THE GLOBE
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Fla receives extra incentive in the final stretch
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\ Club has seven players and Andrade on the CBF's list of best
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\ Marcos Penido
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Flamengo received an extra boost yesterday for the two remaining rounds of the Brazilian Championship. The club had no fewer than seven players and coach Andrade included on the list of finalists for the Craque do Brasileirão award, organized by the CBF and chosen by coaches, players, and journalists. The winners will be announced on the 7th.
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The names were announced by the Brazilian national team coach, Dunga, and his assistant, Jorginho, at a party at the Football Museum in São Paulo. Flamengo leads the number of nominations, followed by Palmeiras, with six representatives, and Internacional, with four. The competition leader, São Paulo, has three representatives.
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\ Idols of the past revive the history of Fla's glories
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Coach Andrade was delighted to receive his nomination. He is competing with Silas of Avaí and Celso Roth of Atlético-MG.
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"Just being among the top three represents recognition of my work. Everyone knows I had my first real opportunity this year. Life is full of opportunities. A new generation is showing that it is capable," Andrade said.
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This is the third consecutive year that Léo Moura has been named among the top three in the Brazilian Championship. The player received the news with enthusiasm and attributed the large number of nominations to the team's performance in the final stretch of the competition.
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"The team arrived in good shape and is looking forward to being champions. I think the consistency I demonstrated in the competition is paying off. If I win, I'll be happy," said the red-and-black fullback.
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\ For Willians, his nomination was a sign that his work was paying off.
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\ - We left Maracanã sad, after the draw with Goiás, but today we gained a\ new hope for these two decisive games that remain in the Brazilian Championship.
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The large number of red-and-black players nominated on the CBF list wasn't the only reason for joy yesterday. President Márcio Braga, three-time Brazilian champion in 1980/87/92, arrived at Ninho do Urubu accompanied by former players and eternal idols Adílio, Nunes and Júlio César Uri Geller.
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\ With Brazilian and South American titles and a Club World Cup under his belt,\ Adílio was the one who spoke the most.
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"I came here to thank this group. They are bringing joy to my family and to the Flamengo fans. Today, Flamengo is up there because of their work. The atmosphere is good and I feel like we're going to make it," said Adílio.
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\ Júlio César said he is excited and watching the games on TV wearing the\ shirt with the number 11.
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\ - I don't know if I was more tense when I was a player or now as a fan watching the games. I just know that the champion will be Flamengo.
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\Nunes said the time has come to make a difference so the team can reach the\title. The recipe is simple, like the one used in the 80s.
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"You have to play with determination, joy, and not waste opportunities. Our presence is so they feel that everyone at Flamengo is with them. The title is what makes the difference and marks the history of this club," concluded Nunes.
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Column\ Ancelmo Gois
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'Fla eternally'
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\ A version of the club's anthem in English has appeared on YouTube during Flamengo's dream of winning the sixth Brazilian title.
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\ It's really cool. It's worth checking out. Check it out www.youtube.com/watch?v=weL5SO6i9xI.
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SPORTS JOURNAL
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Bebeto guarantees: "The fight for the title is open"
\ \Bruno Braga - bbraga@jsports.com.br
\ \Rio de Janeiro: Flamengo fans are eagerly awaiting this year's Brazilian Championship title. After 17 years on the waiting list, the red-and-black club has never been closer to winning its sixth national championship.
\ \This Sunday, against Goiás, the Rio de Janeiro team had the "knife and the cheese in their hands" to take the lead in the competition and take a huge step towards the much-desired title, considering that Botafogo had beaten São Paulo 3-1, the club with which Flamengo is competing in the Brazilian Championship.
\ \However, the team led by Andrade was unable to take advantage of the home advantage and the fans to secure a victory on Sunday. Goalkeeper Bruno justified this by saying that the draw against the Goiás team could be the result of the climate of anxiety generated by the fans.
\ \One of the members of the controversial 1987 Brazilian title, striker Bebeto understands this anxiety, but warns the team to be patient.
\ \Many have already taken Flamengo out of the running with last Sunday's result, however, for the star formed in Gávea, nothing is defined.
\ \"If Goiás plays 50% of what it played against Flamengo, São Paulo will stumble. The fight for the title is open," he analyzed.
