Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo began their Club World Cup campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Tunisia’s Esperance on Monday, putting themselves on course for a potential showdown with Chelsea.
Goals just before and after half-time from Uruguayan international Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Luiz Araujo secured a deserved win for Flamengo in their Group D fixture at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
Coached by former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis, Flamengo, who qualified as Copa Libertadores champions, fielded a strong lineup that included several Brazil internationals. Italy midfielder Jorginho made his debut for the club following his recent transfer from Arsenal.
Jorginho will face his former club Chelsea when the teams meet in their second Group D match on Friday. Chelsea had earlier claimed a 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC.
De Arrascaeta broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, finishing expertly from a Luiz Araujo assist, sparking jubilant celebrations among the majority Flamengo-supporting crowd of 25,797 in a stadium that can hold nearly 70,000 spectators.
Flamengo dominated proceedings, creating several chances while Esperance struggled to threaten, with Algerian winger Youcef Belaili coming closest to an equaliser midway through the second half.
However, Flamengo doubled their advantage in the 70th minute when Luiz Araujo found space inside the penalty area and curled a precise low shot into the far corner to seal the win.
