Dorival keeps fans guessing, Raniele still a doubt for Corinthians | OneFootball

The midfielder Raniele, from Corinthians, is still a doubt for the second leg of the semifinal of the Copa do Brasil. After the 1-0 victory over Cruzeiro at Mineirão this Wednesday, coach Dorival Júnior revealed that the player was not in condition to take the field and kept him suspended for the return match.

“Raniele couldn't even be on the bench. We are doing everything to achieve a recovery by Sunday's game,” said Dorival in a press conference.

Raniele was the only absence for Corinthians in Belo Horizonte. He had an edema in his left ankle after the 1-1 draw with Juventude last Sunday.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

United Group

Even without being able to play, Raniele traveled with the Corinthians delegation to BH and accompanied the team at Mineirão. Dorival saw the gesture as a symbol of the group's unity.

“The demonstration that all the players gave by being present here today shows the strength of the group. What will happen we never know, but there is a team fighting, giving their best,” said the coach.

“It has been a special tournament for the team. We face each match as if it were a decision. I think some have noticed the difficulties we faced. People don't know or know very little about what we went through. Sometimes they don't give importance to it because they want results that don't come due to a series of factors. I see a very determined team, knowing what they want on the field,” he added.

Match Situation

With the 1-0 victory, Corinthians can play for a draw in the second match at Neo Química Arena to advance to the Copa do Brasil final. A one-goal defeat for the black and white team takes the match to penalties. A loss by two or more goals qualifies Cruzeiro.

On the other side of the bracket, Vasco and Fluminense start their battle for a spot in the final this Thursday at 8 PM (Brasília time) at Maracanã.

Next Corinthians Match

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