THE GLOBE
In search of answers
Fla faces Mesquita and Joel tests a new formation to end questions
Photo caption: JOEL SANTANA: concern about the team's formation for the game against Nacional
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
When he saw Flamengo retain last year's core, coach Joel Santana imagined the 2008 lineup would be more relaxed. Today, he enters the 15th game of the current season revealing a series of questions. Against Mesquita, at 19:30 p.m., at Maracanã, he will test Flamengo with three forwards in a sort of entrance exam to form the team that will play the match that, in fact, is the red-and-black's current target: the one on the 19th, against Nacional, in the Libertadores. Yesterday, the pressure on Joel's team increased even more with Cienciano's 1-0 victory over Coronel Bolognesi. The result knocked Flamengo out of the qualifying zone for the next round.
Joel is certain of one thing: his ideal defense consists of Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan. With the right-back suspended for the Copa Libertadores, Joel is trying to put an end to the first question today: whether Luizinho will be a suitable replacement or if he'll have to look for alternatives.
Joel regrets lack of time to train
In midfield, protecting the defense is still a concern for Joel. He started the year with Jaílton and Cristian. Gradually, he began using Kleberson and saw Jaílton's performance decline and his place in the team decline. However, the formation still doesn't satisfy him. Today, Cristian, Kleberson, and Ibson will form the midfield.
"Last year, when we pressed, the opponent wouldn't even get past midfield. Today, we're counterattacking a lot. Ibson has been appearing less in the opponent's box. Perhaps the changes have created insecurity. The players' characteristics have changed, and that's worrying," said Joel.
Today, the team will have only three midfielders and three forwards. The goal is to find an answer to another question: how will the team function with three players who lack strong marking skills? Maxi, Souza, and Diego Tardelli will start the game against Mesquita. In the second half, Renato Augusto is expected to replace one of them, a change that could become an option for the start of the match against Nacional in the Libertadores.
"I don't know if it will work. We'll see how it responds on the field," the coach stated, adding another concern. "With games on Wednesday and Sunday, it's difficult to make a tactical difference. If you think about it, we haven't scored from free kicks in a while, and my corner kicks aren't very well executed. But we can't wear the team down too much either."
Lack of time and an excess of games are, in fact, Joel's justification for the coaching staff's working method in the first months of the current season. Yesterday, as on the eve of all 14 previous games this year, the players held a recreational training session. The coach, while clearly pointing out the problems he sees in the team, says he has been forced to sacrifice tactical training. The starters, who return to the field today after having Sunday off, have only completed one tactical training session since returning from Uruguay.
"I could win tactically, but I would lose physically. It was 40 degrees today (yesterday)," explained the coach.
Having the company of two other attackers left Souza excited for the game against Mesquita:
"Maxi and Tardelli are fast and move out of the box more. I'll try to pivot for them. It will be a good test for the Nacional match."
Flamengo: Bruno, Luizinho, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian, Ibson and Kleberson; Diego Tardelli, Souza and Maxi. Mesquita: Diogo Silva, Edson, Juan, Vagner Eugênio and Filipinho; Leo, Indio, Dé and Bruno Suzano; Fabio Costa and Leandro Netto. Referee: André Luis Ramos.
BROADCAST: Premiere and Rádios Globo and CBN
Cienciano wins and complicates the red-black
Flamengo asked Saint Jude Thaddeus for help, but their prayers were not answered. After bravely withstanding Cienciano's pressure and the altitude of Cuzco, Coronel Bolognesi was defeated 1-0 yesterday in Peru. The result left the red-and-black team outside the qualification zone for the round of 4 of the Libertadores. Third in Group XNUMX with four points, the team was overtaken by Cienciano, who now have six. The leader is Nacional, also with six, but with a better goal difference. Bolognesi is in last place with one point.
To avoid relying on other results, Flamengo needs to win both home games, against Nacional on the 19th and Coronel Bolognesi in the final round. Between these two matches, the team will need to at least draw with Cienciano in Cuzco. To avoid having to fight for points in Peru, Flamengo will have to hope for Bolognesi to beat Cienciano in Tacna on the 25th.
