Rafael Paiva highlighted the importance of the game against Atlético for Vasco (photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco)
“The most important game of the last 11 years for Vasco”. This is coach Rafael Paiva’s view of the Copa do Brasil semi-final against Atlético. The commander planned the duel after the Rio team’s 3-0 defeat to São Paulo, this Wednesday (16/10).
With the result at the Golden Earring of the Princess Stadiumin Campinas, Cruzmaltino remains in 10th place in the Brazilian Championship. Far from the G6, the club is clinging to the possibility of lifting a trophy again after 13 years.
Vasco even won two Carioca Championships during this period, in 2015 and 2016, but remained far from major tournament decisions. The last time they reached further in a knockout stage was in 2013, when they fell in the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil to Goiás.
We have to face our final, as we have faced some games. But this is in fact the most important game of the last 11 years. We have to give the weight of this being our final, of leaving everything on the field, of being a fierce team. Competing a lot, we are the ones who have to make things happen on the field.
Rafael Paiva, Vasco coach
Message to Vasco fans
Rafael Paiva also sent a message to Vasco fans. The team hasn’t won in seven games, but the coach understands that the players can give “an answer” against Atlético.
“We need to get the result. Saturday is the most important game for this. The message to the fans is to keep believing in us, because we are going to turn things around, fight hard to play a great game on Saturday”, he promised.
“We need to give this response to the fans and there will be no lack of fight, will and determination, because it is very important for Vasco to reach this final. Vasco is too big to go so long without reaching the final of a Brazilian competition”, he concluded.
Vasco x Atlético in the Brazilian Cup
To advance to the final of the Copa do Brasil, Vasco will have to beat Atlético by at least two goals. Triumph by one goal takes the decision to penalties, as the Minas Gerais team emerged victorious in the first leg 2-1, at Arena MRV.
The teams will face each other this Saturday, at 6:30 pm, at the São Januário Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro.
The Most Important Game in Years: Vasco Faces Atlético
Welcome back, football fans! Grab your popcorn—and perhaps a few curse words, because we’re about to delve into the thrilling* world of Brazilian football where our beleaguered protagonist, Vasco, finds itself on the precipice of potential glory against Atlético. Now, if you’re struggling to remember the last time Vasco lifted a major trophy, don’t worry. The last time they had a sip of success was 13 years ago. They’ve had about as much luck as a cat at a dog show since then.
Vasco’s head honcho, coach Rafael Paiva, is bringing the pep talks back with a vengeance, declaring this match the “most important game of the last 11 years.” And why wouldn’t he? After being smashed 3-0 by São Paulo, the only way is up, right? Oh wait—this is football. We could very well slip and end up marking ourselves in the history books for all the wrong reasons.
The Current Standing: A Comedy of Errors
At present, our dear Cruzmaltino graces the 10th spot in the Brazilian Championship, far from the glitzy G6. Picture them not so much as competitors, but more as guest stars—showing up for the afterparty just to say they were invited, but knowing they’re not the main act. It’s been 13 years since they’ve tasted cup glory, and despite racking up two Carioca Championships in 2015 and 2016 like they’re collecting Pokémon cards, it’s the big fish they’re after.
The last time they even bothered to show up in a knockout game was in 2013, when they were unceremoniously booted out by Goiás in the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil. That’s like showing up to a rave and then being sent home because you’ve forgotten your glow sticks. Not ideal!
“We have to face our final, as we have faced some games. But this is in fact the most important game of the last 11 years,” Rafael Paiva declared enthusiastically. Let’s hope his boys translate that vibe into something tangible on match day!
A Message to the Tortured Fans
Now, fans of Vasco, I do hope you’ve been practicing your patience. Seven games without a win might feel like a sitcom featuring those painfully awkward moments no one signed up for. But fear not; Paiva seems to have a degree in optimism. He believes these players can ‘show some response’ against Atlético—an affirmation that sounds as reassuring as a ticklish bear hugging anyone under the age of ten.
“We need to get the result. Saturday is the most important game for this. The message to the fans is to keep believing because we will turn things around,” he assured. Bless him—he might just be able to sell sand in a desert.
The D-Day: Facing the Atlético Behemoth
So what’s the game plan for this epic showdown? Well, Vasco needs to not just win. They need to channel their inner gladiators because they must beat Atlético by at least two goals. Anything less and we’ll be going the full drama series route—extra time, penalties, and all the occasion for crying into your beer!
They meet on Saturday at 6:30 PM at the iconic São Januário Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, where the energy will be hotter than a chili pepper in a sauna. Will they manage to conquer their foes or will we witness yet another tragic episode in the long-running soap opera that is Vasco’s recent history? Buckle up, folks; it’s going to be a bumpy, thrilling ride!
