According to former Brazilian internationals Julio Cesar and Bebeto, Flamengo has every chance of beating Champions League winners Liverpool in the final of the Club World Cup.
Copa Libertadores winners Flamengo came from a goal behind to beat Middle Easterners Al Hilal 3-1 in their semi-final clash on Tuesday, while Liverpool edged past Monterrey 2-1 thanks to Roberto Firmino’s late goal and the two teams will meet in the final on Saturday.
Jorge Jesus’ Flamengo stunned River Plate in November’s Copa Libertadores decider, as Gabriel Barbosa’s last-gasp brace secured the imperative win against their South American fierce rivals.
Former Brazil and Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar started and ended his senior career with Flamengo, and the 40-year-old ex-shot stopper believes that his old side can cause another upset in Saturday’s final in Doha.
While speaking to reporters, Cesar admitted that under Jorge Jesus’ arrival, Flamengo has all the chances of causing an upset, “Flamengo have the opportunity [of winning the championship]. They’re very confident and will face Liverpool, a great team, as we know, But Flamengo has all the conditions of winning this game. Flamengo showed excellent football this year. With Jorge Jesus’ arrival, the players could quickly understand his philosophy and methodology and this made Flamengo winner of two competitions, the Brazilian Championship and Libertadores. Flamengo is going to this final full of confidence.”
Another one of Flamengo and Brazil’s player, Bebeto, echoed Cesar’s statements, insisting that the club will have the entire South American country behind them for the final, “I have to keep my heart strong, it’s such a joy to see Flamengo, after 38 years, in the fight for their second world title. I want that everything can go well and that we can win this title, that’s so important. Not only for Flamengo fans but for all Brazilians. Flamengo is playing very well, they will fight for this title, it will be a tough game, we all know this. Liverpool is a great team, they are Champions League winners and we are Libertadores winners and also winners at Brazil Championship. So, let’s go, we have to believe, always.”