While they still had the energy, Bolognesi could have even opened the scoring. In the 19th minute, Ross rose between two defenders and headed the ball against the crossbar. From then on, goalkeeper Diego Penny made miraculous saves, such as in the 34th minute, from a Bazalar bomb. Exhausted, the team succumbed in the 31st minute. After a poor marking, Solís headed the ball into the middle of the goal. During the celebration, a fan invaded the field. In the 37th minute, Bolognesi's Ramirez hit the crossbar. A draw would have been great for Flamengo...
BASKETBALL: FLA WINS
In the quarterfinals of the South American Basketball League, Flamengo defeated Paraguay's Sol de América 100-79 last night in Asunción, Paraguay. This left them undefeated in the tournament and up 1-0 in the series, the second game of which will be played in Rio, on a date yet to be announced. Also yesterday, in the Men's National Championship: Rio Claro 73-63 Londrina.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Romario issue on hold
File/JS
Kléber Leite wants to see Romário, again, wearing the Flamengo shirt
"Oh lelê oh lalá, Romário is coming and things are going to get tough." The famous song sung by Flamengo fans whenever the shorty entered the field seems like it won't be long before it returns. Although vice president of football Kleber Leite still dreams of the star's return, club president Márcio Braga doesn't seem too excited about the project.
The two leaders have long intended to schedule a meeting to resolve the matter, but due to commitments on both sides, the meeting has not yet taken place. It is very likely to take place next week.
"I was waiting for Márcio Braga to return from Europe, but I haven't had time to talk to him about this yet. I'm traveling this Thursday and shouldn't be back until Saturday, so the Romário issue will have to wait until next week," said Kleber.
Image
Romário's contract with Vasco runs until March 30th, but it's possible an agreement could be reached and he could leave São Januário earlier. At Flamengo, he's unlikely to play any official matches. The directors' initial plan is to hold a farewell match and feature his image on Fla-TV. (NL)
Hope made in Argentina
Maxi Biancucchi gets another chance and starts today's match
Diego Marrul, Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
File/JS
Maxi seems to have regained Joel's trust and is back in the starting lineup for Flamengo.
Two strong performances, against Resende, when he came on in the second half, and against Americano, were enough for Maxi Biancucchi to regain his prestige with coach Joel Santana and return to the starting lineup. He'll get another chance in the upcoming match against Mesquita, proving that he's become the main hope for the Libertadores Cup match on the 19th against Nacional of Uruguay.
"I have to be ready whenever Joel needs me. In the last game, thank God, I scored a goal that I needed. That gave me more peace of mind. I'm happy with this new moment and working to improve," said the striker.
After arriving at the club as a great prospect, as he is the cousin of Barcelona's Messi, and having performed well, Biancucchi seemed to have left coach Joel Santana's list after the arrivals of Diego Tardelli and Marcinho this year.
Even so, the striker doesn't hold a grudge and wants to seize the opportunities he has with all his might, to win back Joel Santana and the fans once and for all.
"Joel knows the players here well and knows how to set up the team. I wasn't upset about the arrival of new players for the attack, because it's good to have a squad like this, with lots of options. Now, I want to have peace of mind and a sequence of games, something every player needs," said the Argentine.
Catimba
The famous catimba, a common feature in the Libertadores, is part of the Argentine school of football. Therefore, Biancucchi could be an important figure in the return match against Nacional.
"I'll always be willing to fight, to fight on the field. That's why I'm fighting to be a starter," said the player. (DM)
Souza and Léo Moura: different phases
Before yesterday's training session, a sense of hope and frustration was reflected on the faces of top scorer Souza and right-back Leonardo Moura. While the former couldn't hide his excitement about the new three-forward formation, the latter received the news that he was out of coach Dunga's squad for the friendly against Sweden.
"Of course, we can't completely forget about the game against Nacional, as it will be the most important of the three we have ahead of us. But first, we need to think about beating Mesquita and Botafogo to face Nacional with even more confidence. This new formation will serve as a test for us attackers, as it will define the base that will play on Wednesday," explained Souza.
