Soccer-Flamengo chasing life-changing dream as Bayern conflict looms

MIAMI, – Flamengo coach Filipe Luis stated his facet are getting ready for greater than only a soccer match once they face Bayern Munich within the Club World Cup final 16 on Sunday — they’re chasing a dream that would redefine their careers and reshape the membership’s worldwide standing.

“For the Europeans, profitable this match might not change their lives,” Luis informed reporters on Saturday forward of the conflict on the Hard Rock Stadium. “But for us, it could.”

The Brazilian facet head into the match as underdogs in opposition to the six-time European champions.

But Luis believes Flamengo’s id, together with the fierce aggressive spirit solid in Brazil’s high-pressure soccer tradition, offers them an actual likelihood.

“Brazilian gamers are extraordinarily aggressive,” he stated. “They develop up coping with intense exterior stress — from followers, from the media. That shapes a psychological toughness that makes a distinction in video games like this.”

The former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea defender, now in his first main match as head coach, praised Bayern’s tactical self-discipline and intense urgent.

But he insisted Flamengo wouldn’t abandon their model of play within the face of the problem.

“Flamengo has a approach of taking part in, a DNA, and we don’t give that up,” he stated. “This is how Flamengo performs — with the ball, with braveness. We’re pleased with that.”

Luís warned that Flamengo can’t rely solely on pace to interrupt Bayern’s traces. “Their defenders are used to controlling house,” he stated. “We want to mix depth with possession. You don’t beat Bayern by simply working in behind.”

For Flamengo, who received the Intercontinental Cup in 1981 in opposition to Liverpool, the possibility to compete on this stage is a take a look at on impartial floor in opposition to a European powerhouse.

“This debate about whether Flamengo could play the Premier League or Champions League comes up a lot. But Flamengo will never play those — we’re playing the Club World Cup. It’s a different context entirely,” he defined.

“We don’t play at their stadium, they don’t play at ours. Weather, pitch — it’s all different. I avoid comparisons that lead nowhere. Many of our players have Champions League experience. Five were in Brazil’s last squad. We also have internationals from Uruguay, Ecuador, and more.”

“With all due respect, I’m confident we can be a match for Bayern.”

This article was generated from an automatic information company feed with out modifications to textual content.

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