Fluminense aren't accustomed to playing with three center-backs. However, this tactic proved highly effective against Inter. Between German Cano's third-minute goal and Hercules's stoppage-time strike in the 93rd minute, Fluminense's defense successfully neutralized 16 shots, contributing significantly to their victory.
"We're not used to playing with a three-center-back formation, but over the past three days, I convinced the players that Fluminense could do it," Gaucho said. "Of course, we respect our opponent, but the team showed everyone that we were capable. We faced a great team, wealthier than us, but on the pitch, it's always one-on-one."
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Coach Renato Gaucho (wearing a hat) celebrates a goal during Fluminense's 2-0 victory over Inter on 30/6. Photo: AFP |
Coach Renato Gaucho (wearing a hat) celebrates a goal during Fluminense's 2-0 victory over Inter on 30/6. Photo: AFP
Fluminense's elimination of Inter from the FIFA Club World Cup came as a surprise. Before the round of 16, the Opta supercomputer ranked Inter among the top 5 contenders, alongside PSG, Man City, Bayern, and Chelsea.
Last season, Inter reached the UEFA Champions League final, the Italian Super Cup final, finished second in Serie A, and reached the Italian Cup semi-finals. The Milan team also boasts top stars like Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram, Denzel Dumfries, and Yann Sommer. Meanwhile, Fluminense's most prominent player, Thiago Silva, is a 40-year-old center-back who recently returned from Europe.
"I think Brazilian football has shown its strength, hasn't it?" Gaucho added. "I often say that Brazilian clubs are financially weaker than European clubs. They can afford to hire the best players in the world. But on the field, what matters is commitment, dedication, and attitude. And that's what we demonstrated today."
Gaucho also congratulated Fluminense's fans, including those who doubted the team's ability to advance in the FIFA Club World Cup. He emphasized that reaching the top 8 was a cause for celebration.
On 5/7, Fluminense will play in the quarter-finals against Al Hilal, the Saudi Arabian club that upset Man City. If they win again, they will advance to the semi-finals to face the winner of the Chelsea-Palmeiras match.
Previously, Fluminense finished second in Group F, after drawing 0-0 with Dortmund, winning 4-2 against Ulsan, and drawing 0-0 with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Thanh Quy (via O'globo)
