The Globe
A celebration of race, love and passion
Flamengo still needs to confirm its place, but its fans are already champions in this Brazilian Championship.
MANY FLAGS and a single cry took over the Maracanã in the game that saw the record attendance of the Brazilian Championship, with 81.844 paying spectators: with the support of the fans, the team won 12 times in the stadium
IN ORDER, the fans wait for the police to give them permission to enter the stadium singing the new victory theme
William Helal Jr.
Moments before Santos took the field, a banner unfurled on the grass in front of the visiting tunnel served as a warning: "The Maracanã belongs to Flamengo." From the stands, the victory theme, an anthem of race, love, and passion, was repeated like a prayer until Souza transformed the apprehension into delirium with his liberating goal. Despite the hard-fought victory, the fans won by a landslide. On the scoreboard, the red-and-black nation was extolled in large letters as champions of the 2007 Brazilian Championship. In addition to record attendance, the fans overcame the boundaries that separate them from the field to lead the team to its 12th victory in the 18 games played at Maracanã in the competition.
"Santos was nullified by the fans. That's what it means to win with a shout. With the fans' shout," said student Rogério Tomaz.
Among the nearly 90 attendees, American actor Edward Norton, who is in Rio for the filming of Hulk, saw a cinematic spectacle:
- It's my first time at a game in Brazil. I think it's incredible.
More experienced, Carlos Godoy no longer needs to see to believe in Flamengo's strength. With his radio, he would turn his back on the play whenever Flamengo attacked:
- I wasn't looking when Ibson scored the winning goal against São Paulo, and I started repeating it.
At the Bellini statue, the crowd was as large as their love for the team. To avoid confusion, police cordoned off the entrance, separating the crowd into two groups. After the first had entered, the next was allowed to advance, and they did so in processional rhythm. Slowly and orderly, the people sang the victory theme in tones of deep emotion.
"The Santos game is mystical. The two greatest players I've ever seen played for both teams: Zico and Pelé," said Marcelo Velasco, owner of a Gol 81, the year of the World Cup, decorated with the club's colors.
On game days, his vulture-mobile carries a replica of the State Championship trophy on its roof. Each player pays tribute to the club in their own way. Besides naming his son, Arthur, now 4, Zico, Dirceu Júnior always takes him to the stadium to reinforce the momentum that has lifted the team out of the relegation zone and into the Copa Libertadores. Yesterday, besides cheering, the red-and-blacks also sang to gloat over their biggest rival:
"Cry, Vasco fan, the dream is over. Libertadores, I'm the one going."
Despite the name, Da Gama, guitarist of Cidade Negra, joined the red-black chorus, alongside his sons Ébano and Nandyala.
"Let's go inside. The sweetheart put together a great team," he said, referring to Joel Santana.
If the coach already deserves so much affection, the passion for the team can only be expressed in a song.
Fla already has an 80% chance of going to the Libertadores
Driven by a record crowd in the Brazilian Championship, the red-black team defeats Santos 1-0 and rises to third place
TORÓ, a standout player for Fla, is brought down by Rodrigo Souto yesterday, at Maracanã
LÉO MOURA is marked by Kléber when trying to cross
The fans' roar has been louder than ever in this Brazilian Championship, and Flamengo is one step closer to a coveted spot in next year's Copa Libertadores. Cheered on by more than 80 fans (81.844 paying fans, a record attendance in the competition), Joel Santana's team defeated Santos 1-0 last night at a packed Maracanã stadium and jumped to third place in the table with 58 points. According to mathematician Tristão Garcia, the red-and-black team's chances of reaching the Copa Libertadores have risen from 54% to 80% with this result.
The euphoric atmosphere spilled from the stands onto the pitch, with players hoisting a fictitious five-time Brazilian champion trophy, carried by fans in the blue seats. Besides beating a direct rival in the race for the continental competition, Flamengo had to contend with the setbacks of Cruzeiro, who lost 1-0 to Internacional on Saturday, and Grêmio, who lost 1-0 to champion São Paulo yesterday at Morumbi Stadium (Rogério Ceni's penalty). Flamengo's next match will be against Atlético-PR on the 25th at Maracanã, but behind closed doors. The club, however, will appeal the penalty imposed by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD). If they win, Flamengo will reach 61 points and could even secure their qualification in advance.