Léo Moura, however, is in a completely different phase than the striker. He was sent off against Nacional last week and will not play today, only returning to the team for the derby against Botafogo on Sunday. The setback, however, hasn't dampened his motivation to return to the yellow jersey.
"I can't hang my head, especially since Dunga praised my performance against Ireland. Now, I need to keep working hard to get another chance," said the full-back.
Delay
Coach Joel Santana was already talking to the group, defining the strategy for today's match, when defensive midfielder Kleberson showed up at Gávea. He arrived at the club five minutes late, but initially received no punishment. (TB)
Renato Augusto: a veteran, at 20 years old
File/JS
Renato Augusto already has the attitude of a veteran, despite his young age.
Flamengo is a veritable pressure cooker, especially when victories become a necessity. This year, for example, the team has already played 14 games, winning 11 and losing two. But it was precisely the second loss, to Nacional from Uruguay, 3-0, that put the season's plans in check. Having been with the club for almost ten years, Renato Augusto knows how to deal with this kind of problem. He warns: "Anyone who doesn't take responsibility here is doomed. The team lost a game and Gávea almost got relegated. Then they lost another and almost got relegated again. That's how it works," he explained.
In fact, the phrase "live every moment as if it were your last" has become a kind of mantra for the player since he suffered a fractured face that kept him out of action 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," he promised.
The scar on the right side of Renato Augusto'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.
"I still lack match fitness. The only way I'll lose my fear of heading the ball is by going out on the field to play and train. Joel made me feel at ease. He told me that if I wasn't ready, I should just say so," he said, considering himself a bit of a veteran. He made his senior debut 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 the match against Americano wasn't a decisive one, the feelings were similar. "I was a little nervous. It felt like my first professional game. But after I touched the ball twice, the anxiety subsided. And everything went well." (EL)
Dress rehearsal at Maracanã
Against Mesquita, this Wednesday, Flamengo tests a scheme that can be used against Nacional
Diego Marrul, Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
Nina Lima/JS
Íbson focuses on today's match, which will serve as an experience
Flamengo takes the field this Wednesday at 19:30 p.m. to face Mesquita at the Maracanã stadium, with a much bigger goal than just topping Group A of the Taça Rio: the match will be a test for the Libertadores Cup match on the 19th against Nacional of Uruguay, where victory will have to come at any cost. Therefore, coach Joel Santana will field a team with a super-attacking formation today, using three forwards: Maxi Biancucchi, Diego Tardelli, and Souza.
Thus, Tardelli will often have to drop back to play as a playmaker. The midfield will still consist of Cristian, Ibson, and Kléberson. Toró, who was sent off against Nacional in Montevideo and will not be able to play on the 19th, is out. Léo Moura, in the same situation, will be replaced by Luizinho.
"With this formation, the responsibility increases. But I'm sure one of them will have to help with the marking. It's a good formation, which could be used against Nacional," assessed midfielder Cristian, one of the main players responsible for the marking.
Little work
In the upcoming game, Flamengo shouldn't face many difficulties. Mesquita has only managed a draw, against Boavista, and a loss to Volta Redonda in this Taça Rio. The club has only seven points in the entire competition.
To complete the red-and-black favoritism, a bit of history. This will be the fifth meeting between the clubs, the first at Maracanã. On previous occasions, in the 1986 and 1987 State Championships, Flamengo won three times, scoring three goals each (3-1 and 3-0 at Caio Martins Stadium; 3-1 at Lousadão Stadium), and drew 0-0 at Lousadão Stadium.
"If the marking is weak, I'll make changes. I know none of the three attackers are good markers, but if they can slow down their passing, it'll be great," said Joel. (DM)
THE DAY
Flamengo will face Mesquita with three attackers
Rio - Coach Joel Santana has once again surprised everyone. Joel, who has previously been criticized for using a midfield with four defensive midfielders, revealed this Wednesday that he will use a three-forward formation against Mesquita on Wednesday at Marcanã Stadium. The attacking trio will consist of Souza, Diego Tardelli, and Maxi Biancucchi, who will be included in the team as a reward for his strong performance in the 3-1 victory over Americano last Sunday.
