Dorival takes risks, shuns basics, delivers for Corinthians | OneFootball

By André da Silva Costa

Corinthians had only one mission for Wednesday night: to secure a spot in the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. Coach Dorival Júnior could have done this in the simplest way. However, he chose to be bold.

After winning the first leg, a draw with Athletico-PR at the Neo Química Arena would have been enough for Timão to advance. The team could have 'played it safe,' held the result, and played by the book. However, they showed an interesting tactical variation.

Rejecting the 'rice and beans' approach, Dorival made changes to the lineup. He left Yuri Alberto on the bench and altered the team's system. Angileri played as a third defender on the left, freeing Matheus Bidu to explore the wing.

Corinthians controlled the game and only had a scare when Viveros had a goal disallowed. Later, a goal by Rodrigo Garro practically sealed the match. The team managed the advantage well and even increased the score with Gui Negão.

'Rice and beans'?

It was worthwhile for Dorival to conduct tests and still achieve the team's goal, securing a spot in the next phase of the Copa do Brasil, dismissing the reputation that the coach only does the basics.

“I just feel that the evaluations of a match, in general, are done randomly, without showing the work that is being developed. I would like to see the public being provided with more information about what is being done in the matches. It's time for us to prepare more, to deliver more consistent and well-founded content to our listeners. This would be beneficial to all of us,” the coach evaluated in a press conference.

“'Rice and beans' is a term I never considered, I always worked with the players who were there in all the teams I passed through, and even so, we achieved important results. I know there is consistency, planning, I always change the way the team plays. You can be sure that I am very prepared for any and every situation, without wanting to be more than anyone else. That's why the results come naturally to me. I'm close to completing a thousand games, with a volume of important results,” he added.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

Next phase

Qualified, Corinthians now awaits the winner of the clash between Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG to know their opponent in the Copa do Brasil semifinals. Raposa took the lead in the first game, winning 2-0 away, and will decide the match in front of their fans.

The Minas Gerais derby is scheduled for this Wednesday at 7:30 PM (Brasília time) at Mineirão. The semifinals have not yet been scheduled by the CBF, but are expected only in December.

Next Corinthians match

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