Flamengo at the Azteca, from ‘bad win’ to Mexico draw, as World Cup kicks off | OneFootball

Estadio Azteca in Mexico City hosts the World Cup’s opening match on Thursday 11 at 16:00 Brasília time, with Mexico facing South Africa in Group A. The iconic venue also carries vivid memories for Flamengo supporters.

According to Coluna Do Fla, Flamengo have played at the Azteca five times, across friendlies and tournaments. The most recent visit came in 2008 in the Copa Libertadores last 16, a triumph that proved bittersweet.

That night, the Rubro-Negro beat América do México 4-2, with Marcinho scoring twice and Diego Tardelli and Léo Moura also on target. The joy faded in the return at the Maracanã, where a 3-0 defeat ended their campaign.

Previous trips were tougher. In the 1987 Torneo Azteca, Flamengo lost 1-0 to Cruz Azul and 3-0 to América do México, while a 1967 friendly against Necaxa finished 2-1 to the hosts. Their first Azteca outing, in 1962, brought a 2-2 draw with the Mexico national team.

Coverage will air on Globo and SBT, with SporTV, GeTV on Globoplay and CazéTV on YouTube also carrying the game.

Source: Coluna Do Fla