THE GLOBE

Pray, cheer, play

Flamengo goes to church, counts on Cienciano's stumble today and already thinks about Nacional

Photo caption: Flamengo players ask for protection at the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus: at risk in the Libertadores, the team supports Bolognesi before the decisive game against Nacional

Carlos Eduardo Mansur

Flamengo began yesterday the ten-day period in which its most important project of the season will be at stake. Before facing Nacional in the Libertadores on the 19th at Maracanã, when it can't afford to slip up, Flamengo will play twice in the State Championship. The first, tomorrow against Mesquita, will be a test for the team to face the Uruguayans with more attacking force.

The squad's first activity was a visit to the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus yesterday. According to president Márcio Braga and coach Joel Santana, the goal was to give thanks.

"We've had protection since last year, in the Brazilian Championship. We'll achieve victories in the Libertadores with our own efforts," said Joel.

- I came to ask that our path be illuminated and that we can qualify - said Obina.

Minutes before, Father Lindolfo Lisboa had warned the cast.

"Asking is easy. Many would like to be in your shoes, who are earning well. We must take this moment to thank you from the bottom of our hearts," said the priest.

Joel dares, but defense worries

Some players, due to religious beliefs, chose not to attend church. Today, shortly after training to face Mesquita, everyone will have another commitment. At 18:50 PM, in Cuzco, Peru, a crucial match for the red-and-blacks' hopes takes place. Players and coaching staff will be rooting for Coronel Bolognesi to take points from Cienciano (which has three points and a game in hand), the red-and-black rival in the fight for a spot in the next round. Flamengo has four points and is in danger of losing its second-place position in Group 4.

The team's apprehension about the risk it now faces in the Libertadores stems from the significant investment it made in the competition. Acquiring player rights cost the Rio de Janeiro club over R$14 million. In prize money alone, not advancing in the Libertadores would mean missing out on US$2,5 million in revenue, in addition to potentially reaching R$3,5 million in ticket sales until the finals. An early elimination would mean failing to convert the investment into equity appreciation.

"We've made huge commitments. We've assembled the best squad in the country, and we need to win. The loss would be significant given the investment," said Márcio Braga.

He sees obstacles still behind the scenes. Although he avoids saying it openly, he fears that the red-and-blacks' fight at FIFA to avoid playing at altitude has had repercussions at CONMEBOL:

"I can't say for sure, but I thought about it. The referee created uncertainty for the Flamengo players in Uruguay," said the director, who expects to receive the first installment from Petrobras this week to pay off outstanding salaries that are reaching two months.

Tomorrow's match against Mesquita will be a rehearsal for the upcoming match against Nacional. The team that takes the field will be the one Joel intends to field in the Libertadores. In yesterday's tactical training session, he fielded the most offensive lineup he's used in 2008, with three forwards. Against Mesquita, he's expected to field Diego Tardelli, Souza, and Maxi. During tomorrow's match, Renato Augusto should get another chance and, if he proves fit, could start against Nacional, possibly replacing Maxi. To preserve the team for the Libertadores, the derby against Botafogo on Sunday should be put on the back burner, with starters once again rested.

But while devising a bold plan, Joel tries to solve what he considers Flamengo's problem in 2008: he admits that the team hasn't regained the defensive security of last year. This season, they conceded 1,15 goals per game, having played 14 matches, 11 of them in the State Championship, many against smaller teams. In the final run of the 2007 Brazilian Championship, in technically more difficult matches, the team conceded less than a goal per game.

"It hasn't clicked yet. Players with different characteristics have come in, and that can't be achieved overnight," Joel commented, noting that in 2008, the team allowed its rivals many more shots than in 2007.

The smile that Amiel is missing

Flamengo's Cuban winger dreams of meeting his 6-year-old daughter, Melanie. The team plays in Paraguay today.

Photo caption: CUBAN AMIEL looks up during Fla's training session in Gávea: the player played for Mexico, France and Saldanha da Gama (ES) before arriving at the red-black team

Ary Cunha

In one of the apartments at the Flamengo headquarters in Morro da Viúva, news about the end of the Fidel Castro era and the possibility of a more flexible political regime in Cuba is closely followed. Any breath of change on the Caribbean island has a direct impact on the life of 31-year-old Amiel, a winger for the Flamengo basketball team, unbeaten in 14 games and which faces Sol de América today at 22 p.m. Brasília time in Asunción, Paraguay, in the South American League.

The capital letter L tattooed on his right arm symbolizes freedom, but not just the freedom he sought when he left the Cuban national team during a layover in Los Angeles on August 29, 2001. Amiel will only truly be free when he can fulfill his greatest dream: meeting his daughter, Melanie Channey, 6, born in Havana two months after the winger took refuge in San Francisco, California. The little girl is the result of a romance with three-time world and Olympic volleyball champion setter Marleny Costa. Amiel only knows her through photos or, more recently, through webcam conversations. A true feeling expressed through virtual kisses.

"Just thinking about the moment I'll be able to hug my daughter gives me goosebumps," Amiel says emotionally, his eyes welling up. "Not a day goes by that I don't think about this reunion with my family. It will be the happiest day of my life."

Movie escape through the streets of LA

For now, Amiel's joy lies in the many friendships he's made since arriving at Flamengo in August of last year and in the team's excellent form. With the same group that won the state title, the red-and-black team is the sensation of the National Men's Basketball Championship, with 11 wins in 11 games. Adding the three wins in the South American League, their unbeaten streak reaches 14 games and could be extended tonight.

