Dorival on half-time changes at Corinthians, hails Hugo: "A class apart" | OneFootball

The Corinthians eliminated Cruzeiro on penalties this Sunday at the Neo Química Arena and advanced to the final of the Copa do Brasil. After the match, coach Dorival explained how he reorganized the team at halftime and celebrated the qualification.

The Timão had a poor first half and went to the locker room losing 1-0. The team conceded the second goal at the beginning of the second half but found strength to score and take the match to penalties. Dorival said that the São Paulo team deserved to have at least drawn the game.

“We made a game plan, the players believed in it. Cruzeiro had a first half where their defensive midfielders started to play a lot, and we were looking for a solution. We needed something new in the second half. We conceded the goal right at the start, it was a shame. We played an almost impeccable second half. We deserved a bit more luck for what we presented, for the volume we had,” analyzed the coach.

“The team came back with a different attitude. The change was fundamental; we completely changed our plan. We had closer connections, with the players working inside. We hit the post, had frontal shots. We went through a tough time, but we were organized, we didn’t lose our balance,” he added.

Change of plans

Dorival said he needed to readapt the game plan for Corinthians after the end of the first half and sought to improve the players' compactness. He also justified the absence of Garro and Raniele among the starters.

“It's not just about talking, we have to reorganize. That was the main point. Our game plan was readapted. We tried corrections, we wanted closer connections. Our distancing was causing an uncomfortable situation. We improved, we had better compactness, we were more objective. In my view, we didn’t deserve the defeat. The changes were important, the entry of the players provided us with a new option,” he evaluated.

“Raniele and Garro didn’t train frequently, they were in a process of returning. We couldn’t do it differently. I highlight the professionalism of both, the attitude Garro had. He took on the role of captain, came in giving everything he could. This is the attitude of a professional,” he explained.

“Outstanding”

Hugo Souza was the great hero of the qualification. The goalkeeper saved two penalties and helped put Corinthians in the grand final. In a press conference, Dorival praised the player.

“The confidence is great from everyone. He is an outstanding guy, one of the great goalkeepers in Brazilian football. He has a bright future. I have known Hugo for years, I know his capability. He is a national team player. The fans themselves feel very well represented having a goalkeeper of this level,” he stated.

Vasco ahead!

In pursuit of their fourth title, Corinthians will face Vasco in the Copa do Brasil final. Fernando Diniz's team eliminated Fluminense on penalties this Sunday at the Maracanã.

The first leg of the final is scheduled for next Wednesday, December 17, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), with Corinthians as the home team. The decisive match will be on December 21, next Sunday, at 6:30 PM, at the Maracanã.

Next Corinthians match

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