Asked about the reason for the sudden change, Joel replied:
"Because the coach is like that: he makes certain decisions that you're not expecting, that's why I'm a coach. At one point, something different comes to his mind and he does it - and I'm going to do it," he explained.
The coach is even considering using the same scheme against Nacional, in Flamengo's next Libertadores match.
"I'm not afraid of making mistakes. It could even be the formation against Nacional, but we'll see how it goes first. We'll see how the team lives up to our expectations on the field. It can't just be a good formation on paper. We're trying to come up with a formation we can take to the next game, but first we'll resolve our issues at home and then think about the Libertadores," he declared.
The coach's mood only changed when he was asked if Flamengo was training little, since, this Thursday, the group's activities were limited to a 40-minute conversation with the coach and the famous rachão, a recreational training session.
"You want me to make the players train in 40-degree heat? And we still have games on Wednesday and Sunday, there's no time to train at all," he complained.
Renato Augusto wishes you good luck
Rio - The rivalry between Flamengo and Fluminense has taken a back seat to the drama of Dodô. Yesterday, supporter Renato Augusto offered his other cheek to the Tricolor's top scorer. The Flamengo number 10, who suffered a similar injury to the right side of his face at the start of the State Championship, visited Dodô at Quinta D'Or Hospital in the North Zone, wishing him a full recovery.
The Gávea player, on the visit, was accompanied by coach Renato Gaúcho and doctors Carlos Veiga, from Fluminense, and Augusto César Lima, who operated on the tricolor striker and who also corrected the fracture in Renato Augusto's face.
The visit was moving for Dodô. According to Renato Augusto, who struggled to look in the mirror the morning after his facial surgery, the Tricolor striker was very optimistic about his recovery.
"His face is less swollen than mine was when I had surgery. He's even opening his eye. I couldn't even see. But I was so happy to see him with joy in his eyes, despite the surgery and the difficult situation," said the Flamengo number 10, who experienced similar pain when he was injured in the match against Boavista, in the first round of the Taça Guanabara.
Renato Augusto tried to offer advice to Dodô, as he explained upon leaving the hospital. "There's no point in rushing to get back to playing any old way. You have to give it time. It's a serious injury, very complicated, and in a delicate location. You really need to be patient. It'll be a bit uncomfortable at first. He needs to hold on to his family, because in the end, everything will work out," the Flamengo player advised.
Cienciano defeats 'Bolo' and complicates Flamengo's situation in the Libertadores
In the first Peruvian clash of Group 4 of the Copa Libertadores, Cienciano defeated Coronel Bolognesi 1-0 today at home, complicating Flamengo's situation in the continental competition. Solis scored the game's winning goal in the 31st minute of the second half.
With the result, Cienciano and Nacional, from Uruguay, now share the lead in Group 4, both with six points, but the latter has the advantage on goal difference. Flamengo, with four, is third, and Coronel Bolognesi is last with one point.
The two Peruvian teams face off again on the 25th, with Coronel Bolognesi at home. On the 19th, Flamengo has a crucial match for its Copa Libertadores hopes against Nacional at the Maracanã stadium.
With information from Terra
Lots of crack, few fouls
Coach says team makes a lot of mistakes on set pieces, but in training they prefer to play football.
Janir Junior
Rio - Despite the lack of legitimate free kick takers and the low number of goals from these plays, yesterday, after the traditional recreation session—the third in the last seven days—only a few minutes were allocated for Juan, Íbson, Renato Augusto, and goalkeeper Bruno to practice taking free kicks. Joel used the heat and the sequence of games to justify his choices.
"Why should I waste the player the day before with this many games? I won't gain anything, I'll only lose physically by training him in this 40-degree heat. The guy will die," the coach explained. The game, however, was played under the same strong sun and with plenty of running and enthusiasm from everyone for 50 minutes.
