Zinho said Palmeiras and Fluminense could have had a better player against Chelsea: ‘Very good team, but not top-flight’
Four-time World Cup champion and former player Zinho was frustrated by Palmeiras 和 Fluminense’s elimination from the Club World Cup. After beating Botafogo in the round of 16, the São Paulo club was defeated 2-1 by Chelsea last Friday (July 4th) at Lincoln Financial Field in the United States in the quarterfinals.
In the next stage, the London team faced a Brazilian team again. The Blues beat Fluminense 2-0 on Tuesday (July 8th) at MetLife Stadium in the semifinals. ESPN commentator Zinho pointed out that Chelsea has a good squad, but is not among Europe’s elite teams.
“Palmeiras and Fluminense lost to a team I think is very good, but not top-flight. I’m left with this frustration, knowing they could have faced up to it better.” The former athlete noted that Flamengo’s elimination to Bayern in the round of 16 is more “justified.” For him, the Germans are part of the top tier of world football. “I’m a little frustrated. Except for Flamengo, who lost to Bayern Munich, but I have my reservations about the way they lost. Bayern are much better and are in the top group of European teams. Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and PSG were the favorites. Flamengo lost to one of the favorites, but they provided situations in the game that allowed Bayern’s power to shine and win the match.”
