Vasco da Gama vs Coritiba Prediction: Two Z4 teams fight for survival

Arrigo Sacchi, the former Italian coach, once said that football was the most important thing among the least important things. For Vasco da Gama and Coritiba, within the less essential things, of course, this game is a matter of life and death. Both teams are in the Z4, the relegation zone, fighting for survival in the tough Brazilian league. While Vasco da Gama's form is clearly improving, five points off 16th place with a game in hand, Coritiba is increasingly isolated in last place after six straight defeats. The draw interests no one, as just the three points mean anything.

The Cruzmaltino beat Fluminense 4-2 in the Clássico dos Gigantes and showed how much it wants to continue playing in the Série A next season. However, Vasco da Gama must continue to grab victories because this competition is cruel to those who don't win a few matches. Almost every team has a good run of games during the season, but the important thing is to maintain consistency, something hard to achieve in the Brasileirão. In the next three rounds, Vasco will have three finals with direct competitors, facing Coritiba, América, and Santos in decisive games for its future. The Cariocas return to their São Januário stadium three months after the crowd incidents in the match with Goiás.

The only thing left for the Coxa to do is win its games. The meager 14 points earned leave no room for draws or defeats. Eleven points separate the Paranaenses, who have one game in hand, from a place outside the Z4. Mathematically, salvation is possible if they start winning soon. A victory against Vasco da Gama, a direct competitor, would be like oxygen. The team suffered a tough 4-2 defeat at home to Bahia after being ahead. Coritiba's defense is very weak, making it almost impossible for the Paranaenses to get points. The Coxa must score first at the São Januário to unnerve the Vasco team and their fans, or it won't be easy.

Vasco is in a good moment and seems to have a great unity with the fans again. The return to the São Januário is also meaningful, as it is the true home of the Vascaínos. Coritiba has shown itself to be quite fragile defensively, and the constant changes in the starting eleven don't help. It will take a very competent display to beat Vasco at this stage. I will bet on the home team, which is currently going through a period of great confidence.