Fortaleza shows more standard even with less ball possession; Corinthians have the obligation to play much more at Castelão in the return match
The Argentine coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda managed to arm the Ceará team very well, defensively and offensively, the first team from the Northeast to reach the semi-finals of the South American Championship, ensuring a draw in Itaquera. In fact, in several moments, Pici’s Tricolore proved dominant in the match. Fortaleza took the lead through Zé Welison, but the terrible Esteban Daniel Ostojich ‘noticed’ a foul on Fábio Santos. Luckily VAR corrected the Uruguayan referee’s mistake and awarded the goal.
At home, in front of 42,196 paying fans, Corinthians once again counted on the talent of veteran Renato Augusto, who hit a beautiful pass for the much criticized Yuri Alberto. Nice goal. Draw and hope for Timão. Even though he was the top scorer of few goals, two in the South American championship and only 12 in the season, Yuri played well in the first leg of the semi-final of the competition.
Who was better?
The team led by Vojvoda, 48 years old, showed a better level of play than that of the professor (I can’t even jokingly write ‘poofexô’… anyway I just did it, what a shame) Vanderlei Luxemburgo, 71 years old .
Ball possession numbers can deceive the unaware (or idiots of objectivity as Nelson Rodrigues would say): Corinthians 60% x 40% Fortaleza. However, the guests played better. With Caio Alexandre, suspended in the quarter-finals of the competition against América-MG, demonstrating his usual competence in setting up the game and marking on the pitch, Tricolor Ceará had more control in the midfield sector.
In the second phase, the match became more competitive, however, Fortaleza remained more dangerous and had a good chance of winning against the opponent from São Paulo. The draw was an advantage for Vanderlei Luxemburgo.
The two teams will face each other again on Tuesday 3rd at Arena Castelão. Whoever wins, and Fortaleza shows some favoritism, will decide the Conmebol Sul-Americana title against Defensa y Justicia, from Argentina, or LDU, from Ecuador.
Number of “teachers”:
Vanderlei Luxemburgo for Corinthians in 2023: 38 games, 14 wins, 12 draws, 12 defeats, 42 goals scored and 40 goals conceded (a sieve).
Juan Pablo Vojvoda in 2023: 62 games, 36 wins, 10 draws and 16 defeats, 110 goals scored and 55 conceded.
Campaigns in South America:
Group stage:
Group H:
Fortaleza 4 x 0 Palestinian
San Lorenzo 0 x 2 Fortaleza
Fortaleza 6 x 1 Students from Mérida
Fortaleza 3×2 San Lorenzo
Students from Mérida 1 x 0 Fortaleza
Palestinian 1 x 2 Fortaleza
(1st in the group)
Playoffs:
Corinthians 1 x 0 University-PERU
Universitário-PERU 1 x 2 Corinthians
(Fortaleza qualified directly to the round of 16, with 5 wins and one defeat)
Round of 16:
Corinthians 2 x 1 Newell’s Old Boys
Newell’s Old Boys 0 x 0 Corinthians
Libertad 0 x 1 Strength
Fortaleza 1×1 Freedom
Quarter finals:
Corinthians 1 x 0 Estudiantes
Estudiantes 1 x 0 Corinthians (Timão wins on penalties 3-2)
America-MG 1 x 3 Fortaleza
Fortaleza 2 x 1 America-MG
Semi final:
Corinthians 1 x 1 Fortaleza
A big hug from footballers and South Americans.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