"There's no time to rehearse anything. My free kicks and corners aren't executed well because of the sequence of games," Joel added.
At the same time, the coach admits that set pieces are crucial, especially in Libertadores matches. "These plays can decide matches. I've been telling my players this, but we still don't have time to train," Joel explained again.
Later, when Íbson, Renato Augusto, and Juan practiced taking shots using the static wall, their success was only reasonable. Finally, goalkeeper Bruno also took a shot.
Starting tomorrow, Joel will have until Tuesday to do regeneration work with the starters, adjust the team with two or three forwards, and prepare to face Nacional. "We're overwhelmed by them. We can't forget the Libertadores," admits Souza.
While the players' heads are in the Copa Libertadores, their feet are in the 'rachões' (soccer matches).
PELENET
With three attackers, Flamengo will have an entrance exam against Mesquita
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Coach Joel Santana confirmed Maxi Biancucchi's Flamengo squad for Wednesday's match against Mesquita at 19:30 p.m. at Maracanã Stadium, in the third round of the Taça Rio, the second round of the State Championship. The Argentine striker replaces suspended midfielder Jônatas.
The player will be joined by Souza and Diego Tardelli, forming an attacking formation, aiming for the match on the 19th, against Nacional-URU, at Maracanã, for the Copa Libertadores da América. "It will be a pre-match test for the team," Souza said.
Joel Santana seemed to lament the excessive number of games this season. "We're playing Wednesday and Sunday. Unfortunately, we don't have time to practice free kicks and corner kicks, which are often the deciding factors in matches," he said.
With a strong performance in Sunday's match against Americano, midfielder Renato Augusto should once again be an option on the bench. If he performs well, he could start against Nacional-URU.
In this way, Flamengo can enter the field with the following formation: Bruno, Luizinho, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian, Kléberson and Ibson; Maxi Biancucchi, Diego Tardelli and Souza.
With six points, Flamengo, losing to Fluminense on goal difference (5 to 4), is in second place in Group A. Rubro-Negro beat Resende (4 to 2) and Americano (3 to 1).
Leonardo admits he is not yet 100% physically fit at Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Coach Joel Santana's strategy of using reserve players in Taça Rio matches has helped some players maintain their playing rhythm. In the case of newly signed defender Leonardo, the match against Americano last Sunday was his second as a starter.
"I've been inactive for a long time and I haven't reached my ideal level yet. I'm putting a lot of effort into training and, little by little, I'm getting back into shape," he explained.
The Rubro-Negro manager is expected to field the starting lineup against Mesquita this Wednesday at 19:30 p.m. at the Maracanã stadium, preparing for the Copa Libertadores match on the 19th against Nacional-URU. The reserves are expected to face Botafogo in the fourth round of the Taça Rio next Sunday.
"The team hasn't been decided yet, but with this rotation, everyone is getting opportunities and getting into the swing of things," added Leonardo, in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Despite the defeat in the last round of the South American competition, the defender still believes in qualifying. "Losing in the Libertadores is always tough, but we still rely on our own strengths," he said.
With Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim performing well and scoring goals for the starting team, Leonardo is competing for a spot with Thiago Sales, Rodrigo Arroz and the injured Rodrigo.
"It's a good fight. We're also well served in this area. In addition to the duo that has been playing, Thiago Sales is a very promising youngster. I hope Joel Santana can do his best for the team," he concluded.
With three attackers, Flamengo has a "snack" for the Libertadores
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo takes the field this Wednesday at 19:30 p.m. against Mesquita at the Maracanã stadium in the third round of the Taça Rio, the second round of the State Championship, with its sights set on the National Championship. The Uruguayan team will be their opponent on the 19th, also at the Mário Filho stadium, in the Copa Libertadores da América.
With this in mind, Joel Santana decided to field the starters. Right-back Luizinho will replace Leonardo Moura, who will be unable to play in the Libertadores.
However, the biggest change for the red-and-black coach was the team's lineup. Without midfielder Jônatas, who was suspended, Joel Santana decided to field Argentine Maxi Biancucchi alongside forwards Souza and Diego Tardelli.
