Flamengo’s closest grasp on the FIFA CWC title came in 2019 when Liverpool defeated the Mengao following ET. That night in Qatar has yet to be compensated for. However, the Brazilian ballers began the game intent on adding yet another piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet.
Leo Ortiz flashed a header not far over the crossbar shortly before the quarter-hour mark.
It didn’t take long for Flamengo to make their early pressure count.
Topping the scoring charts in the Brasileiro Serie A with nine goals in as many matches, Giorgian de Arrascaeta continued his fine form in the 17th minute as he clinically fired home Luiz Araujo’s pinpoint pass back across the danger zone.
Flamengo captain Gerson’s fierce strike then stung ES Tunis goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said’s palms as Filipe Luis's side’s dominance continued to unfold. The tone of the game remained exactly the same up until the signal for half-time, with Ben Said’s opposite number, Agustin Rossi, yet to make a save.
Despite making a brief first appearance in their opponent’s final third, it was again down to Ben Said to prevent Pedro from nearly doubling Flamengo’s lead in the 53rd minute.
Looking certain to score following brilliant build-up play down the wing from Arrascaeta, the Brazilian international could only turn away in disbelief as Ben Said somehow got his gloves on the strike.
Now looking vastly improved compared to the opening 45’, the Tunisian champions eventually engineered their first meaningful effort on target in the 67th minute as Rossi stuck out an all-important leg to deny Youcef Belaili.
Nevertheless, man-of-the-match Luiz Araujo capped off a captivating performance with the killer blow to the game fewer than three minutes later.
Found in a promising position by debutant Jorginho, Araujo took control of his advantageous setting by curling an exquisite strike into the far corner of the net.
A celebratory opening to the 2025 FIFA CWC in Philadelphia puts Flamengo in full flow for their match against 2024/25 UEFA Conference League winners Chelsea, who beat Los Angeles 2-0 on Monday.
Meanwhile, ES Tunis will face the latter on the same night later this week, knowing a defeat will surely confirm their elimination from the tournament.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Luiz Araujo (Flamengo)
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