What a terrible display of football we were treated to yesterday at the Maracanã Stadium. Despite the technical superiority of Palmeiras’ squad, both teams were leveled in making their supporters nervous with basic errors of passes. The goals were scored in the only two shots on the goal that the teams managed to create. The horrible pitch did the rest to spoil the fun.Â
Line-up
Jailson; Marcos Rocha, Luan, Vitor Hugo and Viña; Bruno Henrique (Ramires), Gabriel Menino (Patrick de Paula) and Raphael Veiga (Willian); Zé Rafael (Scarpa), Rony (Lucas Lima) and Luiz Adriano.
Luan, Gabriel Menino and Scarpa received yellow cards.
.
.
Green light
Luiz Adriano was the only positive outcome of yesterday’s game. He scored Palmeiras’ sole goal with a classy shot and did not commit embarrassing errors like the others. That being said, he missed a golden opportunity to score the winner in the 84th minute.
Yellow light
Luxemburgo might have all the excuses he needs relating to a tight schedule, no time for training and the pandemic situation. This doesn’t change the fact that yesterday’s performance was unacceptable in every senses. One would expect the title against Corinthians giving the team a boost for the first few matches of the Brazilian Championship, but clearly one stands corrected.
Red light
Raphael Veiga, Zé Rafael, Gustavo Scarpa and Lucas Lima. These four midfielders are blowing each and every chance they have to prove their value in the squad. When they touch the ball, the hope of something good happening instantly evaporates. Rony put out another mediocre performance, as did Willian. Is there anything that will make these men play ball again? And while we’re at it, Bruno Henrique needs to lose a few pounds a.s.a.p.
Next challenge
Palmeiras’ next game is against Goiás at the Allianz Parque, on Saturday 15th. The team from Goiânia didn’t play in the first round because ten of their players were diagnosed with COVID-19. A victory is essential to get back on track.
Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
– – – ooo – – –
by Augusto Anteghini Oazi & Kristian Bengtson
*Here at Anything Palmeiras, we love football. We love Palmeiras. We are always keen to see Palmeiras play, and keen to write about it for you. But we’re against the return of football in a country that still hasn’t controlled the coronavirus pandemic. We express our deepest sympathy to the families whose loved ones have been taken by the disease. Â
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 