The end of the season puts Brazilian professionals back in the spotlight
The Copa do Brasil final between Vasco and Corinthians has a meaning that goes beyond the title dispute. Indeed, the confrontation between Fernando Diniz and Dorival Júnior brings together two representatives of the Brazilian football school. The scenario takes place in a year marked by the rise of national coaches, such as Filipe Luís (Flamengo) and Rafael Guanaes (Mirassol).
The presence of coaches in the final refers to playing models linked to the tradition of Brazilian football. Freedom of movement and improvisation, confidence in players’ decision-making and individual scoring mark this “Brazilian school”. It is a fact that technicians are not equal in their work, butThis is not a clash between opposing styles, but rather two different interpretations of the same school.
Dorival makes the decision with a consistent CV in knockout competitions. Throughout his career, he has built teams capable of competing at a high level without relying on a single, rigid model. Their teams generally have a clear defensive organization and compact lines, with variations depending on the opponent. Thus, the coach managed to reach the final stages of the Copa do Brasil with different teams (Santos, Flamengo and São Paulo).
Fernando Diniz, for his part, reaches the final with a more conceptual speech. His work is characterized by the promotion of possession of the ball, the constant approach of the players and the search for numerical superiority around the ball. The short exit from the defense and the occupation of the attack with unlimited freedom for the players symbolize a model that seeks control through technical domination, even under greater risks.
Brazilian coaching debate intensifies with Dorival and Diniz in final
The debate on the nationality of coaches has taken on even more explicit contours this season. Notably in October, when Oswaldo de Oliveira and Emerson Leão were involved in a controversy during the II Brazilian Football Coaches Forum. On this occasion, both attacked foreign coaches in front of Carlo Ancelotti, an Italian who coaches the Brazilian team.
After Corinthians qualified for the Copa do Brasil final, Dorival Júnior let off steam and demanded respect from Brazilian coaches: “May they respect us a little more. We have qualities like the professionals (foreigners) who are here. I have the greatest respect for everyone, integration is important. But I expect greater respect from the Brazilian press in general. I hope we will believe in the Brazilian professional again.”
Corinthians and Vasco will play the second match of the Brazilian Cup final on Sunday (21), at 6:00 p.m. (Brasilia time) at the Maracanã. The teams drew 0-0 in the first match. In this way, the winner of the second match wins the national competition. A new draw brings the title decision to penalties.
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