Match between Sport and Fortaleza should have record attendance at Arena de Pernambuco in 2024 (Photo: PAULO PAIVA/SPORT) Sport will face Fortaleza on Wednesday night (21), at 9:30 pm, at Arena de Pernambuco, in the 4th round of the group stage of the Copa do Nordeste. In addition to being one of the main regional classics, the Lions duel will mark the first clash between the two Argentine friends and coaches: Mariano Soso and Juan Pablo Vojvoda. Disciples of Marcelo Bielsa, one of the main references for a large number of hermanos coaches, both are supporters of the fierce style and working methods of “El Loco”. While Vojvoda has one of the most consolidated jobs in recent years in Brazilian football, Soso has just completed 50 days at the helm of the Pernambuco team. The short time in command, however, has already been surprising, as Sport has had the best start to the season in the last 15 years.
Regarding the record at Nordestão, the two teams have exactly the same campaigns: two wins, one defeat and two positive goals. The positions in their respective keys, however, are different. The red-blacks occupy third place in Group A, while the tricolors are second in Group B.
Sport and Fortaleza are coached by two Argentine friends: Mariano Soso and Juan Pablo Vojvoda (Photo: PAULO PAIVA/SCR | MARCELO LOTIF/FEC) “It’s a game I’m waiting for. It’s the players’ game, but we have a very important task to design a plan that neutralizes and can attack Fortaleza. If there is a difference between two teams, it is up to the coach to reduce it. Juan Pablo has been very supportive of me. Since I stayed in Recife, he has been very generous. But I don’t think that will be generous in the game”, said Mariano Soso.
For the next match, Leão’s coach will not be able to count on the presence of striker Zé Roberto, a player who participated in the most goals for Sport this season, scoring three and providing five assists. He ended up injuring his hand in the 1-0 victory against Porto, at the weekend, in the Campeonato Pernambucano, and will undergo surgery. Your expected return is one month.
Regarding the lineup, Soso should continue the squad rotation he has been proposing and will make more changes to the starting lineup. In defense, Alisson Cassiano will form a defense pair with Luciano Castan, while Rafael Thyere will be an option on the bench. In midfield, the duo between Alan Ruiz and Lucas Lima should be repeated, with the Argentine as playmaker and the Brazilian as left winger, replacing Romarinho.
“I think it’s important to focus our attention on our strengths, but it’s an opposition game. They play in Serie A, they have quality and something very outstanding which is a very clear game model and a great strategist, Vojvoda. I think we’re going to face a one of the best teams in Brazilian football’s Series A”, explained the Sport coach.
GAME SHEET
SPORT: Caíque France; Pedro Lima, Alisson Cassiano, Luciano Castan and Felipinho; Felipe, Fábio Matheus and Alan Ruiz; Fabricio Domínguez, Lucas Lima and Gustavo Coutinho. Technician: Mariano Soso.
FORTALEZA: John Ricardo, Tinga, Britez, Titi, Scour; Zé Welison, Pochettino and Kervin; Pikachu, Moses and Star. Technician: Juan Pablo Vojvoda.
- Competition: Northeast Cup (4th round)
- Local: Pernambuco Arena (São Lourenço da Mata/PE)
- Referee: Wallace Martins (MA)
- Assistants: Ivanildo Gonçalves and Rafael Costa (both from MA)
- Streaming: SBT, DAZN and Nosso Futebol