THE GLOBE

A team that feels good about itself

A convincing victory and football performance in Peru make Fla believe it has rediscovered its 2007 form.

Photo caption: With Renato Augusto and Tiago Salles at the front, Fla lands in São Paulo

Carlos Eduardo Mansur

Besides qualifying early for the round of 2008 of the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo brought something more important back from Cuzco. The team that returned to Rio seemed to have found its footing, a feeling reflected in the cheerful and relaxed atmosphere on the flight that brought the delegation back. What's more, Flamengo had found answers to questions that had been plaguing it in XNUMX.

The main one was the reunion with the football shown in 2007, in the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship, and which led coach Joel Santana to call the base of that team "Tropa de Elite".

- It was a very convincing performance from a team we have reason to trust - said Joel.

For the coach, rest will be more important than training

Another issue plaguing Gávea was the complete lack of free-kick goals since the match against Cruzeiro last year. It was up to Juan to break the nearly six-month drought.

"I thought about how many free kicks I was taking in training and how I never scored. Now I have more confidence," said Juan.

When he scored his goal, Flamengo's second in the 3-0 victory over Cienciano, Toró raised both hands to the sky, visibly moved. In his first game since the end of a drama involving the health of his wife, Luana, the midfielder returned to playing well and scored:

- All I wanted to do was say thank you. And the goal came close to my birthday, which is on the 13th. Everything that happened in the last few days was a gift from God to me.

The player who felt the altitude most in Potosí, Bolivia, in 2007, Renato Augusto even led the team at times. On the way back to the hotel, he felt nothing more than a few headaches. After the trauma of facial surgery, he had overcome a new obstacle:

"It was much better than I imagined. There's no reason to worry. We prepared well; it wasn't as cold as in Potosí. A number of things helped."

For Ibson and Kleberson, who were seeing the pressure mounting, the game had a special flavor. After all, they hadn't yet performed in 2008 to live up to the expectations placed on them. Kleberson, who was competing for a spot on the team with Jaílton, was chosen and impressed, as did Ibson.

"When I play badly, they say my mind is elsewhere for Flamengo. I have a contract until June, and until then, I only think about him," said Ibson.

In the red-and-black baggage, there's been extra fuel for a new upcoming decision. On Sunday, the team faces Botafogo, another opponent with whom it has cultivated a recent rivalry. Until then, for the coaching staff, rest will be more important than training.

"Now it's time for the trainers and physiologists. They'll be in charge. Rest will be even more important than training," declared coach Joel Santana, who is banking on the motivation gained in Cuzco. "Of course they'll be confident, but rest is essential."

- We will find our fans happier, in greater numbers at Maracanã - added defender Fábio Luciano.

After the victory over Cienciano, the Flamengo board warned that the fight against playing at altitude will not be forgotten. What was truly intriguing was the statement from Cienciano president Juvenal Silva. He used his team's defeat as an opportunity to take a dig at Flamengo president Márcio Braga:

"It was clear that it's possible to play at altitude. Flamengo itself gave its president a slap on the wrist. It was an honor to welcome Flamengo to our city."

Peruvians praise the red-black 'class'

Instead of the expected hostility, Flamengo received applause and praise during its visit to Peru. Yesterday's online edition of the "Diário de Cuzco" headlined that "Brazilians played with Cienciano." The article stated that Toró's second goal "was already a dance in our own home, and to round off the samba night, Juan, with a free kick, scored a stunning goal."

And it reports that, faced with a well-armed Flamengo, the home team's strategy of starting at a high pace to wear down the visitors failed. In the end, the newspaper criticized Cienciano, "without fight, without surrender, and without refusing to die, which is unacceptable, because Flamengo gave us a ball before our very eyes and gave us a lesson in ball handling, technique, strategy, commitment, and discipline."

For Lima-based "El Commercio," the red-and-black triumph dispels Brazilian fears about playing at altitude. They say that "the arguments of doctors and officials fell like a smokescreen, hiding a great Brazilian team."

Maracanãzinho will host the South American League final

Fla, Gepe and Suderj will meet to agree on the event

Claudio Nogueira

For a big decision, the best stage. One day after Flamengo secured its unprecedented qualification for the South American Basketball League final by defeating Boca Juniors 72-66 last night in Tijuca, club officials have already begun negotiating with the Rio de Janeiro State Sports Superintendence (Suderj) and the Special Stadium Policing Group (Gepe) to ensure that the matches against Regatas Corrientes, on the 22nd and 23rd, will be held at Maracanãzinho. The stadium has a capacity of 12,7 fans.

This is the first league final for Flamengo and Corrientes, the latter undefeated with seven wins. Flamengo has six wins and one loss. The finals will consist of up to five matches. The first will be on the 15th at 21 p.m. and the 16th at 23 p.m. (Brasília time) in Corrientes.

Nacional continues today with three games

The third game will be in Rio on the 22nd at 21 p.m. If necessary, the fourth game will take place on the 23rd at 21 p.m. in Rio, the same date as the Flamengo vs. Coronel Bolognesi Copa Libertadores match at 19:30 p.m. The fifth match, if necessary, is scheduled for the 29th in Corrientes, because the Argentine team had a better campaign, having eliminated Universo/Brasília.

Each of the two games between Flamengo and Boca Juniors, in Tijuca, had an estimated attendance of nearly three thousand people. But on Tuesday, there was a lack of police presence, something Vice President of Olympic Sports Patrícia Amorim doesn't want to see happen again.

"When Flamengo reached the semifinals, we reserved the dates with Suderj. But we still need to meet with them and Gepe, which should happen by Monday," Patrícia said. "If we're going to advance in the competition, we have to do everything right. Maracanãzinho offers comfort and security. It can accommodate a final, and we have to avoid mistakes."

Suderj and Gepe have already given positive signals, despite there also being a Libertadores game on the 23rd.

"We'll play both games at Maracanãzinho, even with this coincidence, especially since it will be a single fan base. Flamengo will have a night of two wins in one. I'm optimistic," said the state secretary of Tourism and Sports, Eduardo Paes, who declared himself a Vasco fan. "Whoever gets involved in politics isn't a Flamengo fan? I'm a Vasco fan, but I'm also a Flamengo fan..."

On the 23rd, the ideal time, according to basketball director Arnaldo Szpiro, is for the game to start at 21:45pm or 22pm, after football:

"We can run a promotion. Fans pay a little more for soccer and basketball. With the Maracanãzinho stadium full, chanting "Mengo!", there's no way we can lose. If we bring a victory from there, we'll be champions here," he predicted.

According to Major João Busnello, from Gepe, the club has not yet made contact, but does not see any difficulties:

- The Military Police will cover the event without any problems, depending only on the time. There may be a hundred men on internal policing. As for the 23rd, nothing unusual, since the stadium and the gymnasium are next to each other.