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Flamengo could have an important advantage against Grêmio
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São Paulo: Good news arrived today for Flamengo, cheering up the club, which has just suffered a slight trauma to its title ambitions. Grêmio will most likely not use its starters against Flamengo in the final round, which will take place at Maracanã, at least that's what Duda Kroeff, president of the Rio Grande do Sul club, made it clear.
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Obviously, this is no guarantee of victory for the red-black team from Rio, but it does give the team optimism, especially since they need to win their last two games to win the sixth title. Nothing better for this than an experienced and mature team like Flamengo facing a team that isn't as well-coordinated as a reserve team, regardless of the team.
\ \To win the title, Flamengo needs to hope that São Paulo doesn't beat Goiás at Serra Dourada, in addition to defeating Corinthians at Brinco de Ouro, in Campinas. If this happens, Flamengo will enter the final round needing only a simple victory to get their hands on the coveted trophy, which has not come their way for 17 years.
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Flamengo leads the way in nominations for the Brazilian Champion of the Year award
\ \ \ \\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ Rio de JaneiroFlamengo may not have won the war yet, but at least one battle has been won. The list of nominees for the Brazilian Championship's Best Player was released today, and the red-and-black team came away with no fewer than nine nominations. Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Ronaldo Angelim, Willians, Maldonado, Petkovic, and Adriano are all competing for their respective positions. Coaches Andrade and Petkovic were also nominated for possible Coach of the Year and Best Player of the Year. The ceremony takes place on December 7th in Rio de Janeiro and is open to public voting.
\ \Flamengo's rivals for the title, São Paulo, Palmeiras and Internacional, have three, six and four names on the list, respectively.
\ \ \ \Even with a year full of ups and downs, Fluminense put two names on the list, Fred and Conca, who played a lot in this Brazilian championship. No Botafogo player was mentioned.
\ \ \ \Last year, São Paulo native Hernanes was named Best Player of the Brasileirão, and Muricy was named Coach of the Year. While Hernanes remained on the list, Palmeiras' poor run and the coach's lackluster year cost him the nomination.
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Management changes planning and team travels to Campinas only next Thursday
\ \Rio de Janeiro - Contrary to what had been planned, the Flamengo squad will only travel to Campinas on Thursday night. Therefore, the players will train on Friday at the Ponte Preta training center. Flamengo will face Corinthians next Sunday at the Brinco de Ouro da Princesa stadium.
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Flamengo missed the chance to take the lead in the Brazilian league after drawing with Goiás at home. The red-and-black team remains in second place in the table with 61 points. São Paulo is the leader with 62 points.
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Before traveling to Campinas, the players will train every day at 16 pm, at CT Ninho do Urubu.
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THE DAY
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Idols raise the spirits at Mengão
\ \Players from the current squad receive a visit from stars from the past, who reaffirm their confidence in the group and in winning another Brazilian title.
\ \ \ \Rio - If the Flamengo squad's spirits weren't the best after the stumble against Goiás, president Marcio Braga brought a high-level motivation to yesterday's training session at Ninho do Urubu to encourage the players in this final stretch of the Brasileirão.
\ \Former players Nunes, Adílio and Júlio César, also known as Uri Geller, who won historic titles with the red and black jersey, chatted with the squad. "It's important to recapture the spirit of the years." Serbian Petkovic has played in Brazil for ten years, but does not yet have dual nationality. However, state deputies Tucalo (PP) and Edson Albtertassi (PMDB) awarded the player two titles: meritorious of the State of Rio de Janeiro and citizen of the State of Rio de Janeiro. The tribute took place on Tuesday night in the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj).
\ \In a ceremony that lasted just under an hour, Petkovic was the last speaker. And, with his thick accent, he drew warm applause from those present. The Flamengo midfielder first landed in Rio ten years ago to play for Flamengo and has no intention of leaving the state.
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"I learned to love the Marvelous City and I will continue to love it. Our city will improve even more with the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games. But the people responsible for me staying here are my wife, Violeta, and my daughters, Ana and Inês, who always said that this was our home," said Pet, emotionally.