Amiel has been playing in every match, and coach Paulo Chupeta is the first to praise the winger's importance to the squad. Not only for technical reasons, but also for his dedication to training. Although helpful, he rarely smiles.

"Amiel doesn't smile much, but he's a great guy. And a great player, above all," praises the red-and-black coach.

The air of melancholy is justified. Although Cuban law allows citizens who have been abroad for more than five years to apply for a visa to visit family, Amiel has already had two attempts denied, without any official explanation.

"They allow some, ban others. They don't have much discretion. I've been trying for a visa for two and a half years, and they've denied me," he laments, avoiding political debate. "I have nothing against anyone, I just left Cuba to seek a better future for myself and my family. It was a decision I made, and I don't regret it."

For now, Raúl Castro's rise has yet to produce the practical effects Amiel so desperately hopes for. But his trajectory cannot be dissociated from historical facts. It was shortly after the collapse of the former Soviet Union in 1991 that the forward, still a teenager in the youth ranks of Cuban basketball, realized he would have to break new ground:

The former Soviet Union provided everything Cuba needed. We depended on that aid, which stopped coming. We remained with open arms; those were difficult times. From then on, I decided I had to seek new horizons.

The Cuban basketball team's trip to the 2001 Friendship Games in Australia, with a stopover in Los Angeles, was the perfect opportunity to change the course of his life. The adventure wasn't a solitary one. While still in Cuba, Amiel and teammate Leyder Chapman planned to use their customs clearance to disguise themselves and find the exit. Taking advantage of the fact that the coaching staff was in line at US customs and their passports were still in their hands, Amiel and Chapman rushed from one terminal to the other, dressed in the delegation's uniforms, and hailed a taxi. Neither of them spoke English.

"We hailed a Honduran taxi driver, but he didn't understand a word of our Spanish. In Cuba, we speak quickly, and our nervousness made things even more difficult. He then asked, "Boulevard?" and we gave him a thumbs-up. We ended up on Hollywood Boulevard," says Amiel.

The attack on the World Trade Center twin towers, almost two weeks later, increased the tension for those already struggling to find work. To avoid homelessness, Amiel relied on the solidarity of Cubans living in San Francisco. He waited a year and a day in the United States before obtaining authorization to work. He worked as a bartender and a basketball school teacher until he played in Mexico, where he stayed for a year and a half. He also played in the French paint before being signed by Saldanha da Gama (ES) in 2006. The following year, he joined Flamengo and found a glimpse of his native Havana in Rio.

"The best thing here is the people. The warmth of Rio reminds me of the Cuban people, of my culture. The atmosphere at Flamengo is the best possible," Amiel assures, pointing out the secret to the red-and-black team's excellent form. "Our team's determination to win starts in training."

BROADCAST: ESPN Brazil.

SPORTS JOURNAL

The red-black cast visits the church of Saint Jude Thaddeus

Flamengo's squad and club president Marcio Braga attended the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus on Monday. The group came to give thanks for winning the Guanabara Cup. The club's president says he is a regular at the parish.

"I come often. It's nothing new to me. We're here to give thanks, because He (Saint Jude Thaddeus) never fails us. He never has," said the president of Flamengo in an interview with Rádio Tupi.

Regarding the fight against games at altitude, Marcio says that FIFA president Joseph Blatter, Switzerland, agrees with the veto and that now it is up to CONMEBOL to comply.

"I was at the Arbitration Court, and President Blatter received me. He fully agrees that there should be no games above the permitted altitude, which is 2.570 meters. CONMEBOL still needs to comply with FIFA's requirements. The measures have been taken. Now we just have to wait for the result," he explained.

Thiago Sales: 'My mirror is Juan'

Roberto Murad

Wallace Texeira/JS

Thiago Sales, who scored twice in the 3-1 victory over Americano, is another of Flamengo's rising stars. The defender was part of the team that won the Carioca Junior Championship for the third time last year and scored eight goals. His reputation as a goalscorer has been confirmed in the professional league. He has already scored three goals in the State Championship, the same number as Obina and Souza, and trails only Íbson, who has scored four.

Raised in Copacabana, Thiago Sales is a fan of footvolley and believes the sport was very important for gaining ball experience and skill.

"I learned this ability to score goals playing footvolley. I spent a lot of time practicing football on the beach," he said.

Thiago Sales grew up with Kayke, who also graduated from Flamengo's youth academy, and says that besides being friends, the two are also partners on the beach.

"Kayke and I have known each other since we were little and we played footvolley together," said the defender.

In addition to scoring many goals, Thiago demonstrates skill in passing the ball, something he says he learned from watching Juan, a former Flamengo defender who is currently at Roma in Italy and is constantly on Dunga's call-up lists.

"I look up to Juan. He has a similar story to mine: he was raised at Flamengo since he was a boy and is a very technical defender," he explained.

Unlike most players in Brazilian soccer, Thiago Sales doesn't want to go abroad and prefers to pursue his career at the Gávea club. Although he admits that he may leave later to achieve financial independence.

