Flamengo takes to the field this Saturday, December 13th, against Pyramids FC, from Egito, in a match valid for Copa Challenger of FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The confrontation takes place at Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, at Al Rayyan, at Catar, at 5pm local time, corresponding to 2pm Brasília time. The Brazilian team, led by Filipe Luís, is looking to qualify for the decision against Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled for December 17th. O Pyramids, campeão da Liga dos Campeões da África, chega como representante do continente africano após eliminar adversários em fases anteriores.
A partida define o adversário do PSG na grande final do torneio, que reúne campeões continentais em formato mata-mata. Flamengo advanced after victory over Cruz Azul, while Pyramids overcame teams like Auckland City and Al-Ahli in preliminary stages held in September.
- Broadcast available on TV Globo, SporTV, CazéTV and FIFA+.
- Referee: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim, from Catar.
- Stadium with capacity for around 45 thousand fans, used in the Copa of the Mundo of 2022.
Probable team lineups
Flamengo should align with recently tested formations, prioritizing physical recovery after a short break between games. Filipe Luís has a gradual return of key players, maintaining a base that surpassed Cruz Azul.
- Flamengo (4-2-3-1): Rossi; Varela, Danilo, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro; Pulgar, Jorginho; Plata, Arrascaeta, Carrascal; Everton.
- Options in the bank include Pedro, Bruno Henrique and Luiz Araújo for changes.
Pyramids, coached by Krunoslav Jurčić, spared starters in a recent round of the Egyptian championship to arrive with maximum strength. The Egyptian team bets on defensive organization and quick transitions.
- Pyramids (4-2-3-1): El-Shenawy; Chibi, Marei, Samy, Hamdi; Touré, Lasheen; Zalaka, Atef, Ziko; Mayele.
- Highlights include striker Fiston Mayele, scorer of important goals in the previous stages.
Both lineups follow tactical patterns observed in recent clashes, with possible adjustments as the match develops.
Team trajectory in the tournament
Flamengo started participating directly in the Dérbi phase of the Américas, beating Cruz Azul 2-1 with goals from Arrascaeta. Essa victory guaranteed the symbolic trophy and passage to Copa Challenger. The Brazilian team arrives motivated by recent achievements, including the Libertadores and the Brasileirão.
Pyramids played in the preliminary stages in September, beating Auckland City 3-0 and Al-Ahli 3-1. The team occupies a prominent position in the national championship.
Featured players in the clash
Giorgian from Arrascaeta leads the red and black attack with decisive performances, including goals in the previous phase. The Uruguayan combines game vision and precise finishing, being a central player in creating opportunities.
In Pyramids, Mohamed Ziko and Fiston Mayele represent threats in the offensive sector. Mayele scored in eliminatory duels, exploiting speed and positioning.
- Arrascaeta (Flamengo): Alta rate of key passes and recent goals.
- Mayele (Pyramids): Artilheiro in continental phases.
- Pulgar (Flamengo): Equilíbrio in midfield with ball recoveries.
These athletes directly influence the balance of the match, depending on individual duels.
History of international clashes
Flamengo and Pyramids have never faced each other before, making the duel unprecedented. Rubro-Negro maintains a positive record against African teams in global competitions, with victories in past editions of FIFA tournaments.
Pyramids competes in intercontinental competition for the first time, after rapid rise in African football. Fundado in 2008 and restructured in recent years, the club has won recent continental titles.
Arbitration and broadcast details
Abdulrahman Al-Jassim referees the game, with a low average number of cards in international matches. The refereeing team includes assistants from Catar, ensuring uniform application of the rules.
Broadcasts span multiple platforms for broad reach.
- TV Globo and SporTV on television.
- CazéTV on YouTube and FIFA+ for free streaming.
The confrontation attracts global attention due to the possibility of defining the finalist against PSG.
Physical and tactical preparation
Flamengo manages the load of games with squad rotations, prioritizing recovery after a recent victory. Treinos in Catar focus on ball possession and high pressing, characteristics of the style implemented by Filipe Luís.
The Pyramids benefits from a longer interval, allowing for specific preparation. Jurčić emphasizes defensive discipline to neutralize Brazilian attacks.
Both teams arrive with no significant absences reported, with full squads available.
The winner advances to the Copa Intercontinental final, elevating their status on the global club stage. The match represents an opportunity for an additional trophy in an intense schedule.
