On Cuca's radar, Meninos da Vila attempt an unprecedented feat for Santos' base

Current champions of São Paulo, Santos enters the field at 6:30 pm (Brasília time) to face Vasco, in São Januário. As they won the first leg 2-0, Santos is playing for a draw and could even lose by a goal difference to advance to the final.

Santos' main weapons in the quest for the unprecedented title have already been used by coach Cuca in the main team.

Defender João Alencar, attacking midfielder Nadson and winger Davizinho (who also plays as right-back) are in the transition process and have already gained opportunities in the professional team.

Despite the transition process, they, just like in the first game, in Vila Belmiro, should be in the starting lineup tonight (30).

The same goes for midfielder Vinícius Fabri, who won praise from Cuca's technical committee during the interseason and participated in the friendly against União São João, at Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu.

MOTIVATED BY THE BRAZILIAN SELECTION

In addition to the chance to make history at the base, goalkeeper João Pedro and left-back Rafael Gonzaga arrive for the duel motivated by being called up for the Brazilian Under-20 team, which will play friendlies against Bolivia in August.

The games mark the beginning of coach Paulo Victor's preparation for the 2027 South American Championship, qualifying for the World Cup in the category.

"I'm very happy with the things that have been happening in my life. Playing in a Brazilian semi-final is a huge achievement and having the opportunity to put Santos in the final is an immense joy. We trained hard all week, worked out some details and are ready to play a great game against a strong team", said Gonzaga.

The 18-year-old full-back also celebrated the memory on the list of the team's new coach.

"It's always an honor to represent my country. This only motivates me more to continue working and doing my best, whether at Santos or in Brazil", Gonzaga further stated.

The duo will be joined by defender João Ananias in the U20 team, who, unlike his teammates, is already permanently integrated into the Santos professional squad.

If they advance to the Brazilian Championship, Santos will face the qualified Palmeiras and Red Bull Bragantino, who, in the first duel, in Bragança, drew 3-3. The two teams will face each other at 4pm (Brasília time) this Thursday (30).