The Captain's influence at the time of decision
Marcelinho talks about the team's pre-match conversation, the return of confidence and Saturday's war in Mogi
By Lucas Dantas - in
There was no other option. Flamengo had to beat Mogi in the third game of the Novo Basquete Brasil semifinals, or they would go on vacation earlier than planned. After the two previous losses, besides talent, they needed grit for 40 minutes on the court. And at this point, the tactical aspect ends up giving more space to the players' experience, strength, and mentality.
It worked. A victory to cleanse the soul and show that the Pride of the Nation was never dead. With a great collective performance, Mengão won 71-64 and pushed the final to Mogi das Cruzes. The fourth game will be Saturday at 14 p.m., broadcast on Band and Sportv.
Among so many experienced and seasoned players, the group's standout, captain Marcelinho Machado, was very proud of the team's performance. Just two days after the second leg loss, tactical training was replaced by a lot of conversation, and the Captain's presence was crucial to the victory. The number 4 spoke to the group before and during the game and saw the players fully understand the significance of the match.
"It was a life-or-death situation. That's what I conveyed to the group. Every team has problems, and every team finds itself in difficult situations at some point. We talked about what we were going to do to turn things around. We talked about it yesterday and showed our face. Whether we make it to the final or not is another matter. But I'm very proud that at this crucial moment the team showed its face, and I'm very happy about that," said Marcelinho right after the match, which could have been his last in his career. Was he afraid of that?
This isn't an unprecedented situation. Flamengo and Mogi have seen this before. In the 2016 season, the teams went into game four in Mogi das Cruzes, in an identical scenario. The São Paulo team led by two to one, playing at their home ground, and Mengão needing to win and bring the final to Rio. In the last second, with the score at 93-91 for "Mais Querido," Mogi went on the attack, but Marquinhos made a dramatic block and ended the match.
Yesterday's victory is fresh in Marcelinho's memory. However, the Captain prefers to focus on the future and emphasizes that a new factor has emerged since Monday's triumph: confidence.
"We've been through this situation before. Not long ago, we needed to win the fourth game there to decide at home. Basketball is a game of confidence, and today we regained the confidence that we might have lost in the first two games."
In his final season, Marcelinho has the honor of playing alongside Marquinhos, JP Batista, Olivinha, Anderson Varejão, and other great players who, together, form a cohesive and united Flamengo. This unity was evident throughout the season and, especially, tonight. Always precise and direct in his words, the star player was full of praise for the red-and-black squad.
"Sports really helps us see people's character. We really value our relationships, and I'm very proud to be captain of this team. And as I told you before, it was a life-or-death moment. We might have a situation that isn't going well here or there, but we pull together and play. Whether we'll make it to the final or not, we don't know what the future holds. But I'm very proud of this team. Since the beginning of the season, we've been supporting each other, and that's how we'll work to get that victory there," he concluded.
Marcelinho is now preparing, along with the team, to postpone his retirement and advance to the final. Saturday marks Chapter 4 of the battle. Game by game, ball by ball, #YouHaveToBelieve.
#LetsBecomeMengo