Flamengo's Defeat, Resurrection of the Maracanazo Tragedy

FLORIDA, MONDAY — If given the choice, Brazilian citizens do not wish to experience the "Maracana slap" or maracanazo again. This term refers to the tragedy of the Brazilian national team's defeat to Uruguay in the 1950 World Cup. However, the maracanazo has resurfaced multiple times. After a crushing defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup, Brazilian football mourns once more with the elimination of Flamengo following their loss to German giant Bayern Munich in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup, Monday (30/6/2025) early morning WIB.

Of the four Brazilian teams that advanced to the knockout stage, Flamengo can be considered the strongest. The team, coached by Filipe Luis, topped the Brazilian Serie A standings and performed impressively during the group stage. Their attractive yet progressive playing style earned them the top position in Group D. A heavy defeat of 2-4 against Muenchen has dealt a blow to Brazilian football, which had high hopes for Flamengo to progress further in the Club World Cup.

The striking score brings to mind the memories of Brazilian football fans regarding the crushing defeat against Germany in the 2014 World Cup. Brazil, which played on home soil and was touted as the champion, ended up losing 1-7.

So painful was the defeat by Germany that it has been likened to the Maracanã tragedy during the 1950 World Cup. The Maracanã tragedy has never truly disappeared but has merely transformed. This time, the tragedy has resurfaced in the Club World Cup.

Flamengo, representing Brazil, had to tragically succumb to Muenchen, which is part of German football. Muenchen's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and midfielder Thomas Mueler, who are still active players to this day, are living witnesses to that tragedy in 2014.

Facing Munich, which has a better roster of players, Flamengo dared to play openly and apply pressure from the start. This approach was too naive for Flamengo to display, especially after conceding prematurely due to an own goal by Erick Pulgar in the 6th minute. Pulgar misjudged the corner kick from Joshua Kimmich, causing the ball to deflect into Flamengo's goal.

The quick goal shattered the confidence of the Flamengo players. Three minutes later, striker Harry Kane doubled Bayern Munich's lead with a long-range shot. Kane's goal originated from Bayern Munich's high pressing, which caused Flamengo midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta to lose possession of the ball, allowing Jonathan Tah to seize it.

Luis acknowledged that his players made too many mistakes, making the match very difficult for Flamengo from the start. He emphasized the disparity in quality between his team and Muenchen.

"All of that (our mistakes) is due to the opponent causing it. Sometimes we can free ourselves from their pressure, sometimes we cannot. On other occasions when we release long balls, they have the quality to win the duels (for the ball). It is all about the opponent forcing you to make mistakes and not about how we play," said Luis after the match held at Hard Rock Stadium, Florida, United States.

Gerson briefly revived Flamengo's hopes by scoring with a powerful shot from inside the penalty area. However, the quality of the Bayern Munich players allowed them to extend their lead again when Leon Goretzka unleashed a long-range shot that caused Flamengo's goalkeeper, Agustin Rossi, to misstep.

In the second half, Flamengo managed to reduce the deficit to 3-2 through a penalty executed by former Arsenal midfielder, Jorginho. The referee awarded the penalty after Michael Olise was charged with handling the ball while attempting to intercept a cross.

The success in narrowing the distance has energized the supporters and players of Flamengo. Hard Rock Stadium resonated with the cheers and shouts of tens of thousands of Flamengo supporters. The match felt like a home game for Flamengo.

However, Flamengo's defense lost focus as the match was coming to an end. The marking on Kane loosened, allowing him to receive the ball easily in the space between the lines. Without looking at the goal, Kane successfully scored Bayern Munich's fourth goal, which effectively ended Flamengo's resistance.

"I think we played better throughout the match. But every time we managed to take the lead, they came back and made it difficult for us. The fourth goal was important to ease the tension, and from that moment on, we managed it well," said Kane, who was named the best player in this match.

Munich with experience playing in European competitions with a tighter level of competition managed to qualify for the quarter-finals. Despite recording an expected goal (xG) value of 0.91, Munich was actually able to score up to four goals. This indicates that Munich is able to perform very effectively.

In the quarter-finals, Munich will face the UEFA Champions League champion, Paris Saint-Germain, which in another match defeated Inter Miami 4-0. (REUTERS)