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THE GLOBE
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Two more judges
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\ FIFA should approve tomorrow the inclusion of referees behind the goals in the World Cup
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FIFA President Joseph Blatter speaks at the opening of an event in South Africa
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\ Jorge Luiz Rodrigues
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In an attempt to minimize global pressure for the use of technology in soccer, FIFA's Executive Committee is expected to approve tomorrow, at its extraordinary meeting in Cape Town, a proposal by FIFA president Joseph Blatter for the inclusion of two assistant referees - one behind each goal. The role of the two new officials would be to clarify controversial plays and assist the refereeing trio - which would become a quintet - starting with the 2010 World Cup.
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"How can we avoid the handball cheating we had in the France-Ireland game, for example? I think there should be additional referees (assistants). Even without being sure that they would be able to see the play," said the Swiss, at the opening of Soccerex, a global football business exhibition, which takes place in Johannesburg and, starting next year, will move to Rio.
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Blatter noted that the Executive Committee's approval is not enough. The proposal will have to be sent to the International Board for final approval at its meetings on March 26 and 27, in time to take effect at the World Cup.
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\ Despite proposing two more officials, Blatter rejected the inclusion of video, arguing that it would take away the human side of football. The official added that he was not in favor of the use of TV technology:
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\ - With technology, you have to stop the game. You have to look at the cameras.\ More than once.
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The organization's president, however, said that FIFA would consider re-examining the use of the chip in the ball if the technology becomes 100% safe. The chip in the ball was being tested, but was frozen by the International Board at its last meeting in the first quarter of the year due to the system's unreliability.
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\ Despite the support of Blatter and also of the president of UEFA, the French Michel\ Platini, the refereeing quintet faces resistance from sectors of FIFA.\ However, it still has the support of members of the Arbitration and Football commissions of the entity, as anticipated, last Saturday, the column Panorama\ Esportivo, of GLOBO.
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\ Pressure increased after Henry's hand
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\ The use of an assistant behind each goal was authorized, on an experimental basis, by FIFA in the Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) this season.\ However, there is still no definitive report presented to the entity.
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\ The global pressure for the use of video resources has gained even more weight since the\ play on the 18th, in which Frenchman Thierry Henry handled the ball with his\ left hand, serving it to his teammate Gallas to tie the game with\ Ireland. In extra time, the French won and secured their place in the\ 2010 World Cup.
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"There is a lack of respect and discipline because the players are cheating. We (the Executive Committee) will examine the proposal for additional referees and we are, indeed, in a position to approve it," said Blatter.
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Blatter also revealed that the Irish Federation has asked FIFA to be included as the 33rd team for the 2010 World Cup. With irony, the president said he took the request to tomorrow's extraordinary meeting of the Committee.
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\ - There would be many logistical problems and we would also have to include Costa Rica, who complained about having conceded a goal from Uruguay while offside.
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Anything goes to see the red-black team leave the queue
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\ Fans set up camp and scalpers go on their usual ticket spree
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\ FANS line up at ticket office 8 at Maracanã: celebration for those who\ manage to buy one of the six thousand tickets that go on sale on Thursday
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\ Guto Seabra ()
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At Maracanã ticket office 8, passion pushes the black market ticket dealers to the back of the line. Almost seventy-two hours before the final batch of 6 tickets goes on sale, Flamengo fans set up camp while the scalpers go on a spree, selling special seat tickets for R$500. With his survival kit, two bags, seven sweaters, three shirts, packets of cookies, and a beach chair to sleep in, 18-year-old Vicente Koester is ready to see the red-and-black team get out of a 17-year queue.
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- I've already spent two nights in line at a supermarket to exchange tickets to see Flamengo vs. Madureira (2007 Guanabara Cup). It's just one more night this time. It's worth the effort to see the sixth title - said Koester.
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A Gastronomy student at Estácio de Sá University, the young man is ready to taste the flavor of a Brazilian Championship title. Since 1992, when he was one year old, he's only heard stories. Since then, he's only had the bitter taste of being a supporting actor.
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"It's already in the review phase. I told the college. There's no point," said Koester, a Bangu resident.
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Behind him, about 20 red-and-black fans are working on standby in line. Like a sentry, one holds a place while the other rests. Everything is organized informally by the "ticketless movement."
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"They organized a roster for rotation. I'm going home tonight, while someone else will come here. I'm unemployed. I took on a side job just for this game," said Alexandre Silva, a 21-year-old resident of Alcântara (São Gonçalo).
