Vinicius Castro

Sports Journal

Rio de Janeiro - Sunday, 15 p.m. The number of Flamengo fans heading to Maracanã was incalculable. Like ants leaving an anthill in search of nourishment, the Flamengo Nation took to the streets surrounding Mário Filho Stadium. From buses, subways, trains, taxis, and cars—every conceivable means of transportation—fans of Brazil's Most Beloved arrived at the World's Largest Stadium. Inside the Maracanã, the territorial dominance was even clearer. With a 70% to 30% share of the Flamengo fans, Flamengo fans rallied behind the team for the entire 90 minutes and were instrumental in the 1-0 victory, which secured the team from Gávea's qualification for the Taça Rio final. If they win the competition, Flamengo will be two games away from their fifth consecutive Carioca Championship, a title they achieved in the years 42, 43, 44; 53, 54, 55; 78, 79, 79 (special); 99, 2000, 2001.

Besides literally shaking the Maracanã, the Red-Black Nation proved once again that when they embrace the team and support it until the end, they can turn a previously discredited Flamengo into the overwhelming favorite for the State title, although many consider Botafogo to be a superior contender for the final. However, no Flamengo fan, no matter how optimistic, would be able to dismiss the power of the Red-Black fans. This power can be seen in the statement made by striker Emerson. After years playing outside of Brazil, the number 11 was moved by the support the team received from the Maracanã stands.

"It was a unique experience. For many, contact with the fans is normal. For me, it wasn't. I had been away from Brazil for a long time and felt an inexplicable emotion with the energy that the Flamengo fans gave us from up there. We treated the game like a final and were rewarded with qualification. The strength of the fans was fundamental," he comments.

Just like the surprises provided by Flamengo's organized supporters in last Sunday's derby, a plethora of new developments are being prepared for the final stretch of the Campeonato Carioca. According to the supporters' association directors, the giant has awakened and will only rest when it brings the trophy for its historic fifth-third state championship to the Gávea stadium.