The 2017 Copa do Brasil, officially known as Copa Continental Pneus do Brasil 2017 for sponsorship reasons, marked its 29th edition and highlighted the rich achievements of Brazilian football. As a major sporting event, the Copa do Brasil emphasized the significance of Brazilian football on the international stage.
Running from February 8 to September 27, the tournament featured 91 teams competing in a knockout format. The competition included teams from state championships, the CBF ranking of 2017, Copa do Nordeste, Copa Verde, Série B, and the Copa Libertadores, serving as a showcase of Brazilian footballing talent.
Tournament Format of the Copa do Brasil
The Copa do Brasil followed a single-elimination format. The first two rounds consisted of single matches, with the lower-ranked team hosting the first game. In case of a tie, the higher-ranked team advanced. From the third round onwards, the competition switched to a home-and-away format. If the aggregate scores were tied, the away goals rule applied. If the scores remained level, penalties determined the winner, with no extra time.
The final stages, including the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, adhered to this format, with penalties resolving ties when necessary. The final, played over two legs, used penalties to determine the winner if the aggregate scores were tied, eliminating extra time and the away goals rule as tiebreakers.
Tournament Results Announced
The final featured a showdown between Flamengo and Cruzeiro, both giants of Brazilian football. The two-legged tie began with Flamengo hosting Cruzeiro at the Maracanã Stadium on September 7, 2017. Flamengo's Lucas Paquetá scored in the 75th minute, but Cruzeiro's De Arrascaeta equalized in the 83rd minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
The second leg took place at the Mineirão Stadium on September 27, 2017. Despite both teams being evenly matched, the game ended 0-0 after regulation time. Cruzeiro's significant victory in the penalty shootout highlighted their resilience. With the aggregate score tied at 1-1, the title was decided through penalties, with Cruzeiro triumphing 5-3, securing their fifth Copa do Brasil title. This victory brought immense joy and confidence for the team’s future. As champions, Cruzeiro earned a spot in the group stage of the 2018 Copa Libertadores and the Round of 16 of the 2018 Copa do Brasil.
Key Moments in Football
The tournament saw significant moments, such as Paolo Guerrero's suspension for the first leg of the final due to a yellow card, and injuries affecting key players like Rafael Sóbis and Thiago. Despite these challenges, Cruzeiro's resilience and skill in the penalty shootout secured the trophy, marking a memorable victory in Brazilian football history. This triumph is expected to leave a lasting legacy in the club's history, showcasing their determination and ability.
Overall, the 2017 Copa do Brasil was an exciting competition, culminating in Cruzeiro's well-deserved victory and adding another chapter to the club's history. Officials announced significant findings regarding the tournament results, highlighting the importance of fair play and integrity in sports.
