Flamengo, one of Brazil’s most decorated clubs, comes into the tournament riding a wave of domestic success, having secured seven Série A titles and the 2022 Copa Libertadores. Their attacking prowess was on full display in their recent 5-0 thrashing of Fortaleza, though the Club World Cup presents a sterner test. Fatigue could be a concern, as the match falls during a packed schedule for the Brazilian side.
The Rubro-Negro have a storied history in this competition, reaching the final in 2019 but falling to Liverpool. With an estimated 50 million fans and a squad brimming with talent, Flamengo are expected to dominate possession and create ample scoring opportunities.
At the other end of the pitch, the Brazilian giants have been strong in defence of late, too, keeping three straight clean sheets in all competitions.
Espérance Sportive de Tunis, known as the “Blood and Gold,” are no stranger to continental success, boasting four CAF Champions League titles, as well as 34 Tunisian League titles. Their disciplined and organised approach makes them a tough opponent, though they face an uphill battle against Flamengo’s firepower. Espérance’s recent form is strong, with an unbeaten run in their last 11 competitive matches, including the Tunisian Cup triumph. However, no African club has ever won the Club World Cup, adding pressure to their campaign.
The two sides have never met in competitive action, making this an intriguing clash of styles. Flamengo’s attacking flair will be pitted against Espérance’s resolute defending, with the Tunisians likely to rely on counter-attacks led by their in-form players.
Flamengo’s recent form (all competitions):
• W (H) 5-0 against Fortaleza (Serie A) 01/06/25
• W (H) 1-0 against Tachira (Copa Libertadores) 29/05/25
• W (A) 2-0 against Palmeiras (Serie A) 25/05/25
• W (H) 4-2 against Botafogo PB (Copa Do Brasil) 22/05/25
• D (H) 0-0 against Botafogo (Serie A) 18/05/25
Espérance Sportive de Tunis recent form (all competitions):
• W (H) 1-0 against Stade Tunisier (Tunisian Cup) 01/06/25
• W (A) 3-0 against USBG (Tunisian Cup) 25/05/25
• W (H) 3-1 against ESZ (Tunisian Cup) 18/05/25
• D (H) 0-0 against Monastir (Ligue One) 15/05/25
• W (A) 5-0 against Olympique Beja (Ligue One) 11/05/25
Team News
For Flamengo, striker Pedro, the 2022 Copa Libertadores top scorer, is expected to lead the line, supported by the dynamic wing play of Bruno Henrique and Gabriel Barbosa. Midfielder Gerson could anchor the midfield alongside Evertton Araujo, with coach Tite likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation to maximise attacking options. Defenders Leo Ortiz and Léo Pereira are set to form a solid centre-back partnership, though the team will need to be wary of Espérance’s quick transitions.
Drawing from our latest available football stats, Espérance could rely on the creativity of midfielder Yan Sasse and the goal-scoring instincts of left winger Youcef Belaïli, both of whom have contributed 13 goal involvements this season. Coach Radhi Jaïdi may opt for a compact 4-4-2 to stifle Flamengo’s attack, with centre-backs Yassine Meriah and Mohamed Amine Tougai tasked with containing Pedro. Goalkeeper Amanallah Memmiche will be crucial in keeping the scoreline tight.
Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Rossi; Alex Sandro, Pereira, Ortiz, Varela; Evertton Araujo, Gerson; Henrique, Arrascaeta, Everton; Pedro
Espérance Sportive de Tunis possible starting lineup:
Memmiche; Ben Ali, Meriah, Tougai, Ben Hamida; Sasse, Guenichi, Ogbelu, Belaïli; Rodrigues, Jabri
We Say: Flamengo 2-0 Espérance Sportive de Tunis
Flamengo’s superior squad depth and attacking quality should give them the edge in this Group D opener. While Espérance’s organisation and counter-attacking threat could pose problems, Flamengo’s experience and home-continent advantage in the Americas should see them secure a comfortable victory.
