With the shadow of the reigning champions Portugal and Spain looming over the Humo Arena stands in Tashkent, Brazil triumphed in a tactical showdown against Ukraine. Winning 3-2 in the first semi-final of the World Cup in Uzbekistan. Just as in their quarterfinal match against Morocco, Dyego Zuffo played a pivotal role. The Barça winger secured a hat-trick, leading his team to the final. This victory marks Brazil’s return to the title fight after a twelve-year absence. As the five-time world champions (1989, 1992, 1996, 2008, and 2012) seek to reclaim their former glory.
For the most successful team in FIFA World Cup history, twelve years without a trophy and without even reaching the final is a long drought. But with this generation of stars, Brazil seems poised to end that barren stretch. They now have one more game to attempt to regain world supremacy, with the final scheduled for Sunday at 5:00 p.m., where they will face either Argentina (the 2016 champions) or the newcomer France, who meet in the other semi-final. For the Brazilians, the focus is solely on winning, regardless of their opponent.
Dyego
Dyego, the team captain, led the comeback after Brazil went into halftime down 1-0 following a goal from Ihor Cherniasvky, and a VAR decision that correctly disallowed Leandro Lino’s effort. He was the catalyst after the break. First equalizing through an own goal by Rostyslav Semenchenko, then netting twice. Once from open play and once from a double penalty. Securing the victory after Ihor Korsun briefly leveled for Ukraine.
Brazil is now in their seventh World Cup final, aiming for a sixth title. They haven’t managed six consecutive wins in a World Cup since their 2012 triumph in Thailand, where they defeated Spain. Dyego, who turned 35 on August 5, joined Barça in 2013 and has enjoyed eleven stellar seasons wearing the number 7, winning 19 titles (including 3 Champions Leagues, 4 Ligas, 4 Spanish Cups, 5 Copa del Rey, and 3 Spanish Super Cups) as well as a Copa América. Yet the World Cup remains elusive for him. “We haven’t reached our goal yet; the war isn’t over,” Dyego commented. One final battle awaits, and it promises to be legendary.
