Six reasons why Corinthians reached the semis despite off-pitch turmoil | OneFootball

The Corinthians overcame a series of off-field adversities and managed to reach the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. This Wednesday, starting at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), the black-and-white team begins the battle for a spot in the final against Cruzeiro at Mineirão.

The year for Corinthians was somewhat turbulent off the field. In addition to a transfer ban and various financial problems, there was the impeachment of president Augusto Melo and an endless political war. However, the squad held it together and still has the opportunity to finish the season with a national title.

See six factors that led Corinthians to the semi:

Shielded Training Center

The great asset for Corinthians was the shielding of the Dr. Joaquim Grava Training Center. Despite countless obstacles off the pitch, the club's football executive, Fabinho Soldado, managed to convey calmness to the squad and ensured stability for coach Dorival Júnior's work.

The coach has even publicly praised Fabinho and highlighted the professional's effort on more than one occasion.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

Dorival Júnior

The hiring of Dorival Júnior was decisive for Corinthians' journey in the Copa do Brasil. A champion of the competition with Santos (2010), Flamengo (2022), and São Paulo (2023), as well as a runner-up in 2015, the coach hasn't been eliminated from the tournament since the quarterfinals of 2016.

Since then, he has participated in 13 matches with different clubs and advanced in all of them. This year, the coach led Timão to victories over Novorizontino, Palmeiras, and Athletico-PR.

Momentum from the Derby

The triumph in the match against Palmeiras also made a difference. The classification in the Derby propelled Corinthians towards the semifinal and kept the club confident in the fight for the title.

Timão was superior throughout the entire confrontation. In the first leg, at the Neo Química Arena, the team won 1-0, with a goal from Memphis Depay. In the return leg, they took advantage of Aníbal Moreno's quick expulsion and dominated the rival, winning 2-0.

Gui Negão

Another decisive figure in the campaign is Gui Negão. The young forward had to step up during the period when Yuri Alberto and Memphis Depay were injured and became a protagonist.

The Son of Terrão started in both quarterfinal matches against Athletico-PR and contributed to all three goals scored by the team in the confrontation. He found the net in the first leg, in Curitiba, and scored a goal and provided an assist in the return leg, in Itaquera.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

Solid Defense

Corinthians demonstrated a very solid defense throughout the entire Copa do Brasil campaign. Timão, not surprisingly, has not conceded a goal in the competition. Dorival's team did not suffer any goals in six matches played.

“Different Posture”

The season for Corinthians was full of ups and downs. The team's inconsistency in the Brazilian Championship, in fact, became one of the main criticisms from the fans throughout the year. However, the posture in the Copa do Brasil was always different.

In all the matches of the competition, the team showed more focus and made fewer mistakes. The difference was even acknowledged by goalkeeper Hugo Souza, one of the group's leaders, in a press conference.

“Wrongly on our part, but our posture in Cup games is completely different. This brings a great sense of security, at least for me, knowing that in these games we will enter with the mentality that there can be no mistakes. It's zero mistakes,” said the goalkeeper.

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