The 2024 Copa do Brasil is giving signs of being an underdog season. In an unexpected turn of events, Sousa, a relatively unknown team from the heart of Paraíba, clinched a 2-0 victory over Cruzeiro. Now, Cruzeiro isn’t just any team; they are the champions with the most titles in the Brazilian Cup’s history. This upset occurred in the very first round, setting the stage for an underdog season.
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Danillo Bala, wearing the Sousa jersey, became the hero of the night. As the game neared its end, tension thickened. Then, Bala broke through, not once, but twice. His goals, scored in the final minutes, sent waves of disbelief and excitement through the crowd. Cruzeiro, despite fielding their best lineup and needing just a draw to advance thanks to their superior ranking, found themselves outplayed and outclassed.
Sousa 2×0 Cruzeiro
⚽️ Danilo Bala (GOLAÇO)
🏆 Copa do Brasil | 1ª fase (jogo único)
— Diário de Torcedor (@DiarioGols) February 22, 2024
The first half of the match unfolded with both teams wrestling not just with each other, but with the elements. The ball was unpredictable, skidding and stopping in puddles. Cruzeiro dominated possession, attempting to adapt with long balls and set pieces. Yet, the waterlogged pitch was a leveller, stifling the flow of play and dampening the skill on display.
As the second half went on, the quality of play worsened because of the rain. Yet, it was Sousa, led by the indefatigable Bala, who seized the moment. His twin strikes within minutes of each other sealed a victory that was as much a triumph over the elements as it was over the opponents. Cruzeiro, the giants of the tournament, were sent packing, their dreams of glory dampened by the relentless rain and the unyielding spirit of Sousa.
