The 2017 Copa do Brasil, officially known as Copa Continental Pneus do Brasil 2017 for sponsorship reasons, marked its 29th edition and highlighted Brazil’s rich footballing achievements. As a major sporting event, the Copa do Brasil underscored the significance of Brazilian football on the international stage.
Spanning from February 8 to September 27, the tournament featured 91 teams battling it out in a knockout format. The competition, which included teams from state championships, the 2017 CBF ranking, Copa do Nordeste, Copa Verde, Série B, and Copa Libertadores, was a showcase of Brazilian football prowess.
Brazil Cup Tournament Format
The Copa do Brasil followed a single-elimination knockout format. The initial two rounds consisted of single-legged ties, with the lower-ranked team hosting the first match. In case of a draw, the higher-ranked team progressed. From the third round onwards, the competition shifted to a home-and-away, two-legged format. If the aggregate scores were tied, the away goals rule applied. If the scores remained level, penalty shoot-outs determined the winner, with no extra time played.
The knockout stages, including the round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, adhered to this format, with penalties resolving ties if necessary. The final, played in a two-legged format, used penalties to determine the winner if the aggregate scores were tied, eliminating extra time and away goals as tiebreakers.
Tournament Results Announced
The final featured a clash between Flamengo and Cruzeiro, both giants of Brazilian football. The two-legged final began with Flamengo hosting Cruzeiro at the Maracanã Stadium on September 7, 2017. Flamengo’s Lucas Paquetá scored in the 75th minute, but Cruzeiro’s De Arrascaeta equalized in the 83rd minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
The second leg took place at Mineirão Stadium on September 27, 2017. Despite both teams being evenly matched, the match ended 0-0 after normal time. Cruzeiro’s significant win in the penalty shoot-out highlighted their resilience. With the aggregate score tied at 1-1, the match decided the final through a penalty shoot-out. Cruzeiro triumphed 5-3 in the shoot-out, securing their fifth Copa do Brasil title. This victory provided fans with immense joy and confidence in the team’s future. As champions, Cruzeiro earned a spot in the 2018 Copa Libertadores Group stage and the 2018 Copa do Brasil Round of 16.
Key Moments in Football
The tournament saw significant moments, such as Paolo Guerrero’s suspension for the final’s first leg due to a yellow card, and injuries affecting key players like Rafael Sóbis and Thiago. Despite these challenges, Cruzeiro’s resilience and skill in the penalty shoot-out clinched the trophy, marking a memorable victory in Brazilian football history. This victory is set to leave a lasting legacy on the club’s history, showcasing their determination and prowess.
Overall, the 2017 Copa do Brasil was a thrilling competition, culminating in Cruzeiro’s well-deserved triumph and adding another chapter to the club’s storied history. Officials announced significant findings regarding the tournament’s outcomes, highlighting the importance of fair play and integrity in sports.