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\ In front of a bar, money changers staked out their territory and traded on the\ free market, immune to repression. One of them announced:
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- Ticket to the final of the best championship in the world. Have the opportunity to watch Mengão become champions. Never forget. Unfortunately, I'll have to travel. Promotional price. Only R$500. Regular seat ticket. You won't find it cheaper.
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Waiting for the match, there's nothing better than a game. While the ball isn't rolling, the fans are planning to buy a deck of cards. As long as he has an ace up his sleeve, Franklin Nogueira, 31, from Passos, Minas Gerais, doesn't leave the line for anything:
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\ - I'm not leaving here with just a ticket in hand. I can't pay R$300 on the black market.
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Of the eight thousand tickets made available for Grêmio, six thousand are expected to be put back on sale, starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday. Prices are as follows: Special seats: R$180; lower seats: R$30; green and yellow stands: R$40; and white stands: R$50.
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\ () From Extra
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The South divided by the madness of rivalry
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\ Grêmio does not give vacations to starters, but is mysterious about the team that will play in\ Rio
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The Ragamuffin War, which in the 164th century pitted liberal and republican forces from the South against defenders of the Empire's central power, ended XNUMX years ago. But in the week leading up to the final round of the Brazilian Championship, Rio Grande do Sul is once again divided. There isn't exactly a battle, and the confrontation is marked by veiled threats, others not so much, and a game of psychology. The lineup, motivation, and even the commitment of the Grêmio team that will come to Rio to face Flamengo are still a mystery. But the rumors thrown around by officials and even players make rival Internacional, dependent on a victory for the Tricolor Gaúcho to have a chance at the championship, a hostage to its greatest enemy.
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\ Gremistas talk about revenge for the Colorado mix in 2008
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Rarely in the more than century-old rivalry between Grêmio and Inter have the interests of one team so directly opposed the will of the other. The Colorado team sees reasons not to trust the other team's help, promises to monitor Grêmio's every move, and doesn't rule out taking legal action if anything suspicious happens.
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Grêmio fans have already signaled their desire to the board. The "Entrega Grêmio" community on Orkut reached ten thousand members in one day. On Twitter, fans used phrases like "I'm sorry, but until Sunday I'm Flamengo" and "Flamengo will only lose the title if they score an own goal." Some even asked for the under-12 team to be fielded. Grêmio president Duda Kroeff said he was "sensitive to the fans' wishes." Kroeff made a point of highlighting Grêmio's lack of commitment. He denies that the team will concede, but says he won't accept outside pressure, stating that "Grêmio is the one who chooses Grêmio's lineup" and that "Inter can never trust Grêmio, nor can Grêmio trust Inter." Yesterday, at a Board of Directors meeting, the club backed down from its decision to give its starters time off. But such a powerful team isn't expected in Rio. Suspended, Fábio Rochemback won't play. Theco said goodbye after Sunday's victory over Barueri. Máxi Lopez went to Argentina to decide his future and may go play in Germany. Réver, recently married, is expected to be released. In addition, midfielder Souza may not play. Upon hearing the fans chant "surrender" and "Mengo" at the Olímpico on Sunday, he said that "the fans pay our salary."
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\ - The procedure that has been announced does not look good for a club of Grêmio's stature - said Inter's vice-president of football, Fernando Carvalho.
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With suspicions of Grêmio's lack of motivation for the Rio game dismissed, the Tricolor's record as a visitor doesn't give the Colorados any hope. Grêmio has won only one away game in the Brazilian Championship, against the already relegated Náutico, in the 24th round. Undefeated at home, Grêmio has helped Inter by taking points from Colorado rivals such as Palmeiras, São Paulo, and Cruzeiro. Some even see Grêmio's stance as revenge. Last year, the club was chasing São Paulo for the Brazilian title. Internacional, claiming to be in the final stages of the South American Cup, fielded a mixed team against the São Paulo team and lost.
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Seclusion in the mountains
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Fla is taking precautions before making a decision. Adriano is improving and his return is almost guaranteed.
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\ Carlos Eduardo Mansur
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Flamengo begins its retreat in Teresópolis tomorrow. Training there won't be the main objective. But rather, it's managing the players' sleep, nutrition, and recovery, including Adriano, who is practically guaranteed to play against Grêmio. There's also the most important task: keeping the team away from the effervescence that has already dominated Rio de Janeiro on the eve of the match that could give the red-and-black team its sixth national championship. Upon returning from São Paulo, the team was greeted with chants of "six-time champion."
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Yesterday, players and coaching staff implemented an idea that emerged in the locker room after the game against Corinthians. No player will give interviews, participate in programs, or make any statements outside of the official press hours. The matter was officially brought to the group by goalkeeper Bruno, who quickly gained the support of the others. Yesterday, even coach Andrade avoided making any statements, following the players' lead. The exception was Petkovic, who had already committed to recording a TV show before the decision.
