Diniz’s connection with Maracanã motivates Vasco; The Corinthians trust in superstition

14 years later, Vasco da Gama is back in the final of a Brazilian Cup. To become champion, Vasco clings to Fernando Diniz’s links with the Maracanã, the scene of tomorrow’s decision. The ball will roll around at 6 p.m.

Since becoming an elite coach in 2018, all of Fernando Diniz’s titles have been celebrated at the Maracanã: Taça Guanabara 2023, Campeonato Carioca 2023, Libertadores 2023 and Recopa Sul-Americana 2024.

This Sunday (21), the coach has the chance to lift his fifth trophy in the sacred temple of Brazilian football. The 0-0 draw in the first leg motivated the Vasco group, who need a simple victory to shout “They are champions!”. Around 70,000 fans will be present at the Maracanã to support Gigante da Colina.

Corinthians at the Maracanã

Everyone wants to stick to something and Corinthians is no exception. In 2000, Timão won his first world title at the Maracanã against Vasco and made history. On this occasion, the São Paulo team won on penalties (4-3).

In this historic match, Corinthians took the field wearing an all-white uniform. Superstitious, Timão will use the same color to try to defeat Fernando Diniz’s Vasco.

Corinthians, Maracanã, white clothes, with Vasco on the other side. This is all part of an image created 25 years ago.

Corinthians have played 160 matches at the Maracana. There were 80 defeats, 37 draws and 43 victories. The retrospective is negative, but there is one detail: Timão’s first match at Maraca was against Vasco da Gama, during the Rio-São Paulo Tournament 1951. The black and white team won 4-3.