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\ Deputy Tucalo, a self-confessed Tricolor fan, said that the fair tribute to Petkovic\ is worth it not only because the midfielder is a Flamengo player, but because, in addition to\ Rubro-Negro, the Serbian has also worn the shirts of Fluminense and Vasco, three of the\ four main clubs in the state.
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"Not everyone understands the importance of this title we are granting. But Pet embodied well what it means to be a citizen of our state. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that he played for my Fluminense team and gave us much joy. But the important thing is that Pet is now a citizen of the State of Rio," he stated.
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Smiling, the Serbian behaved like a Carioca. He signed autographs, posed for photographs with fans, and cheered with the Princesas de Petrópolis choir, which paid tribute to him with several composers, including Tom Jobim, one of the player's favorites.
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"I thank Vitória for bringing me to Brazil and I thank Flamengo for bringing me to play in the Marvelous City. Now, yes, I can say that I am a citizen of Rio. I played for Vasco and Fluminense, which helped me a lot. But I identified with Flamengo," confessed the Serbian.
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In addition to Pet's wife and daughters, his brother Boran Petkovic was also present. The panel included representatives Tucalo, Edson Albertassi, Ademir Mello, Wilson Cabral, Altineu Cortes, and the state secretary of Transportation and former vice-president of Flamengo, Júlio Lopes.
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Flamengo players receive a visit from Flamengo idols from the past
\ \Raphael\Fox
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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At the request of Flamengo's then-president on leave, Márcio Braga, three past idols (Nunes, Adílio and Júlio César Uri Geller) attended Tuesday's training session at CT Ninho do Urubu in Vargem Grande, in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro. They came to encourage the Flamengo players who are fighting for the Brazilian Championship title.
\ \"We, former players, are happy with this group and have nothing to ask for. We just need to be thankful. We will maintain this game pace, because, with any imbalance from São Paulo, Flamengo will be champions," said Adílio.
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Nunes echoed Adílio's words and even took the opportunity to take a dig at Flamengo's rivals for the Brazilian title. "The team has grown at the right time, and they (their opponents) are scared and hesitant. We're here to give the group a boost," he warned.
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\ Júlio César Uri Geller, who was present at Ninho do\ Urubu for the first time, did not hide his happiness with Flamengo's form in the Brazilian Championship. The former player believes that left-back Juan will be crucial for the team in this final stretch of the competition.
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"It seems like I'm watching Flamengo play with the number 11 jersey. We have to go after the guys and dribble a lot. I had a conversation with Juan and he's going to make the plays for the team's victories," he revealed.
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\ Júlio César Uri Geller played for Flamengo from 1975 to 1981, playing 131 matches.\ Nunes played from 1980 to 1987, playing 212 matches, while Adílio was a player\ for the club between 1975 and 1987, making 611 appearances for the red and black team.
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On Sunday, in the 37th and penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo takes on Corinthians at 17 pm (Brasília time) at Brinco de Ouro da Princesa in Campinas. With 61 points, the Rubro-Negro is in second place. São Paulo, with 62, leads the competition.
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List of the best of the 2009 Brasileirão approaches record of "thirties"
\ \Paula Almeida
\ In Sao Paulo
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If for many the Brazilian team is a reflection of what green and yellow football is experiencing at the moment, the list of nominees for the 2009 Brasileirão Craques award, announced this Tuesday, proved the thesis in at least one aspect: the advanced age of the players.
\ \THE CANDIDATES\"THIRTY-YEARS"
\ \Athletes frequently called up by coach Dunga and members of the base team assembled by the coach in the national team, Julio César, Lúcio, Juan and Gilberto Silva are all over 30 years old, and others are very close to reaching this age, such as Maicon and Júlio Baptista, as well as Doni and many others who often appear in the call-ups.
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\ Because the list of nominees for the Best Player of the Brasileirão has no less than\ 10 thirty-somethings, not to mention Chilean midfielder Maldonado, who will turn\ that age early next year. This means that almost a third of the list,\ in its 11 categories (excluding the nominees for revelation, who are already assumed to be young players), is made up of "experienced" athletes.
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\ The average is close to the 2005 record, when 11 "thirty-somethings"\ appeared on the list. Last year there were nine nominees, the same number as in 2006.\ In 2007 there were only seven.
