The undefeated Sada Cruzeiro face the Botafogo Reptiles (3-2) in the opening game of the Brazilian playoffs for them Saturday, October 14 at SESC Venda Nova in Belo Horizonte.
The Cruzeiro are the runaway leaders of the BFA so far racking up 216 points in five games while allowing only seven. The Reptiles opened the regular season with three straight wins but then dropped their final two, the last one to the Tritoes in overtime.
Sada enter the game as heavy favorites. In the final game of the regular season, they pummeled the previously undefeated Patriotas F.A. 48-0. Does this mean they face enormous pressure? Not a chance says head coach Daniel Levy:
“I know a lot of people outside the team think that we have not been tested yet. But the truth is that we are tested every day in meetings and at practice. We practice hard to make the games easy and we compete individually and as units so that on game days we are ready to face whoever it is. We do not feel any pressure from outside because it is not bigger than the one we put on ourselves. “
Being the huge underdogs in a game against an opponent that on paper totally outguns you might seem daunting. But according to Reptiles head coach Duda Duarte, his team is confident:
“Our preparation is excellent and I am very confident of what we have done this year. Cruzeiro had an excellent regular season and set up their team thinking of the title. Our focus is the same, to be Brazilian champions. We have to show and prove on the field that we are better. The Reptiles are ready for a strong opponent and we have to give 100% on every play. “
The winner of this game will move on to face the winner of the game between the Vila Velha Tritoes and Patriotas B.A.
Watch the game live here. Botafogo Reptiles @Sada Cruzeiro Sat. Oct. 14 5:30p (6:30p EDT, 12:30a Oct. 15 CEST)