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"We have a very good chance. We're aware of this, we're down to earth, and we respect Grêmio. With the support of our 12th player, the fans, we'll try to make the ultimate sacrifice to emerge victorious. It's going to be an intense, exciting 90 minutes. Some won't be able to handle it, but I hope the nation celebrates in the end," Petkovic told ESPN Brasil.
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At Granja Comary, during training hours, not only fans but even club advisors will be prohibited from entering. Players will also not receive visitors during the training period.
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\ - If the player has a hundred shirts to sign after training, it's no use.\ It would be at Ninho do Urubu - said vice-president of football Marcos Braz.
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Tomorrow, the players will meet at noon for lunch at the training camp before heading to Teresópolis. The goal is to begin controlling the food supply. On game day, even mascots will be allowed onto the field. The number of children will be reduced, and there will even be cuts to the number of students from official schools who join the team.
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\ Emperor gets full attention
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Adriano has also been receiving close monitoring. Doctor José Luiz Runco examined the player on Saturday and was scheduled to see him again last night, the squad's day off. According to Runco, the player, who had a foot infection after a burn, has improved significantly.
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"His problem wasn't a blister, but an infection. He treated it with anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, and he's much better. He'll probably work in the weight room tomorrow (today) and train on the field on Wednesday," the doctor said. "His chances of playing are very good."
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\ Another good news is the return of Éverton, who fractured his foot in Flamengo's victory over São Paulo in October and was expected to miss 2009. He should train with the group in Teresópolis and even be on the bench against Grêmio.
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Coach Andrade knows the profile of the red-and-black team. In their first chance to lead the Brazilian league, against Goiás, the team failed and drew.
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\ - It was a lesson. It's time for calm - said the coach, upon arriving in Rio.\
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\ Goalkeeper Bruno, who arrived in 2006, says he already has reasons to understand the\ protection of players.
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"We still have a game ahead of us, the game of our lives. We have the example of América from Mexico, which is choking," said Bruno. "I'll pass this on to the players."
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\ Bruno, who will wear a shirt in honor of former goalkeeper Zé Carlos, who\ passed away in July, was referring to the 3\ - 0 defeat at home that knocked the team out of the 2008 Libertadores.
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Column\Calazans
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The\climb
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\ Rio de Janeiro's football, which was at its lowest, very lowest, resurfaced at the end of the season with the Fla-Flu duo and - to the delight of the Brazilian Championship - at the top and bottom of the standings.\ The interest and excitement of the competition between those fighting for the title, like Fla, and those trying to escape relegation, like Flu, increased.
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Flamengo's vibrant rise began, in the most visible way possible, with the change in the board of directors of the football department - a department that then organized itself - and with the subsequent confirmation of Andrade as the team's director. Football then began to bring together the feeling and soul of what is best about the true Flamengo.
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\ Then it was Andrade's turn, without a hint of the stardom that characterizes football coaches today, to organize the team around Álvaro, Maldonado, Petkovic,\ Adriano and - yes, sirs - goalkeeper Bruno, who proved to be, as we saw on Sunday\ against Corinthians, a key player in the comeback.
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Paradoxically, coach Cuca, who struggled at Flamengo until he was fired, moved to Laranjeiras in an attempt to fix the Fluminense team. And he succeeded. As we can see today, Fluminense is playing what many critics consider the best football in the championship. With young players who have fixed the defense, with Maicon and Alan breathing life into the attack, with Fred returning to being Fred, and, above all, with Conca—for me, the best player in the competition.
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\ In the last round, as in all the others, anything can happen, but Fla and\ Flu have already erased everything bad they had done.
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Column\ Renato Mauricio Prado
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Fla-Peninha\
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\ So, does this mean that the patrollers and the Shiite defenders of the points system have finally discovered that the so-called beneficial system may not be so fair? And that\ not all games are worth the same? And that "decisions" that don't happen in direct confrontation will always give rise to various shenanigans, suitcases of the most varied colors and sizes, and vengeful schemes? Yeah...
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\ Now, imagine a final four between Flamengo, Internacional, Palmeiras and\ São Paulo.
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Or a play-off between the champions of the first and second rounds? Or any other combination that would pit the best-performing teams against each other after 38 rounds? Unfair? Unsportsmanlike? Spare me.
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\ There's no accounting for taste. I respect those who are passionate about "donkey-colored when\ it runs away", but I still prefer blue...