Before traveling on Monday for the games in Corrientes, Flamengo will face FTC/EAD on Sunday at 11 am in Gávea for the National Championship. Today, they will play Iguaçu vs. FTC in Gávea (18 pm); Univates vs. Saldanha da Gama in Lajeado (20:30 pm); Minas vs. Rio Claro in Belo Horizonte (21 pm).

In search of another Olympic podium

Argentine Gutiérrez dreams of going to Beijing

Photo caption: DUEL OF STARS: Marcelinho, from Fla, and Gutierrez, from Boca, fight for the ball

The 2004 Olympic champion and 2002 World Cup runner-up with the Argentine national basketball team, Leonardo Martín Gutiérrez, is a rare example in his country. The Boca Juniors power forward—eliminated by Flamengo in the semifinals of the South American League the day before yesterday in Tijuca—is one of the few outstanding athletes in this sport who continues to play in his homeland. Most have gone on to play for the NBA or European clubs. At 30, the 2,00'XNUMX" athlete's biggest goal this season is to return to the Olympic podium, this time in China.

"It would be wonderful to go to the Olympics in Beijing. But first, I have to fight to secure a spot on the national team," he said. "I'm happy to be in my country, with my people, my family."

Gutiérrez's contract is about to expire, but he finds it difficult to transfer to another country at the moment. He said he has never been invited to play in Brazil. However, when asked if he was interested in any Brazilian team, he stated:

- They never called me. I liked Flamengo because of its fans.

The two defeats to Flamengo in Rio frustrated the Xeneize team's (as Boca is known) dream of reaching the final:

- I'm very sad. It was very important to us.

Gutiérrez was not irritated by the pressure from the red-black fans.

- We're used to it. In Argentina, it's even worse, and here we didn't understand what they were calling us names for - he laughed.

For him, in the defeat the day before yesterday (72 to 66), Boca was unable to control the ball, and Flamengo was good in rebounds and free throws.

- We started complaining about the refereeing and we lost concentration a bit - admitted Gutiérrez.

Ancelmo Gois

Cuzco is a party

After Flamengo's victory (3-0) over Cienciano, in Peru, the red-black fans were cheered on the streets of Cuzco.

The police truck that was supposed to protect the Brazilians ended up serving as an open-top car in a triumphant parade for the Peruvians, who shouted and demanded shirts. Mengoooooo!

Fernando Calazans

The lady without morals

Flamengo's team demoralized the high altitude. And to make the demoralization complete, Flamengo's peak, its splendor, came in the second half, right up until the very last minute of the match against the (weak, let's face it) Cienciano. But what a display of football the Flamengo players put on for the Peruvians in that second half, when they put up a 3-0 lead at high altitude!

It was a delightful game to watch, something Flamengo hadn't been able to do, not even in their victories.

The harmful effects that altitude can cause to ordinary people and even athletes are known and explained by science. It can. It does to many people and many athletes. To other athletes and others, not so much. Especially, of course, if these athletes are well prepared, as the Flamengo players were, prepared at Gávea, especially prepared. Congratulations to the entire club.

I'm not the one to defy altitude and medicine. After all, if altitude didn't help the home teams, they wouldn't put in so much effort and effort to keep their games there, right?

But, leaving science aside for a moment, in which I am a layman, and restricting myself to football, which I know a little more about, here we go: until today, almost 40 years trying to watch this game, I have only seen Dona Altitude harm bad, poorly prepared teams, or even reasonable teams but on a bad day.

Dona Altitude is a coward. She prefers to mistreat the unwary. When the visiting team is good, when they're prepared, or when they play well—very well, as Flamengo did in the second half—Dona Altitude stays huddled in her corner, not speaking up, not showing her face. Absent as she can be...

In the first half, when the game was awful, I thought to myself: look what altitude does to a soccer game. What a monumental game! I was already cursing the cowardly woman when the second half arrived, and with it, an exuberant Flamengo team, well-coached by Joel Santana, simply flying across the field.

Just when I thought the players would vomit, faint from shortness of breath, and be taken straight to the hospital on a stretcher, these players thrived on the pitch like samba schools thrive on the smooth asphalt of the avenue. They scored three goals, showed off their skills, and received a standing ovation from the Peruvians. In a daydream, I remembered Pelé's Santos team, dishing out routs at altitude. Oh, how Pelé and Santos played... on the field, on the beach, on the mountaintop... In another daydream, I remembered the old Botafogo, after a rout in Mexico City. Garrincha was asked:

- Mané, what about the altitude?

It's him:

- Who is it again?

As if all that weren't enough, Flamengo allowed themselves the luxury of scoring a goal in the 49th minute of the second half. Yes, in the 49th minute of the second half, Flamengo was still gliding down the field as if it were an ice rink. Was that a demoralizing performance, or wasn't it? Not a single player complained about the old lady.

Juan played so well! And Ibson. And Souza. And Renato Augusto. And Toró, not without first committing the folly of receiving another yellow card early in the game.

And Cienciano? Cienciano wilted, limited himself to watching Flamengo's parade. He bowed low as if bowing to a higher power. He didn't even seem to be playing at home. On the contrary: the team that seemed to be at home, in Gávea or Copacabana, at sea level, was Flamengo.

The losers, as always, are left with excuses. It's no wonder the Peruvian players are now saying they felt the effects of that coward, Ms. Altitude, in the second half.

Renato Mauricio Prado

Nightmare or dream?

A night that looked like a nightmare turned into a dream! The opening 45 minutes were quite worrying—and if it weren't for two great saves from Bruno, the "Inca ghosts" might have indeed descended from the mountains and haunted the red-and-blacks. But the goalkeeper's decisive performance became the starting point for a comeback in the second half. And what a second half!

It's impossible to single out just one Flamengo player for their heroic victory at the top of the mountain - a result that earned them early qualification to the next stage of the Copa Libertadores.

Souza was a giant, leading the counterattacks on the wings and serving as a "waiter" at a five-star restaurant during the first goal.

Renato Augusto, a maestro, disguised as a matador, with exquisite precision and objectivity.

Juan, a tireless dynamo, was rightly rewarded with the third goal (hello, Dunga, there is no left-back, here or abroad, playing like him!).

Ibson, another tireless and efficient little engine, in marking and setting up.

And even Toró, who started badly, receiving a yellow card after less than five minutes, and, soon after, making a senseless tackle on an opponent, (he was lucky the referee didn't send him off), grew, after the break, starting to play further back and, even so, with enough breath to get in front and score the second goal for the red-black team.

That altitude thing? It wasn't seen (or at least felt) on the field.