Cruzeiro, in fourth place with 57 points, dropped from an 81% to a 72% chance of finishing in the top four, while Grêmio, with 4, dropped from a 54% chance to an 23%. Palmeiras, which has a game in hand and faces Fluminense at Parque Antártica on Wednesday, has 8 points and a 55% chance. With Saturday's victory over Paraná, Botafogo reached 44 points and rose from a 53% chance to a 1% chance.
Santos misses good chances in the first half
The fans' celebration at Maracanã didn't intimidate Vanderlei Luxemburgo's team, which relied on quick attacks. Anxiety hampered the red-and-blacks early on. In the ninth minute, Rodrigo Souto missed a clear goal. The next minute, it was Renato Augusto's turn to miss, one-on-one with Fábio Costa.
Flamengo had the better of the game but struggled with the final pass. On the other side, Santos acted cautiously, relying on runs behind Léo Moura. Rodrigo Souto had another good chance in the 30th minute, but Toró stepped up to prevent the worst.
Better in the game, the red-black team still had an opportunity with Souza, at 43.
- Better to beat them (Santos) here than to have to beat them in Recife (against Náutico, in the last round) - shouted Joel Santana to the players, on the way up the tunnel.
Flamengo came back strong, but gradually slowed down in the second half. In the 25th minute, Joel brought on Roger and Obina and went all-out, taking off Toró and Jaílton. The pressure paid off in the 31st minute, with three headers. After Juan's cross, Obina played the ball into the middle of the box, Fábio Luciano laid it off for Souza to head home: 1-0.
With the fans ecstatic, Flamengo still had two scares, but Bruno's excellent form was helped by shots from Rodrigo Souto and Rodrigo Tabata in the final minutes. The Libertadores is now more of a reality than a dream.
Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton (Obina), Cristian, Ibson and Toro (Roger); Renato Augusto and Souza (Leo Medeiros). Santos: Fabio Costa, Alessandro (Petkovic), Domingos, Marcelo and Kleber; Maldonado, Adriano (Renatinho), Rodrigo Souto and Pedrinho (Vitor Junior); Rodrigo Tabata and Kleber Pereira. Referee: Evandro Roman (PR). Yellow cards: Toro, Rodrigo Tabata, Pedrinho and Maldonado. Revenue: R$1.085.790,00. Attendance: 81.844 paying spectators (87.715 present).
FLAMENGO
BRUNO: He didn't appear much, but he made two excellent saves after Flamengo's goal, preventing the draw. 8.
LEONARDO MOURA: He spent much of the game being neutralized by Kléber and leaving spaces behind him. He improved towards the end. 5.
FÁBIO LUCIANO: Solid in defense and with a good presence in high attacking balls, participating in the move that led to the red-black goal. 7.
RONALDO ANGELIM: He was lucky that Santos didn't attack much in his own sector and still invested in the runs up the left. 6.
JUAN: With Léo Moura marked, he was crucial when Flamengo launched the pressure. He delivered the cross for the winning goal. 7,5.
JAÍLTON: Dedicated in marking, he had to work hard to protect the defense. 6. OBINA: He came on and participated in the goal. After that, he limited himself to bumping into defenders. 6.
CRISTIAN: Relentless in marking and good at set pieces. 7.
IBSON: The main playmaker, he created dangerous fouls that the team failed to capitalize on. 7,5.
TORÓ: A symbol of tenacity and dedication. He left to applause. 8. ROGER: He replaced him and had a discreet performance yesterday. 5.
RENATO AUGUSTO: He missed a clear goal and had a lackluster performance. 4,5.
SOUZA: Fighter up front, he left his mark as a scorer before leaving. 8. LÉO MEDEIROS: came in to help close the midfield at the end. 5.
JOEL SANTANA: His boldness in letting the team go was rewarded. 7,5.
SANTOS
Vanderlei Luxemburgo's team had good chances but paid the price for settling for a draw. Rodrigo Souto was a standout performer.