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\ Another "absolute truth" about to be demoralized: "only those who have structure, cast, organization, salaries paid on time are champions in the points race"...
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\ Do you remember anything about Gávea?
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\ The fact is that Flamengo reached the top, in the penultimate round of the competition,\ on its own merits, combined with the shortcomings of its opponents, who had\ opportunities to shoot up the table and didn't!
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Since Andrade took over, the Flamengo atmosphere has transformed. With the arrivals of Maldonado and Álvaro and the rediscovery of Petkovic, Flamengo has found its balance, improved its performance, and become one of the strongest teams in the tournament. It has the best campaign of the second half of the season, with 37 points in 18 rounds.
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\ In addition to rebuilding the team and giving it back its historic, but abandoned, offensive vocation, "Tromba" managed the feat of even recovering some players that the directors and fans had abandoned, such as Zé Roberto.
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\ Congratulations to him, who, repeating Carlinhos "Violino" (another former star\ and eternal interim who got tired of being Brazilian champion), knew how to assert himself and\ transmit all the knowledge he has, with his gentle and humble, but\ efficient way.
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Writer and journalist Eduardo Bueno, known as Peninha, is one of the best minds in this country. His books on Brazilian history have become classics and are part of the curriculum at schools and universities.
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A fanatical Gremista, extremely passionate, he is the perfect translation of what goes on in the soul of the Tricolor Gaúcho. Hey there, Peninha!
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\ - First of all, I want to say that this championship proves that the so-called fairness\ in the points system is a fallacy! It's a "bambi" thing! Football for men is decided in the knockout stage!
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My good old friend, covering the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, is in full swing. But let's get to the point. What about Sunday's game?
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- Look, Flamengo is such a loyal customer of Grêmio that the fans are apprehensive. That's why I support the WO. On the plane, they give out some medicine and, at the crucial moment, the team feels unwell and doesn't go onto the pitch...
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\ This is Peninha! Who soon adds another idea:
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- On the 12th, there will be Danrlei's farewell game here at the Olímpico. We could move it to Maracanã. We've already spoken on the phone and he's agreed. Danrlei in goal and the rest of the "under-10" team, who need to start getting used to the pressure of big games...
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\ Does Peninha's "fury" sound exaggerated? Because he defends it with historical reasons:
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\ - Those who are not from the South may not understand, but here things are really dualistic and\ sectarian. From Maragatos and Chimangos, Blancos and Colorados, etc.
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\ And, he says goodbye, telling us how his days have been, since Sunday night:
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\ - I just have to go out on the street and a Grêmio fan appears singing: "Once,\ Flamengo, always Flamengo!" There is no way the Grêmio fans would accept any other result. And the players and the board know this very well...
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And the president of Sport, who threatens to sue anyone who insists on saying that Flamengo can win its sixth championship?
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\ In the face of nonsense like this, it is no surprise that the Pernambuco Lion has\ been relegated...
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SPORTS JOURNAL
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Zé Roberto's comeback
\ \Thiago Viana - tviana@jsports.com.br
\ \Rio de Janeiro:\ Through ups and downs, Flamengo gained a great reinforcement in the final stretch of the team in the Brazilian Championship. From being rejected by the fans, with the lineage of a party animal and out of weight, midfielder Zé Roberto turned things around for Mengão.
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Yes, fan. This same athlete was ridiculed by Delair Dumbrosck, then Flamengo's acting president. The president claimed it was absurd to pay a salary to an athlete who barely played and was in poor form, and considered the possibility of an amicable contract termination.
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"I tried to work and forget what I saw from the outside. Now, I reap what I sowed. I'm happy to help. Right now, we have to be at full strength to win the title," says the midfielder, stating that next weekend, the red-blacks will face Grêmio in a "life or death" clash.
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"We can't make mistakes on Sunday. There's no turning back. It's the game of our lives and we have to focus. It's a golden opportunity to win a title in front of our fans," dreams the athlete, desperate to crown the Gávea club with its sixth national championship.
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Rubro-negro duty: respect Grêmio
\ \Thiago Viana - tviana@jsports.com.br
\ \Rio de Janeiro- Regardless of whether they play with the starting lineup or the reserves, Flamengo's players aren't expecting an easy match against Grêmio next weekend. To avoid relying on any result and get both hands on the Brazilian Championship trophy, Mengão needs to beat Tricolor Gaúcho at Maracanã.
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"Grêmio is an experienced team and will try to disrupt us. We have to face the last game as a final and we always improve in finals. We will need the players, and then, who knows, if we win the match, we will be champions of Maracanã," says a sensible and humble Bruno, preferring not to argue with the next opponent.