That doesn't mean it's any less of a threat. Flamengo players should not wear high heels for their match against Botafogo in the Rio Cup semifinal on Sunday.

It was based on humility and fighting spirit that the team achieved one of the most beautiful and significant victories in recent times, in Cuzco.

If he wants to win the state championship twice - equaling Fluminense's number of titles - the least the fans expect is for him to continue playing like this...

I prefer Renato Augusto in the middle, with Marcinho, Tardelli, or Máxi up front, alongside Souza. But it was a significant improvement that Joel Santana opted for Kleberson instead of Jaílton, moving Cristian back to the position of first-choice midfielder, or third-choice defender (depending on the game situation).

Kleberson hasn't yet managed to produce any of the performances he had at Flamengo in the 2002 World Cup, or even those he did at Atlético Paranaense. However, he still provides superior ball control when moving from defense to attack, and he protects the Flamengo midfield from unnecessary and dangerous kicks.

SPORTS JOURNAL

In decision-making mode

After the most important victory of the year, in Peru, Fla wants to keep the momentum going against Botafogo

Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel

Archives

Kleberson and Marcinho compete for the last starting spot for the classic against Botafogo

The first objective of the week has already been achieved. The impressive victory over Cienciano, at 3.360 meters above sea level in Cusco, served to boost morale for a team that proves itself victorious game after game. And another battle looms, this time in the Rio Cup semifinal against Botafogo. The question that remains now is which team will start the derby.

Kleberson, who was announced as a starter moments before the final game, is the favorite to take the spot. However, the coach still has two options. The first would be to field Jaílton, thus removing Kleberson himself. This would mean fielding the same team that finished third in last year's Brazilian Championship.

Another contender for the spot is Flamengo's top scorer this season. Midfielder Marcinho, who has already scored nine goals, was overlooked by Joel to bolster the team's defensive system. The team's strong performance against Cienciano, however, could cement the loss of the number 22's position.

Flamengo will have two days to prepare for this final match. Today's training session, initially scheduled for Ninho do Urubu, has been moved to Gávea. Yesterday, the refereeing team for the match was also selected. Péricles Bassols will be in charge of the match, assisted by Vágner Almeida and Jackson Santos. They will be responsible for managing the rivalry between the two clubs, which has intensified in recent years. By late yesterday afternoon, 21.252 tickets had already been sold. Sales continue today, starting at 11:XNUMX am.

More controversy

The behind-the-scenes feud between Flamengo and Nike appears to be never-ending. Yesterday, in an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes, president Marcio Braga again criticized the club's sports equipment supplier.

"We have a contract with Nike until June 30, 2009. But they have failed to comply with many of the terms of the agreement. The basketball players' jerseys arrived incorrectly, and some materials have been delayed. We have received some offers, but we want to resolve this issue first. I also don't rule out the possibility of terminating the contract," said Marcio Braga, who was in São Paulo yesterday to meet with Rede Globo to discuss the value of the club's image rights this year.

Juan reveals: 'Zico was my source of inspiration'

Full-back says his goal is the result of a lot of training

Juan tried his first shot. The ball hit the wall. Even so, he didn't lose confidence and confidently went for the second kick, scoring the third goal in Flamengo's 3-0 victory over Cienciano this Wednesday in Cuzco. The full-back says he remembered Zico's words, who always associated dedication to specific training with efficiency in free kicks.

"I always heard people at Gávea say that Zico practiced free kicks a lot and that he scored a lot of goals that way. I've been working hard. So I knew I'd succeed eventually. If I get it right in training, why wouldn't I get it right in games? I persisted and managed to score a beautiful goal, which was important for Flamengo," Juan remarked.

For the Flamengo left-back, the team's performance left no doubt that emotional balance had been achieved. Juan recalled that the Cienciano players, with the support of their fans, did everything they could to provoke the Flamengo players.

"We played calmly; that was important to our success. We never lost our heads, we were smart, and we knew the right time to decide the game. But now we need to shift our focus to Botafogo. We have another decisive game on Sunday, and we'll go in with all our energy, but without losing our heads. We've learned our lesson," Juan admitted.

Flamengo may terminate its contract with Nike

Flamengo president Marcio Braga declared this Thursday that the club may unilaterally terminate its sports equipment supply contract with Nike. Dissatisfied with the problems in the relationship with its North American partner, Braga confirmed that he has been receiving proposals from other suppliers.

"We have a contract with Nike until June 30, 2009. But they have failed to comply with many of the terms of the agreement. For example, the basketball players' jerseys arrived incorrectly, some materials have been delayed, and they haven't answered our calls. We have received some offers, but first we will resolve our issue with Nike. We may even consider terminating the contract," he told Rádio Bandeirantes.

The club's president has traveled to São Paulo, where he will participate in meetings with Corinthians' Marketing department and TV Globo. The discussion will focus on the image rights fees the club expects to receive under the new broadcast contract.

Peruvians recognize Mengão's superiority

Flamengo comfortably defeated Cienciano 3-0 last night in Cusco. Against a team, a city, a country, and at a dangerous altitude, the red-and-black team took the field and prevailed, qualifying for the round of XNUMX of the Copa Libertadores with a rout.

Peruvians recognized the achievement of the "Most Beloved" in the historic Andean town. "Flamengo played with altitude," the newspaper "La República" published, punning on Cuzco's altitude.

'El Comercio' says: "A cold one with a Brazilian stamp at Garcilaso. The complaints, claims and medical arguments from Flamengo's directors to avoid playing the World Cup in high-altitude cities were like a smokescreen, hiding the great Brazilian team that was seen on the Cusco field."

'Diario del Cusco', the newspaper that most attacked Flamengo on the eve of the match, did not even release this Thursday's post-match edition online.

Upon arrival, the race against time

JS file

Joel Santana will have little time to prepare the team for Sunday's classic

Flamengo's arrival in Cusco early Wednesday afternoon was a sign of the tough challenge they would face in the Peruvian city. Approximately 60 Cienciano fans heckled the Flamengo delegation, chanting "altitude doesn't kill." But that was the first stage of a decisive week. When they arrive in Rio tonight, their attention will be on the Taça Rio semifinal against Botafogo at Maracanã Stadium on Sunday at 16 p.m.

Although their opponent also played, there wasn't the natural wear and tear of a trip, as there was with Flamengo. Furthermore, Botafogo leaves today for Teresópolis, where they will train at Granja Comary until Saturday. Flamengo, on the other hand, won't have the same preparation time. The players are scheduled to arrive at 22:30 PM, which means a day's preparation time is lost.

An afternoon training session is scheduled for tomorrow at Ninho do Urubu. Due to the fatigue from the match, this activity may only serve to regenerate the athletes.

