U-15 is undefeated champion of the Nike Premier Cup and will represent Brazil in the World Cup in Austria
With great emotion, Garotos do Ninho defeat São Paulo on penalties and win the competition title
By Ian Sena - inWith an undefeated campaign and strong performances throughout the competition, Flamengo's U-15 team was crowned champion of the Nike Premier Cup, a major tournament that brought together Brazil's top soccer teams at the Red Bull Brasil training center in Janiru, São Paulo state. With the title, secured after a 1-1 draw (Diego) against São Paulo in regulation time and a 3-2 victory on penalties, the "Garotos do Ninho" not only secured the national title but also qualified for the world final in August in Austria, where they will defend Brazil's colors against national champions from various countries on every continent.
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Playing for the sixth consecutive day without rest, Flamengo and São Paulo took the field for the grand national final physically exhausted. As a result, the match was fiercely contested and evenly matched, with neither side having many scoring chances, but with São Paulo looking the better side. After a goalless first half, defender Diego opened the scoring for Flamengo eight minutes into the second half. João Pedro took a corner kick, Ryan won the header against the São Paulo goalkeeper, and Diego, well-positioned, slotted home the finish. In the 18th minute, the referee awarded a penalty, and the São Paulo team leveled the score, sending the title decision to a penalty shootout.
Just like in the semifinal against Grêmio, when he saved a penalty, goalkeeper Christian's star shined once again. This time, he saved two shots and helped the "Garotos do Ninho" lift another trophy.
"Before we came to play this competition, Breno, our goalkeeping coach, talked to me a lot about penalty kicks, warning me to always wait for the taker's decision until the last second. Both in the semifinal against Grêmio and in today's final against São Paulo, I focused heavily on what he had told me and had a lot of confidence in him and my explosiveness. Thank God I was able to contribute three saves and help the team become champions," said Christian, who added: "Winning a title wearing the Sacred Mantle is a unique emotion. It's indescribable. It's my second win with the club, and the emotion is even greater. The feeling is wonderful. We'll celebrate a lot and prepare even more for many more to come throughout this season," concluded the red-and-black star.
"I'm very happy to have won such an important title. But I'm even happier and honored to see these boys mature off the field. They were perfect throughout the entire competition, they did absolutely everything the coaching staff asked of them, and I have no doubt that, combined with their technical ability, this was a fundamental factor in this victory," said coach Mario Jorge.
He also spoke about the significance of the title for the club and the possibility of the team competing in another high-level competition against foreign teams: "Without a doubt, this is an achievement that will mark a milestone in the careers of these boys, who are still developing. It's an important title, unprecedented for the club, and it gives us the unique opportunity to compete at a high level abroad, experiencing new cultures and learning to face a different playing system than what we're used to in Brazil. We only have to win," concluded Mario Jorge.
In the final, Flamengo took to the field with Christian, Samuel, Kaiky, Diego, Jorge, Leo, Dudu, Daniel, Oliveira, Ryan, and João Pedro. Coach: Mario Jorge.