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The relevance of this data increases even further when we speculate on the chances of each of these athletes within their category. André Dias, from São Paulo, for example, is a strong candidate for the award among right-backs.
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\ Ronaldo Angelim is also a strong candidate in the fight for the other position in the defense, although he is in contention with the already renowned Miranda and Rever.
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Meanwhile, in goal, five-time champion Marcos will face stiff competition from Victor, a big bet from coach Dunga, and Bruno, who has already proven himself as a goalkeeper in decisive moments. A similar battle will see Guiñazu, among the defensive midfielders, against the "young" Sandro, his teammate at Inter, and the youngest among the experienced players, Maldonado.
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\ On the right wing, Souza, from Grêmio, received an honorable nomination, but he should be\ surpassed by one of his Palmeiras competitors, Diego Souza and Cleiton\ Xavier.
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\ In attack, the veteran Iarley, from Goiás, has practically no chance of winning the title. His opponents are none other than Ronaldo, who may miss out on the award due to a hand injury that has kept him out of action for about three months, and Adriano, who at 27 should take the trophy especially since he is close to securing the tournament's top scorer award.
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\ On the left side, another dispute seems to have a decided outcome. Although Marcelinho\ Paraíba and his 34 years are in the running, Petkovic, who is almost a revelation in the\ championship after having been considered dead in football, should win the cup,\ at his 37 years.
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Flamengo Museum will be inaugurated on November 15, 2010
\ \Raphael\Fox
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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In just under a year, Flamengo fans will receive quite a gift. President Márcio Braga has confirmed that the club's museum will be inaugurated on November 15th, located across from the Fla-Concept store in Gávea.
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"It will be the largest and most modern museum in Brazil. It will not only enhance the club's history but will also be close to the store, which is one of the three largest in the world. This is one of the projects we had for the revitalization of Gávea," said the director.
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\ Olimpikus' marketing manager, Tullio Formicola Filho, believes that\ both the store and the museum will boost the club's finances in the near future.
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"I have no doubt that the Flamengo museum and store will receive a large number of tourists very soon. The club has a very strong brand and the partnership with the sponsor is great," he concluded.
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\ Opened last Monday, Fla-Concept is the largest store of a football club in South America, with 1.300m2. Some players such as goalkeeper Bruno, right-back Leonardo Moura and coach Andrade were present at the event.
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GLOBOESPORTE
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Confident of Flamengo's sixth victory, Marcio Braga warns: 'The party is always prepared'
\ \However, the president of the red-black team emphasizes that it is necessary to resolve the issue on the field: 'To be in the photo, you have to win'
\ \ \ \Márcio Braga (back turned)\ talks with Uri Geller, Andrade, Adílio and Nunes at Ninho do Urubu
\ \Confidence is a trademark of President Marcio Braga. Three-time Brazilian champion leading the Flamengo (80, 87 and 92), he is sure that it will be a four-time title. This Tuesday, the manager went to the team's training session at Ninho do Urubu accompanied by idols from the past. Uri Geller, Adílio and Nunes\ talked to the group for ten minutes. After the meeting, the president said that no red-black title was won easily, that he does not believe in the seventh title of São Paulo and that the party for Fla's sixth title is ready.
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\ One of the main reasons for the high level of confidence, according to him, is the\ quality of Andrade's team. Marcio Braga classifies all sectors of the\ team as strong.
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\ - We have a great team – he summarized.
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Check out the main excerpts from the press conference below:
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With two games left, São Paulo is ahead of Flamengo. Do you still believe in the title?
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\ The players are the ones who win games at Flamengo. Nothing is easy here. We've always had pressure on our arrival. But we have the greatest dominance in Rio de Janeiro and in Brazil. There's no club more successful than Flamengo.
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Do you believe that Flamengo will overcome this difficulty?
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Of course. As I said, nothing here is easy. Just remember the titles I've won. In '80, we lost to Atlético-MG there and won at Maracanã. It was a battle there. I remember we spent the night visiting Flamengo fans at the hospital in Minas Gerais. But here we guaranteed their safety. In '87, we had serious problems in Belo Horizonte again. The coach was Telê (Santana), but we won and decided the title against Internacional. In '92, the championship was still based on classification. We reached the final against Botafogo, who had a superior team, and won the first game 3-0. But nobody gives 3-0 for nothing.