But as Flamengo is considered the team of overcoming, it will not be a surprise if on Sunday the team runs over Botafogo and qualifies for the final.

Mengão no time to rest

After the victory over Boca, the team returns to play on Sunday in the National Basketball Championship

Pedro Ivo Almeida

Nina Lima/JS

Playmaker Duda leads Flamengo's attacks and has become one of the idols of Flamengo fans.

After the sensational victory in the semifinal series of the South American Basketball League over Boca Juniors, Flamengo is now focused on recovering its players for the next matches.

On Sunday, the team returns to the court for the National Championship, where they face FTC/EAD (Salvador) in Gávea, at 11 am, and next Tuesday the team begins the final series in search of the unprecedented South American title, against Regatas, from Corrientes (ARG), at the opponent's home.

Closed

"The team is coming off a long run of games, all of them very exhausting, decisive and hard-fought matches, not to mention the travel. We traveled to Espírito Santo, then to Argentina, and only now will we have some time to recover the players. I gave them two days off and we'll only train for one period. I need to have everyone 100% for Sunday's match. I can't rest anyone, we're in an important stretch of the Nacional, we can't afford to make any mistakes," commented coach Paulo Chupeta, who still hopes to count on center Wagner, who missed the team's decisive matches against Boca Juniors due to being one of the victims of the Dengue epidemic in Rio de Janeiro.

Reinforcement

"He (Wagner) has been recovering well, his progress has been very good, and he's a very important player for our group. I hope to be able to count on him as soon as possible. I think it's unlikely he'll play in Sunday's game, but I believe he can travel with the group to Argentina," concluded the red-and-black coach.

Flamengo plays the first two matches of its best-of-five series against Regatas Corrientes in the South American League final on Tuesday and Wednesday, away from home. On the 22nd, the team plays the third match in Rio, and if necessary, on the 23rd (Rio de Janeiro) and 29th (Argentina), the teams will face off again for the title.

Amiel is an example of overcoming on the court

Team spirit made the difference for Flamengo in Wednesday's victory. Cuban Amiel, for example, sacrificed himself for the team and played as a pivot, performing well in the fight for rebounds. All this to overcome the absence of Wagner, who contracted dengue fever and was unable to play in the South American League semifinal.

His mission wasn't easy, because on the other side was the giant Fernández, an experienced player, tall and accustomed to the role. But Amiel, perhaps encouraged by the Flamengo fans, managed to neutralize the beast and still be productive on the offensive end. This will be crucial in the final against Regatas, a team led by Olympic champion point guard Montechia and who dominated the Universo, Brasília (DF).

The trio of playmakers, formed by Hélio, Duda and Fred, drove the Argentines crazy and gave Flamengo the necessary speed to dominate the most important moments of the match.

As Paulo Chupeta likes, a team with an aggressive defense and a lot of awareness to make the transition from defense to attack.

Eduardo Lacombe

The Red and the Black

To the rainbow fans

Eduardo Lacombe elacombe@jsports.com.br

I'd barely left the house when the doorman yelled, "The neighbors are upset! They were rooting against Mengão and got their asses kicked!" On the bus, a guy explained to his girlfriend that "that damn Flamengo won in Peru and qualified for the Libertadores." The brunette, with brown eyes, asked what Vasco, her boyfriend's club, had to do with that victory. "Nothing. But I always root against Flamengo." She smiled, rested her head on her boyfriend's shoulder, and surprised at my look of satisfaction.

These were the sentiments captured on the streets of this blessed São Sebastião in Rio de Janeiro: the red-and-black fans happy with the victory and the rainbow fans lamenting the failure of Brazil's Most Beloved. Since I have nothing to do with this, I'm celebrating. Me and the 39.999.999 fans who are blessed to admire Flamengo. Now, it's time to watch those journalists on that program on that São Paulo-based network calculating how much Coronel Bolognesi has to win on the 23rd for us to lose our spot. And they still believe it! Is that easy? Are there or are there no reasons for us to, as the Bahians say, be turned upside down?

Getting back to the point, it seems that Joel has finally regained control of the team, the same control he had at the end of last year and seemed to have lost at the beginning of 2008. When he picked Kleberson, I was startled. After all, it was a lot of changes in the elite squad. No, I'm not going to criticize him for that. I just want to talk about my surprise. A pleasant surprise. Now, he's found the ideal lineup. And with it, the team that will seek its second Rio de Janeiro championship, which, between us and anyone who overhears, could start with winning the Taça Rio. Without needing to reach the final.

And we can't help but praise the planning for the trip to the top of the sky. Everything went perfectly. It's true that in Brazil we have this habit: if we win, the planning worked. If we lose, we beat the marathon planner. All in all, kisses and hugs to Renato Augusto, Toró (who would have thought!), Juan, and especially Bruno. They got us through Cusco.

THE DAY

Joel Santana praises Flamengo's stance in Cuzco

Rio - After Flamengo's great 3-0 victory last night in Cuzco, coach Joel Santana praised the behavior of the red-black team, which had a very confident performance.

"In a Libertadores match against Cienciano, I can say that the performance was very good. The first half was a good team. The second half was excellent. It was a beautiful match of football. Cienciano is a brilliant team, and until we scored the first goal, they were playing very well."

Flamengo's manager praised the marking work of the Gávea team, which neutralized Cienciano's main plays.

"The game was difficult in both halves. But in the second half, the team improved its marking. We managed to reduce their dangerous plays and scored an early goal. We didn't give them freedom in the play. We scored more because they needed to score and relaxed their marking," said Joel.

Even though they have qualified for the next stage with one round to spare, the coach wants another victory over Coronel Bolognesi, which would guarantee first place in Group 4.

"I see that in football, every game is a decision, and every decision is a responsibility. We're in first place in our group and managed to erase that goal advantage from Nacional. We achieved our goal and will continue with our plan. There's nothing friendly about it."

Márcio Braga: 'Yesterday was a day of remarkable victories'

Rio - "Yesterday was a day of remarkable victories." Like all Flamengo fans, Flamengo president Márcio Braga—who did not travel with the delegation to Cuzco—celebrated the red-and-blacks' double triumph this Wednesday. In soccer, the massive 3-0 victory over Cienciano at an altitude of 3400 meters in Cuzco, securing qualification for the round of 72 of the Copa Libertadores. In basketball, the 66-XNUMX triumph over Boca Juniors (ARG) at Tijuca Tênis Clube in Rio de Janeiro, securing an unprecedented qualification for the final of the South American League.

"It's a very happy moment for Flamengo. Yesterday was a day of remarkable victories. We won the game with a performance truly worthy of the highest praise. It was a mature team, with wonderful behavior on the field. We also have to highlight the team's physical preparation, the result of the work of our medical department, which had been preparing the players for this game for over a month. It was truly formidable," he said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.