ARBITRATION
Evandro Roman had a calm performance at Maracanã.
Fla begins in São Paulo to fight not to lose its greatest ally
The board will try to get the president of the STJD to suspend the decision of the body itself, which took away the home field advantage for one game, which would force the team to face Atlético-PR with the Maracanã gates closed.
IBSON AND LEONARDO MOURA celebrate the hard-fought 1-0 victory over Santos near the fans, waving the Flamengo flag, as if it were a title win at Maracanã
RENATO AUGUSTO, excited, prepares to throw his boot
REPEATED GESTURE: Souza again imitates using a weapon, which he had promised to abolish
Márcio Tavares
After the 1-0 victory over Santos, Flamengo begins to move today so that the unbeatable support of the fans is not interrupted or forgotten and that the motto "Maracanã is ours" continues in the match against Atlético-PR, on the 25th. Lawyer Michel Assef Filho leaves for São Paulo, in order to try with Rubens Approbato, president of the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), to obtain a suspensive effect for the punishment applied by the 4th Disciplinary Committee of the STJD itself, which took away the club's home field advantage for one match.
Being without their main ally in the final stretch of the fight for a place in the Libertadores doesn't even cross the minds of the red-black directors, who consider it possible to achieve the objective.
- Since there is no STJD meeting this Thursday, because of the holiday, technically we believe that there is no way for Aprobato to not grant the suspensive effect - said Michel Assef, father of the red-black legal director.
Joel says he wasn't worried about Vanderlei
In the legal battle to prevent Flamengo from playing in front of its fans, one of the main allies could be Eduardo Paes, state secretary of Sports and Leisure and president of Suderj.
"I've made myself available to Flamengo to try to help because I believe the responsibility for monitoring those who enter with fireworks or other objects lies with Suderj and the state forces. Flamengo cannot be harmed by a failure in monitoring that is our responsibility," Paes said.
Unaware of the controversy surrounding the loss of home-field advantage, coach Joel Santana has other concerns. One of them is replacing Toró, who is suspended for his third yellow card.
- Toró is so criticized and challenged, but he is very useful because he is always correcting what is wrong.
The coach suggested stepping on the brakes to avoid creating excessive optimism regarding the fight for a place in the Libertadores.
"Thank God we got it right today (yesterday). We made very few mistakes, which wasn't the case against Cruzeiro. But I don't want to get carried away. Let's slow down. With three more points, we'll reach the Libertadores, and we need emotional balance right now."
The same balance he showed when Vanderlei released a conversation he had with vice-president Kleber Leite four months ago, when the director said he was looking for a manager for Flamengo's football team in 2008.
"I'm vaccinated. If I were a rookie coach, I might lose focus, but I know I have the support and respect of the board."
Kleber confirms:
"We're looking for a president for Flamengo's football team in 2008, but it won't be Vanderlei. I spoke with him four months ago and realized it wouldn't be a good fit. It wasn't even a dig. He simply tried to destabilize the team. But, in the pre-match talk, I explained the truth, and everyone understood," stated Kleber Leite.
Ancelmo Gois Column
Fla shirt
From a red-and-black police officer participating in the arrest of young middle-class drug traffickers in Rio's South Zone:
- I loved that this time there weren't any prisoners wearing Flamengo shirts.
Fla is fifth
Vasco fans Sérgio Cabral and Eduardo Paes decided to have a cup made to celebrate Flamengo's "fifth" Brazilian championship.
Sports Journal
What a crowd this is!
Record attendance and revenue. A sweet routine for the Red-Black Nation at home: the Maraca
Gabriel Santos and Thiago Bokel
Nina Lima
The flag of Flamengo's twelfth player was a show in itself
Maracanã hosted another unparalleled celebration for the Red-Black Nation. The more than 87 fans who attended the stadium were thrilled and confident of securing a spot in the Copa Libertadores for the second consecutive year. After occupying the last places, with yesterday's victory, Flamengo is in third place with 58 points, giving it a good chance of securing a spot in the continental competition. Much of this success is due to the Flamengo fans, who packed the stadiums, averaging over 34 paying spectators per game, and supported the team at every turn.