"My intention is to stay at Flamengo. I want to make history at the club. It's my favorite team, and I've always been a Flamengo fan. Every player dreams of playing abroad, but you have to keep your feet on the ground," he concluded. (DM)

Renato Augusto, the hope of creativity

It's no secret that Flamengo's main attacks come down the wings. Nor is it news that Ibson has been the team's primary playmaker. Therefore, Renato Augusto's return to the first team is significant, as he could be another alternative, or even the primary one, in creating plays.

Fully recovered from the painful facial surgery that kept him off the field for over a month, Renato Augusto says he is happy and ready to take on the responsibility of leading Flamengo to the victories it so desperately needs, especially in the Libertadores.

"I'm very happy to have started well against Americano. I still lack a bit of rhythm, but little by little I'm improving. I hope to be ready to face Nacional at Maracanã and live up to expectations," he said, referring to the challenge Flamengo will face on the 19th.

Three attackers

Renato Augusto participated in yesterday's training session, with the players who did not start against Americano last Sunday.

On the field, Joel Santana, who needs to win at any cost in the Libertadores, tested a scheme with three attackers: Diego Tardelli, Souza and Obina.

"At Flamengo, everything is bigger. We lost to Fluminense and it was a case of God help us. Then, when we lost to Nacional, it felt like the end of the world," said Renato.

"But I take responsibility. Here, whoever doesn't take responsibility is dead," he added. (DM)

Save us, Saint Jude Thaddeus!

Although the board denies it, Flamengo asks for help from its patron saint to return to winning ways.

Diego Marrul and Nathan de Lima

Ursula Nery/JS

Father Lindolfo blesses Flamengo players, led by Renato Augusto

There's an old saying that a saint in his own home doesn't perform miracles. However, it's become a tradition at Flamengo for players to visit the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus, the club's patron saint, to ask for help and protection from the saint of impossible causes. Typically, the visit takes place when the team is desperate or on the eve of a decision. But yesterday's mass, according to club president Márcio Braga, was simply to give thanks for the club's victories over the past year.

"The players were the ones who asked to come here to the church. We came to thank Saint Jude Thaddeus for the protection he has always given us," said Márcio Braga.

Even with the board trying to convey the idea that the trip to church after the loss to Nacional, from Uruguay, was just a conscience, it was clear that there was a request for divine help to calm the nerves and bring tranquility back to Gávea. It was clear on everyone's faces that they were praying for better days.

"We have to always pray, not just when the team is going through a bad time. Whenever I can, I go to church to thank God. Maybe I'll become a devotee of Saint Jude Thaddeus, especially since my father (José Tadeu Martins) already is," said Diego Tardelli, who confessed to having asked the saint to give Colonel Bolognesi a helping hand in tomorrow's Copa Libertadores match.

"If Cienciano stumbles on Wednesday (tomorrow) against Bolognesi, I think we should all come back here to thank them," he joked.\ Stone in the road\

A practicing Catholic, Joel Santana was one of the most focused people at yesterday's Mass. The coach was the first to sit in the front pew of the chapel and gradually called his players to sit next to him. Interestingly, the first person the coach called was Toró, a supporter heavily criticized by critics after his red card in the match against Nacional. Joel said this visit to the church is very good, as he can continue to receive protection from the club's patron saint.

"We're always involved in championships and we're doing well. It's true that we often hit a few snags, but we get up and continue on our way," Joel added. (NL)

Renato Augusto: fear and overcoming at Maraca

Player spoke with Dodô on the phone

Renato Augusto has fully recovered from the facial injury he sustained two months ago. In Flamengo's 3-1 victory over Americano last Sunday, he came on in the second half, played a dynamic game, and provided the assist for Flamengo's third goal. Renato commented on his return to the field.

"I only did two training sessions. I was a little apprehensive when I came in, because I was out for a long time, but the important thing is to have the ball at my feet, to participate in plays," he said.

Regarding Dodô, Renato tried to reassure the Tricolor striker, but revealed the difficulties of the recovery period.

"I spoke to him on the phone. He's going to recover and get back to playing. Only those who have this problem know what it's like to be stuck at home in pain. It's difficult, especially when you wake up, because it's a bit uncomfortable," he concluded.

Mengão faces a challenge in Paraguay

The team faces Sol de América in the quarterfinals of the South American Basketball League

Pedro Ivo Almeida

Wallace Teixeira/JS

Winger Marcelinho improves his shooting before the trip

Undefeated and undisputed leaders of the National Men's Basketball Championship, with 11 wins in 11 games, Flamengo took a break from the Brazilian competition and flew to Asunción, Paraguay, yesterday. Today, they play Sol de América in the first match of the best-of-three quarterfinal series of the South American Basketball League.

The match, which will be played at 22 pm (Brasília time), is another challenge for the team from Gávea, unbeaten in 14 games (11 in the National and three in the South American League.)

Coach Paulo Chupeta, who doesn't yet know if he'll be able to count on center Alírio, who has a lower back injury, admits he doesn't know much about the opponent. But he hopes his players maintain the same level of play so they can return with a win under their belt and a significant advantage for the two decisive games to be played in Rio de Janeiro, the date of which has yet to be determined.

Difficulty

"Unlike the first phase, when we had videos of our opponents, at this stage of the competition things will be more complicated, as the opponent is unknown. We only know that they have a very good American. We'll try to read the game as quickly as possible to set our pace and secure the victory," he said.

Mistério

Top scorer and voted the best player of the first phase, winger Marcelinho also claims not to have much information about the Paraguayan team.

