Preview for Flamengo v Esperance
Flamengo boss Filipe Luis says there shall be no diversion from his excessive press recreation when the Brazilian facet open their Membership World Cup marketing campaign towards Esperance tonight.
The previous Atletico Madrid left-back took over at Flamengo in October and instantly vowed to play a “European fashion” of urgent their opponents as excessive as potential up the pitch.
A latest research from the Soccer Observatory revealed Flamengo had surpassed the likes of Barcelona and Manchester Metropolis in common area depth – that means their defence sits larger up the pitch, in direction of the opposing crew’s objective – and have been the best urgent crew in world soccer.
They’ll get the prospect to showcase their fashion towards Esperance earlier than video games towards Chelsea and LAFC in Group D.
Filipe Luis stated: “We attempt to assault on a regular basis, all the time making an attempt to dominate the sport having the ball. What’s going to decide place on the sphere would be the opponent. If they’ve extra high quality and we’ve got to defend, we’ll defend. However our method of enjoying would be the similar. I’ll all the time attempt to press in the identical method.”
THE DAY HAS FINALLY COME! GAMEDAY IN THE FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 🗺️🏆
Watch all video games reside and without spending a dime on the DAZN App! #TakeItToTheWorld #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/9o5F0oMSU6
— Flamengo (@Flamengo_en) June 16, 2025
On paper, they need to be too good for Esperance, the 34-time champions of Tunisia.
The Africans have a few secret weapons, nevertheless, within the form of Brazilian duo Yan Sasse and Rodrigo Rodrigues.
Sasse performed within the Brazilian Serie A for Coritiba, Vasco da Gama and America Mineiro whereas Rodrigues got here by way of at Palmeiras earlier than stints with CSA and Juventude in Serie B.
Rodrigues advised Lance: “Flamengo have top-class gamers proper throughout the board, not simply on the again.
“However we’ve additionally acquired a squad brimming with expertise. I’m anticipating an open match, through which Flamengo will attempt to play on the entrance foot. When a crew got down to assault, they depart gaps in behind, which we’ll look to take advantage of. Something can occur in soccer. There are upsets and shock outcomes each day.”
Alex Sandro is prone to be match for Flamengo after being with the Brazil squad for his or her latest World Cup qualifiers.
Nicolas de la Cruz is anticipated to overlook out as he recuperates from a knee downside whereas former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Jorginho might should accept a spot on the bench.
Esperance captain Yassine Meriah is again from a long-term absence and can begin. Rodrigues and Sasse will kind two thirds of the entrance three.
Flamengo: Rossi; Wesley, Ortiz, Danilo, Sandro; Gerson, Evertton; Araujo, De Arrascaeta, Michael; Pedro
Esperance: Memmiche; Bouchniba, Jelassi, Meriah, Ben Hamida; Guenichi, Konate, Ogbelu; Sasse, Rodrigues, Belaili