Before the game began, the highlight was when the scoreboard displayed the phrase: "Nação Rubro-Negra, the 2007 Brasileirão champion," alluding to the championship's record attendance, broken in this game, as well as the best average attendance and eight of the competition's ten best attendances. The provocation wasn't overlooked either, especially with Vasco, when Figueirense's equalizer was announced. When Milan's red-and-black striker Ronaldo appeared on the screen singing Flamengo songs, everyone went wild, sparking hopes of seeing him one day in a Flamengo jersey.
Traditional songs like "Oh my Mengão, I like you!" and new ones, like the one inspired by the "Victory Theme," were sung with great enthusiasm. In greeting the players, goalkeeper Bruno was praised as the best in Brazil.
All the players, including coach Joel Santana, had their names chanted. However, for his performance with such passion, Toró was the standout for the crowd.
A mugging in Tijuca\ However, it wasn't a party. Due to the large crowd, there was some confusion that spoiled part of the show. Before the match, there was a mugging between Santa Luiza and São Francisco Xavier streets in Tijuca. The main purpose was to steal tickets.\
Furthermore, some fans tried to enter Maracanã with counterfeit tickets and were unable to do so, causing a lot of confusion.
Angelim's lineup surprises
Defender Ronaldo Angelim's starting lineup surprised everyone at the Maracanã. The player was removed from the team due to illness during the match against Corinthians and was ruled out for yesterday's match during the week. After tests, nothing was found, and the defender easily played the 90 minutes against Santos. Ronaldo Angelim commented on his starting lineup:
"I felt good after Friday's training session and told Joel I was ready to go on the field. I felt really bad against Corinthians, which scared me, but I'm fine now."
Having been out of action for ten days didn't seem to be a problem for the red-black defender:
"It didn't affect anything to be out of action for all that time. At Fortaleza, I was out of action for 20 days and was selected for a final."\ VIP Box\
Two avowed Flamengo fans were among those cheering for the Flamengo team: Ronaldo, from AC Milan, and goalkeeper Júlio Cesar, from Inter Milan. They were thrilled with the huge celebration the fans threw.
"I really wanted to be at Maracanã. Today (yesterday) is a beautiful thing. I even joked with Maicon this Sunday (yesterday) and said that this is because the team is not competing for the title, imagine if it were?" goalkeeper Júlio Cesar told Rádio Globo.
Flamengo coach praises Toró
He didn't just make it rain at Maracanã, but he was crucial to the victory over Santos. Much criticized and questioned for being a player who doesn't show up, Toró, the midfielder, played one of his best games of the year for Flamengo yesterday. His performance was so convincing that when Joel Santana decided to bring on Roger in his place, the fans booed the coach loudly.
The fans' outrage was due to the dedication that Toró showed while he was on the field.
"Toró is usually so challenged that people don't really understand his role. He sacrifices himself for the team and was performing very well, but there came a time when I needed to change the team to win the game. I tested two formations during the week and decided to start with the one that was most in sync and in better physical condition," explained Joel Santana, who will be without Toró against Atlético-PR. The midfielder received his third yellow card and is suspended.
Luxembourg doesn't keep Joel awake at night
Coach dismisses speculation and guarantees he has Kleber Leite's support to stay at Fla
Jorge Lourenço and Pedro Cavalcanti
Nina Lima
Joel Santana was restless during the derby. He wants three more points to secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores.
Joel Santana's shining star has everything to lure Vanderlei Luxemburgo away from Flamengo in 2008. In recent days, news broke that the Santos coach had received an offer from Kleber Leite to manage Fla-Futebol. Whether as a coach or administrator, Luxemburgo's name is far from unanimous at Gávea. After being criticized by Marcio Braga, it was Joel himself's turn to dismiss the speculation with the victory over Peixe.
"This is my fourth time working at Flamengo and, incidentally, my fourth time working alongside Kleber Leite. He's always been a very supportive manager and has had complete confidence in my work as a coach. I'm already immune to this kind of speculation, and this news hasn't shaken me in the slightest. As the soccer slang goes, I haven't lost my focus, which is the Brazilian Championship," commented the coach, who showered Luxemburgo with praise.
