Opinion – PVC: Fluminense has a new tactic in attack for the world to discover

Fluminense deserved to beat Palmeiras on Saturday (27), and that was recognized by coach Abel Ferreira. In his press conference, asked about his rival having a style different from anything that is practiced in the world, or if this is an exaggeration, Abel said that he is distinct, yes, and very linked to the characteristics of his coach, Fernando Diniz.

Shortly before this question, Abel Ferreira stated: “He has a very peculiar way of playing”.

Abel Ferreira does not seem to be delighted with the balance of Fluminense. He praises and is surprised by the attacking characteristics, but the post-game also showed the Palmeirense coach emphasizing that Flu concedes many goals.

In the 15th round, Fernando Diniz’s team had the second least leaked defense of the Brazilian. In the next nine games, he conceded 14 goals. Palmeiras, four.

Surprising even is the difficulty that is found to mark Fluminense.

There is no reference in football’s tactical bibliography to teams that pile players on the side of the ball, to invade the defense with short passes, mostly attackers against defenders. Fernando Diniz never dared to say that he invented a new tactic. But he created. He says he is inspired only by the characteristics of the athletes he has at his disposal.

English journalist Jonathan Wilson, author of “The Inverted Pyramid”, a document on tactics in the history of the game, says that Brazil was innovative in attacking strategies, until the 1990s. Especially in the 1970 World Cup.

Just look at Carlos Alberto’s goal, with Jairzinho luring his personal scorer, Giacinto Facchetti, to the left side. This opened up the entire opposite side for Carlos Alberto to score Brazil’s fourth goal against Italy, the most brilliant collective creation in World Cup history.

Abel also addressed the difficulty of marking inversions to the opposite side. This feature is more common and equally surprising.

Fluminense attracts the opponent’s defenders to one side, makes it difficult to mark and creates a free runner on the opposite side. That was Cano’s goal, in Samuel Xavier’s play, in the 4-0 over Corinthians, in July. Or Samuel’s throw to Cris Silva, in the goal of Arias, in the 2-2 with Corinthians, for the Copa do Brasil.

Also a reversal of Arias, for Samuel Xavier, which could have resulted in a goal against Palmeiras.

“If they always play at this level, they will fight for the Cup and for the Brazilian”, praised Abel Ferreira.

It won’t be easy to take the title away from Parque Antarctica. The downside for Abel’s team is the table. The Palmeiras will play away from home against Bragantino, Atlético-MG, Athletico-PR and Internacional. They also visited Corinthians and Fluminense and only received Flamengo on their return.

The table is exactly the opposite of the red-black one, and that leaves the idea of ​​a trophy still open. If it is as competent against the strongest as it was in the first round, Palmeiras could be the first Brazilian champion, by consecutive points, undefeated as a visitor.

With the unification of the titles, there are six winners without defeat: Palmeiras (1960), Santos (1962, 1963 and 1964), Cruzeiro (1966) and Internacional (1979).

the dreamed title

Forget the defeat to the Stronghold. São Paulo needs to get out of the bottom of the Brazilian, but win a title. Nine years without a cup, Paulista 2021, now the chance is the South American. Tactically, Rogério Ceni makes his team improve, but results don’t help.

The last chance

Corinthians can win the Copa do Brasil, but will have to face the innovative Fluminense. Before, he plays this Monday (29) against Bragantino. Title chances are remote, but victory at Neo Química Arena will leave the team eight points behind the leader, like Flu.