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Ronaldo Angelim also thinks the same way as Flamengo's goalkeeper. The defender believes the Gauchos have a difficult style of play to beat.
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"We'll have a tough game at Maracanã. Grêmio has never been easy to beat, but we're going to fight for victory. They have an excellent group of players," declares the red-black defender.
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Fans use the internet to launch the "Grêmio, deliver" campaign
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Rio de Janeiro\ – It only took one round for the positions of the top four teams in the Brazilian league to reverse. São Paulo, from leader, dropped to fourth place. Flamengo took the top spot and is followed by Internacional.
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In the final round, Flamengo hosts Grêmio at Maracanã and needs a simple victory to secure its sixth title. With their rivals in second place, Flamengo's fans wasted no time in launching a campaign on a social networking site urging the team to surrender the title.
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At the Olympic Stadium, fans went wild with the victory over Barueri and the results being announced. At the end of the match, the Flamengo anthem echoed, as did the chants of "Give it up!"
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In search of concentration, Flamengo goes to Granja Comary.
\ \\ \ Rio de Janeiro: There is very little time left, and precisely because there is so little time left for Flamengo to win the Brazilian Championship again, the board decided, in addition to shielding the squad, prohibiting them from giving any type of interviews outside of training hours, to also leave the city of Rio, in order to escape the optimism of the fans, who have not seen the team become Brazilian champions since 1992. The measure is excused by Flamengo's recent mistakes in decisive moments, such as the round of 2008 of the XNUMX Libertadores against América of Mexico and the game against Goiás last week. For many, in these games the excess of talk and optimism ended up undermining all the planning, hence the measure.
\ \Flamengo has decided to travel to Granja Comary to self-isolate. The trip will take place after lunch on Wednesday. In Teresópolis, the squad will train until Saturday afternoon, when they return for Sunday's derby. They believe all measures are acceptable, as the team has a more than 50% chance of lifting the trophy. The club has 64 points, compared to 62 for Inter, Palmeiras, and São Paulo, and all it needs is to beat Grêmio in a packed Maracanã stadium to win the sixth title.
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Flamengo's board of directors protects the team
\ \In the decisive week of the Brasileirão, in which Flamengo has a strong chance of becoming its sixth champion, the Flamengo board has decided to shield the team. The professionals are prohibited from giving interviews. The decision was made to avoid a fussy atmosphere at Gávea, as in the game against Goiás, in which the team faltered and drew, and also against América of Mexico, in which the club was eliminated from the Copa Libertadores.
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THE DAY
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Rubro-negros will wait three days in line
\ \Fans began arriving at the stadium yesterday. Remaining tickets will only go on sale Thursday morning.
\ \BY\ DIOGO DANTAS
\ \Rio -\ Born in 1991, Vicente Köester doesn't remember Flamengo's last Brazilian title, won when he was one year old. That's why he doesn't want to miss the next one under any circumstances. opportunityVicente is the first fan in the line that began forming at Maracanã yesterday morning. The fanatical fans will remain at the stadium until Thursday morning, when Rubro-Negro will put on sale the tickets that Grêmio returned, corresponding to the shipment intended for the visiting team.
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\ "I arrived at 7am. I have class,\ but this week I'm not going, no. I missed the day\ also, then we'll see what happens", said Vicente, who will have the help of friends in the queue relay.
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FAN MEETING
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\ Another person who arrived early and has already prepared a schedule with friends for the long wait is Alex Alves, 32 years old.
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"We're fine, the line is miles long. We'll bring food, water, chairs, even a deck of cards. To see Mengão, anything is worth it. Eight people are with me to take turns," said the Flamengo fan. The Flamengo fans are worried about trouble. Tomorrow night, the day before the ticket office opens, the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana final between Fluminense and LDU takes place. The meeting of the two teams around Maracanã is inevitable, and provocations are likely to occur. "We don't want anyone to get into trouble. But there has to be police to protect us, otherwise there will be trouble," said Vicente.
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\ Commander of the Special Police Group in Stadiums, Major Luiz\ Otávio stated that he does not yet know how many police officers will be called in, but\ assured that there will be reinforcements. "We will have to have a attention\ bigger due to this fan camp", highlighted the major.
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Doctor confirms Adriano's return in the final
\ \Runco says the Emperor's recovery from the infection has been good, and that he will face Grêmio on Sunday.
\ \Rio\ - Adriano is confirmed for the historic game against Grêmio, Sunday, at\ 17 pm, at Maracanã. information\ was given yesterday by Flamengo's doctor, José Luiz Runco. The striker, who is being medicated with antibiotics and healing ointment for the burn on his left foot, will only day\ weight training at the team's return today at 16pm, and should put on his boots\ and go to the field tomorrow, when the team\ will do his first training at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis.