“Vanderlei is a top-notch coach, the kind we could consider five stars,” he said.
Coach Urges Caution\ Once again at the helm of the Red-Blacks, Joel is on a journey of overcoming obstacles in the Brasileirão. Hired to avoid relegation, the coach revamped the team and is now one of the favorites to secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores. Despite the strong results, he's cautious, even giving away the number of points needed to finish the season in the top four.\
"I think three points are enough to achieve our goal, but we need to stay calm. If we lose the next two games, we'll displease a fan base that has been building high expectations around Flamengo. It's worth remembering that I started here to climb out of the bottom of the table and, who knows, secure a spot in the Copa Sudamericana. There are still two games left, so we can't set off fireworks too soon," he said cautiously.
For Flamengo players, support from the masses made the difference
Ibson leaves Santos' Rodrigo Tabata behind and leads Flamengo to attack
Yesterday's victory was crucial for securing a spot in the Libertadores. But it wasn't just the motivation of returning to the continental competition that motivated the players. In front of more than 87 fans, who cheered the entire match, Flamengo managed to bring another layer of joy to the red-and-blacks. For midfielder Ibson, the red-and-blacks were instrumental in Flamengo's comeback, which had fallen to second-to-last place in the championship.
"The fans are very supportive and encouraging. They always showed up, even when we were at the bottom of the table, and now we were able to give them another victory," he said.
Renato Augusto, who once again played improvised in attack and had a great performance, echoed Ibson:
"It was the first of three finals and now we have to hope to count on the support of the crowd in the next game. It makes a difference. We fought, we struggled and now we have to celebrate."
Despite the victory, Flamengo received some bad news. Midfielder Toró received his third yellow card and is suspended for the match against Atlético-PR.
Victory, an obligation fulfilled
The dream is more alive than ever for Flamengo. Their chances of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores are growing stronger every day. Yesterday's victory came on a special night, when the fans broke the Brazilian Championship attendance record and pushed the team to victory once again, playing at home. Now, Flamengo is even dreaming of finishing second, which would put them directly in the group stage of the continental competition, which the club could compete in for the second consecutive year.
For full-back Leonardo Moura, one of the team's standout players, Fla played better and deserved the victory.
"We were very happy and did a good job. We knew how to move around. Flamengo played better than Santos and created the plays. We were happy and thank God we came away with the victory, which was important to give us peace of mind, as we will be able to work more calmly. We will have a difficult game against Atlético-PR," said the number 2.
Nothing won\ For striker Souza, who scored the winning goal in a move of extreme opportunism, the spot is not yet guaranteed.\
"We are dreaming about the Libertadores, yes, but nothing is guaranteed and we can't forget that. The games against Atlético-PR and Náutico will be very difficult and we need to win to secure our place in the Libertadores. We were playing at home and we knew we had to win," said the striker, who felt pain during the week and was doubtful for this match.
One step away from the Libertadores
With the massive support of its huge fan base, Fla defeats Santos and gets close to the dream spot
Jorge Lourenço and Pedro Cavalcanti
Nina Lima
Souza controls the ball, watched by Santos defender Domingos: the striker scored the goal that put Flamengo very close to a place in the Libertadores
Souza and the Flamengo fans decided the game. With the help of nearly 90 Flamengo fans, Flamengo defeated Santos 1-0 yesterday at the Maracanã and surged into the fight for a Libertadores berth. Aided by Grêmio's stumble, the Gávea team reached 58 points and now depends solely on itself to advance to the most important competition in the Americas and cap off a year marked by the redemption of a team that once flirted with the relegation zone.
Flamengo took the field and found themselves at a disadvantage against a cornered opponent. With the exception of a few plays by Rodrigo Souto, Santos barely threatened, playing defensively, relying on disorganized counterattacks. Santos' poor start motivated Flamengo, who pushed forward and created several scoring chances. Orchestrated by an effective midfield, the team pressed but was ultimately thwarted by Fábio Costa's excellent performance. Inspired, the Santos goalkeeper saved his team from a point-blank shot by Renato Augusto and a free kick by Juan. Only in the final minutes of the first half did the visitors show any resolve and surge forward. Once again, the danger came from Rodrigo Souto, who narrowly missed opening the scoring.
