The 2023 Copa do Brasil is reaching its final stretch, with four major clubs competing for two spots in the tournament final.
On August 16th, we will have the second leg of the semi-finals, which promise to be very exciting and balanced.
See below an analysis of the clashes and an artificial intelligence prediction of who will be the champion of the 2023 Copa do Brasil.
Flamengo x Gremio
The first game between Grêmio and Flamengo, at Maracanã, ended with a 2-0 victory for the Rio de Janeiro team, with goals from Arrascaeta and Pedro. The result left Flamengo with an advantage for the return match, at Arena do Grêmio, on August 16, at 9:30 pm.
Flamengo can lose by up to one goal and still qualify. Grêmio needs to win by three goals to qualify in normal time. A 2-0 score for the team from Rio Grande do Sul will take the match to penalties.
The team led by Renato Gaúcho is in fourth place in the Brasileirão table. The team's star player is striker Luis Suárez who, after rumors of a possible transfer, agreed to stay at the Rio Grande do Sul club until December.
Grêmio also has the experience of players such as left-back Reinaldo and defender Kannemann.
Flamengo is in second place in the Brasileirão and continues to chase rival Botafogo for the national title. Flamengo also has a squad full of stars, such as Gabigol, Arrascaeta, Everton Ribeiro and Pedro.
The team also has very experienced players who have played for the Brazilian national team, such as defender David Luís and left-back Felipe Luís.
However, off the field the team is going through a turbulent time, with the attack suffered by striker Pedro, who was punched in the face by fitness coach Pablo Fernández, after the victory over Atlético-MG.
The incident caused outrage among the team and the board of directors, who fired the Argentine professional. Pedro filed a police report and underwent a forensic examination. The player spoke out on social media and said that he has been suffering “psychological cowardice” on the part of the coaching staff.
Corinthians x Sao Paulo
The first game between Corinthians and São Paulo, at Neo Química Arena, ended with a 2-1 victory for the black and white team, with 2 goals scored by Renato Augusto for the home team and Luciano for the visitors. The result left Corinthians with an advantage for the return match, at Morumbi, on August 16, at 7:30 pm.
Corinthians can draw and still qualify for the final. São Paulo needs to win by two goals to qualify in normal time. A score of one goal for the Tricolores will take the decision to penalties.
The team led by Wanderley Luxemburgo is not going through a good phase in the Brazilian championship and occupies only 14th place in the table.
The team's hope for goals is striker Yuri Alberto, who is in good form, and midfielder Renato Augusto, who scored both goals in the first game of the semi-finals.
Corinthians will have a very important absence for the second match, as Róger Guedes has agreed to transfer to Al-Rayyan, from Qatar.
São Paulo has had an inconsistent campaign in the Brasileirão and is in 8th place in the table.
São Paulo is a team that focuses on collective play and ball possession. In the first match against Corinthians, the team had 60% of possession, but was unable to turn this superiority into goals.
Tricolor signed the skilled Colombian midfielder James Rodrigues who was playing in Greek football and is working to be able to count on the player in the decisive game against Corinthians.
Champion Prediction
Based on the analysis of the teams, the clashes and the results of the first games, my prediction is that Flamengo and Corinthians will qualify for the final of the 2023 Copa do Brasil. Both teams have an advantage in the score and in the retrospect against their opponents, in addition to being in a better moment.
The final, which will be played in two games on August 23 and 30, promises to be balanced and exciting. Flamengo has a more qualified squad and a more powerful attack, but Corinthians has a more solid defense and a cup spirit.
Based on the analysis of data from Corinthians and Flamengo, my prediction is:
The champion of the Copa do Brasil will be Flamengo.