Isaque and Riquelme lead Fluminense to an unprecedented title in the Copa do Brasil under-17 | fluminense

In Xerém’s trophy gallery, there is one title that Fluminense is still missing: the Copa do Brasil under-17. The Golden and Dos Sonhos generations tried, but finished runner-up in 2018 and 2020, respectively. This Wednesday, at 11 am, in a single game, “Esquadrilha 07” will be another generation of jewels seeking the national trophy, against São Paulo – sportv broadcasts the game, which ge follows in real time. Coach Felipe Canavan has a well-matched duo that can make a difference: Isaque and Riquelme Felipe.

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The midfielders are responsible for nine of Tricolor’s 17 goals in the Copa do Brasil under-17 so far. Isaque, with five, shares the tournament’s top scorer with Cauan Baptistella (Cruzeiro, already eliminated) and Pedro, from finalist São Paulo. Riquelme Felipe, in turn, has four goals scored.

More than the fight for artillery, this Wednesday’s final marks Fluminense’s return to the final after four years. Leader in assists in the Copa do Brasil, with four, Isaque highlights the responsibility behind the work of the tricolor group and the dream of an unprecedented title:

– I see this in terms of the magnitude of this competition. We worked hard for this long-awaited moment. Now it’s time to enter the field with responsibility and joy to seek the title, which is the most important thing.

The midfielders’ participation in goals is also due to the exchange of ideas with coach Felipe Canavan, who left command of the under-15s to take over the under-17s in March – and, in turn, is also a child of Xerém, from the same generation of idol and full-back Marcelo. Riquelme cites gratitude to the coach and the impact of the advice on his positioning within the four lines:

– Canavan is an excellent professional and friend, who helped me a lot to better understand the spaces I have to play. He says I’m a very dangerous player close to the goal and not to stay far from the area, because eventually the ball will be lost. Off the field, we also talk a lot. Our coach is a guy who gives me a lot of advice. I hope we can always have this good relationship.

The performance in 2024 in the Copa do Brasil under-17 stands out, but anyone who thinks that the duo composed of Isaque and Riquelme Felipe is new to Xerém is mistaken. The two have been playing together since 2018, when they were still just 11 years old. Six years ago, they began to have a specific thought: always looking for others on the field.

– This duo has been around for a long time. We get along very well, on and off the field. Our harmony is very good. One looks for the other, trying to decide games and do the best for the team – highlighted Riquelme.

A possible title this Wednesday could confirm Fluminense’s unbeaten record, which reaches the final with an almost perfect campaign in the Copa do Brasil under-17. In the first phase, a 4-0 victory over Porto Vitória. Then, there were two victories over América-MG (1-0 and 2-0), a rout and a draw with CRB (6-0 and 0-0) in the quarterfinals and two triumphs over Sport, in the semifinals, by 2 to 1.

– Our expectations are very good. After four years, returning to a Copa do Brasil final, such an important competition, is an honor. The São Paulo team is very good, qualified, with very good players, so we have to enter the field very concentrated to put into practice what we have been presenting and, God willing, leave here with the title – concludes Isaque.

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