Hard truths for Flamengo after Club World Cup exit | OneFootball

According to reporting from UOL and Lance, Flamengo’s elimination by Bayern Munich at the Club World Cup has prompted clear introspection among players and staff, spotlighting several hard lessons as the team turns focus back to domestic competition.

The 4-2 defeat in Miami showcased both the promise and vulnerabilities of Filipe Luís’ side. Bayern’s aggressive high press and clinical finishing exposed lapses in Flamengo’s concentration and ball management—issues that proved fatal in the opening minutes. As defender Léo Pereira noted after the match, “It is always difficult to play well out from the back under heavy pressure. We knew it would be that way, so it wasn’t a surprise. At times we managed, but at other times they pressed, won the ball, and scored.”

The early flurry saw Flamengo concede twice before ten minutes had elapsed—a Pulgar own goal followed by Kane capitalizing on another mistake near their own area. This stretch highlighted a mental tension and a lack of alertness under high stakes, which the squad recognizes must be addressed for future challenges in competitions like the Libertadores and the Brasileirão.

While the team found a way back with goals from Gerson and a penalty by Jorginho, any momentum was offset by renewed defensive errors. “We started making mistakes we usually don’t make,” said Pereira. “Against opponents of this level, every detail becomes decisive.” The squad’s attempt to persist with its style—building out of defense even under duress—drew mixed reflection internally and externally. Renato Gaúcho, watching with his Fluminense squad, used Flamengo’s experience as a caution: “Sometimes you have to clear your lines; it’s beautiful for the fans but risky against that kind of press.”

Individual decision-making also drew focus. Luiz Araújo, who impressed going forward, saw an error punished for Bayern’s fourth. Pulgar’s own goal and his substitution with a suspected foot injury further complicated matters, leaving midfield dynamics disrupted.

Despite the result, Flamengo’s commitment and the magnitude of their support attracted positive notice. Over 60,000 mostly Brazilian fans filled the Miami stadium, something Pereira described as “moving” and “incredible.” Players emphasized that the lesson-rich outing would be used to strengthen squad mentality and tactical discipline moving forward.

The statistics told a story of a generally even match—Flamengo actually edged possession and matched Bayern in shots on target—but the difference was sharpened at both ends: clinical finishing by Bayern, and costly errors under pressure from Flamengo.

With the Club World Cup now behind them, Flamengo returns to the Brasileirão, recognizing the value of composure and sharpness against world-class opponents. The extent of Pulgar’s injury remains to be seen, but the consensus is clear: the experience, however painful, leaves Flamengo with tactical and psychological points to address and build upon for the rest of 2024.

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