"Despite their poor performance in the qualifying round, they lost two tough games to Corrientes of Argentina and Táchira of Venezuela, which shows they're a good team. I don't know much about them, but I know they have an American wing who really stood out, who scored 39 points in the last match and has already signed a contract with a Venezuelan team, and a center from the national team, who also performed very well in the first round. You can't be too careful, because they'll be playing at home, and that makes all the difference," said Marcelinho.

After tonight's match, the red-black team returns to the court on Friday to face Rio Claro, in the National Championship, at the Hélio Maurício gym, in Gávea.

Sol de América: Paniagua, Valdez, Jones, Capello and Kiganya.\ Coach: Juan Pablo Feliu\

Flamengo: Fred, Duda, Marcelinho, Coloneze and Wagner\ Coach: Paulo Chupeta\

Location: Sol de América Gymnasium, in Asunción\ Time: 22 pm (Brasília time)\

THE DAY

Flamengo goes to church to give thanks, not to ask, says Joel

Rio - Anyone who thought the red-and-black squad and board went to the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus to pray for the difficult qualification for the second round of the Copa Libertadores was mistaken. Coach Joel Santana, one of the club's most religious, explained that the purpose of the visit to the parish of the club's patron saint was to give thanks for the blessings already received.

"We came to thank you for the protection you have given us since last year, during the Brazilian Championship, where we qualified for the Libertadores, and also because we won the Guanabara Cup. We didn't have time due to the trip we made (to Uruguay, to face Nacional, for the Libertadores), but we came today with great honor and pride to thank our patron saint," he explained, in an interview with Rádio Globo.

The club's president, Márcio Braga, spoke about the connection between the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus, located in Cosme Velho, in the south zone of Rio, and Flamengo:

"Flamengo's connection with this church, besides being eternal, goes back a long way. Its founder was Father Góes, a Flamengo fan who would go to games in his cassock. Legend has it that it was built in the 60s at Flamengo's request, but it was Father Góes's determination that led to the construction of this beautiful church we have today," he revealed.

Rooting for Colonel Bolognesi

Rio - Although everyone is highlighting the importance of the matches against Mesquita and Botafogo in the Rio Cup, the Libertadores is the club's priority. And today, even without playing on the field, they have to cheer. To help the red-and-blacks, Coronel Bolognesi needs to beat Cienciano away from home.

If Cienciano wins, they will tie Nacional for the lead in Group 4 with six points and overtake Flamengo, who has four. Mathematician Tristão Garcia estimates that 11 points will be needed to qualify for this group. If today's match ends in a draw or Bolognesi win, the minimum will drop to 10 points. On the 19th, against Nacional, Flamengo needs a win to maintain its chances of qualifying.

Top-scoring defender: 'It was my most significant match'

Rio - Yesterday, by scoring twice in Flamengo's 3-1 victory over Americano, Thiago Sales proved once again that he can be a type of player that was becoming extinct: the once common defender-goal scorer. The player truly has a nose for goal: Thiago scored in his first match for Flamengo's professional squad, in a 1-1 draw against Sport in last year's Brasileirão, and in the Torneio Octávio Pinto Guimarães, the last title won by Flamengo's youth teams, also in 2007. The defender scored one of the goals in the 5-0 victory over Fluminense in the first leg of the final. The young player, however, stated that his role is, above all, to defend and that he models himself on Juan, a defender also trained in the Rubro-Negro youth teams.

"My priority is defense, but I can participate in set pieces. Yesterday, the ball was left over and I checked it," commented the defender about his goalscoring vocation.

Thiago celebrated his beautiful performance, which he classified as the most significant with the red-black professional team's shirt:

"I'm doing my job, even to give Joel an option. It was my most significant match as a starter, especially because I helped the team win 3-1," said the scorer of the first and third goals in the victory.

The young defender also revealed that he is inspired by fellow defender Juan, currently an untouchable player for the Brazilian national team who, like Thiago, began his career in Flamengo's youth ranks:

"I've always looked up to Juan's football, as he has a similar story to mine. He's my idol and I look up to him a lot," he revealed.

Thiago, who has been named on the bench for Libertadores and State Championship matches, thanked Joel for the opportunities and assured that he will continue to fight for opportunities:

"I'm looking for my place and, if Joel continues to take me (to the Libertadores and State matches), I'll be very happy. But the competition is fierce and Flamengo is very well served in terms of defenders," he concluded.

Starters should return on Wednesday

Janir Junior

Rio - Winning the Rio Cup, and the State Championship as a bonus, without the need for the finals, and adjusting the team for the Libertadores match on the 19th against Nacional. With these ideas in mind, Joel Santana considered the possibility of fielding the starting lineup against Mesquita on Wednesday at the Maracanã. Renato Augusto, who returned yesterday after 48 days out due to facial surgery, is expected to start.

"Initially, I'll go all-out. I'll still have a conversation with the coaching staff to decide. I don't want to rush into things. Flamengo is aiming for the title in every competition, and the Rio Cup will be no different," said the coach.

After receiving a childish red card against Nacional, Toró is in the hot seat and is expected to lose his starting spot. Yesterday, he was named in the starting lineup; he's expected to face Mesquita on Wednesday and Botafogo on Sunday.

"He's the team's worker, the one who carries the piano for the others to play. What happened is over," Joel said.

