Abel Ferreira knew that Chelsea were a big mountain to face. “If you’re going to face a mountain, you need to do it in a different way.” That’s what he wrote in his famous text on the website “The Coaches Voice”.
“If your opponent is on the same level as you, it’s ok, you can attack him.” But Abel said, even before the trip to Abu Dhabi, it was necessary to admit: Chelsea are better.
Or was.
(Check out the bid by bid of the Club World Cup final)
Because the only way to win was to use different, surprising strategies, capable of taking Goliath out of the comfort of his castle. Took out.
Palmeiras had an excellent performance, in an unequal confrontation against a European rival. But with a defensive tactical decision, as Abel Ferreira was known to do.
Ron sacrificed himself to act as a right winger and the team scored individually.
Scarpa and Ron took the wingers, Azpilicueta and Hudson Odoi. Piquerez marked Mount, with Marcos Rocha accompanying Havertz. Luan and Gustavo Gómez took turns with Lukaku, Zé Rafael with Kanté, Danilo with Kovacic.
Palmeiras delayed their team, but took danger in counterattacks, to the point of finishing the first half with the same number of correct shots as Chelsea. The normal time ended with three against two of the English.
It was very different from the victory of Corinthians over the English rival, in 2012, or of São Paulo, against Liverpool, when Rogério Ceni was the best on the field and saw 21 shots by the English against four of São Paulo.
In the past, South America vs Europe duels always had the Europeans betting on strategy and the South Americans on attack. Today, it is almost impossible to play differently. Flamengo tried to face Liverpool head on and only lost in extra time. Palmeiras had many equal moments. Always thanks to strategy and marking.
Of the Chelsea players, the only one unmarked was Thiago Silva, who tried his first long-range shot in the 45th minute of the first half. It took danger. And the most decisive among those directed by Thomas Tuchel was Lukaku. The only ball that reached his finishing ability caught Lukaku a step above Luan, in the head. Chelsea goal.
The cameras caught people from Palmeiras, who gave a show in the stands, pointing the two index fingers towards the head, repeating the gesture of Abel Ferreira. Because Thiago Silva did not use his head, but his hand. Penalty accurately taken by Raphael Veiga: 1 x 1.
Chelsea respected Palmeiras, to the point of telling the story of the Copa Rio on their official website. The article explained to the blue fans in London the importance of the Club World Cup for a people who had always dreamed of it. Don’t get lost in the rivalry, don’t think that the Copa Rio only gained importance for the green people after the rivals’ world cups.
No, 40 years ago, tours through the former trophy room of Parque Antarctica always had the 1951 cup as a point of attraction. One of Abel Ferreira’s merits was understanding the desire, understanding the soul of the people of Palmeiras.
Anyone who simply walked through the streets of Perdizes on Saturday morning and had empathy would understand the importance of what was happening. Abel understood.
The players entered the soul of the shirt they wore.
The last two finals between Brazilians and English show that Brazil is not so far away. Two overtimes, twice for details.
Palmeiras deserved to win for the effort. Inequality is FIFA’s problem regarding the development of football on the planet.
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