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Do you trust the strength of this team? Can it be compared to the generation of the 80s?
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We have a strong team today. We have a good goalkeeper, a very good defense, the wingers are strong, and the midfield is working. In the last game (against Goiás), Maldonado was missed. If he had been on the field, I think we would have won the game. And up front, we're doing very well with Zé Roberto, Adriano, and Pet, who many consider the best player in the championship. In short, we have a great team. But we can't compare it to the '81 generation, which was almost entirely formed in the youth academy. But I'm confident we'll be champions.
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You've said a few times that you've prepared the party for other titles. What now?
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The party is always prepared. We always have to prepare parties. Flamengo is a party club. But to be in the picture, you have to win. If we win these two games, you don't even need to worry about São Paulo. When Flamengo wins, anything happens.
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Note: In October of last year, excited about the team's fourth-place finish in the Brasileirão, Marcio Braga stated that the celebration of the sixth championship was being organized. In the following game, the team suffered a heavy blow: a 3-0 defeat to Atlético-MG at the Maracanã.
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How do you see the duel between Adriano and Ronaldo?
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I'm looking forward to this matchup. These are national team players. It's a great thing for Brazilian soccer. These are two stars with international renown.
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How did you view goalkeeper Bruno's recent statement that the fans "bothered the team a bit" in the game against Goiás, by increasing the players' anxiety?
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In my opinion, fans only help. They don't hinder. There are people with different opinions. There's nothing to say. We can only respect them.
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Do you believe that Corinthians fans will support Flamengo to avoid benefiting São Paulo?
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Flamengo and Corinthians aren't siblings. They're brothers. We always root for them there, and they root for us here. Given their rivalry with São Paulo, I believe many Corinthians fans will be rooting for Flamengo on Sunday.
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Do you think Flamengo fans will attend the game against Corinthians?
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Flamengo has the fourth or fifth largest fan base in São Paulo. All these people will be at the "Brinco da Princesa" (Princess's Earring). And we also have the Flasampa, a fan base that always shows up. Don't you remember what Goiás' coach (Hélio dos Anjos) said in the first round? Wherever Flamengo plays at home. Some fans might even join Goiás in cheering against São Paulo.
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The red-black squad receives support from past idols
\ \Uri Geller, Adílio and Nunes talk to the group about the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship
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The president of the Flamengo, Marcio Braga, called, and the red-black idols of the past did not fail. This Tuesday, Julio Cesar Uri Geller - a striker who played for Fla in the 70s and 80s -, Adílio and Nunes - from the 1981 world champion team - accompanied the director for a conversation with the group led by Andrade.
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Meeting at Ninho do Urubu between some idols of the past and the current red-black team
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Training at Ninho do Urubu was interrupted for ten minutes for a discussion. Adriano, who had been released from the activity, and Petkovic and Zé Roberto, who were recovering, did not participate in the meeting.
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\ Former midfielder Adílio made a point of telling the players that he is proud\ of the team's performance in Brazilian Championship.
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"I just want to say thank you very much. You're showing the kind of football Flamengo has always deserved. It's beautiful. I'm very proud to be able to say I was Brazilian champion, Libertadores champion, and World Cup champion with Flamengo. You're taking the first step. We're with you. I'm happy to see Flamengo like this. And I'm sure Zico, Júnior, and Rondinelli are too. Congratulations. You deserve it," he said.
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After the conversation, the three spoke to journalists and shared their impressions of this contact.
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"I just thanked them and said I'm very happy. The group has made a comeback in the competition, and Flamengo has the best team. So, I don't have to ask for anything, just say thank you. It's already obvious that if Flamengo keeps up the same momentum and São Paulo stumbles, they'll be champions. This team has everything it needs to achieve that," said Adílio.
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Uri Geller preferred to pass on his support for the players in silence, but that doesn't mean he believes any less in the group's potential.
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- I stood there, just sending positive energy. It's a joy to see Andrade in this situation. I'm watching Flamengo's games in uniform, with cleats, socks, and shin guards. I don't know if I'm more tense now or when I was playing. Flamengo is going to win. I'm betting all my chips on it. If Goiás plays like they did here at Maracanã, they can at least draw with São Paulo.