Thiago Sales, who scored two goals in yesterday's victory, was overjoyed. Since his youth career, the defender has been a regular at finding the net. "I always score my little goals. I'm going to fight to be a starter," the player said.

Today, before the return match, the players will visit the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus, the saint of impossible causes and the club's patron saint.

SPORTS GAZETTE

Flamengo goes to church to give thanks and ask for blessings\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's squad had an off-field commitment on Monday afternoon. The players visited the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus, the club's patron saint. There, the Flamengo fans gave thanks for the blessings they've received and asked for a blessing for the rest of the year. The visit was scheduled for last Saturday but had to be postponed to avoid disrupting the team's preparations for Sunday's game against Americano, a match Flamengo won 3-1. "It's always good to ask for help from the man above. We came here just to say thank you and ask that everything goes well for our group and that no one gets hurt in the games," midfielder Cristian told Flamengo's official website.

In addition to the Flamengo squad, Flamengo president Márcio Braga also visited the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus. Upon leaving, the director stated that he intends to pay the players' salaries this week.

After visiting the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus, the Flamengo squad trained at Gávea. According to coach Joel Santana, Flamengo is expected to face Mesquita on Wednesday with the following lineup: Bruno, Luizinho, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Cristian, Kleberson, Ibson; Diego Tardelli, and Souza.

Renato Augusto should be Joel's option against Mesquita\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo will face Mesquita on Wednesday with some possible changes. Starting with the defense, which is expected to see the return of starters Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim, with favorite Thiago Sales back on the bench. In midfield, defensive midfielder Jônatas received his third yellow card and will not play on Wednesday. Striker Obina served a suspension and is back on the bench. In other areas, however, the coach may use the match to refresh some players. This is the case with attacking midfielder Renato Augusto, who, after more than a month recovering from a bruised cheekbone, came on in the second half of the match against Americano. "I want to see how Renato performs these days. Maybe he could start on Wednesday," confirmed Joel.

The player enthusiastically admitted that he's not yet at his ideal pace, but is confident he'll improve as the season progresses. "I'm very happy to be back doing what I love most: playing soccer. Of course, I mistimed the ball on a few plays, but I'll recover from that with game rhythm and a lot of training," Renato emphasized.

The player also took the opportunity to offer support to Fluminense striker Dodô, who suffered a similar problem and required surgery. "I called him and told him it's not such a big deal. I'm sure with faith he'll overcome this," the Flamengo midfielder added.

At right back, Luizinho could get a chance, as Joel Santana wants to observe him in place of Leonardo Moura, already looking ahead to the Libertadores match on the 19th against Nacional-URU. In this match against the Uruguayans, Léo will not be able to play due to a suspension following his sending-off in Montevideo.

PELENET

The match against Mesquita will serve as a luxury training session for Flamengo.

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Flamengo takes to the field this Wednesday for the State Championship, with the Libertadores in mind. Coach Joel Santana is expected to field the starting lineup against Mesquita as preparation for the match on the 19th against Nacional-URU in the South American competition. Thus, the reserves could be used in the derby against Botafogo on Sunday, in the fourth round, at Maracanã.

Midfielder Jônatas will be unable to play in the midweek match, having received his third yellow card against Americano. Renato Augusto and Maxi Biancucci, who performed well on Sunday, could start. The Argentine scored the team's second goal in the 3-1 victory over the Campos team.

"I'm ready to meet the coach's needs. I'm happy with my performance and the goal I scored," he said.

Back in the lineup after a 48-day absence, midfielder Renato Augusto crossed for Thiago Salles to score the third goal for the Gávea team. The young red-and-black prospect said he felt like a newcomer on the field.

"I looked like a kid in the first match. I started off nervous, but then I calmed down. I hope to be back on the field on Wednesday. It will be important to get my game rhythm back," he said.

Fla thanks heaven and president announces salary payment

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Flamengo's players and coaching staff paid tribute to their patron saint this Monday. The group visited the São Judas Tadeu Church in Cosme Velho to express their gratitude for winning the Guanabara Cup. The visit was scheduled for Saturday but was postponed due to the delayed return of the delegation from Montevideo, where the Rubro-Negro lost 3-0 to Nacional in the Copa Libertadores.

Leaving the church, president Márcio Braga explained the origins of Flamengo's devotion. "Legend has it that it was Flamengo fans who built the church in the 70s. Father Góis, who was the parish priest here, was a die-hard Flamengo fan," he said.

Regarding the South American competition, the official recalled his trip to Switzerland to ask FIFA president Sepp Blatter to enforce the organization's guidelines on restricting matches above 2.750 meters above sea level. However, CONMEBOL did not adopt this decision.

"The president gave me his full support, saying that this type of match would require a week's preparation. This is impossible in the current football calendar. Some action must be taken by the 15th," he said.

During the visit, president Márcio Braga assured that the club will make salary payments for January and February by next week.

Success at Vasco, Jean awakens Flamengo's "greed"

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

It may be a provocation from their archrival, but it's officially registered with world football's governing body. Flamengo requested US$7 from FIFA, corresponding to the amount Vasco paid Saturn, a Russian club, for Jean's loan.

According to the Painel FC column in Folha de S. Paulo, the Gávea club claims the right to the percentage for having trained the striker, now at Cruzmaltino.

