draw. And despite being a tournament that Rubro-Negro played only three times, the confrontation is already known.

Flamengo and Al Hilal also faced each other in 2019, when Flamengo was commanded by Jorge Jesus. At the time, Clube da Gávea was behind on the scoreboard, but managed to turn it around, won 3-1 and guaranteed qualification for the big decision. The goals were scored by Salem, Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique and Ali Al-Bulaihi (own goal).

Even if they expect a positive result, Flamengo fans know the difficulty of the game and how much the Red-Black squad has changed in the period. Therefore, the LANCE! it brings every detail of the changes, from the style of play to the exits and repositions.

CHANGES IN THE TACTICAL SCHEME

At the time they beat Al Hilal, Flamengo was led by Jorge Jesus and had a well-defined game scheme, with possession of the ball and movement of the offensive quartet. The defense was exposed in very few opportunities, not only because it kept the ball on its feet in most of the games, but also because of Willian Arão’s participation in the red-black midfield.

The number 5 gave the consistency that Vítor Pereira is looking for in Thiago Maia, with the intention of releasing Gerson to carry out more offensive functions. As it was the beginning of the work, contrary to what happened in 2019, Jorge Jesus’ team was more ready, in tune and, even if it was behind, it maintained control for a good part of the match.

Jorge Jesus celebrates Flamengo’s victory in 2019 (Photo: GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP)

Photo: Lance!

PARTS COME AND COME

Altogether, Flamengo may have up to seven changes compared to the team that faced Al Hilal more than three years ago. The defense was the sector most affected by the departures and has only Filipe Luís left. Diego Alves, Rafinha, Pablo Marí and Rodrigo Caio were replaced by Santos, Varela, David Luiz and Léo Pereira, respectively. The number 3 did not leave the club, but had problems with injuries.

From the middle to the front, only Willian Arão looked for new airs since that semifinal. Currently, the midfielder wears Fenerbahçe’s shirt, from Turkey. Gerson also left Flamengo to play for Olympique de Marseille, but returned this season. Everton Ribeiro, Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique and Gabigol are still at Ninho do Urubu, although the number 27 is injured.

Flamengo x Al Hilal (2019): Diego Alves*, Rafinha, Pablo MariRodrigo Caio and Filipe Luís; Willian Aaron, Gerson, Everton Ribeiro and Arrascaeta; Bruno Henrique and Gabigol.

Flamengo x Al Hilal (2023)**: Santos, Varela, David LuizLéo Pereira and Filipe Luís; Thiago Maia, Gerson, Everton Ribeiro and Arrascaeta; Gabi and Peter.

*Left the club

**Projection of the starting lineup

Bruno Henrique scored the goal of the turnaround in Doha (Photo: GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP)

Photo: Lance!

DIFFERENT CALENDAR

The red-black team will also have a big change in relation to the last Club World Cup. In 2019, the intercontinental tournament was played in December, after the closure of all important competitions on the South American calendar. Therefore, Flamengo had some problems with fatigue and muscle wasting, especially in the decision, against Liverpool.

Now, Clube da Gávea arrives at the World Cup physically renewed after a period of recess, but has a new problem: the short time of work for Vítor Pereira. Rubro-Negro opted to change coaches, even though Dorival Júnior won the Copa do Brasil and Libertadores and thus paid the price.

Flamengo and Al Hilal face each other at 4 pm (Brasília time) this Tuesday (07), at the Grand Stade de Tanger. The other semifinal will be played the following day, between Real Madrid, from Spain, and Al Ahly, from Egypt.

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