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"Adriano's improvement has been very good, he won't be a problem to face Grêmio. He is taking antibiotics due to the infection process and taking the necessary care," revealed Runco, who has examined the wound site several times since the burn was exposed to the medical department on Wednesday.
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\ Friends who watched Flamengo's victory over Corinthians on TV in\ the company of Adriano heard the certainty that the Emperor will be on the field.
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"He said he plays with crutches or even with just one foot," revealed one of his friends.
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\ The victory over Corinthians prevented the attacker from suffering a burn —\ who was injured while walking motorcycle\ last week — turned into a major crisis. Rubro-Negro officials labeled the whole problem as a lack of commitment, but the proximity of the title served to erase the focus of instability that could arise at the club.
\ Raised in Gávea, Adriano has the chance to make his mark in the history of\ Rubro-Negro, after having left from the bottom in his first stint.
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Since 1982, when Zico scored 21 goals, Flamengo hasn't had a top scorer in the Brazilian Championship. It would be a double celebration: a sixth title and the top scorer. He has 19 goals and is tied with Diego Tardelli of Atlético-MG.
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The training period in Teresópolis — the team travels tomorrow and returns Saturday night directly to the hotel where they are staying, in Barra da Tijuca — will also allow the striker to have the rest and food necessary for Sunday's decision.
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Léo Moura, from the chair to the field
\ \In 1992, during Fla's last Brazilian title, the full-back was at the stadium as a fan
\ \Rio - A movie flashed through Leonardo Moura's mind moments after the victory over Corinthians. Seventeen years ago, when Flamengo won its last Brazilian title, the player watched the victory over Botafogo from a fan's seat at the Maracanã. The collapse of the stands on the Flamengo fans' side was the dramatic part of the celebration, but the joyful moments were memorable. Now, the right-back wants to write his name in the history of the Flamengo club with his own feet.
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\"17 years ago, I was at the title game. I was in my seat exactly when the problem happened in the stands. But, as I arrived late, I went to the other side and saw those strong scenes. It's unbelievable to think that now I'll be on the field. It's priceless, I hope this time it won't happen. problems,\ only good things", said Leonardo Moura.
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For the full-back, this week and the match against Grêmio are the most important moments in his professional life. "These are the most memorable days of my career. Everyone dreams of a moment like this. The important thing is to stay focused and put our lives on the field. Our stay in Teresópolis will be good for this week," the player emphasizes.
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\ Léo Moura attributed his good form — against Corinthians, the full-back had a good performance and won the penalty that he himself converted — to the support of his family,\ especially his wife, Camila, and his daughters Isabella and Maria Eduarda.
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\"They are the basis of everything. I wasn't very happy and, thanks to them, I found joy again, I became more serene", says the player, who, upon scoring his second gol\ against Corinthians paid tribute to Camila. Sunday night, when he returned from\ Campinas, Léo Moura celebrated at home, with his daughters and his entire family.
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\ The right-back faced ups and downs at Gávea, but already has his name in the\ history of the red-black club, but dreams of a more than happy ending.
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\"I can consider myself privileged to have already won titles with\Flamengo. I believe there are some chapters missing. With a lot of work,\we will fight to conquer\ this sixth championship, which could include many pages in the history of everyone at the\ club. Also dream\ with a Libertadores and a World Cup. God makes things happen at the right time",\ adds Leonardo Moura, who went from being a fan in 1992\ to a protagonist in the story in 2009.
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Inter director calls for punishment for Grêmio
\ \Rio\ - Inter's vice president of football, Fernando Carvalho, said yesterday that Grêmio could be punished if they hand the game over to Flamengo, but he couldn't say what he was basing the threat on. "I didn't see the legislation, I received the\
information\ of friendly lawyers, but I am calling the attention\because it is possible that there will be punishments", warned the director. "It is a game that will have\direct influence on the final result of the championship, this has to be\questioned".
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Indeed,\ as a good part of the Grêmio fans attest, it is even worth rooting against your own team. team\ to deny their archrival a chance to win the championship. Some even asked for them to take the field with their reserve players, and others even suggested using the Under-12 team. Musician Humberto Gessinger, a Rio Grande do Sul native who founded Engenheiros do Hawaii in the 80s, goes further. "I want Grêmio to enter the Maracanã with the women's team or the button team," he suggests.
