Criciúma have strengthened their position in the fight for promotion to Brazil’s top flight after beating Ponte Preta 2-0. The result leaves the team practically guaranteed a place in the Série B playoffs, while direct promotion remains possible because of the head-to-head matches in the final two rounds.
Since being appointed on September 23, Umberto Louzer has overseen seven matches, recording five wins and two defeats for a 71.43% win rate. Criciúma have not produced many high-scoring victories or dominant performances, but they have conceded very little.
The team kept clean sheets in all five victories under Louzer. The biggest win came in his debut, a 3-0 victory over Avaí at Heriberto Hülse in the 30th round. Criciúma also defeated Londrina 2-0 away, América-MG 1-0 at home, São Bernardo 1-0 in São Paulo and Ponte Preta 2-0 at the Majestoso.
The two defeats came against Ceará, by 1-0, and Sport, by 2-1. Both losses were decided by a single goal, further reflecting Criciúma’s defensive consistency.
Despite the positive record, the team has missed chances that could prove important in direct clashes with Vila Nova and Novorizontino, as well as in a potential playoff if Criciúma finish in the G6.
Criciúma will visit Vila Nova at OBA on Saturday, November 7, at 8 p.m. Brasília time. The team will then close the regular Série B season at home against Novorizontino on November 14 at 4:30 p.m.
Sources: Globo Esporte.