In the victory against São Bento, the three goals scored by the Tricolore came from the same starting point: the set piece
If a set piece wasn’t one of São Paulo’s great ‘strengths’ in 2022, this season is different. Against São Bento, in the 3-0 win, all the tricolor nets had the same origin. And it is worth underlining the importance of this match: with the result, the team has already secured qualification for the quarterfinals of the Paulista Championship.
The first goal comes from a corner kick by Wellington Rato, scored by Giuliano Galoppo. The second, scored by Pedrinho, came from an Alisson free kick. The last one, scored by Calleri, once again from a free kick – this time with Patryck – Cria de Cotia.
But the attacking set piece wasn’t exclusive to this encounter with São Bento, but something that was with Tricolor for a few games. Overall, there have been eight set-piece goals in ten games played in 2023. And there is one name largely responsible for that: Wellington Rato.
In addition to the “poisonous” corner kick taken this Tuesday (21), Rato has increasingly established himself as the “official cruiser” of São Paulo Tricolor. If you analyze the other games of the San Paolo, there have been three assists given in this way.
Set pieces have been one of Rogério Ceni’s major concerns over the past year. But with the arrival of the reinforcement, which has so far been present in every game of the season, it seems solved. When it comes to football, one statement is practically the law: a team that has a dangerous dead ball always raises the bar.
As for the match, the first half looked promising. However, almost in the final minutes of the first stage, salvation came. In the second half, a similar pace. The Tricolor tried to create something more, focusing a lot on the presence of Caio on the left wing, very offensive. But the other two goals that came out followed the same script.
During the post-match press conference, the coach acknowledged the importance that set pieces had for the team, underlining that it is an aspect on which a lot is being worked on in training. Regarding Wellington Rato as the main actor in this sense, he pointed out that he is one of the ones that he offers the most
– The dead ball has to be very prepared and Charles (assistant coach) has worked a lot. I always dedicate those 20 minutes before training to work on submissions, moves, combinations. He takes some players to take that corner kick, it’s essential. It is essential to have a good scout. Tall players, who attack the ball well, both in the first and second crossbar. Is critical. Rato was fundamental, the player who gave the most since he arrived because he decided the game a lot. He is also good with the rolling ball, he competes a lot – he said -.
For the first time in a long time, San Paolo’s set-pieces greatly influenced the team’s victories. And if the problem was the lack of an official collector, by all accounts, it seems solved.
Source: Terra
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