GLOBOESPORTE

Fla visits the church of the club's patron saint

Players and coaching staff thank Saint Jude Thaddeus and avoid requests

Eduardo Peixoto

Joel, Márcio Braga and Renato Augusto attended the mass this Monday

Before training on Monday, Flamengo players had an off-field commitment. They went to the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus in Cosme Velho (Rio's South Zone) to thank the club's patron saint for his protection.

Most of the players entered the church and attended the mass. Coach Joel Santana, a very religious man, was also present, as was club president Márcio Braga. There were no requests for qualification to the next stage of the Libertadores or the Rio de Janeiro title in their prayers. The players said they simply gave thanks and asked for protection from injuries. But if the red-and-black patron saint helps Cienciano stumble and fail to defeat Coronel Bolognesi this Tuesday, in the Peruvian clash for Group 4 of the Copa Libertadores, the holy help would be greatly appreciated.

- We want to thank you for everything we've been through in the last few months - says midfielder Cristian, who in 2007 had already gone to Christ the Redeemer to fulfill a promise after Flamengo escaped the threat of relegation.

After their church commitment, the players trained in Gávea. Those who faced Americano on Sunday did some pool work. The others did tactical training under Joel's guidance.

The visit was initially scheduled to take place on Saturday, but Uruguay's return was delayed and the board decided to reschedule it for this Monday.

Top-scoring defender has the average of a striker

Thiago Sales says that not even in his wildest dreams would he have imagined something like this

Eduardo Peixoto

In eight appearances for Flamengo's first team, Thiago Sales scored four goals. His average of 0,5 goals per game is higher than that of the club's strikers, except for Diego Tardelli, whose record is similar. Not bad, especially considering he's only 20 years old.

Promoted to the professional team in 2007, the player arrived at Joel's hands with a reputation as a goalscorer. In last season's State Junior Championship, he finished second on the team's scoring charts with eight goals.

For those who thought it was luck, his professional start was promising. However, in every interview, Thiago makes a reservation.

"I like to be known as a scoring defender. But people have to be cautious because I'm a defender, and my main role is to mark and disarm opponents. I won't score every goal, and if I don't, I wouldn't like to be criticized for it," the player declares.

In the match against Americano last Sunday, there were two. One with his left foot and the other with his head. Teammate Renato Augusto praised Thiago.

- He has a lot of stars.

Former chubby

A Rio native from Copacabana, Thiago joined Flamengo as a child. But first, as GLOBOESPORTE.COM reported in November, he had to lose a few pounds. The former chubby player changed his diet, grew up, and, at 1,90'XNUMX", is enjoying the good times.

"Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine such a good start. Things are happening, and little by little, I'm getting there. People have started recognizing me on the streets and congratulating me," says the defender, unable to hide his proud smile.

The defender's parents, José and Anália, were also proud during the match against Americano. During both goals, their son pointed to the tattoo he got in honor of them. In the match against Mesquita on Wednesday, starters Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim return, so Thiago Sales will be on the bench. But he certainly feels a sense of accomplishment.

Defender with striker numbers

Players Average - goal per game\ Thiago Salles 0,50\ Diego Tardelli 0,50\ Souza 0,37\ Obina 0,30\ Maxi 0,13\

Nunes takes over the Amazonas team

Former Flamengo center forward manages América, which is seventh in the State Championship

GLOBOESPORTE.COM\ Nunes says he worked with good coaches at Fla, like Carlinhos and Evaristo\

Former striker Nunes, who played for Santa Cruz, Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo, and the Brazilian national team, among others, will begin his coaching career in Amazonas. The top scorer in major finals, who was part of the most successful team in the club's history, took over the helm of the modest América-AM last Friday.

The team sits seventh in the ten-team Amazonense Championship, with nine points, 11 behind leaders Fast. In eight rounds, América-AM has two wins, three draws, and three losses. Despite the difficult situation, Nunes is optimistic.

"I was an assistant at Flamengo for several great coaches, like Carlinhos and Evaristo de Macedo. The América players know what I want from them," he told Jornal do Brasil.

Surgery teaches Renato Augusto a lesson

Flamengo supporter says he will now live every moment as if it were his last\ Eduardo Peixoto\

Renato Augusto says he will enter each game as if it were a final

The phrase "live every moment as if it were your last" isn't new. The overused cliché became Renato Augusto's mantra after the fractured face he suffered that sidelined him for 45 days.

"I've learned to enjoy every moment of my life as if it were my last, because tomorrow I might not be here. In a second, everything can change. And that goes for football too. I'll enter every game as if it were a final," declares Renato Augusto.

The scar on the right side of the Flamengo player's face is still quite visible, and his mouth still doesn't open fully. But life is starting to return to normal. He returned to the field last Sunday against Americano. Coach Joel Santana praised him highly and may even start him in next Wednesday's game against Mesquita.

"I still lack match fitness. I'll only overcome my fear (of heading the ball) by getting on the field to play and train. Joel made me feel very comfortable. He told me if I wasn't ready, I should just say so," says Renato Augusto.

At age 20, the midfielder made his debut for Flamengo's senior team against Corinthians in 2005. After returning to the youth team, he returned as a starter in the 2006 Copa do Brasil final against Vasco. Although Sunday's game didn't have any decisive status, the feelings were similar.

"I was a little nervous. It felt like my first professional game. But after I touched the ball twice, it passed," he says.

