SUMMARY
- In a recent Brazilian league match, Fluminense and Botafogo used a unique tactic to slow the game, involving players from both teams.
- In stoppage time, with Botafogo leading 3-2, substitute Kayque was injured off the touchline; drama raised as left-back Hugo pulled his teammate onto the field to waste time and stop play.
Other than soccer’s unique way of captivating fans, time-wasting strategies in the game often spark controversies and frustrations among players and supporters alike. And a recent incident has added another story to the chapter on time-wasting.
During a recent Brazilian league encounter between two Brazilian heavyweight sides, Fluminense and Botafogo, fans witnessed one of the unique approaches to slowing the game down. And as one might not believe it, players from both teams got involved in the moment.
During the stoppage time of the game, where Botafogo was up by 3 goals to 2, one of their players, who came off as a substitute named Kayque, had a knock that saw him go down outside the touchline. The drama began when the club’s 22-year-old left-back, Hugo, dragged his teammate onto the field to force the referee to stop the game and run down the clock.
Brazilian 🇧🇷 soccer is wild.
The Botafogo player drags his “injured” teammate back into the field to try to waste time, then the Fluminense players drag him back out so the game can go on. 💀
pic.twitter.com/XbcPitrzUv— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) March 3, 2024
However, things didn’t stop there. A couple of Fluminense players got involved in the situation. Goalkeeper Felipe Alves and midfielder Matheus Martinelli made sure that they were having none of it as they quickly dragged the injured player back off the pitch.
Things started to heat up when the injured player himself, upon realizing he was now back off the field, stood up and was further pushed inside by another member of Botafogo’s squad who looked to be warming up. The referee had to reach into his pocket and book Fluminense’s goalkeeper for the offense.
Fans react to Botafogo’s time-wasting strategy
As soon as the clip made the internet, reactions flooded the post. And the majority of those reactions had to blame Brazilian soccer as the hub of time-wasting activities. One fan went, “Brazilian time wasting at its peak.” Another commented, “Nogo Bonito.”
🤣🤣Have to admit, this might be worse than just straight flopping or diving…
— 7 Picos Finance (@7_PicosFinance) March 4, 2024
A few fans also went the sarcastic way, as comments went, “This is the beautiful game at its best,” “It looks like a Tom and Jerry episode,” and “Have to admit, this might be worse than just straight flopping or diving.”
However, be it Brazil or European soccer, time-wasting strategies have always been a punishable offense. As the game is shaping up over the years, players try to make the most of the opportunities to take some minutes from the game.
Botafogo emerges victorious in the Rio de Janeiro derby
The recent Rio de Janeiro derby saw Botafogo earn a full three points over their rivals, Fluminense, in a thrilling 4-2 victory. The result separates them by a single point, as Fluminense is sitting in fourth place with 21 points from 11 encounters.
PAI!
Marlon Freitas enfrentou o Fluminense por 9 vezes na sua carreira como jogador.
Foram 9 vitórias pro volante. pic.twitter.com/QZxQ7cX2FQ
— Espaço Glorioso (@EspacoGlorioso) March 4, 2024
Botafogo was already up by two goals in 15 minutes, thanks to goals from Marlon Freitas and Rai da Silva. The hosts didn’t have to wait for long, as Lele opened the scoresheet in 26 minutes. Fluminense equalized in the 86th minute of the game thanks to John Kennedy’s strike from the penalty spot.
However, the stoppage time saw another twist in the tale as Botafogo was also awarded a penalty at the 90-minute mark. Marlon Freitas made no mistake from the spot kick to take his side back to the lead. In the 103rd minute of the game, Emerson made sure that he put the final nail in the coffin as Botafogo scored their fourth.