Liverpool edged passed Monterrey thanks to a late Roberto Firmino goal and Flamengo earned a 3-1 win over Al-Hilal to set up an eagerly anticipated meeting between the European and South American champions in a game that does have history.
Back in 1981, Liverpool and Flamengo met in the Intercontinental Cup final, a one-off match between the European Cup and Copa Libertadores winners in Japan. Flamengo won 3-0 in a game that their fans believe is their greatest victory. Liverpool fielded a strong side with many legends including Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness and Alan Hansen while Flamengo had Zico but it was two goals from Nunes and one from Adilio that were crucial. This competition always meant more to the South American side, much like the Club World Cup, and the potential meeting with Liverpool was all Flamengo were talking about.
Virgil van Dijk did train after missing the semi-final through illness which is a big boost as Jordan Henderson will not have to fill in at centre back. Flamengo do have some notable names in their squad: former Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves, Inter Milan loanee Gabriel Barbosa, former Atletico Madrid players Diego and Felipe Luis as well as the highly rated Brazilians Everton and Bruno Henrique who will surely make a move to Europe soon. Flamengo have an experienced squad packed with youthful exuberance and play an extreme pressing style that has caught the eye and made manager Jorge Jesus on shortlists for jobs in Europe.
Despite all the emotion that will come with this game for Flamengo, having van Dijk, Firmino and Trent Alexander-Arnold returning will make Liverpool win this. Flamengo are a better team than Monterrey and Liverpool will have to up their level from that performance if they are to win.
2-1 Liverpool.
Back in 1981, Liverpool and Flamengo met in the Intercontinental Cup final, a one-off match between the European Cup and Copa Libertadores winners in Japan. Flamengo won 3-0 in a game that their fans believe is their greatest victory. Liverpool fielded a strong side with many legends including Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness and Alan Hansen while Flamengo had Zico but it was two goals from Nunes and one from Adilio that were crucial. This competition always meant more to the South American side, much like the Club World Cup, and the potential meeting with Liverpool was all Flamengo were talking about.
Virgil van Dijk did train after missing the semi-final through illness which is a big boost as Jordan Henderson will not have to fill in at centre back. Flamengo do have some notable names in their squad: former Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves, Inter Milan loanee Gabriel Barbosa, former Atletico Madrid players Diego and Felipe Luis as well as the highly rated Brazilians Everton and Bruno Henrique who will surely make a move to Europe soon. Flamengo have an experienced squad packed with youthful exuberance and play an extreme pressing style that has caught the eye and made manager Jorge Jesus on shortlists for jobs in Europe.
Despite all the emotion that will come with this game for Flamengo, having van Dijk, Firmino and Trent Alexander-Arnold returning will make Liverpool win this. Flamengo are a better team than Monterrey and Liverpool will have to up their level from that performance if they are to win.
2-1 Liverpool.
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