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For Nunes, it was worth highlighting the team's surge in the second half. Flamengo has the best campaign in the second half of the championship.
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"The opponents fell, and Flamengo picked up the pace at the right time. Nothing happened by chance. A title is coming. Flamengo looks like a champion."
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Fla is second in the Brasileirão, with 61 points, one less than São Paulo.
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Andrade thanks the visit of Adílio, Nunes and Uri Geller
\ \Coach believes in the title and wants current players to write their names within Flamengo: 'History cannot be erased'
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Past stars visit Flamengo's training session to motivate the squad
\ \The presence of Adílio, Nunes and Uri Geller at Tuesday's training session at Ninho do Urubu was a source of satisfaction for Andrade. The coach thanked his teammates from the 80s for their support. He hopes the current group can enter the Flamengo, in 30 years, as victorious as the illustrious visitors.
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\ Andrade once again demonstrated confidence in winning the title BrasileirãoAnd the security for this comes from believing that the current players are managing to rescue the club's victorious past.
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"These players' presence here is incredibly important. They've experienced great achievements, winning the Libertadores, the World Cup, and several Brazilian Championships. And it's good because Flamengo doesn't let its great idols be forgotten. They spoke about Flamengo's history and how difficult it is to win here. Even though it's difficult now, I still believe we can be champions. They even gave the example of the final three games of the 81 Libertadores. This visit recaptures that spirit of the 80s. It strengthens and brings confidence to a group that has already proven itself to be a winner. They (the current players) can return in 30 years and be welcomed with open doors, with affection and respect, as they were today. History never fades," Andrade stated.
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The coach was grateful not only for the presence of Adílio, Nunes and Uri Geller, but also for the support he has received from other former teammates on that team.
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"I know I have their support and that of many others. Rondinelli, Zico, Júnior himself. Tita himself called me the other day to congratulate me on my work. I'm happy to have that support behind me," Andrade said.
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CURTINHAS: Andrade appears at the club with plasters on his ear
\ \Coach is indifferent to Grêmio facing Flamengo with a reserve team. Without braces on his teeth, Willians made everyone laugh
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From afar no one noticed, but as soon as Andrade sat down to give the press conference, the small plasters on his left ear revealed an acupuncture session. The coach of Flamengo said the reason was a fall about 20 days ago that ended up causing a dislocation in his left shoulder. He joked when asked if it was because of the Brasileirão.
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- It's not necessary yet\ (acupuncture) to relax... – Andrade joked.
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Coach's indifference
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The information that the Grêmio can\ give the starting players a vacation and field a reserve team against Flamengo,\ on December 6, at Maracanã, was met with indifference by Andrade.
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- First I have to play with the Corinthians and win and then think about whether Grêmio will come with a starting lineup or a reserve team. If we don't win this game (against Corinthians), the other one won't make much difference to us. And even if they come with reserves, we'll have to be attentive to everything in the same way," Andrade said.
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Open smile
\ \It's been two weeks since Williams has cared less about getting hit in the mouth with a ball. All because the midfielder took off his braces. It's a shame he won't be able to enjoy that for a long time.
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"When I get hit in the face with a ball, my mouth doesn't stick to my teeth anymore. It's much better. It's a shame I'll have to put it back on," explained Willians, unafraid to smile.
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More smiles
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While backing his car out of the Ninho do Urubu parking lot last Tuesday, Willians ended up crashing into a TV station's truck. Luckily, there wasn't any major damage. But several players witnessed the minor accident and, naturally, asked where he got his driver's license.
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- What a barber, man! –\ joked right-back Everton Silva.
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Flamengo celebrates eight nominations for the 2009 Brazilian Player of the Year
\ \Andrade and the players celebrate the achievement and say it serves to increase the group's self-esteem in this final stretch.
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Bruno, Adriano, Andrade, Maldonado and Pet were nominated for the award
\ \The eight nominations for the Craque do Brazilian 2009 left the Flamengo in a state of grace. Even with the draw against Goiás, last Sunday, at Maracanã, the good atmosphere and smiles were easy to notice in Tuesday's training session, at Ninho do Urubu. This fact served to raise the team's self-esteem for the game against Corinthians, Sunday, in Campinas.
