São Paulo and Flamengo are the finalists of the Copa Betano do Brasil. But, does the national football fan know exactly what is the Copa Betano do Brasil?
The Copa do Brasil is the most democratic competition in Brazilian football as it encompasses clubs from the four national divisions of virtually all states. In addition, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) distributed approximately R$ 500 million to the 92 participating clubs.
According to the CBF website, the two finalist clubs guaranteed R$ 30 million each for a place in the decision. The champion will receive R$ 70 million for winning the title.
The two semifinals were sold out at Morumbi and Maracanã, with more than 120,000 fans watching the games in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. São Paulo eliminated Corinthians and Flamengo overcame Grêmio in both duels.
The first match of the Copa Betano do Brasil final will be played on September 17th. The final will be on the 24th of September. Games will be played on two Sundays.
Flamengo dreams of winning the Copa do Brasil for the fifth time
Flamengo players Filipe Luís and Everton Ribeiro and coach Jorge Sampaoli recently answered questions about the decision and highlighted the greatness of defending that title. After all, the club from Rio de Janeiro is the current champion.
“Special moment, we had to go through difficult teams, we had to concentrate to reach the final. We face it as if it were the first, we really want this title. We will prepare well to be able to play two great games”, commented Everton Ribeiro.
“It is a great privilege to be able to play in another Copa do Brasil final, a competition that I grew up dreaming of winning. Last year I was able to touch this beautiful trophy. This year we have another chance. Due to the greatness of this game, against a team like São Paulo , we will find a crowded, beautiful Morumbi, and Maracanã with a wonderful party”, said Filipe Luís.
Flamengo entered the third phase of the Copa do Brasil and passed through Maringá-PR, Fluminense, Athletico Paranaense and Grêmio. Rubro-Negro is looking for the fifth title of the competition to equal the second biggest winner, Grêmio.
“I think demanding command now is circumstantial. We know that we have to try to win both games to be champion. The difficulty will not be the command, but São Paulo”, said coach Jorge Sampaoli.
São Paulo seeks unprecedented title of the competition
São Paulo players Rafinha and Calleri commented on the possibility of winning the unprecedented title of the Copa Betano do Brasil for São Paulo. “The truth is that for us it is an event that the club has not had for 20 years, it is an unprecedented title for the club”, said Calleri.
Being here is representative, I’m happy to take São Paulo to another final. We will play against a great club, but we are very keen to take the cup to São Paulo, hopefully it will be the year”, he added.
But what is the Copa Betano do Brasil 2023 for São Paulo? Along the way, the team faced Ituano-SP, Sport, Palmeiras and Corinthians. The list has three clubs from São Paulo, two of which are rivals, in addition to the team from Pernambuco, champion in 2008.
The last time Tricolor Paulista reached the decision of the competition was in 2000. In the 2022 edition, the team was eliminated in the semifinals by the same Flamengo, which had coach Dorival Jr. If he becomes champion, Dorival Jr. will lift the cup for the third time.
“More important than the personal conquest, will be the conquest of a club. I am very pleased to have had a job ahead of Flamengo, rival in the final, but for me what will mark is the possibility of another final dispute” , said the coach.
“It’s my fourth, the main thing is that I can satisfy the club. Flamengo and São Paulo arrived on merit. There is no favoritism. The decision will be up to their fight on fields in these two matches that will be memorable”, concluded Dorival.
What is the Copa Betano do Brasil?
This year, the sports betting company Betano is sponsoring and had the opportunity to nominate the most relevant knockout competition in Brazilian football.
In addition to the financial reward, the Copa do Brasil also grants a direct place in the group stage of the Copa Conmebol Libertadores. Libertadores is the most important championship among football clubs in South America. Flamengo is the current champion of the competition.
Check out the information for each game of the Copa Betano do Brasil:
First game
09/17 – Sunday
Flamengo x São Paulo – 16h – Maracanã (RJ)
Second game
24/09 – Sunday
São Paulo x Flamengo – 16h – Morumbi (SP)
