Overview
- Zico told CazéTV on Saturday, Aug. 29 that he will support Vasco in the Copa do Brasil because he wants Rio de Janeiro teams to succeed at the national level.
- Vasco holds a 1-0 lead from the quarterfinal first leg against Vitória and needs only a draw in the away second leg at Barradão to advance to the semifinals.
- Flamengo was already eliminated earlier in the tournament after losing to Vitória in the fifth phase, which Zico cited as a reason for shifting his public support.
- If Vasco qualifies it will face the winner of Palmeiras and Santos in the semifinals, with Palmeiras carrying a 3-0 first-leg advantage into the return match.
- Zico’s gesture cuts across a deep Flamengo–Vasco rivalry and may boost attention and morale for Rio clubs, raising local hopes for stronger regional representation in Brazil’s cup competition.