Matheuzinho discusses clash with Arroyo, warns about Vasco’s left flank | OneFootball

Matheuzinho engaged in a separate battle in the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil against Cruzeiro. The right-back of Corinthians had to work hard on defense to neutralize Arroyo and even exchanged barbs with the Ecuadorian. The confrontation served as a learning experience for a similar situation he will face in the final against Vasco.

The winger was provoked by Arroyo in Corinthians' 3-0 defeat to Cruzeiro in the Brazilian Championship. Despite the two goals scored by the forward in the semifinal, Matheuzinho returned the provocation after Timão's qualification on penalties. He sees the teasing as natural.

“Man, it's always very difficult, especially for me who likes to support. I have to be 200 times more focused. I can't allow space, otherwise they take advantage. Arroyo had the merit of scoring the goal, but football is a team sport. It doesn't depend only on me,” he stated.

“Regarding provocation, I think it's part of football. The provocation is better for those who win. He provoked me and I kept it up my sleeve, it's part of it. I have nothing against Arroyo, I hope he has a beautiful career. He's a great player,” he added.

Alert for the final

The confrontation with Arroyo left Matheuzinho alert to the next forward he will face on the right side of the field: Andrés Gómez. The winger is one of Vasco's main attacking weapons and has alerted Corinthians for the decision.

“I will seek to be prepared to help Corinthians. From the goals I've seen at Vasco, the left side of the field is where he has taken most advantage of crosses and finishes. All the defenders, the full-backs, Raniele, we will need to stay focused,” he warned.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

Fan vs player

A declared Corinthians fan, Matheuzinho tries to set aside anxiety and focus on the roles he will need to fulfill in the final. He demands that the team makes as few mistakes as possible and gets closer to the national title.

“Anxiety hits hard in this final part. We try not to make mistakes, there are two games where we can't make mistakes. It's a big game, a final, it's about details. Concentration needs to be at its maximum. We showed against Cruzeiro that we were focused, demonstrated maturity in BH to bring an important result. It's a final that everyone will be watching, it was a year of much learning. We have to be 100% focused,” he commented.

“I have affection for the club, but first comes the professional part. Through Corinthians, I support my family, my dreams. I have this dream of winning several titles with this shirt, I've been a fan of the club since I was little, but I put the athlete first. If I'm doing well, Matheuz will be happy too. The fan side takes a back seat a little,” he added.

Matheuzinho is also concerned about cards. He is on the verge of suspension and could miss the second game of the final if he receives a yellow card. Besides the full-back, others at risk are: Rodrigo Garro, Gustavo Henrique, Hugo Souza, Maycon, Breno Bidon, André Ramalho, and Fabrizio Angileri.

“It's a competition with several games, the cards don't reset. I tried to have great emotional balance. This year I received cards for silly reasons, sometimes for arguing or complaining. I had a conversation with my parents and the psychology staff here and said I wouldn't get a card for silly reasons in this final stretch. Of course, if I need to make a foul, I will. Nobody wants to be out of the final, but if it's necessary to make a foul for the good of the team, I will,” he concluded.

Final in sight

The first game of the Copa do Brasil final between Corinthians and Vasco will be this Wednesday. The ball will roll from 9:30 PM (Brasília time) on the field of Neo Química Arena.

The return match is scheduled for Sunday, December 21. The decisive confrontation is set for 6:30 PM, at Maracanã.

Next Corinthians game

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