Guilherme Campos*
This Friday morning (13), the FPF held a press conference with representatives from Internacional and Fluminense to promote the final of the Copinha Feminina Sicredi, which will take place this Sunday (15), at 5 pm, at Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu. The teams compete in search of the title of the second edition of the competition. Both are looking to win their first trophy.
The Colorado commander, David da Silva, highlighted the importance and quality of the competition in the grassroots women’s Football scene. “We are very grateful for the invitation to participate in this competition, as we have a reduced calendar in the youth categories of women’s football. Very happy to get here. It wasn’t easy at all; We fall into a group with teams that have a good development in women’s football… It’s great that all the games are broadcast, because we can observe the strategy of the other teams and new jewels of Brazilian football”.
Inter captain, Bianca Martins, took the opportunity to comment on the relevance of the championship. “It is very satisfying to be in the Copinha final, a tournament that has been growing, and I believe that, in the coming years, it should gain much more focus. We saw the men’s Cup and thought: ‘Will we one day have a women’s competition?’. We fight for the growth of women’s football, and it’s great to see that this is happening”, added the athlete.
The Colorado coach also mentioned the effects of the flood tragedy in Rio Grande do Sul. “It really was a very difficult year on several issues. This year’s flood was the biggest in history, and we had a lot of difficulty training. It wasn’t just a few days of rain that caused flooding; It spent more than a month with the water level at a very high level. We had a lot of difficulties training. Rio Grande do Sul is not like São Paulo, which has many public domain fields. I take this opportunity to thank the Brazilian people for their solidarity.”
PC Rodrigues, Fluminense coach, commented on the club’s evolution in relation to participation over the last year. “It is very rewarding to participate in Copinha. In the first edition, we lost in the first phase. We had a good campaign, but we were eliminated on goal difference. Now, we prepare a lot. As David said, our calendar is small, but we worked hard to get here and represent Fluminense in the best way, reaching the final.”
Thaina, goalkeeper for Tricolor Carioca, highlighted her expectation of playing in this final. “We are having an opportunity that most girls, who really wanted to be here, are not having. So, we are making this chance count. We reached the final very united and confident. Due to the games we are playing, I believe we will have a great game.”
The whistle lady
Edina Alves Batista, referee of the match, shared the feeling of refereeing a Copinha final for the first time. “Of course it gives you butterflies. It’s my first Women’s Cup final, this wonderful event that the Federation is promoting, valuing football, whether male or female.”
She also highlighted the quality of the federation’s referees. “Our refereeing committee, through Patrício Loustau, always encourages and values competition, choosing high-level professionals and those just starting out to officiate as well. The referee is a common being like any other and is subject to errors, just like the player who misses a goal or a pass.”
Internacional and Fluminense take to the field this Sunday (15), to decide the champion of the Sicredi Women’s Cup, at 5pm, at Arena Mercado Livre Pacaembu.
The match will be broadcast on YouTube Paulistão, CazéTV, Record News, Rede Vida+, YouTube BandSports and BandPlay.
*Under the supervision of Raoni David
