How Vasco have fared at World Cup pauses, and where they stand now | OneFootball

Vasco enter the calendar pause in the Brazilian top flight relegation zone, 17th on 20 points after three straight defeats under Renato Gaúcho. The break is seen as a chance to reset with reinforcements and recoveries.

According to Globo.com, World Cup pauses have often proved turning points for the club over the last 20 years. Here is how Vasco stood each time.

In 2006 the league halted after 10 rounds with Vasco 14th on 13 points. They surged to the brink of Libertadores but drew 0-0 at Figueirense, Leandro Amaral hitting the bar in stoppage time. They finished sixth with 59 points, the berth went to Paraná.

Before South Africa 2010, they were 19th with five points after seven rounds. Celso Roth left for Internacional during the pause, Paulo César Gusmão took charge and results improved. Eder Luis, Felipe and Zé Roberto arrived, Carlos Alberto stayed, and Vasco finished 11th to reach the 2011 Sudamericana.

In 2014, in Serie B, the pause came after 10 rounds with Vasco sixth. Despite names such as Kléber Gladiador, Douglas and Guiñazu, they never clicked and returned with a modest third place behind Joinville and Ponte Preta. A 1-1 with Icasa at the Maracanã sealed promotion amid boos, and ABC ended their Copa do Brasil run in the last 16.

In 2018 Zé Ricardo resigned before the Russia break with the team 11th on 16 points, Jorginho lasted 10 games, then Alberto Valentim and Valdir Bigode also took charge. Maxi López, signed during the pause, delivered seven goals and five assists in 19 games as Vasco survived in 16th with 43 points.

Qatar 2022 fell at year’s end, by then Vasco had already secured promotion by beating Ituano away on the final Serie B round.

Now back in the drop zone, Gaúcho’s staff have July to address faults and integrate additions. The club will hope the restart mirrors the upturns seen most clearly in 2006 and 2010.

Source: Globo.com