LIVERPOOL reached the Club World Cup final, thanks to a last-minute winner against Monterrey.
Roberto Firmino netted in injury time against the Mexicans to seal their place in Saturday’s showpiece.
Bruno Henrique scored to put Flamengo ahead in the Club World Cup semi final against Al HilalCredit: Getty – Contributor
Yet, Liverpool now face Flamengo at the Khalifa International Stadium, after they beat Al-Hilal 3-1.
But who are the Reds’ next opponents as they bid to become the World Champions?
Who are Flamengo?
Flamengo, full name Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, wewre established on November 17, 1895 – making them just three years younger than Liverpool.
But they were a rowing club to begin with and did not set up the football team until 1911.
They have numerous nicknames, not least Rubro-Negro (Scarlet-Black) – based on their club colours.
Mengao (Big ‘Mengo) is also used, while the Brazilian outfit have also been known as ‘the most beloved of Brazil’.
Flamengo are considered the most popular club in Brazil, with 2018 figures totalling to over 30 million supporters, while also among the richest.
Flamengo play their home games at the world-famous Maracana StadiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Where are they from?
Flamengo are based in Rio de Janiero, Brazil’s second biggest municipality by population.
And the club play their home games at the world-famous Maracana Stadium, which has a capacity of 78,838.
The ground has played host to two World Cup finals, including Brazil’s defeat to Uruguay in 1950 – the year it opened – along with being the main base for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Like London, there are more than a few clubs based in the city, meaning Flamengo have several local derbies.
Their rivalry with Fluminense comes after players from Tricolor became dissatisfied and left to set up the football team at Flamengo – while also sharing the Maracana ground with them.
Yet, a bigger clash in Rio is the Derby of Millions between Big ‘Mengo and Vasco da Gama with the teams holding the biggest fanbases in Brazil, after starting out as rowing clubs before regularly challenging each other for football trophies.
Botafogo is another side based in Rio, while Atletico Mineiro is considered one of the top inter-state rivalries in the country.
Ex-Benfica and Sporting Lisbon manager Jorge Jesus is now coaching at FlamengoCredit: Getty – Contributor
What titles have they won?
Flamengo are among the most successful clubs in Brazil, holding a record 35 Campeonato Carioca – the state championship in Rio de Janeiro.
They won the state and the Brasileiro – nationwide league – titles in 2019, doing the treble along with the Copa Libertadores win.
The Copa Libertadoes sees the best from South America compete, essentially their version of Europe’s Champions League.
Flamengo beat reigning champions River Plate to claim the title for only the second time in November to also earn a place at the Club World Cup.
Gabriel Barbosa has been Flamengo’s standout performer this season, netting twice in the Copa Libertadores finalCredit: AFP or licensors
What players do they have?
Flamengo’s star man is none other than Gabriel Barbosa, a name familiar with many FIFA and Football Manager gamers.
The Brazilian rose to fame at Santos, becoming known as Gabigol, before trying his hand in Europe with Inter Milan.
But after struggling to settle since his 2016 move, he has been loaned out to Benfica, Santos and now Flamengo where he has struck 43 goals in 58 matches.
Another familiar name is Reinier, who has been linked with a host of elite European clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
There are also a number of veterans from Europe, including La Liga winner and Atletico Madrid legend Filipe Luis.
Rafinha, formerly of Bayern Munich, also returned to his homeland this year, while Pablo Mari headed for Brazil in the summer after failing to make the grade at Man City.
Ex-Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves will be looking to keep Liverpool’s attack force out, while former Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Wolfsburg star Diego is hoping to add further silverware to his collection.
Reinier is one of the most sought after Brazilian youngsters with a host of Europe’s elite interested in the forwardCredit: Getty – Contributor
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
