By Gustavo Castilho
After more than three decades, the state of Mato Grosso may have a representative in the elite
Tonight can stamp another team for the elite of Brazilian football. After América-MG and Chapecoense gain access, now it may be Cuiabá’s turn, which hosts Sampaio Corrêa, at 21:30, Brasília time, at Arena Pantanal. A simple tie is enough for the team to confirm the passport for Serie A. In the year in which Cuiabá turns 20 years of age, access for the elite of Brazilian football will be the best gift.
The state of Mato Grosso has not had a Serie A club since 1986, when the CEOV (Clube Esportivo Operário Várzea Grandense) competed in the competition. The 1986 championship was one of the most disorganized in the history of football. At the time, CBF decided to combine the Gold, Silver and Bronze bowls (which would be Series A, B and C today) into one. With that, 80 clubs competed for the national championship, with São Paulo taking the best.
Cuiabá has been losing five games. This good streak left the team six points clear of the first team out of G-4. Soon, coach Allan Aal has the return of striker Elton, who was out of the last match serving suspension. Everton Sena, Lucas Hernandez and Luiz Gustavo, are out for injuries.
In seventh place on the table, Sampaio Corrêa arrives with the obligation to win to maintain the dream of access, although the chances are minimal. The team needs to win the last two matches and hope for a series of combinations of results. Without yet being able to count on goalkeeper Gustavo, who due to family health problems was released by the club, Sampaio Corrêa goes with Mota under the goalposts. Querida Bolivia will also not have Paulo Sérgio and Eloir, who had clinical problems in the last game against Confiança and should be replaced by Joécio and Joazi. Pimentinha and Marlon are still vetoed with muscle problems and Ferreira is still recovering.