"Furthermore, we beat Boca Juniors in basketball. Yesterday was the "black" (third match of the best of three - each club had won one match) at Tijuca Tênis Clube. We are truly experiencing a moment of victories," he added.

Márcio Braga doesn't give up: 'The fight against altitude continues'

São Paulo - After all the protests against high-altitude games, which led to an extraordinary meeting of the South American Football Confederation (COMENBOL) and even action at FIFA's CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport), Flamengo aroused the antipathy of its South American neighbors. Upon arrival in Lima, there were good-natured protests. In Cuzco, a fan dressed as a donkey, Cienciano's mascot, held a sign reading "Altitude doesn't kill, your Daddy (Cienciano's nickname) does." Upon arrival at the stadium, there were shouts and boos. The surprise came during the game: at Cuzco's 3400m altitude, Flamengo secured a stunning 3-0 victory over Cienciano, even receiving a standing ovation from some of the rival fans at the end of the match. Even coach Joel Santana implied, in a press conference after the game, that Flamengo's crusade against the altitude was exaggerated, even apologizing to the Peruvian people.

But none of this is a reason for president Márcio Braga to give up. This Thursday, Braga reiterated that Flamengo will continue its fight against playing at altitude:

"The fight continues. We started last year and it is impossible to continue letting our athletes suffer life-threatening risks in games at altitudes higher than that determined (2750m) by the FIFA medical committee," he said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.

For the president, Flamengo's chances of winning the battle against altitude increased because, on his tour of Europe to promote the red-black cause, Márcio Braga recruited important allies:

"We now have very important partners in this fight. In addition to the CBF and President Ricardo Teixeira, who has been very firm in his political stance on this issue, we have UEFA President Michel Platini and FIFA President Joseph Blatter. Now, we have to resolve this issue definitively," he concluded.

Zico will receive a statue made by fans

Marluci Martins

Rio - Flamengo will have a huge reinforcement in Sunday's Taça Rio semifinal against Botafogo: Zico will be at the Maracanã stadium. Not in the flesh, but in Styrofoam and paper. A group of fans has been preparing the surprise for just over a month, and it will finally be ready.

More than a tribute to Flamengo's greatest idol, the statue symbolizes a protest by a group of fans led by Marcelo Tijolo, who will attempt to deliver a petition to Sports Secretary Eduardo Paes before the match. "We're going to demand that they build a bronze statue of Zico for the Maracanã," the fan explained, demanding better treatment for the idol from Gávea.

Made of Styrofoam covered with paper, canvas, and a wire frame, the 'statue' commissioned by the fans stands 4 meters tall. Already in the finishing stages, it is being built at the Salgueiro warehouse in Cidade do Samba, Gamboa, the same location where the replica of the polka-dot trophy was also produced, alluding to the controversial fifth-time Brazilian championship victory. This trophy became famous in the final stretch of the Brasileirão as a protest addressed to the CBF, which, contrary to the red-and-black fans, insisted on recognizing São Paulo as the only five-time national champion.

Vice-president of the Salgueiro Olympic Village, Marcelo Tijolo, is using leftover Styrofoam from his samba school's floats. Whether it's better or worse, what's no good for Salgueiro will go to the red-and-black fans for Sunday's derby in the Maracanã stands.

The Zico 'statue' made by Itamar Cordeiro, one of Salgueiro's artisans, holds a replica of the polka-dot cup, wears an Adidas shirt, and stands atop a globe. "It's the world at Zico's feet," the fan explained. "These days, a player can't even stay two years at the same club. Zico made history at Flamengo and deserves everything from us," he added.

Flamengo's physical trainer says victory at altitude was expected

Rio - In a team where everyone considered a draw a good result, Flamengo's impressive 3-0 victory over Cienciano at 3400 meters above sea level in Cuzco was a surprise. However, the club's fitness coach, Ronaldo Torres, revealed that the Flamengo triumph was already predicted.

"This was actually expected. It's all thanks to the preseason we had at the beginning of the year. I always say it was one of the best preseasons I've had in many years. We did some great team planning and we're reaping the rewards right now," he said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.

"I've always maintained that Flamengo, physically speaking, could guarantee it. I even joked: since the physical evaluation results this year were excellent, I joked that Flamengo's players could even play at an altitude of 10.000 meters. Obviously, that's ridiculous, a joke, but I knew what I was talking about; I was absolutely certain that Flamengo would do well. Of course, just because an athlete is in good physical shape doesn't mean they can't feel the altitude organically and physiologically, but if you have a good physical base, you feel it less," he added.

The fitness coach explained how the procedure will be carried out with the team to avoid fatigue, aiming for the semi-final against Botafogo, on Sunday, at Marcanã:

"We can compare this game to training. It's as if we did a lot of physical work in training, which caused a lot of exhaustion. So, every time you have this kind of exhaustion, you need 24 or 48 hours of recovery. That's where what we call "pajama training" or invisible training comes in: getting good rest, eating well, with a special diet. By doing all this work, we won't have any problems for the game against Botafogo. Obviously, there will be training at the club, but it will be light; Joel is already aware of all this. The fans can be sure that Flamengo will have no physical problems for the derby," he explained.

Torres also stated that there is no need to rest players for the semifinal against Botafogo:

"There's no reason to skimp, especially since we'll play on Sunday and then only the following week. Of course, the players will rest with their families and do other activities, but there's no need to skimp. Flamengo's players are ready to play at any time. We've built a good foundation—and everything depends on the foundation—so they can handle it," he assured.

Finally, the fitness trainer, a former soccer player, explained why he chose not to travel with the delegation to Cuzco:

"I don't travel because my problem is physiological. Once, when I was 26, I went to play for Botafogo in the altitude of Quito (Ecuador) and I got sick, I had to return to Brazil. I also went to the altitude of Colombia and again had to return. I spoke with Dr. Serafim (Borges, Flamengo's doctor and cardiologist) and decided to stay here. I might not have felt anything, but I decided not to risk it," revealed Ronaldo Torres, good-naturedly.

SPORTS GAZETTE

Ibson prepares for reunion with Flamengo fans\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After beating Cienciano 3-0 in the high altitude of Cusco, Flamengo's squad is now focused on Sunday's classic against Botafogo in the Taça Rio semifinal. This Friday afternoon, coach Joel Santana is expected to lead an activity at the Vargem Grande training center, when he will decide which team to field against Alvinegro.

The derby will mark midfielder Ibson's reunion with Flamengo fans. The last time he stepped foot in Maracanã, against Madureira on March 29, the player was booed by the Flamengo fans, angered by his statements that he would have to return to Porto-POR mid-year.