Fla eyes Peruvian clash in Cuzco

Rubro-negros cheer for Coronel Bolognesi's victory away from home against Cienciano

Sawa believes altitude won't make a difference in Peru's clash in Cuzco

Never has a Peruvian derby been so important to Flamengo fans. And their preference is clear: Coronel Bolognesi needs to beat Cienciano away from home this Tuesday at 18:50 p.m. (Brasília time). The match will be broadcast live on SporTV and followed in real time on GLOBOESPORTE.COM.

If Cienciano wins at Garcilaso de la Vega in Cuzco, they will tie Nacional for the lead in Group 4 of the Libertadores, with six points, surpassing Flamengo, who has four. Coronel Bolognesi, the weakest team in the group, has only one point, obtained in a draw with the red-and-blacks. The game in Peru is the last of the round. After that, Flamengo hosts Nacional and Bolognesi, and then moves on to face Cienciano. Mathematician Tristão Garcia calculates that 11 points are needed to qualify for this group. If there is a draw or Bolognesi wins, the minimum point will drop to ten.

In the Peruvian Championship (Apertura Tournament), Coronel Bolognesi is in a better position: they sit in fourth place with nine points from six games (two wins and one loss). Cienciano can catch their rival: they have six points from five games (two wins and three losses), in 11th place.

In the last round, Cienciano rested some starters with the Libertadores in mind and suffered a disappointing result: a 3-0 loss to Universidad San Martín, also in the continental competition. The atmosphere at the club was tense, as the club's directors criticized coach Franco Navarro's decision.

One of those rested, Japanese player Masakatsu Sawa expects a tough match against Bolognesi and believes that Cuzco's 3.360-meter altitude won't make a difference in Cienciano's favor.

"I've played at Bologna and I know they don't feel the altitude there. Both teams are fighting for survival in the Libertadores, so we can't afford to drop a point, especially at home," he said.

Vítor Hugo Manique, a Brazilian player for Cienciano, had his contract terminated due to poor performance. President Juvenal Silva criticized the striker, saying he lacks passion and that it would be best if he returned home.

CHANCES OF QUALIFICATION\ After the Peruvian clash\ VC AND VB\ Nacional 81% 87% 82%\ Cienciano 70% 46% 29%\ Flamengo 45% 53% 52%\ Bolognesi 4% 14% 37%\ OBS: Analysis by mathematician Tristão Garcia.\ VC = Cienciano's victory; VB = Bolognesi's victory\

PERUVIAN CLASHES IN 2007\ Cienciano 3 x 0 Bolognesi (Cuzco)\ Bolognesi 2 x 3 Cienciano (Tacna)\ Cienciano 1 x 0 Bolognesi (Cuzco)\ Bolognesi 6 x 2 Cienciano (Tacna)\

Flamengo travels 'in the dark' to Paraguay

Players don't know their opponents in the quarterfinals of the South American League

Marcelinho calls for attention against the 'unknown' Sol de América (PAR)

The Flamengo delegation traveled Monday afternoon to Asunción, Paraguay, where they will face Sol de América on Tuesday, March 11th, at 22 p.m. (Brasília time) in the South American Basketball League. After finishing the qualifying phase of the competition undefeated, Flamengo will look to prove its strength in the playoffs as well. One of the Brazilian team's key players, point guard Fred, knows the importance of the match but urges the Paraguayan team to be cautious.

"We don't know them very well. We've only gotten very little information from them. We only know that there are two Americans who deserve special attention for their skill and speed. Although they're not a top South American team, they deserve our full respect precisely because we don't know them. To avoid being caught off guard, we have to impose our own rhythm from the start," said the red-and-black.

For Marcelinho, the best player in the qualifying phase, even though it's not a well-known team, Sol de América deserves respect and needs to be taken seriously.

Despite their poor performance in the qualifying round, they lost two tough games to Corrientes of Argentina and Táchira of Venezuela, which shows they're a good team. I don't know much about them, except they have an American winger who really stood out, scoring 39 points in the last match and has already signed a contract with a Venezuelan team, and a center from the national team, who also performed very well in the first round. We can't be too careful, because they'll be playing at home, and we need to quickly study their style of play to fine-tune our tactics.

The duel between Flamengo and Sol de América will be decided in a best-of-three series. The second match will be in Rio de Janeiro. If a third match is necessary, it will be held again in Brazil, as Flamengo had a better performance in the qualifying stage than its opponent.

After facing Sol de América, the red-blacks will face Rio Claro (SP) next Friday, the 14th, in Rio de Janeiro (no confirmed location yet), for the National Men's Championship. A match that should have the presence of Spaniard 'Moncho' Monsalve, the new coach of the Brazilian men's team.

THROW

Renato Augusto: "It was like a debut"

Supporter said the feeling was like the first time he stepped onto the field

The striker said the emotion of returning was like a debut among the professionals (Credit: Julio Cesar Guimarães)

LANCEPRESS!

In 2008, Renato Augusto only played one match, his debut against Boavista. It was there that the midfielder suffered a broken cheekbone, forcing him out of Flamengo's games that year.

However, the 15 minutes on the field against Americano made Renato Augusto feel an emotion he hadn't felt in a long time.

- It was like my first game as a professional. I looked like a kid on the field - he said.

And after the restart, Renato Augusto guarantees that he intends to acquire game rhythm to play the full 90 minutes on the field, but despite so much determination, the player said that he feels fear when the ball comes from above.