Toró could easily replace Jônatas. However, like Leonardo Moura, the Flamengo midfielder, who was sent off in the match in Montevideo (Flamengo's 3-0 defeat), will not be in action.
"It's going to be a test for the team. We're going to try to get the three points and turn our attention to Nacional, who will be a very dangerous opponent for Flamengo," said striker Souza.
With six points, Flamengo, losing to Fluminense on goal difference (5 to 4), is in second place in Group A. Rubro-Negro beat Resende (4 to 2) and Americano (3 to 1).
Mesquita, with just one point and seven points in the tournament, needs a win to continue fighting relegation. Coach Mário Marques still has two uncertainties regarding his starting lineup: Fábio Costa or André Mello in midfield, and Gilcimar or Bruno Suzano in attack.
GLOBOESPORTE
Souza has Nacional choking
Striker sees match against Mesquita as a test for the game on the 19th
Souza will play in attack alongside Maxi and Diego Tardelli
Flamengo's match this Wednesday will be against Mesquita. Explain that to Souza. The striker sees the match at Maracanã as a preview of the Copa Libertadores match on the 19th against Nacional.
Coach Joel Santana doesn't think much differently either. He confirmed he will play with three strikers to test the possible change. But this shouldn't change Souza's positioning on the field. A key striker in the box, that's how he should behave with Diego Tardelli and Maxi alongside him against Mesquita. Souza said that, for him, there isn't much difference in playing with two teammates. He explained that their characteristics complement his own.
"They're two fast players who drop more to the wings, and I'll be more central in the box. Let's see if we can work out some combination play to get the goals," says Souza, acknowledging that this match will be a good test against Nacional:
"The team needs to win. We'll do a test against Mesquita to form a base for next Wednesday's game."
According to him, there are those in Gávea who still remember the 3-0 loss in the Libertadores, and they can't stop thinking about the rematch, next Wednesday.
"We're excited and hoping the game comes soon. If we win, we'll definitely be even more motivated and we'll have a good game against Nacional," says Souza.
Flamengo holds pre-Libertadores training session at Maracanã
Against Mesquita, Joel tests an offensive formation with an eye on the decision against Nacional, on the 19th
Eduardo Peixoto
Joel Santana will use three attackers against Mesquita
The opponent will be Mesquita in the third round of the Rio Cup. But Flamengo's players will certainly see the blue and white jersey of Nacional-URU on the other side. The Rubro-Negro takes the field this Wednesday at 19:30 p.m. for a luxury training session at Maracanã stadium ahead of the Copa Libertadores match on the 19th.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM will be following the game in Real Time from 19:15 p.m.
Guanabara Cup champion Flamengo rested most of its starters in the first two rounds. And they didn't regret it. They defeated Resende and Americano and share the lead in Group A with Fluminense, both with six points.
However, coach Joel Santana decided to use this match against Mesquita as a test for next week's final. Leo Moura and Toró, who will not face Nacional due to suspension, were not even included in the squad.
Luizinho will replace the former. The Flamengo coach's other option came as a surprise. Joel decided to start Maxi and form an attacking trio with Souza and Diego Tardelli.
After a good performance against Americano, Maxi gets a chance in the starting lineup
- It's a reward for his performance against Americano - explains the coach, who is still looking for the best formation for Flamengo in 2008:
"We had a base in 2007 and tweaked it a bit. The team hasn't quite gelled yet, but we're trying. Now the players have a chance to show that this system can work."
Another asset for the red-and-blacks is Renato Augusto. He returned to the team last Sunday after more than 45 days recovering from a facial fracture. Joel hopes to be able to use him from the beginning of next week.
mosque
Mesquita earned one point in the first two rounds and is aiming for an unprecedented feat. In four head-to-head matches against Flamengo, they've lost three and drawn one. The Baixada Fluminense team is banking on two former players from their rival: right-back Édson and defensive midfielder Leo. Coach Mário Marques isn't disappointed with the return of the starting players from this Wednesday's opponent.