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On the other hand, Inter fans, surprisingly, now call themselves Grêmio fans since they were little kids. Another rocker interviewed, Vavo, guitarist for the band Fresno, also formed in Rio Grande do Sul, wants the Colorados to win, but he doesn't buy into the 'give up for the sake of it' mindset: "Grêmio has to lose, but with dignity."
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\ Colorado singer Kledir, partner of his Grêmio brother Kleiton, offers another\ alternative: "Grêmio could lose and Inter could share the title with them. It would be an unprecedented achievement for two clubs from Rio Grande do Sul."
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Fla has already won a Brazilian against Grêmio
\ \Rio\ - In its five Brazilian titles, Flamengo has never repeated its opponent in\ its decisive game. Atlético-MG (1980), Grêmio (1982), Santos (1983), Internacional\ (1987) and Botafogo (1992). Now, with the end of the knockout stage, team\ can confirm the sixth championship in the last round of the competition, against Grêmio, rival in 1982, in a final played in three games.
\ \Should Grêmio give Flamengo a good life because of the rivalry with Internacional?
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\ 27 years ago, striker Nunes was the hero of the title. The grand final took place on\ April 25, 1982, at the Olímpico. Grêmio had a better campaign than\ Flamengo in the final stage and, therefore, had the advantage\ of three draws and playing the last two games\ in property.
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\ It was the clash between the two previous Brazilian champions, and Flamengo\ was coming off the back of winning the World Cup in 1981.
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At Maracanã, the match ended 1-1, with goals from Zico and Tonho. The second match ended 0-0, and in the final, decisive match, Nunes scored the winning goal, 1-0. The winning team played with Raul, Leandro (Antunes), Figueiredo, Marinho, and Júnior; Andrade, Adílio, and Zico; Tita, Nunes (Vitor), and Lico.
But having Grêmio as an opponent in a final has already ended in disappointment for the red-blacks. In 1997, at the Maracanã, Flamengo lost the Copa do Brasil after drawing 2-2 with the Tricolor gaúcho. In the first leg, there was a 0-0 draw at the Olímpico. But the equalizer in Rio gave Grêmio the title.
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SPORTS GAZETTE
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Grêmio gives up on giving players early vacations
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From correspondent Valter Junior - Porto Alegre (RS)
Sunday's speech did not reflect Monday's reality. The leadership of Grêmio\ announced that it will not bring forward the holidays of players\ starters, who must report back to coach Marcelo Rospide, this\ Tuesday.
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\ However, the list of players involved in the game against Flamengo, on Sunday\ at 17 pm (Brasília time), will only be known on Friday, the day before the\ trip to Rio de Janeiro.
Certain absences, only midfielder Fábio Rochemback, suspended, and midfielder Tcheco, who will no longer play for the club and should be announced soon as a reinforcement for Corinthians for the centenary year.
\ \Argentine Maxi Lopez is expected to be released to travel to Buenos Aires to agree on a contract renewal with the Rio Grande do Sul team. There is still pressure for Souza not to go to Rio, after declaring that Grêmio should not beat Flamengo, so as not to help rival Internacional.
\ \With a\ campaign of ups and downs in the competition, Grêmio found itself in the middle of the shootout in the\ title race. To make matters worse, Inter,\ biggest rival of the tricolor, needs the grêmio\ score in Rio de Janeiro to win the fourth title.
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Flamengo fans are already camping at Maracanã
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Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
After beating Corinthians 2-0 last Sunday and taking the lead in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo gave its fans, the largest in Brazil, enormous hopes of winning the title. Excited, some fans have already been camping at Maracanã since Monday morning to secure tickets for the game\ on Sunday, against Grêmio. At this stage of the sale, around 6 thousand tickets\ will be available for the red-blacks.
\ \For the match against tricolor\ gaúcho, valid for the 38th and final round of the Brasileirão,\ the red-black board has already sold 68 thousand tickets last Thursday alone, when the first shipment was sold. However, this Monday, the directors of GrêmioThey gave up about 6 tickets, taking only 2 tickets to Rio Grande do Sul. The 'Grêmio surplus' will be sold to Flamengo fans.
\ \Flamengo fans are eagerly awaiting their sixth Brazilian championship and the end of a 17-year streak without a major national title. Therefore, tickets, which range from R$30 for a lower seat to R$180 for a special seat, should sell out easily.
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Flamengo confirms concentration at Granja Comary
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Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Flamengo\ has defined its schedule for the week leading up to the final round of the Brazilian Championship. The team will head to Teresópolis after lunch on Wednesday. They will be based at Granja Comary, the team's training ground. Brazilian selection, until Saturday.
