By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 17, 2025 03:52 AM • 67 views
Flamengo flexed their continental pedigree under the cold Philadelphia skies on Monday evening, easing past Esperance de Tunis 2-0 to begin their Club World Cup campaign in commanding fashion. Goals from Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Luiz Araujo sealed the result at Lincoln Financial Field, where the Brazilians' dominance was as icy and complete as the weather. With the victory, the Rubro-Negro joined Chelsea atop Group D on three points, setting up a tantalizing clash between two club heavyweights on Friday in what already feels like a de facto group final.
Class from Kickoff
It was vintage Flamengo—slick passing, fluid movement, and unwavering control. Jorge Sampaoli's men wasted no time asserting themselves against the Tunisian champions, who were reduced to spectators for long spells. Flamengo enjoyed nearly 80% of the ball in the first half, with every phase of possession a reminder of the gulf in quality. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute. Right-back Guillermo Varela bombed down the flank and delivered a peach of a cross to Luiz Araujo. Rather than take on the shot himself, the winger deftly laid it off to de Arrascaeta, who rifled the ball home on the half-volley to give Flamengo a deserved lead.
Esperance Flicker, Flamengo Respond
To their credit, Esperance showed signs of life after the interval. Algerian forward Youcef Belaili was their lone spark, nearly curling in an equalizer in 63 minutes and then testing goalkeeper Augustin Rossi with a sharp close-range effort moments later. But it was a brief rebellion, quelled swiftly and clinically.
Ten minutes later, Flamengo doubled their advantage with the kind of goal that will replay beautifully on highlight reels. Jorginho, showing every ounce of his Champions League experience, slipped a perfectly weighted through ball behind the Esperance backline. Araujo latched on, sliced inside his marker, and curled a left-footed finish low into the far corner.
The flair, the finish, the footwork—Flamengo were in full flow.
Brazilian Authority, African Resistance
While Esperance's defensive shape held at times, and their supporters made themselves heard from the south end of the stadium, they lacked the composure and cutting edge to consistently trouble Flamengo. Their only two shots on target all night came from Belaili. The rest was a defensive scramble. It was a reminder of the widening gap between South America's elite and the African club game. Yet the spirit from the Tunisian fans—who sang from start to finish—offered a vibrant counterpoint to the largely subdued American crowd.
What's Next
Both Flamengo and Chelsea have made statements of intent with clinical 2-0 victories in their openers. Their clash in Philadelphia on Friday is now the marquee fixture of Group D—European steel vs. South American swagger, with a semifinal spot on the line. Esperance, meanwhile, will face LAFC in Nashville in a must-win match for both sides, each desperate to avoid an early flight home. Match Summary:
Flamengo 2–0 Esperance de Tunis 🟡 17' Giorgian de Arrascaeta 🔴 70' Luiz Araujo Player of the Match: Luiz Araujo – 1 goal, 1 assist, 90 minutes of menace.