- Flamengo has a great squad, I would love to have their reserve team under my command, Joel knows how to manage his players, we will have to have total concentration to try to neutralize their strengths and thus surprise them - he declares.
Cienciano wins and surpasses Flamengo
Cuzco team hits the crossbar twice, but beats Bolognesi 1-0 in Group 4
Cienciano struggled, but confirmed their favoritism, defeating Coronel Bolognesi 1-0 in Cusco this Tuesday in the Peruvian Group 4 clash of the Copa Libertadores. With the result, the home team reached six points, tying with Nacional (URU) and surpassing Flamengo, which has four. Bottom-placed Bolognesi has just one point, earned in a draw with the red-and-blacks.
In the next round, Flamengo hosts Nacional on the 19th (Wednesday), and Bolognesi and Cienciano face each other in Tacna, on the 25th.
The first half was a poor technical performance, due to Bolognesi's limitations and Cienciano's laziness. Even at home and in front of a good crowd, the Cuzco team barely threatened, mostly with long shots or lofted balls into the box.
Full-backs Guizasola and Chiroque, the team's standouts, were poorly exploited and left isolated on the wings. Bolognesi had the best chance in the 18th minute, when Mostto headed the ball against the crossbar after a cross from Ramírez.
Cienciano started the second half looking like they'd finally woken up, becoming more present in the opposition's box. But they continued playing predictable football, with shots from outside the box and crosses.
He even threatened with shots from Balazar and Ortiz, but it was a cross that led to the winning goal. In the 31st minute, Solís received a lofted pass inside the box and headed the ball past goalkeeper Penny, who was unable to keep it out.
Bolognesi then decided to attack and, taking advantage of their opponent's defensive fragility, managed to create danger. In the 37th minute, goalkeeper Flores saw the ball hit his crossbar again, after a shot from Ramírez.
Fla will have an attacking trio against Mesquita
Maxi receives an award and enters the field. Renato Augusto plays 45 minutes.
Eduardo Peixoto
Maxi scores Flamengo's second goal against Americano and celebrates a lot
Maxi's commitment and performance against Americano convinced coach Joel Santana to try a new formation for Flamengo this Wednesday, in the third round of the Taça Rio. Against Mesquita, the coach decided to reward the Argentine and field him in the starting lineup for the first time this year. He will play alongside Souza and Diego Tardelli. Renato Augusto will play the second half, according to Joel's strategy.
"Some players earned a performance bonus on Sunday. We'll see how they respond to this change. We've had a winning system since last year, and it's going to be disrupted," says Joel.
In fact, the coach is conducting a sort of pre-match pre-match for the Libertadores Cup match against Nacional on the 19th. With Toró suspended, Maxi or Tardelli will prepare the stage for Renato Augusto's entry.
"Renato left the team due to an injury (a facial fracture) and will return to the starting lineup when he's ready. He's expected to play 45 minutes on Wednesday," the coach said.
Flamengo takes to the field this Wednesday at 19:30 pm with the following formation: Bruno; Luizinho, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian, Ibson and Kleberson; Maxi, Diego Tardelli and Souza.
THROW
Flamengo will use a three-forward system
Rubro-Negro will face Mesquita with Maxi, Tardelli and Souza up front
Maxi is the new addition to the starting attack (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)
LANCEPRESS!
Coach Joel Santana surprised everyone on Tuesday by announcing that Flamengo will face Mesquita this Wednesday in the third round of the Taça Rio, with three forwards. Argentine Maxi will join Diego Tardelli and Souza in the Flamengo attack.
Joel claimed the decision was made after analyzing each player's performance and as a reward for those who performed well last Sunday against Americano. In this case, Maxi.
"Our intention is to provide the best possible conditions for those who have been performing, and the other is to recognize those who performed well in the team's last match. The coach has to make decisions. We have to see if it works without fear of making mistakes," he declared.
Souza likes the three-striker lineup
Shirt 9 will be joined by Tardelli and Maxi against Mesquita\ LANCEPRESS!\
Joel Santana confirmed he will play with three strikers. But this shouldn't significantly change Souza's play or positioning on the field. A key striker in the box, that's how he should behave with Diego Tardelli and Maxi alongside him against Mesquita.
