Thiago Silva's Secret Weapon: Can Defense Win the Club World Cup?
Colaboradores
Fluminense, led by Renato Gaúcho, is defying expectations at the Club World Cup, and their defensive strength is a major reason why. Despite being the most underestimated of the Brazilian teams in the competition, they've secured a spot among the top eight.
Renato Gaúcho has implemented a system with three center-backs shielded by three defensive midfielders, prioritizing defensive solidity. This approach has proven crucial against wealthier and technically superior opponents like Al Hilal, whom they faced in the quarterfinals in Orlando.
The numbers speak for themselves: Fluminense conceded only two goals in their first four games, a record comparable to powerhouses like PSG, Real Madrid, and Palmeiras, and better than Al Hilal, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Chelsea.
This defensive focus marks a significant shift for Renato Gaúcho, whose previous teams often struggled with defensive consistency. While Fluminense currently holds the sixth position in the Brasileirão, their defense ranks only ninth best, highlighting the improvements made for this tournament.
Ahead of the competition, it was argued that Brazilian teams needed a solid defensive foundation to compete with their European counterparts. The Europeans often underestimate the tactical abilities of Brazilian coaches. This defensive strategy has been successful in past encounters, as demonstrated by Paulo Autuori, Abel Braga, and Tite in their respective Club World Cup victories against Liverpool, Barcelona, and Chelsea.
Will Fluminense's defensive prowess be enough to carry them further in the tournament? Only time will tell, but their organized and disciplined approach is undoubtedly turning heads and challenging the conventional wisdom.