Diniz: Vasco better than Corinthians, pitch cost us victory | OneFootball

Coach Fernando Diniz viewed Vasco's performance positively in the 0-0 draw with Corinthians on Wednesday at the Neo Química Arena, in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil final. The coach even stated that the team from Rio should have left São Paulo with a victory.

"We played better, deserved to win the game. But I don't feel frustrated. It will be decided at the Maracanã. There's a good feeling. Defensively, it was the best match under my command. We were very disciplined, especially Philippe Coutinho and Rayan. We didn't win due to a detail. I'm satisfied with the players' effort," he said.

"We marked well. The players were committed. We didn't give them real chances. But we could have circulated the ball faster when we had possession, to reach with more speed and fluidity," he added.

Despite the draw away from home, Diniz highlighted that the final is still undecided.

"I don't believe we can relax. The players are focused. There's no celebration. The final is open. We have to correct today's mistakes. We have things to work on. Mentally, we know we will stay focused," he analyzed.

Did the pitch interfere?

The coach also spoke about the pitch at the Neo Química Arena. According to him, the style of the home team's field hindered the visitors.

"What affected us the most was the pitch, because Corinthians' field is different. It's different for handling and controlling. Many players who aren't used to making mistakes, made passing errors. It's somewhat similar to what happens on synthetic grass. The field is excellent, but it's different, it has a different timing," he concluded.

Situation of the match

The result keeps everything open for the second leg of the decision. The winner of the return match will take the Copa do Brasil title. If the aggregate score remains tied, the decision will go to penalties.

The decisive match is scheduled for this Sunday. The ball will roll from 6 PM (Brasília time) on the Maracanã pitch, in Rio de Janeiro.

Next match

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