Vasco da Gama’s Copa Sul-Americana dreams were crushed by Puerto Cabello’s 4-1 thrashing, leaving the Brazilian club reeling. The loss exposed the team’s deep-seated issues, with Argentine striker Vegetti admitting, “We can’t blame just the coach or the president, the fault is ours, the players.” He pinpointed the problem: “We made too many individual mistakes. Our shirt is too big for us.”
A Club in Crisis
Paredes scored twice, while Guerrero and Padrón added to Puerto Cabello’s tally. João Victor scored Vasco’s only goal. The loss highlighted the team’s struggles on and off the pitch. Vasco da Gama has been without a permanent coach for 11 days, with Felipe Loureiro acting as interim. President Pedrinho is in talks with Fernando Diniz, who could take over as manager. Diniz faces an uphill task: Vasco trails Lanús by three points in the Copa Sul-Americana group stage.
In the Brazilian league, Vasco da Gama sits 14th, level on points with 17th place. Sports commentator Gustavo Villani slammed the club’s state: “Vasco has no coach, no president, no team, and no stars like Philippe Coutinho or Payet performing. The club is in shambles.” Villani’s harsh words were backed by the team’s dismal recent form. Vasco da Gama’s struggles aren’t new. Their last Brasileirão title was won over two decades ago. They haven’t beaten Flamengo, their arch-rivals, in the league for 10 years. The club’s woes are long-standing:
- Last Brasileirão title: over 20 years ago
- Last Rio de Janeiro state title: 2016
- Haven’t beaten Palmeiras in any competition for 10 years
Vasco’s troubles run deep. The team’s poor performance is a symptom of a larger issue – a club in crisis.