Why Flamengo believe this could finally be their year | OneFootball

As Flamengo prepare for their latest shot at the Club World Cup, optimism mingles with a sense of unfinished business among those closest to the club. Rodinei, a former right-back who featured in the 2019 final against Liverpool, believes the current squad have the quality to challenge for the title, but cautions that the outcome will be decided only when the games begin.

"This group of players is of a very high level. The investment is huge—so of course, Flamengo have every chance of competing for a world title," Rodinei told Lance!, recalling both the club's historic triumph in 1981 and their bittersweet night in 2019. "When the ball rolls, anything can happen, no matter the opponent—be it Real Madrid, Chelsea, or Olympiacos."

Rodinei, now plying his trade in Greece, speaks from experience. In 2019, Flamengo came up just short, losing in extra time to Liverpool. "In football, there’s no such thing as deserving to win. But if you look at how we played against Liverpool, we deserved that title," he reflected. The defeat still stings, but serves as motivation for the current side, which he describes as “surreal” in terms of talent and depth.

That depth has been on full display recently. In their final home match before heading to the United States, Flamengo thrashed Fortaleza 5-0 at a sold-out Maracanã to move top of the Brasileirão. Arrascaeta dictated play throughout, scoring his ninth league goal, and Luiz Araújo ended his goal drought with a second-half brace. The squad’s rotation options were also evident, with Michael, Pedro, and the fit-again Pulgar all making impacts off the bench.

Preparations for the Club World Cup have, however, not been entirely smooth. Injuries remain a concern, especially for key players like winger Gonzalo Plata and midfielder De La Cruz, both of whom have been nursing knocks. Manager Filipe Luís has had to balance his selections, keeping several starters rested and some, like Pulgar, under medical guidance. Plata's situation in particular has sparked friction, as his recent call-up to Ecuador’s national team came while he remains sidelined with a knee injury, leading to discord between club and country.

Despite these challenges, there’s a tangible sense of belief around the club. Flamengo’s supporters bade farewell to the team with tributes to the 1981 world champions, underscoring the stature and expectations ahead of this new-format tournament. The team travel to the U.S. as South America’s standard-bearers, aiming to do what no Brazilian club has managed in over a decade: defeat Europe’s elite on the world stage.

As Rodinei put it, “When we step onto the pitch, it’s eleven against eleven. Flamengo definitely have what it takes to win big games and maybe even bring another world title home to Brazil.” The next chapter begins with a meeting against Espérance de Tunis on June 16.

Source: Lance