Flamengo and Espérance de Tunis face off in a crucial Group D encounter at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Flamengo, representing South America, enters the match with a strong squad led by Pedro, Gerson, and De Arrascaeta, aiming to secure early qualification to the knockout rounds. On the other hand, Espérance, champions of Tunisia and North Africa, will rely on their compact defense and the creative flair of Youcef Belaïli to challenge the Brazilian giants.
While Flamengo’s possession-heavy and attacking style makes them favorites, Espérance’s disciplined tactics and counterattacking threat add an unpredictable edge. The match carries significant weight for both teams, with progression in the tournament and international prestige on the line.
Recent Team Form
Here’s a breakdown of the recent form for both teams heading into their FIFA Club World Cup match on June 16, 2025:
Flamengo (CR Flamengo)
Last 10 matches (across all competitions):
Wins: 8
Draws: 1
Losses: 1
Goals Scored: 25 (avg. 2.5 per match)
Goals Conceded: 5 (avg. 0.5 per match)
Their recent trend:
A strong unbeaten streak: 8 wins and 2 draws in latest 10
In the past month: 5 games → 3 wins, 2 draws (60% win rate)
Latest results include a 5‑0 league rout of Fortaleza, and Libertadores victories over Deportivo Táchira and LDU Quito
Espérance de Tunis
Domestic form:
Won the 2024–25 Tunisian Ligue 1, securing their 34th title by May 15, 2025
Recent trophy-winning form:
Won the Tunisian Super Cup 2‑0 vs Stade Tunisien on February 16, 2025
While detailed match-by-match form is limited, these achievements indicate:
Consistent domestic dominance, capped by league and Super Cup titles.
Strong outlook heading into international competition.
Final Take
Flamengo enters this matchup riding a wave of excellent form—especially in attack—while Espérance brings championship-winning momentum from Tunisia. Expect a high-energy clash, with Flamengo’s recent consistency and goal-scoring prowess slightly edging the head-to-head leg up.
Team Details
Here’s an updated snapshot of both squads ahead of their Group D clash tomorrow (June 16, 2025):
Flamengo
Manager: Filipe Luís
(Ex-Brazil international and Chelsea left-back, in charge since Sept 2024)
Squad Overview:
Goalkeepers: Agustín Rossi (Argentina, #1), Matheus Cunha & Lucas Furtado (Brazil)
Defenders: Alex Sandro (LB), Léo Ortiz, João Victor, Danilo, Varela among CB/RB options
Midfielders: Captain Gerson, De Arrascaeta (AM), Nicolás de la Cruz, Pulgar, Arrascaeta drives creativity
Forwards: Pedro (ST), Bruno Henrique, Everton “Cebolinha” Soares, Luiz Araújo
Playing Style:
Typically align in a 4–3–3 with a solid defensive base and dynamic attacking trio. High technical quality, mix of veterans and youth.
Espérance de Tunis
Manager: Maher Kanzari
(Taktically disciplined, often in a sturdy 4–4–2/4–3–3)
Squad Overview:
Goalkeepers: Memmiche, Debchi, Karoui, Ben Said
Defenders: Yassine Meriah, Hamza Jlassi, Aymen Ben Mohamed form experienced backline
Midfield/Attack: Youcef Belaïli (winger), Yan Sasse, Amen Frikhi among forward options
Playing Style:
Compact, structured defense minimizing space; relies on sharp counterattacks from fast wingers and Silva
Predicted Lineup
Here are the likely starting lineups for Flamengo and Espérance de Tunis ahead of their match on June 17, 2025:
Flamengo – Expected: 4‑2‑3‑1 / 4‑3‑3
Goalkeeper:
Agustín Rossi
Defence (L–R):
Guillermo Varela (RB)
Danilo (CB)
Léo Ortiz (CB)
Alex Sandro / Ayrton Lucas (LB)
(No Matías Viña—still out injured)
Midfield Two:
Erick Pulgar (holding)
Gerson (central, captain)
Attacking Trio:
De Arrascaeta (central AM)
Bruno Henrique (left wing)
Luiz Araújo / Gonzalo Plata (right wing)
Striker:
Pedro leading the line
Espérance de Tunis – Expected: 4‑4‑2 (possibly 4‑3‑3)
Goalkeeper:
Amenallah Memmiche
Defence (L–R):
Yassine Meriah
Mohamed Amine Tougai (CB)
Mohamed Ben Ali
Amine Ben Hamida (LB/wing‑back)
Midfield Two / Three:
Roger Aholou (defensive mid)
Ghaylen Chaaleli
(Possibly) Yan Sasse or Houssem Tka if switching to 4‑3‑3
Attackers:
Youcef Belaïli (LW, main creative threat)
Rodrigo Rodrigues / Yan Sasse (support striker)
Tactical Comparison
Flamengo will control possession through a protected midfield (Pulgar–Gerson–de Arrascaeta), with full-backs and wingers stretching play and Pedro offering a central focal point.
Espérance is expected to defend compactly with disciplined full-backs and midfield shielding the centre, relying on the pace and creativity of Belaïli and support from Rodrigues/Sasse for counter-attacks and set pieces.
Importance : Flamengo vs Espérance de Tunis
Why It Matters for Flamengo
• Must-win scenario to secure early qualification and avoid final match pressure.
• As South America’s representative and one of the tournament favorites, expectations are sky-high.
• Failure to win could lead to a shock early exit, damaging club image on the global stage.
• A dominant performance would reassert their international pedigree and boost squad confidence.
Why It Matters for Espérance de Tunis
• This is their biggest test in the group—against a world-renowned opponent.
• A draw or win would boost hopes of advancing, making them potential dark horses.
• The match is a chance to showcase African football’s growth and tactical discipline.
• It’s a key opportunity for players like Belaïli or Sasse to attract international attention.
Global Relevance
It’s a rare and fascinating clash between CAF and CONMEBOL champions—two regions that don’t often meet.
For FIFA and fans, it helps test the expanded tournament format and assess competitiveness beyond European clubs.
Conclusion: Flamengo vs Espérance de Tunis
The upcoming clash between Flamengo and Espérance de Tunis is set to be a pivotal fixture in Group D of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. With both teams coming off competitive campaigns in their respective continents, the match carries enormous significance. Flamengo, with their attacking depth and international pedigree, enter as clear favorites, but Espérance’s structured defense and counterattacking threats could pose real challenges.
For Flamengo, a win would likely secure progression and reinforce their ambition to claim the Club World Cup title. For Espérance, a positive result would not only boost their chances of advancement but also serve as a powerful message for African football on the world stage.
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