\ \The board's measure serves to protect the squad (exclusive interviews are also prohibited). Outside of Rio de Janeiro on the eve of the decisive match against Grêmio, the players\ will be further away from the euphoria of the fans and the atmosphere of the presidential elections\ of Flamengo.
\ \Midfielder Petkovic, however, was upset when he learned that the team would be leaving Rio. For the veteran, the ideal would be to maintain the plan that led Flamengo to the top of the Brazilian Championship.
\ \In Teresópolis, coach Andrade will await the recovery of center forward Adriano, who suffered a burn on his left foot and did not participate in the victory over Corinthians. The player has a good chance of facing Grêmio\ on Sunday, at Maracanã.
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Bruno: "This is the time to leave Rio"
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Gazette\Press\ - Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
After taking the lead in the Brazilian Championship and getting one hand on the trophy, Flamengo's board tried to preserve the players' "I've already won" atmosphere from the fans and announced this Monday that the squad will travel\ to Teresópolis. The measure will allow the team to have peace of mind for\ work\ before the match against Grêmio, on Sunday.
\ \For goalkeeper Bruno, spending a few days away from his family will be worth it so he can work more calmly. "This is a dream I've been chasing for a long time. We can't let the euphoria and anxiety\ get in our way at this moment. This is the time to leave Rio, to leave the fans, who are missing this title. We have to keep our feet on the ground and work seriously," he said.
\ \Flamengo will be without a player for Sunday's match. Defender Álvaro received his third yellow card and is serving an automatic suspension.
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Corinthians newspaper celebrates "sweet defeat" against Fla
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The board, coaching staff, players, and some Corinthians fans were angry after the loss to Flamengo on Sunday at the Brinco de Ouro da Princesa stadium. The club's official newspaper, not so much. The seventh edition of The Faithful print as\ headline: "Sweet Defeat".
\ \Corinthians' stumble took Flamengo to the top of the Brazilian Championship, hurting Palmeiras and São Paulo in the fight for the trophy. "Timão loses to Flamengo, but hinders its rivals in the fight for the Brazilian title," adds the cover of The Faithful.
\ \In the report on the game, the newspaper explains: "It was a defeat that didn't taste so bad for the Corinthians fans. Although Flamengo beat Corinthians 2-0 last Sunday at Brinco de Ouro, the feeling of those who attended the stadium wasn't exactly one of sadness. (...) Helm\ left applauded by the fans, who even helped with the shout of 'we're champions!' from the Flamengo fans".
\ \Recently launched by Corinthians, The Faithful It is published once a week on newsstands in São Paulo. It is being sold at the promotional price of R$1,00 and, in its seventh edition, it also includes a report on the marketing department and an interview with striker Dentinho.
\ \Despite the celebrations for the defeat, losing to Flamengo wasn't so sweet for some Corinthians fans. Angered by the refereeing, a fan invaded the field and exchanged blows with the linesman. Coach Mano Menezes and defender Chicão were both sent off. Midfielder Elias said referee Evandro Rogério Roman "is a piece of shit," according to Corinthians' official newspaper.
\ \Goalkeeper Felipe, however, did not move when Leonardo Moura took a penalty. Shortly before, fans had booed Corinthians' monotonous passing in the defense.
\ \On the eve of the match, Flamengo president Márcio Braga described Corinthians as a "brother club" of the Rio de Janeiro club. In the final round, the Brazilian Championship leader could hand another "sweet defeat" to an opponent. Grêmio fans do not intend to favor rival Internacional in the fight for the cup.
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Sport threatens to sue anyone who declares Flamengo's sixth title
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Recife (PE)
Even though Sport was relegated to Série B of the Brazilian Championship, it highlighted a controversy involving the main candidate for the title this season: Flamengo. Rightful champion of Brasileirão\ 1987, the\ Pernambuco team threatened to sue anyone who declared the sixth national title for the\ Rio de Janeiro team, if the club won the Grêmio,\ on Sunday, at the Maracanã stadium.
\ \"We've been hearing this for 22 years, that the Flamengo"It's the fifth title, but Brazilian law gives the 1987 title to Sport. If any TV station, radio station, newspaper or website talks about Flamengo's sixth title, they will be sued, as our legal department will take legal action," threatened Sport's president, Sílvio Guimarães.
\ \The controversy\ took over the football fans\ national in 1987. At the time, the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) announced\ that it would not organize the championship. Thus, the Club of 13, created in the same year, was responsible for the tournament, involving the entity's teams, considered the 'big ones in the country'.
\ \However,\ the highest institution of national football reviewed the attitude and reached a\ consensus with the Club of 13. The result of the