Fla begins its journey towards the final stage of the League of the Americas
Rubro-negro debuts against Halcones Rojos, in the early hours of Thursday to Friday
By press office - in
Flamengo begins its fight for an unprecedented spot in the finals of the League of the Americas early Friday morning (February 04.02th). The team debuts in the second phase of the competition against Mexican side Halcones Rojos, at 0:15 am Brasília time (20:15 pm on Thursday, February 3rd, Mexico time), in Veracruz, Mexico. This is the first time in history that the Rubro-negro has advanced beyond the first phase of the tournament, considered the most important on the continent.
Flamengo is in Group E, which, in addition to the home team, also includes Peñarol (ARG), the reigning league champion, and Capitanes de Arecibo (PUR). Group F includes Brasília, Regatas de Corriente (ARG), Quimsa (ARG), and Halcones de Xalapa (MEX). Two teams from each group qualify for the final four in March.
Debuting against the home team wasn't exactly what Flamengo coach Gonzalo Garcia wanted. But the Argentine guarantees that the team from Gávea is ready for the challenge.
"Facing the hosts right in our opening match isn't the best option for us. But that's the schedule, and we have to respect it. The important thing is knowing that we're competing in the second phase of the tournament for the first time, and we'll do everything we can to achieve our goal, which is to reach the final," said Gonzalo Garcia.
In addition to the home advantage, Halcones Rojos is a very fast team, according to assistant coach João Batista.
"Our first opponent has a good, tall squad. They're players who are used to this type of competition. They play fast, and if we don't prioritize possession, we could suffer losses from field goals," warned João Batista.
Flamengo will be without power forward Jefferson, who remained in Rio de Janeiro to treat a Grade 1 injury to his right hamstring. He will be sidelined until February 13.02th, when he will undergo another MRI. On the other hand, the team will be able to count on the return of Wagner, who has recovered from a meniscus injury in his left knee.
"Jefferson is a very important player and the team will miss him in the competition, but we will try to make up for his absence in the best way possible, as we have great players," said coach Gonzalo Garcia.
FLAMENGO GAMES IN THE SECOND PHASE OF THE LEAGUE OF THE AMERICAS (Brasília time)
04.02 – Flamengo x Halcones Rojos – 00:15 (20:15 on the 3rd, in Mexico)
04.02 – Flamengo x Peñarol – 22pm
05.02 – Flamengo x Capitanes de Arecibo – 22pm
Flamengo is in Group E, which, in addition to the home team, also includes Peñarol (ARG), the reigning league champion, and Capitanes de Arecibo (PUR). Group F includes Brasília, Regatas de Corriente (ARG), Quimsa (ARG), and Halcones de Xalapa (MEX). Two teams from each group qualify for the final four in March.
Debuting against the home team wasn't exactly what Flamengo coach Gonzalo Garcia wanted. But the Argentine guarantees that the team from Gávea is ready for the challenge.
"Facing the hosts right in our opening match isn't the best option for us. But that's the schedule, and we have to respect it. The important thing is knowing that we're competing in the second phase of the tournament for the first time, and we'll do everything we can to achieve our goal, which is to reach the final," said Gonzalo Garcia.
In addition to the home advantage, Halcones Rojos is a very fast team, according to assistant coach João Batista.
"Our first opponent has a good, tall squad. They're players who are used to this type of competition. They play fast, and if we don't prioritize possession, we could suffer losses from field goals," warned João Batista.
Flamengo will be without power forward Jefferson, who remained in Rio de Janeiro to treat a Grade 1 injury to his right hamstring. He will be sidelined until February 13.02th, when he will undergo another MRI. On the other hand, the team will be able to count on the return of Wagner, who has recovered from a meniscus injury in his left knee.
"Jefferson is a very important player and the team will miss him in the competition, but we will try to make up for his absence in the best way possible, as we have great players," said coach Gonzalo Garcia.
FLAMENGO GAMES IN THE SECOND PHASE OF THE LEAGUE OF THE AMERICAS (Brasília time)
04.02 – Flamengo x Halcones Rojos – 00:15 (20:15 on the 3rd, in Mexico)
04.02 – Flamengo x Peñarol – 22pm
05.02 – Flamengo x Capitanes de Arecibo – 22pm