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And it's no wonder. Flamengo was the team with the most players competing for the award: goalkeeper Bruno, right-back Leonardo Moura, defender Ronaldo Angelim, midfielders Maldonado and Willians, midfielder Petkovic and striker Adriano. Andrade is also in the running for best coach. And the Serbian is also in the running for best coach.
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"It couldn't have happened any better. Being nominated in my first year as coach makes me very happy. Just being among the three best coaches is very significant. I was happy, but I can't celebrate yet. But at this point in the championship, it boosts our self-esteem. This group has boosted the fans' self-esteem after many years. It's a great moment for Flamengo. We're recapturing the club's true history of glory," said Andrade.
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For the coach, Pet\ deserves to be elected the star of the Brasileirão, beating Hernanes, from São Paulo, and Conca, from Fluminense.
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- For what he did this year, for being 37 years old and for arriving discredited, Pet deserved to be "the guy". The others are young people with a brilliant career ahead of them – said Andrade.
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Midfielder Willians, who\ for the first time competes for the award for best right-hand midfielder with Hernanes\ and Pierre, from Palmeiras, was also happy.
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"You can see that my work is being appreciated. I've been working to help Flamengo since the beginning of the year. This gives the group more strength," said the midfielder.
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CHECK OUT THE LIST OF TOP SCORERS IN THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
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FOLLOW THE UPDATED CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE
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Leonardo Moura, who competes with Jonathan, from Cruzeiro, and Vitor, from Goiás, the award for best right-back, celebrated the achievement and highlighted its importance for Flamengo.
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"It's an honor to be back on this list. The fact that Flamengo was the club with the most players nominated further enhances the excellent campaign we've been having this year," said Léo Moura.
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Bruno has already said that he intends to win the award to crown the work he has been doing for Flamengo for some years.
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I've been dedicating myself and working seriously throughout the season and I'm happy to be receiving recognition for this effort. It's an award I really want to win. I'll be rooting for it to happen this time – said the goalkeeper, who is competing with Victor, from Grêmio, and Marcos, from Palmeiras.
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After the Maracanã Walk of Fame, Pet becomes a citizen of the State of Rio
\ \Serbian receives title from the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro
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Sitting next to his brother and some representatives, Petkovic looked like a politician. In front of his wife Violeta and his daughters Ana and Inês, the Serbian was honored at the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro and received the title of Citizen of the State and Meritorious.
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\ - I'm very happy, I feel like a citizen of Rio and I've learned to like these people\ - he said.
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Pet couldn't hide the smile on his face and kept his eyes glued to the Petrópolis Princess Choir from São José College, who sang songs by Tom Jobim. He also thanked his friends and especially his family. He played with his brother, Boban Petkovic, with whom he learned to play soccer.
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- I learned how to score an Olympic goal with him - joked the player.
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Some fans of Flamengo were present at the tribute. After the ceremony, the midfielder welcomed some guests for a cocktail party. He was very attentive, posing for photos and signing autographs. Pet made a point of thanking the president of the Rubro-Negro, Marcio Braga, and the directors who brought him back to the club.
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\ - They believed in me, they did a good thing, they brought me back\ home – he stressed.
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Petkovic is currently experiencing a period of deep identification with Rio. After immortalizing his footprints on the Maracanã Walk of Fame, becoming the fifth foreigner to leave his mark there, the Serbian was honored again. This Tuesday, he received the title of Citizen of the State of Rio de Janeiro, granted by the Legislative Assembly.
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Speaking of Marcio Braga, the\ leader said on Tuesday afternoon that the sixth title party is ready. Pet preferred to stay away from controversy and avoided the issue.
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"I think Flamengo outdid itself this year, both on the field and in club management. Many people work at Flamengo, without a title, but they help a lot. If we have to become champions, great. If not, we'll be left with the Libertadores. This fan base deserves it. We'll give it our all and fight until the end," he stated.
