David Braz sees a striking resemblance between Flamengo’s upcoming match against Grêmio and the teams’ meeting at the Maracanã in 2009. Flamengo are again close to the Brazilian title, while Grêmio are expected to field a mixed side. But Braz cautioned that the lineup should not make the match seem straightforward for the hosts.
Grêmio are under pressure near the relegation zone and are also prioritizing the Copa do Brasil semifinal and other league fixtures. Weverton and Carlos Vinícius will miss the match after accumulating their third yellow cards, while Marlon is being rested after taking a knock. Villasanti and João Pedro, who are also carrying suspensions, may be left out as well.
The circumstances differ from 2009, Braz noted: that game came on the final round, whereas several rounds remain this season. At the time, Grêmio had little left to play for and gave some players an early break, bringing only four regular starters to Rio. Braz said the side still had quality and warned Flamengo against assuming the result was settled before kickoff.
In the 2009 match, Grêmio took the lead through Roberson in the first half. Braz equalized before Ronaldo Angelim scored the winner in the second half, completing Flamengo’s comeback. Braz has described his goal as the most important of his career and predicted another 2–1 victory for Flamengo, also by a comeback.
Braz, now 39, remains active with Brasiliense, where he has a contract until April 2027. He is recovering from surgery after suffering an Achilles tendon injury during the Série D knockout stages and hopes to return for the 2027 Candangão. He said he is also taking courses in club management and coaching, with the intention of staying in football after his playing career ends.
Sources: Globo Esporte.