Flamengo player: World Cup tough, but we thrive in knockouts | OneFootball

Erick Pulgar reported that the team has not yet fully adapted to Qatar's time zone

Qatar is six hours ahead of Brasília time. Therefore, the time difference is another obstacle for Flamengo and Cruz Azul (MEX) in this Club World Cup. Erick Pulgar admitted he is having difficulties but believes in Flamengo's overcoming spirit and the team's power in knockout matches.

“The truth is that the group is rested. We arrived on Sunday (07), but I won't lie, yes, there is a lot of sleepiness (laughs), because the time change affects us. But once on the field, the tiredness disappears,” said Pulgar in an interview given this Tuesday.

“If we talk about pressure, we've been under pressure since January. And in these knockout matches is where Flamengo grows the most,” added Erick Pulgar, speaking about Mengão's responsibility in the 2025 Intercontinental Cup.

IS FLAMENGO AT AN ADVANTAGE?

Flamengo arrived in Qatar on Sunday (07) morning (Qatar afternoon) and had one more day compared to Cruz Azul, which arrived on Monday (08) afternoon in Doha. While for Brazil there is a six-hour difference, compared to Mexico City, it's nine hours. Thus, an additional obstacle for the opponent.

Moreover, Flamengo's starting team last played on Wednesday (03), against Ceará. Cruz Azul played on Saturday (06), when they were eliminated by Tigres (MEX) in the Mexican Championship. Another advantage for Mengão.

WHEN WILL FLAMENGO VS CRUZ AZUL TAKE PLACE?

The theories will be put into practice this Wednesday (10), when Flamengo and Cruz Azul face each other starting at 2 PM (Brasília time), in Doha, Qatar. Coluna do Fla is in the country and will be closely following everything. So, stay tuned to our platforms.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.