Corinthians legend on World Cup win over Vasco, eyes Copa do Brasil final

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Central do Timão

·20. Dezember 2025

Corinthians legend on World Cup win over Vasco, eyes Copa do Brasil final

By Vinícios Cotrim | Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians are set to replay the 2000 Club World Cup final, which took place at Maracanã, but this time for the Copa do Brasil title. One of the key players from that historic victory was Luizão, the Timão striker who recalled the triumph and previewed the upcoming clash in the national tournament.

“We had just come from a Brazilian Championship final on December 22. Our team had a very intense season in 1999, while Vasco was preparing. We arrived exhausted, especially for this match. We had three very tiring games in the first phase before qualifying for the final. And that Rio de Janeiro heat, we played extra time. It was very complicated,” the former striker told Jogada 10.

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Photo: Daniel Augusto Jr./Ag. Corinthians

Both teams were at the lower end of the Brasileirão table, but managed to excel in the knockout stages even against teams that finished higher, like Cruzeiro for Corinthians, and Fluminense for Vasco da Gama.

“Neither team had a great Brazilian Championship. But I think both learned how to play the knockout stages. I believe that's what changed and improved their performance, they learned how to play the knockout stages,” Luizão commented.

“I see a very open game. Both teams have the ability to win. Whoever stays calmer, less nervous, can have an advantage. Whoever makes fewer mistakes and doesn't have players sent off, that counts a lot,” he added.

The second leg of the grand final takes place this Sunday (21), at the Maracanã stadium, the same venue as the World Cup final. The match kicks off at 6 PM (Brasília time) and the winner will take the title. In case of a draw, the decision will go to penalties.

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