"I have a contract with Flamengo until June 30th, and until then, my focus is solely on Flamengo. As for the other things, I'll leave it to the management and my father to decide," the midfielder said.

The refereeing team for Flamengo and Botafogo, a classic that has generated much controversy lately, has already been decided. Péricles Bassols Pagado Cortez will be the referee, with Wagner de Almeida Massara and Jackson Lourenço Santos as assistants.

Flamengo remains interested in having Ronaldo\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After accompanying Flamengo to Cusco, where the team defeated Cienciano and mathematically secured qualification for the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, vice-president Kléber Leite returns to Brazil with one thought in mind: to revive the project to secure the signing of striker Ronaldo.\ The project, which had been on hold since the striker's injury, gained new momentum after the Phenomenon declared that he intended to play for the Rio de Janeiro club before returning to Milan, the club that holds his federation rights.\

"I was very pleased with his comments, because that's the most important thing for this to work out: him showing his desire to play for Flamengo. Starting Friday, we'll see about that and try to make this dream come true," the director said, still in Peru.

Ronaldo, who has already declared himself a Flamengo fan, is only expected to return to the field at the end of the year. Last Wednesday, the player returned to Brazil, where he will continue his recovery over the coming months. His close relationship with Flamengo's executives could help in the project of securing partners to help facilitate the signing of the Phenomenon by the Rio de Janeiro club.

President Márcio Braga remains cautious. "We have to study this. I saw his statement in the newspaper, but I haven't heard from him about it yet," Braga said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.

Juan is inspired by Zico and breaks his absence streak

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After many attempts, left-back Juan scored his first free kick goal of 2008 this Wednesday. It was his third goal for Flamengo in the crucial 3-0 victory over Cienciano in Cusco. Happy to end his drought, the player credited the goal to his training and inspiration from a longtime Flamengo idol. "I always heard people at Gávea say that Zico practiced free kicks a lot and that he scored a lot of goals that way. I've been working hard. That's why I knew I would succeed at some point. If I get it right in training, why wouldn't I get it right in games? I kept at it and managed to score a beautiful goal, which was important for Flamengo," Juan celebrated.

The full-back also highlighted the Brazilian team's performance, which didn't succumb to the Peruvians' provocation and secured qualification for the next round of the Copa Libertadores. Juan, however, warns that the team must change its focus, as it plays the Taça Rio semifinal against Botafogo this Sunday.

"We played calmly; that was important to our success. We never lost our heads, we were smart, and we knew the right time to decide the game. But now we need to shift our focus to Botafogo. We have another decisive game on Sunday, and we'll go in with all our energy, but without losing our heads. We've learned our lesson," assured Juan.

Joel praises Fla's performance in the second half

Cusco (Peru) - Flamengo returns from the dreaded altitude of Cusco with a 3-0 victory over Cienciano and qualification for the round of XNUMX of the Copa Libertadores. For coach Joel Santana, the good result was only possible thanks to the Red-Blacks' improvement in the second half. "I asked for more focus at halftime, and we improved our ball possession in the second half, managing to close the gaps. We scored early and got the bigger score because they had to come out and play, loosening their defense," analyzed the manager.

"They lost a quality player with Balazar's sending off. We dominated the midfield and managed to control the pace of the game," added Joel, who praised the Cienciano team even after their strong victory over the Peruvians at altitude.

"Cienciano is a brilliant team and was playing very well until we scored. We were well received here, despite the drama they created. Playing at altitude is always difficult, but we have to apologize if we made any mistakes," concluded the Flamengo coach.

PELENET

Márcio Braga: "The contract with Nike should really be terminated"

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

The turbulent love affair between Flamengo and Nike is finally over. Club president Márcio Braga is in São Paulo to discuss a number of matters involving the club. One of them is the termination of the contract with the sportswear company.

"We are here to resolve three issues. After resolving some issues that the club has in common with Corinthians, we will discuss the termination of the contract with Nike. They know we have some superior offers and we will analyze them," he told Rádio Brasil.

Flamengo and Nike have a contract until June 30, 2009. However, the Gávea club has already made it clear that it has no intention of extending the agreement, claiming that the North American company has not been fulfilling its commitment.

If the two parties cannot reach a consensus, the solution may be sought in the Sports Court. However, there is a very high fine stipulated if the contract is broken.

If the contract termination goes through, two companies have a chance of reaching an agreement with Flamengo: Adidas and Olympikus. The former has already held talks with Flamengo's board of directors and Corinthians, which is also dissatisfied with Nike.

Manager praises team in victory over Cienciano

After commenting on Flamengo's situation with Nike, Márcio Braga took the opportunity to praise the team's performance in the 3-0 victory over Cienciano, Wednesday, in Cuzco, for the Copa Libertadores da América.

In the manager's view, Rubro-Negro managed the altitude problem very well, which was seen as the main obstacle to the team's qualification for the next stage of the South American competition, a fact accomplished with the triumph.

"The team didn't feel the altitude too much and had a performance worthy of praise. It was truly a formidable performance by Flamengo in this match," he concluded.

Juan says he's inspired by Zico, Flamengo's eternal idol, when taking free kicks.

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

After extensive training, Juan finally scored a free kick this season. With a perfect shot into the top corner, the left-back sealed Flamengo's 3-0 victory over Cienciano-PER this Wednesday in Cusco, in the penultimate round of the Copa Libertadores group stage. And his precision strike was inspired by Zico, the greatest idol in Flamengo's history.

Left-back Juan scored a beautiful goal with a free kick against Cienciano-PER

"I always heard people at Gávea say that Zico practiced free kicks a lot and that he scored a lot of goals that way. I've been working hard. That's why I knew that, at some point, I would succeed," the player added.

"If I get it right in training, why wouldn't I get it right in games? I persisted and managed to score a beautiful goal, which was important for Flamengo," he added.

Juan's goal against the Peruvians was his fourth of the season, but his first in the Libertadores. Prior to that, the number six had scored three others in the State Championship.

With Wednesday's victory, the Red-Blacks secured a spot in the round of 4 of the continental competition. Now, the fight is on to top Group XNUMX and, perhaps, be one of the clubs with the best record in the qualifying round, which would give them the advantage of deciding the knockout stage at home.

The Gávea team's next match in the Libertadores will be on April 23, at Maracanã, at 19:30 pm, when they face Coronel Bolognesi-PER, in the final round of the group stage.

"Flamengo thrashes Cienciano and the height", says the Peruvian press

From EFE\ In Lima (Peru)\

Flamengo's 3-0 victory over Cienciano in the high altitude of Cuzco, which secured their place in the round of XNUMX of the Libertadores, received extensive coverage in the Peruvian press.

