How Fluminense, Vasco, Cruzeiro and Corinthians reach the Copa do Brasil semi-finals

It is no exaggeration to say that Fluminense is having the best time among the semi-finalists. Since the arrival of Luis Zubeldía, there have been ten wins, three draws, only three defeats and 100% success at home. There are seven matches without a defeat, the highlights being the 6-0 defeat against São Paulo and the duels against the G4 teams – victories against Flamengo and Mirassol and draws against Palmeiras and Cruzeiro. In the final round, the victory in the direct confrontation with Bahia secured 5th place and a direct place for the Libertadores.

Although he is already assured of the continental tournament, the tricolor wants to take advantage of this momentum to spend another year lifting a trophy. However, after fighting until the last round, Flu was the only one of the semi-finalists who did not spare the holders before the Copa do Brasil final. The physical aspect deserves attention, but at the same time the medical service is not a problem. Only Cano and Manoel are still recovering. The centre-forward is undergoing intensive treatment for a right knee injury and hopes to be available for Zubeldía again in the Copa do Brasil final stages.

Certainly absent for the first match against Vasco is Canobbio, suspended for the third yellow card. With four goals scored in the last three matches, Soteldo can take advantage of the good phase to inherit the starting place from the Uruguayan.

If Flu’s confidence is great, Vasco saw his optimism transform into apprehension in the final straight of the Brasileirão. After winning four in a row and reaching eighth place, Fernando Diniz’s side fell apart, suffered seven defeats in the last eight games and barely got involved in the fight against relegation.

Because he got rid of the drop before the final round, the coach was able to select reserves against Atlético-MG. However, they paid the price with a 5-0 defeat at the MRV Arena and almost put their place in the South American Championship in jeopardy.

In retrospect, the exception was the 5-1 defeat against Internacional, in which Rayan again made the difference and scored twice. Philippe Coutinho’s performance leaves something to be desired in an unfavorable moment.

Against the flu, Cruz-Maltino will also have to deal with a lack of weight. Vice-leader of the team in assists at the Brazilian Championship (7), Lucas Piton is out of the semi-finals after injuring his left knee during the 2-0 defeat against Mirassol, on 2. Puma Rodríguez should once again improvise at left-back. Jair and Adson complete the medical service.

Cruzeiro came to challenge for the Brazilian title, but couldn’t keep pace with Flamengo and Palmeiras and finished third, which takes nothing away from the brilliance of the side led by Leonardo Jardim’s campaign. Highlight for Kaio Jorge, top scorer in the competition with 21 goals.

His situation being resolved in the last round, the coach left the starters to rest. Among the semi-finalists, the Minas Gerais team is the one who has played the fewest matches this season – 60 so far – which could weigh in their favor in this final stretch.

Suspended for the first match, at Mineirão, Wanderson was the full starter until he injured his left thigh against Palmeiras at the end of October. Partially training with the team, the striker is aiming for a return to the second leg in São Paulo. In his absence, Keny Arroyo had a run in the team, while Luis Sinisterra ran outside.

For the fourth consecutive time in the semi-finals of the Brazilian Cup, Corinthians cling to their recent history to reach the decision, but, at the same time, they face a downward trend. Finishing the Brazilian Championship in 13th place with 47 points, Dorival Júnior’s team has not won in four games.

Without risk of falling since the penultimate round, but without convincing on the field, the São Paulo team retained a few players during the defeat against Fortaleza, in Castelão. One of them was Memphis Depay, who took advantage of the “free time” to make progress in healing from bone edema in his left knee and entered the field in the final round, against Juventude.