LIVESTREAM: Brasil Bowl VIII – Belo Horizonte Sada Cruzeiro – Joao Pessoa Espectros Sunday Dec. 10 5p (2p ET, 8p CET)

Brasil Bowl VIII kicks off Sunday as the undefeated Belo Horizonte Sada Cruzeiro (8-0) take on the unbeaten Joao Pessoa Espectros (9-0) at Estádio Independência  in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This is the first meeting  between these two teams as the Cruzeiro are new to the league this year. The Espectros are making their fourth trip to the championship final in Brazil. They won the title in 2015 in a 23-22 thriller over the Coritiba Crocodiles. They had lost to the Crocodiles the two previous years in the title game.

To reach the final, Sada Crueiro defeated the Botafogo Reptiles easily 33-6. Then the Cruzeiro faced a stiffer test but still prevailed, beating #2 Vila Velha Tritoes 21-7 in a hard fought battle. In the semifinals, they came from behind to down the Coritiba Crocodiles 17-10.

On the other half of the bracket, the Joao Pessoa Espectros first took care of the Salvador Cavalaria 2 de Julho 33-2 in the Round of 16. Then in the quarterfinals they blanked the Ceara Cacadores 40-0. Finally, in the semifinal round they had no trouble beating the previously unbeaten Cuiaba Arsenal 40-21.

The Espectros enter the game with the most potent offense in Brazil having scored 335 points in nine games including all three playoff games. Their defense has only allowed 47 points (5.2pts/game) all year. Sada Cruzeiro are right behind them though averaging 36.25 points per game while giving up a mere 30 points (3.75 pts/game) in eight contests.

The Cruzeiro may have an edge in passing as QB Alvar Fadini has thrown for 1,825 yards and 20 TDs, well ahead of his championship game rival Rodrigo Dantas who is averaging 111 yards per game.

American Football International asked Sada Cruzeiro head coach Dan Levy about the championship experience of his opponents today and how to prepare.

“We prepare for this game the same as we prepare for the other games because that’s what’s gotten us here. I would say they have a lot of playmakers so we are focusing more on personnel scouting,. Yea  the fact that the Espectros have played in the final three times definitely works in their favor .”

The Expectros secondary has not faced a passing attack like yours so far this year. Does that work in your favor?

Levy:

“We do have a great QB and some great receivers. And their dbs haven’t been challenged. But they’re very good. They have 2 national team players and one of the best american dbs in Brazil back there. But it definitely allows us to keep them off balance a little more than other teams have. And Alvaro is a competitor. He’s studied and prepared and can’t wait to play this game.”

They have a great running game. Have you given your front seven any special instructions other than playing disciplined football?

Levy:

“That’s basically it. We have had a really solid run defesne this year. At times, like in the croco game, our issue was discipline and focus. So that’s what we’ve really been emphasizing. That and being prepared for their personnel and scheme.”

A capacity crowd is expected at Estádio Independência  in Belo Horizonte.  The stadium was built in 1950 for the World Cup but has since been totally renovated and holds 23,000. The Coritiba Crocodiles hold the record having played in six of the seven Brasil Bowls held. They have won the title twice. A win by  Joao Pessoa would put them in a tie with the Crocodiles and Cuiabá Arsenal for most championship titles.

Watch the game live here. The broadcast will go live right before kickoff.

LIVESTREAM: Brazil Bowl VIII – Belo Horizonte Sada Cruzeiro – Joao Pessoa Espectros Sunday Dec. 10 5p (2p ET, 8p CET)