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Book that tells the story of Flamengo narrated by idols is launched this Tuesday
\ \"My greatest pleasure:\ stories of a passion" has testimonials from 32 athletes, former athletes,\ coaches and illustrious fans of the Rio de Janeiro club
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Cover of the book released this Tuesday
\ \"It's not that my life at the beginning Flamengo It was a bed of roses, a lot of things happened. Then a lot of people came along saying that they gave you strength, that they wanted you there. But I almost went to Vasco because of a lunch". This statement was given by the greatest idol in the history of Rubro-Negro, Zico, in an interview for the book "My greatest pleasure: stories of a passion", which was launched this Tuesday.
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The publication tells the story of Flamengo as told by its classic characters. In addition to Zico, figures such as Petkovic, Zagallo, Evaristo, Oscar Schmidt, Marcelo D2, Andrade, and 25 other famous athletes, former athletes, coaches, and fans of the club were interviewed by journalists Luciano Ribeiro and Carlos Eduardo Mansur. The book is part of a collection of stories about the great Brazilian clubs.
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\ One of the authors, Luciano Ribeiro, explained how the structure of the book was put together\ and talked about the characters.
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We were invited to write the Flamengo book, and the publisher gave us the freedom to choose the format. We chose to tell the story through the characters. Among those featured here, we have several that showcase the club's diverse history. We have the stars of yesteryear and others who, as children, never imagined they could play for Flamengo, like Angelim.
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Luciano also recalled curious stories told in the book, such as the part where the director of Elite Squad, José Padilha, did not allow criminals to wear Flamengo shirts in the film.
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- There's testimony from people outside of football, like filmmaker José Padilha, grandson of former president José Bastos Padilha. Even though he's involved in film, he remains connected to Flamengo. He follows everything. In the book, he said he didn't want to put a Flamengo jersey on any criminal in Elite Squad.
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\ The other books in the collection will be released throughout this week.
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After controversy, Mano sees Ronaldo more motivated in the 'final trial' against Fla
\ \Coach believes that criticism from the board and red-black fans could encourage the Phenomenon for this Sunday's match at Brinco de Ouro
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Ronaldo in action against Náutico
\ \Flamengo and Ronaldo, finally, will meet. After much controversy over the Phenomenon's departure to Corinthians, will play this Sunday, at 17 pm, in Campinas, a separate duel for Brazilian Championship. For coach Mano Menezes, all the anger from the fans and the red-black board after the agreement with Timão could motivate the number 9 for the duel at Brinco de Ouro.
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"In soccer, you can't forget that the ball is round. It rolls, and one day you come face to face with someone who treated you well or badly, with whom you are closest friends or with whom you have the most disagreements. And then you remember what you did, and the final judgment comes," he said.
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Ronaldo trained for three months with Flamengo, his favorite club, in 2008, but ended up signing with Corinthians. According to him, the Rio de Janeiro club made no official offer for him to stay. Since then, the Phenomenon has been the target of criticism from directors and even protests from fans. The player did not participate in the first-round match because he was recovering from a fracture in his left hand.
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- Sometimes you read something, hear it, and it hurts. You keep it in. I really believe in personal matters. You can motivate yourself and look for things to rekindle. That's what moves people. Ronaldo must have his reasons – added the coach.
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\ Because of his influence on the squad, Mano believes that the Phenomenon can motivate the other players to work even harder. However, the coach makes a point of remembering that the important thing is for the team to win to improve Corinthians' position in the table.
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- Each person can be their own person. I think you can achieve more or less depending on the respect you have, what it means, and what you've built. Of course, your appeal can be stronger, more significant. But Corinthians' appeal has to be greater than the individual's," he added.
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Petkovic, Conca and Hernanes are the finalists for the 2009 Craque da Galera
\ \Players from Flamengo, Fluminense, and São Paulo received the most votes in the popular election. The winner of the award will be announced on December 7th.
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Pet, Conca and Hernanes were the most voted
\ \Two representatives of Rio de Janeiro teams and one from a São Paulo club are the finalists for the Craque da Galera, an award that is part of the Craque do Brasileirão 2009. Petkovic, from Flamengo, Conca, of the Fluminense and Hernanes, from São Paulo were the most voted in the second phase of the popular election, which had a total of 2.671.629 votes.
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The Serbian midfielder received the most votes, with a wide advantage: 832.811 (31,1% of the votes). The Argentine came in second place, with 417.491 (15,6%). The fight for third place was very close, but the São Paulo midfielder ended up beating Jorge Henrique, from
