The first round of the Copa do Brasil semi-final between Fluminense and Corinthians, at Maracanã, seemed to have started very badly for the Parque São Jorge team. Fagner committed a penalty in the first 25 seconds of the match, before any Corinthians player had even touched the ball. This could indicate that things are not going well.However, after the initial scare, the team regained its breath and confidence and in the 23rd minute of the first half, star Renato Augusto put the ball into the net, tying the game.
At the end of the second half the situation became more difficult and at the beginning of the final stage Fluminense once again took advantage. Corinthians only managed to equalize in the 45th minute of the second half through Roger Guedes with great determination and determination.
Even without Vitor Pereira's team there was a lot of commitment from the players. Goalkeeper Cássio also contributed to the result by making brilliant saves. Therefore, Fluminense will have to win at Arena Neo Química, on September 15th, to advance to the final of the Copa do Brasil.
Without a doubt, Corinthians will be the favorite for this game and anyone looking at the bookmakers will be able to check the odds and bet on favoritism. Or, take more risks and bet on the Rio team.
It's not an easy match, even with Corinthians fans filling the Arena, as both clubs need not only the title, but also the money, everything is fine as the winner of the competition will receive no less than R$60 million in prize money. .
Copa do Brasil, an old acquaintance of Timão It is worth mentioning that Corinthians were champions of the competition three times (1995, 2002 and 2009) with Fluminense winning only once, in 2007. Timão's most representative achievement in the Copa do Brasil without a doubt 2009 , with the presence of Ronaldo Fenômeno in the team.
It was Corinthians' first year back after competing in Série B in 2008. The team qualified for the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil after defeating Fluminense with a goal from Dentinho, drawing 2-2 in the second legs of the championship. In the semi-final, they won the first game against Vasco da Gama again with another goal from Dentinho and the return game drew 0-0.
They qualified for the grand final against Internacional at the Pacaembu Stadium and with goals from Jorge Henrique and Ronaldo Fenômeno they went to Porto Alegre and after a draw Corinthians became three-time champions of the Copa do Brasil.
Many reinforcements arrived at the helm for 2022, president Duílio Monteiro Alves sought to bring in quality players and one of them was midfielder Paulinho, who despite having arrived in December 2021 was hired for the current season.
The athlete started well, but his career stagnated until a ligament injury forced him to leave the team. Yuri Alberto, Bruno Melo, Balbuena, Maycon, Rafael Ramos, Ivan, Junior Moraes and Fausto Vera also attended.
Corinthians performed well in the Brazilian Championship, leading the competition in several rounds. However, with competitors increasing their production and Timão suffering several defeats, they began to fall from the table.
The team now occupies 4th place with 42 points after beating RB Bragantino, but is still 8 points behind leaders Palmeiras, which means that their chances of becoming champions are minimal. Thus, the Copa do Brasil is the expected coronation of an expensive squad, which has been rising in performance in the competition.
It is worth remembering that after losing to Atlético-GO, in the center-west of the country, Timão won at home. Against Santos, in the previous phase, the 4-0 result was probably the team's best result of the year. In other words, there are reasons to be excited about the second stage in São Paulo, while the stage remains on the ground.