- Little by little I'm losing my fear. I really feel apprehensive, but with time it goes away - he said.

Renato Augusto back under pressure from Fla

Supporter says Gávea almost fell with Fla's two defeats this year

Renato Augusto is confident that the red-black team will qualify for the final stage of the Libertadores (Credit: Gilvan de Souza)

LANCEPRESS!

Renato Augusto has barely returned to the team when he's already dealing with the pressure that Flamengo has. The midfielder even commented on the feelings he felt after the two losses the Red-Blacks suffered this year: one against Fluminense in the State Championship and another against Nacional in the Copa Libertadores.

"Here at Fla, everything is so big. We lost a game to Fluminense, Gávea almost got relegated. We lost to Nacional, and Gávea almost got relegated again," he said.

But none of the defeats were able to shake Renato Augusto's confidence. He doesn't even doubt Flamengo's chances of qualifying for the knockout stage of the Copa Libertadores.

- Of course Flamengo has the conditions to qualify, our group is qualified - he concluded.

Thiago Sales says that inspiration comes from Juan

Mengão defender celebrates the goals scored against Americano and reveals admiration for the former red-black player

Thiago Sales was a decisive player in Mengão's victory (Credit: Julio Cesar Guimarães)

LANCEPRESS!

Defender who scored two goals in Flamengo's 3-1 victory over Americano last Sunday, Thiago Sales says he had his best performance of the season and declared that he modeled himself on the style of Juan, a former Flamengo player and absolute starter for the Brazilian National Team.

- I looked up to Juan, not just because of his football, but because he has a similar story to mine, he is my biggest idol for sure - He told Rádio Brasil.

Despite the goals scored, Thiago said that the focus is already on Wednesday's match against Mesquita, at 19:30 pm, at Maracanã.

Maxi is happy for his new start at Flamengo

Striker scored the team's second goal against Americano

Maxi also wants a sequence of games to get back into better physical shape (Credit: Cleber Mendes)

LANCEPRESS!

After starting again for Flamengo, Argentine striker Maxi Biancucchi was radiant in training this Monday at Gávea.

Maxi said that the injury to his left thigh, combined with the signings of Marcinho and Diego Tardelli, meant he had few chances at Flamengo in 2008.

- I understand that Flamengo has signed good players, but competing in the Libertadores requires a strong squad - he declared.

However, the fact that he has few chances as a starter does not disappoint Maxi.

- I'm doing very well at Flamengo and I'm not going to give up here - said the striker, who, using Brazilian slang, meant that he won't give up with the few chances.

And to get back to playing good football, Maxi has no doubts when mentioning what needs to be done.

- I need a sequence of games to recover the space, but it was great to score, something I hadn't done for a while and I'm happy about it - he concluded.

Thiago Salles reveals the players' secret

Young defender says he's in on the trickery

Thiago Salles reveals the secret of footballers (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)

LANCEPRESS!

Flamengo defender Thiago Salles is only 20 years old. But anyone who thinks the young player isn't familiar with the tricks of footballers is mistaken. When it comes to refereeing, the player offers advice on how to proceed.

"I think the player senses the referee's nervousness. But we know he's human and prone to mistakes. When they're lost, we players try to use trickery to try to deceive them," the player told ESPN Brasil's Bate-bola program.

Thiago also stated that coach Joel Santana teaches the players how to deal with the referee.

"Joel is very experienced. He always tells us to stay calm, especially when referring to the match referee," he confided.

Thiago Salles: 'I was a pivot in indoor soccer'

Goal-scoring defender explains how his vocation for scoring goals began

LANCEPRESS!

Defender-scorer Thiago Salles, who stood out in the match between Flamengo and Volta Redonda on Sunday, scoring two goals in the red-black team's 3-1 victory, explained where his talent for scoring goals came from.

"Before playing on the field, I played indoor soccer, where I was a pivot. In addition, in the youth team, the coach always asked me to move up to attack, and with that encouragement, I developed a taste for it and scored eight goals in the Campeonato Carioca, where we won our third championship," he told ESPN Brasil.

The young defender also said that he has a similar style to Juan, who played for Flamengo and is currently a starter for the Brazilian national team.

- I have a similar style to Juan, more technical, but when I need to kick the ball I don't think twice about doing it - commented the defender, who dropped out of his advertising course in the sixth period.

Obina also visits the Church of St. Jude Thaddeus

Flamengo striker went to the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus to ask for protection

LANCEPRESS!

Among the Flamengo players who attended the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus on Monday afternoon, one of the most cheerful was striker Obina. The Bahia native said he went there to ask for the saint's protection, as well as, of course, a little help in scoring more goals that will help the team secure the much-desired qualification for the second round of the Copa Libertadores.

- I hope my balls go in (laughs) and that Flamengo comes out with the victory, which is always important. We came here to pray, but there's no desperation and I hope we qualify for the next round, which is our obligation - he commented.

Joel wants an end to expulsions at Flamengo

The concern is with the game against Nacional, on the 19th

Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO

From the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus, where Flamengo was on Monday, coach Joel Santana expressed concern about Nacional, Flamengo's next opponent in the Libertadores (the teams face each other at Maracanã on the 19th). Despite being in a good mood, the coach demanded that the expulsions that occurred in Montevideo not be repeated.

- At least we won't try to play with two men down (laughs). People talked about the result, but they didn't mention that we were two men down - he recalled.