"Flamengo thrashed Cienciano and at height," published the newspaper "El Comercio", according to which the Brazilians "ran as if at sea level and returned to Rio with three points that guarantee their classification for the next phase."

"Libero" stated that "Flamengo ran better in Cuzco than in Maracanã, dominated the home team and won 3-0 to reach the next stage."

Ibson says he is 100% focused on Flamengo

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

After a great moment with Flamengo, midfielder Ibson went through a difficult period and was even booed at one point. On Wednesday, the player responded and was one of the team's standout performers in the 3-0 victory over Cienciano in Cusco in the Copa Libertadores da América.

Fotocom

Ibson once again performed well for Fla in Wednesday's victory.

Some wondered if the supporter's drop in performance on the team was related to the fact that his contract with Rubro-Negro was close to ending.

Ibson, whose federation rights are tied to Porto-POR, has a contract with the Gávea club until June 30th and should be returning to Portugal.

"When I play badly, they say I'm focused on Porto. If I play well, they say I've put this issue aside. In reality, my focus is on Flamengo, and my contract runs until June. Only then do I think about Porto," he assured.

Flamengo, however, promises to "go all out" to keep the player. The club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, has already stated that one of the Gávea club's goals is to renew the midfielder's contract.

GLOBO ESPORTE

Teixeira: 'The national team will not play in La Paz'

FIFA determines that games at altitude require more time to adapt.

Ricardo Teixeira says the team would only go to La Paz if there was time to adapt\ The president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ricardo Teixeira, says the Brazilian team will not play against Bolivia in the city of La Paz, in the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup. The reason is the 3.660 meters of altitude.\

According to Teixeira, FIFA, through its Executive Committee, determined that in order to hold games in cities located above 2.700 meters above sea level, there must be an adaptation phase.

"Brazil won't take a player to risk his health in La Paz. This must be approached very responsibly. If we had the time, we could even play there," says Teixeira.

The match between Brazil and Bolivia in La Paz is scheduled for October 10, 2009, for the 17th round of qualifying. The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has already threatened to punish Brazilian clubs that refuse to play at altitude. Last week, CONMEBOL president Nicolas Léoz said that clubs would lose points if they did not play at altitude.

Toró: 'I'm coming back happier and more relieved'

Midfielder celebrates goal and comes back on top in the match against Cienciano, for the Libertadores\ Cahê Mota\

GLOBOESPORTE.COM\ Toró believes the goal against Cienciano will mark a new phase\ Just like Flamengo, which arrived in Cuzco in a difficult situation in the Libertadores and returned qualified, midfielder Toró made the 3-0 victory over Cienciano a milestone\ towards his redemption. Ridiculed by fans and the press after his sendings off against Nacional (URU) and Botafogo, and called by many as ill-tempered and immature, Joel's favorite guarantees that he returned from Peru with renewed spirits.\

- I'll definitely come back a happier and more relieved Toró - says Toró, scorer of Flamengo's second goal in Peru.

Free to play in the Rio Cup after serving the two-game suspension imposed by the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court, the player is only interested in meeting Botafogo again, and emphasizes that the time for celebrating victory at altitude is over.

- I'm happy with the performance, with the group's victory, but now it's over, we're already in Brazil and it's time to think about Sunday's game, which is extremely important.

Flamengo and Botafogo face each other at Maracanã, next Sunday, for the semifinal of the Taça Rio, and GLOBOESPORTE.COM will follow the match in Real Time from 15:45 pm

Fla will decide the League at Maracanãzinho

In the decision against Corrientes, there may be a promotion on the 23rd with football at Maracanã

Maracanãzinho will host two matches of the South American League final

After winning the right to play in the South American Men's Basketball League final in two matches at Tijuca Tênis Clube against Boca Juniors, Flamengo is looking for a bigger venue for the finals against fellow Argentine club Regatas Corrientes: Maracanãzinho. Flamengo officials are scheduling meetings with the Rio de Janeiro State Sports Superintendence (Suderj) and the Special Stadium Policing Group (Gepe) to hold the matches scheduled for the 22nd and 23rd at the stadium.

The gym currently has a capacity of 12,7 people, and the only obstacle to realizing the red-and-black basketball team's dream could be a promotion. On the 23rd, at 19:30 p.m., the soccer team faces Coronel Bolognesi of Peru at the Maracanã stadium in the Copa Libertadores da América.

"We'll play both games at Maracanãzinho, even with this coincidence, especially since it will be a single crowd. Flamengo will have a night of two wins in one. I'm optimistic," Vasco fan Eduardo Paes, state secretary of Tourism and Sports, told the newspaper "O Globo."

According to the director of basketball for the red-black team, Arnaldo Szpiro, the ideal is for the game on the 23rd to start after the football match, between 21:45 pm and 22 pm:

"We can run a promotion. Fans pay a little more for soccer and basketball. With the Maracanãzinho packed, chanting "Mengo!", there's no way we can lose. If we bring a victory back from there, we'll be champions here."

The first matches of the final are scheduled for the 15th (21pm Brasília time) and 16th (23pm), in Corrientes.

Exhausted, Fla arrives after 17 hours of travel

Rubro-negro players run a marathon after the important victory in Cuzco\ Cahê Mota\

Just over 17 hours after leaving Cuzco, Peru, and two hours behind schedule, Flamengo landed at Tom Jobim Airport in Rio de Janeiro around 0:30 a.m. this Friday, more than 24 hours after their 3-0 victory over Cienciano, which secured their early qualification for the round of XNUMX of the Copa Libertadores. Exhausted and many with bags under their eyes, the players quickly passed through the arrivals area.

"The trip was very long. We've been rushing around since 5 a.m., but now we're going to enjoy our family and rest so we can get back to work with Botafogo in mind. The most important thing is that we went to Peru with the intention of winning, and we did," says midfielder Ibson, one of the standout performers in the red-and-black victory at almost 3.400 meters above sea level.

Right-back Leo Moura made no secret of his desire to get home soon to recharge his batteries. However, he made a point of emphasizing that qualifying early was worth the sacrifice.

- It's quite tiring, but it was worth it for the victory.

The trip

The Flamengo delegation left Cusco at 7:5 a.m. Brasília time (12:17 a.m. Cusco time), arriving in Lima around noon for a connecting flight to São Paulo, where they disembarked at 23:15 p.m. In São Paulo, the group waited for about six hours before boarding the flight to Rio at XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. Left-back Juan, who scored the third goal in the match against Cienciano, stayed with his family in São Paulo, as did Marcinho and Diego Tardelli.

Marcio Braga praises the club's professionals

For the president, Fla did his job in Cuzco and showed that he feared nothing.

