Coluna do Fla
·18 September 2025
Flamengo pull off incredible comeback, but lose World Cup opener

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Yahoo sportsColuna do Fla
·18 September 2025
Flamengo debuted with a loss in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Singapore. After trailing by 20 points, the Rubro-Negro 'shifted into high gear' and staged a spectacular comeback, but the NBA G-League United (USA) came out on top with a score of 93 to 91.
Thus, Flamengo is at the bottom of Group B in the Basketball World Cup. Now, the team led by coach Sérgio Hernández, known as Oveja, returns to the court this Friday (19th) to face the Illawarra Hawks (AUS) at 06:00 AM (Brasília time).
Flamengo started the game under heavy pressure from the NBA G League United. As a result, the American team had the upper hand in the first two periods. Additionally, in the third quarter, Mengão was trailing by 20 points but began an incredible comeback.
Despite losing the penultimate period 29 to 27, Flamengo managed to recover in the game and 'flirted' with a comeback. However, even with a victory in the last quarter by 35 to 26, the Rubro-Negro was defeated in the final second of the match.
Flamengo is seeking its third Basketball World Cup title, after winning the trophy in 2014 and 2022. In the first triumph, the Most Beloved overcame Maccabi Tel Aviv (ISR), with a standout performance by guard Nicolás Laprovittola, who won the tournament's MVP award.
In 2022, Flamengo defeated Hereda San Pablo Burgos (ESP) in the final, 'painting' the world red and black once again. Now, in 2025, the Most Beloved aims to repeat the feat and become three-time world champions.
Flamengo now takes to the court this Friday (19th) to face the Illawarra Hawks (AUS) at 06:00 AM (Brasília time). Due to the loss in the first game, Mengão needs to defeat the Australian team to avoid saying goodbye to the World Cup.
As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will bring all the news about Flamengo's match through the website and social media. However, Flamengo TV (YouTube) will broadcast the match.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.