Souza said that, for him, there's not much difference between playing with two teammates. He explained that their characteristics complement his own.
"They're two fast players who drop more to the wings, and I'll be more central in the box. Let's see if we can work out some combination play to get the goals," said Souza, acknowledging that this match will be a good test against Nacional.
"The team needs a win. We're going to do a test against Mesquita to form a base for the match against Nacional," explained the striker, who was on the field in the defeat in Uruguay.
According to him, there are people in Gávea who are still remembering this Libertadores match, and who can't stop thinking about the rematch, next Wednesday.
"We're excited and hoping the game comes soon. If we win, we'll definitely be even more motivated and have a good game against Nacional," Souza said.
Cristian asks for help marking the attackers
Steering wheel warns that new scheme will require some care
LANCEPRESS!\ The main man in the midfield when it comes to marking, midfielder Cristian warned that he will count on the collaboration of the three attackers to block the opponent's ball out, in this case Mesquita.\
"I'm sure they'll help with the scheduling. Otherwise, we'll be overwhelmed," he said.
Regarding the new scheme, much more offensive than the one he had been playing, Cristian was in favor of the new developments introduced by coach Joel Santana.
"It's always good to work with this three-attacker system. It will be a good test to see if we can play like this in a future match," he mused.
Fla and Petrobrás close to contract renewal
The agreement between the club and companies has lasted 24 years and is the longest in the country.
LANCEPRESS!\ The longest sponsorship deal in Brazilian soccer appears to be going strong. Flamengo and Petrobras have reached an agreement and will therefore renew the contract for another year. The new term will bring in R$16,2 million for the Flamengo coffers.\
However, the new contract has not yet been signed, but that will happen in the coming days. This is guaranteed by Adalberto Ribeiro, Flamengo's chief legal officer.
- This contract was approved between the parties and only needs to be signed - said the director.
Adalberto also made a point of emphasizing that the new contract follows the model that has been in force for the past 24 years.
"The essential contract is the same as all others that have been made before. It has some differences, like Fla TV, but in short, it remains the same as all the others," he stated.
With the starters, Flamengo takes on Mesquita
Flamengo leads Group A of the State Championship, while Mesquita fights to avoid relegation
Who will win: Fla or Mesquita? (Credit: Allex Ximenes)
Fred Gomes RIO
With a 100% record in the Rio Cup, Flamengo, with almost all of its starters, faces Mesquita this Wednesday at 19:30 pm at Maracanã. The match is part of the third round of the second half of the State Championship. Shortly after the victory over Americano on Sunday, Joel revealed that, initially, he will use the players he considers to be starters.
Rubro-Negro shares the lead in Group A with Fluminense—both have six points—but Fluminense has the superior goal difference (five to four). Mesquita is third-to-last in Group B of the Rio Cup, with just one point.
In the overall standings, Mesquita (12th place) with seven points is fighting relegation. The team is ahead of only Cardoso Moreira and Resende (both also with seven points, but with a lower point difference), as well as Americano (four points) and América (one).
Flamengo's new lineup is a three-man striker lineup. Since Toró is suspended for next Wednesday's Libertadores match, Joel will test Argentine Maxi in his place, giving him a trial run for the match against Nacional.
Leonardo Moura was also left out due to a suspension in the South American competition and will be replaced by Luizinho at right back.
On Mesquita's side, coach Mário Marques, admitting Flamengo's superiority, aims to take two points from Rubro-Negro at Maracanã.
"Flamengo is the clear favorite. Mainly because of home advantage, which is a big advantage for big clubs. Even if they field a mixed team, it will be very difficult, as Flamengo has a very strong squad. We're going for a point," he acknowledges.
Marques also denied that he will play defensively, claiming that Mesquita's style of play is well-defined. To achieve his goal of drawing with Flamengo, the coach wants his team to capitalize on the weaknesses of Joel Santana's team, although he didn't specify them.