The first round of the Brazilian Cup semi-final between Fluminense and Corinthians, at Maracanã, seemed to have started very badly for the Parque São Jorge team. Fagner scored a penalty in the first 25 seconds of the game, when Corinthians lost possession of the ball. This could have been an indication of health problems.However, after the initial disappointment the team regained its spirit and confidence and in the 23rd minute of the first half, star Renato Augusto put the ball in the net, turning the game around.
At the end of the second half things got more complicated and at the beginning of the final stage Fluminense regained the advantage. Corinthians only managed to equalize 45 minutes into the second half with the effort and energy of Roger Guedes.
Although Vitor Pereira's team did not have an official meeting, there was a lot of speculation about the player. Goalkeeper Cássio also contributed to the result by making good saves. Therefore, Fluminense will need to win at Arena Neo Kímica, on September 15th, to advance to the final of the Copa do Brasil.
Without a doubt, Corinthians will be the favorite in the game and everyone who consults the bookmakers will be able to see the odds and bets on this favoritism. Or, take more risks and bet on the Rio team.
It won't be an easy game, even if the Corinthians fans fill the Arena, as both clubs need not only the title, but also the money, with the winner of the match receiving no less than R$60 million in prize money.
The Copa do Brasil is a great recognition for Timão. It is worth mentioning that Corinthians has already won the competition three times (1995, 2002 and 2009) while Fluminense won only once, in 2007. Timão is the most represented in the Copa do Brasil. It was 2009, with the emergence of Ronaldo Fenômeno in the team.
It was Corinthians' first year back since competing in Série B in 2008. They qualified for the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil after beating Fluminense with a goal from Dentinho, drawing 2-2 in the return game. In the semifinals, they won again in the first game against Vasco da Gama with another goal from Dentinho and in the return game they won 0-0.
They went to the 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.
A series of reinforcements arrived at the helm for 2022, president Duílio Monteiro Alves tried to bring in good players and one of them was midfielder Paulinho, who despite arriving in December 2021 was loaned this season.
The athlete started well, but did not improve until a serious back injury took him out of the team. Yuri Alberto, Bruno Melo, Balbuena, Maycon, Rafael Ramos, Ivan, Junior Moraes and Fausto Vera also attended.
Corinthians did well in the Brazilian Championship, leading the competition in most rounds. However, with rivals increasingly producing and Timão suffering a series of defeats, it began to fall down the table.
They are currently in fourth place with 42 points after beating RB Bragantino, but are still eight points below leaders Palmeiras, meaning their chances of becoming champions are slim. Therefore, the Copa do Brasil is the expected crowning of an expensive team that has been rising in the competition.
It is worth remembering that after beating Atlético-GO, in the center-west of the country, Timão won at home. Against Santos, in the first phase, the 4-0 was probably the team's best result of the season. In other words, there are reasons to be excited about the second World Cup in São Paulo, while keeping our feet on the ground.
