South American champions Flamengo will play to win when they participate in the next FIFA club. World Cup, according to talismanic striker Gabriel Barbosa.
Flamengo recently secured a berth in the tournament after beating Brazilian rivals Athletico Paranaense 1-0 in the Copa Libertadores final at the Monumental Stadium in Guayaquil, which is expected to take place early next year.
Dorrival Jr.’s men will be the favorites to advance to the final, which is almost certain to be up against European champions Real Madrid. It will provide the Rio de Janeiro outfit a redemption chance for their 1-0 loss to Liverpool in the 2019 final, Xinhua news agency reported.
“Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, with the most Champions League titles and an incredible history,” Barbosa said. “We already had the opportunity to play a Club World Cup final against Liverpool and we competed well. You can be sure we’re ready.”
Despite only joining Flamengo in 2020, Barbosa has already achieved legendary status at Flamengo.
The 26-year-old was a key member of the team that won the 2019 league title, when he was on loan from Inter Milan, and scored the winning goals in the 2020 top-flight title and Flamengo’s 2019 and 2022 Copa Libertadores victories. He was also a target in Flamengo’s 2-1 loss to Palmeiras in the 2021 Copa Libertadores final.
“I feel ready for decisive moments,” said a confident Barbosa. “Despite my youth, in those pivotal moments, I manage to approach the game with due caution and stay calm to fight when the time is right.”
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