The victory over Cienciano, in the high altitude of Cuzco, couldn't have gone better for Flamengo, which virtually secured its place in the second round of the Copa Libertadores. However, another player, heavily criticized by Peruvians in recent days, felt the taste of victory even more intensely. In an official statement, club president Marcio Braga made a point of highlighting the professionals who make up the club's coaching staff, mentioning all of them by name.

- The tactical awareness imparted to the players by coach Joel Santana; the organic condition provided by the medical department, headed by doctors José Luiz Runco and Serafim Borges, and, most especially, the exceptional physical preparation honed by the team led by the highly competent professor Ronaldo Torres led Flamengo to control the game and the spaces on the field until the final whistle, in a stadium located at an altitude of 3.100 meters - he says.

Regarding the criticism he received before the match, Marcio Braga preferred not to use a harsher tone. For the Rubro-Negro boss, the club did its part.

"It's clear that Flamengo fears no opponent, anywhere on the planet. Our fight is for life, for health, for sport. And it will continue," he concludes.

THROW

Flamengo athletes arrive in Rio already thinking about Botafogo

An hour and a half late, the delegation returns after victory in Peru

Flamengo beat Cienciano at altitude in Cuzco (PER) by 3 to 0 - Juan scored the third goal (Credit: Julio Cesar Guimarães)

LANCEPRESS!\ Flamengo's flight returning from Peru, where they faced Cienciano in the Libertadores, was scheduled to arrive in Rio de Janeiro at 22:30 p.m., but the plane only landed at 0:20 a.m. But, despite the exhaustion, the Flamengo players disembarked already thinking about the Rio Cup semifinal against Botafogo on Sunday.\

"The victory was very important, but it's already in the past. Our focus is solely on Botafogo and reaching another final. Despite the fatigue, everyone is focused on the goal, which for us is the semifinal," midfielder Ibson declared upon the team's arrival in the early hours of Friday.

Flamengo embarked from Lima and stopped in São Paulo before arriving in Rio. On Wednesday, the Gávea club defeated Cienciano 3-0 in the Peruvian city of Cuzco, securing their spot in the round of XNUMX of the South American competition. Midfielder Renato Augusto, who scored the game's first goal, commented on his performance and echoed his teammate's sentiments.

"It was one of my best games this year, and we're happy with the win. Now we have to focus on Botafogo, as we had practically no time to recover. The trip was long and tiring," commented the Flamengo athlete as he left the airport.

Despite the late hour, five Flamengo fans watched the delegation disembark. From 21 p.m. at Tom Jobim International Airport, they carried a huge Flamengo flag, sang loudly, and cheered loudly for every athlete who passed by.

Joel Santana: 'They didn't even give us a glass of water'

Flamengo coach complains about the in-flight service on Fla's return

LANCEPRESS!

The trip from Peru to Rio de Janeiro, with a connection in São Paulo, was tiring enough for the Flamengo delegation. However, the final leg was made even more unpleasant by the inefficient onboard service provided to the Flamengo fans.

The one who complained was Commander Joel Santana:

- They didn't even give us a glass of water - complained the coach of the Gávea team upon landing in Rio de Janeiro in the early hours of this Friday, after the 3-0 victory over Cienciano, in the Peruvian city of Cuzco, 3.340 meters above sea level.

According to the coach, even with the wear and tear caused by the long trip, the Flamengo team will be ready this Friday for the semifinal of the Taça Rio, against Botafogo, on Sunday, at Maracanã - if they win the round, the club will be state champion without the need for a final.

"I can't even describe how tiring the flight was. The trip was tiring, but this Friday the team will be ready to perform well against Botafogo," said Joel Santana, who will lead afternoon training, starting at 16 p.m. The squad begins training at 21 p.m. on Friday night.

With the victory against Cienciano (PER), the red-and-black team secured its spot in the Copa Libertadores round of 16 with one round to spare. When asked if he has a preference for any opponent at the start of the knockout stage, the coach stated no, with a simple argument.

- Those who work at Flamengo don't choose their opponents - said Joel Santana, at Tom Jobim International Airport.

With the results so far, the Rio de Janeiro club would face River Plate (ARG) in the next phase.

"EMBARRASSMENTS"

The Flamengo delegation landed in Rio de Janeiro without three players: left-back Juan, midfielder Marcinho, and forward Diego Tardelli. However, there's no reason for Flamengo fans to worry: as they have family in São Paulo, the three remained in the city, the last stop on their flight before Rio.

The presence of the three players in this afternoon's training session in Gávea, however, has been confirmed by the club.

Psychologist suggests a cool head for the Flamengo team

Paulo Ribeiro highlights the serenity that Rubro-Negro had in Cuzco

One of the people responsible for Flamengo's excellent maturity in the Libertadores victory in Cusco, club psychologist Paulo Ribeiro sees no reason to over-motivate his players when it comes to a derby. He believes that matches of this caliber already require commitment without the need for players to be more aware.

Regarding the recent clashes between Flamengo and Botafogo, Paulo Ribeiro has been working gradually to maintain his players' emotional control. According to him, if the team plays with the same composure they did against Cienciano, their chances of victory increase.

"I'm working on emotional regularity, so there won't be a special DVD for this game. The motivation is to win, and the victory in Peru served as an excellent incentive," he said.

Márcio Braga: 'The fight against altitude continues'

President praises the performance of the team and the red-black doctors

LANCEPRESS!

Flamengo won and proved convincing against Cienciano, even at the altitude of Cusco, Peru. The 3-0 score, however, doesn't mean the club has given up on its fight to avoid playing in high-altitude cities. President Márcio Braga assures that the fight continues.

"This issue has been ongoing since last year. We've secured important partnerships. In addition to the CBF president, we have partnerships with the FIFA president and UEFA's Michel Platini," Márcio Braga told Rádio Brasil.

The club's president also commented on the team's performance in Wednesday's victory. He praised the players' demeanor and the club's doctors:

"It's a very happy moment and a day of remarkable victories. We won in soccer, with a performance worthy of the highest praise, with a mature team and wonderful behavior on the field. We also have to highlight the work of the doctors who prepared the athletes. It was formidable. And we also won in basketball, against Boca Juniors. It's a time for victories."

Fitness coach comments on Flamengo's performance

Ronaldo Torres praised the team that worked on preparing the players\ LANCEPRESS!\

Flamengo's fitness coach, Ronaldo Torres, was not shy about the players' performance in Cuzco. The coach, who did not travel with the Flamengo delegation due to altitude sickness, praised the team that worked with him to prepare the players and commented that he expected a good result.

"Due to the intense work we did with the players for the match, I was certain the result would be favorable. I assured them the team would be well prepared, and everyone saw that confirmation. But this isn't just down to me, but also down to everyone who worked with me. We planned well, and now we're reaping the rewards," he told Rádio Brasil.