FIFACWC: Flamengo star De Arrascaeta praises Espérance despite defeat

Photo Credit - Espérance sportive de Tunis.

Flamengo midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta has singled out one key aspect which got him impressed with Espérance whom they defeated 2-0 in their 2025 Group D FIFA Club World Cup opener at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Monday.

Goals in either half courtesy of De Arrascaeta and Luís Araújo proved decisive, condemning the North African giants to defeat on their return to the global competition while propelling the Copa Libertadores holders to the top alongside Chelsea after the first round of matches.

Flamengo were the better side against the African side and after waves of attacks, they broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when overlapping full-back Wesley delivered a deep cross that De Arrascaeta deftly diverted past keeper Béchir Ben Saïd.

The Brazilians continued to dictate the rhythm and in the 70th minute, they doubled their lead when Everton Cebolinha surged down the left side, created space for Araújo, who cut inside and rifled a low shot beyond Ben Saïd. Speaking after the game, De Arrascaeta explained why they had to be patient to break down Espérance defence line.

“It was a game in which we were patient. They are able to play really well in terms of their defensive positioning, with individual markers, but when we broke through the lines it made the difference. I'm happy about that. We played a great game, at a good level,” said De Arrascaeta as quoted by FIFA.com.

Flamengo coach Filipe Luis admitted he was not impressed with how his team slowed down the tempo after going 1-0 up. “At the beginning, we managed to control possession more, but after we scored the goal we slowed down a bit and that cost us some of our ball control. In the second half, we managed to score the second goal. It was a great victory.

“Now we're going to rest and think about Chelsea. We always want to play forward and fast, but sometimes they slow down a bit, but they also go faster at other times. They are the players and they choose that from time to time.”

Espérance will next face LAFC in their matchday two at GEODIS Park, in Nashville, on Friday, June 20, and conclude their preliminary campaign against Chelsea at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Tuesday, June 24.