Matador\ Vanderlei Luxemburgo's desperate screams nearly drowned out the fans for a few minutes, and Santos came alive in the second half. More determined, the Santos team grew on the field and kept the match even. Despite the drop in performance, Flamengo continued to have the best chances. In the biggest of them, Íbson unleashed a bomb from a free kick, but Fábio Costa's star power shone again, and the goalkeeper made an excellent save. As the end approached, the game became tense as both teams launched attacks. That's when the power of the Nation spoke loudest. After a Fábio Luciano header, Souza slotted in and sent the Maracanã stadium into a frenzy. In the end, Santos' pressure was met by Bruno's save, securing the victory and putting the team very close to the Copa Libertadores.\
Renato Augusto: 'It's a victory that tastes like a title'
After Flamengo's 1-0 victory over Santos this Sunday at Maracanã in the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship, supporter Renato Augusto said as he left the field that the result felt like winning a title. According to the player, the red-and-black team is on the right track to secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores.
"It's a victory that tastes like a title. It's the first of three finals we've had to face. In 15 days, we'll have another final," said the supporter.
The athlete returned to the starting team after being away from the field due to an injury.
“I felt good and we’re going to work hard for the next game,” he analyzed.
Fla fries the fish at Maracanã
Daniel Gonçalves dgoncalves@jsports.com.br
Nina Lima
87.716 fans once again put on a show and pushed Fla to victory over Santos
"The fear of losing takes away the will to win." Vanderlei Luxemburgo's quote could define his team's stance today. Playing with three defensive midfielders, Santos couldn't contain the red-and-blacks, who, cheered on by nearly 90.000 fans this Sunday at Maracanã, won 1-0, coming very close to securing a spot in the 2008 Copa Libertadores.
In a first half that consisted of Flamengo attacking and Santos defending, it was the team from the São Paulo coast who first threatened. Kléber delivered a beautiful pass from midfield into the middle of the Flamengo defense. Rodrigo Souto controlled the ball, cut inside Ibson, and, unmarked, shot wide. Flamengo responded in the aftermath: Renato Augusto received a through ball from Léo Moura inside the box and shot straight at Fábio Costa.
After this strong start, the game cooled down. Santos, who had been defensively waiting for counterattacks, created nothing because they couldn't create quality defense, and the team from Gávea only had chances thanks to a shot from midfield by Cristian and a header by Ronaldo Angelim. Both plays went wide of Fábio Costa's goal.
But in the 30th minute, the São Paulo club decided to scare them again, again with Rodrigo Souto. He received a great pass after a good play by his namesake Tabata, and took too long to shoot inside the box. When he did, his shot went wide.
Towards the end of the first half, Urubu had another good opportunity. Juan took a free kick from the right side of the box, straight at goal, but a watchful Fábio Costa made a good save. And that was it for the first half.
In the second half, Santos tried to come out more involved, but still very timidly. Meanwhile, Flamengo continued to push forward, looking for a goal, and from a free kick just outside the box, they nearly did: Cristian unleashed a bomb, which the Santos number 1 saved.
With the match at a standstill, neither team was able to create chances that would threaten the opposing goalkeepers. Until the 30th minute, Flamengo scored. Juan crossed from the left with his right foot, Obina headed it in, Fábio Luciano controlled it, and Souza slotted it into the back of the net with a header. Beautiful!
After the goal, the only reason Flamengo didn't concede an equalizer was because of Bruno. Hailed by the fans as "the best in Brazil," the goalkeeper made a sensational save after Vitor Júnior dribbled past the right side of the Flamengo defense, passed the ball back to Rodrigo Souto, who unleashed a shot.
Joel decided to hold the game: he brought on Léo Medeiros for Souza and from then on, he simply managed the result, without any further scares. Vultures, which are increasingly circling America, scored one; Santos, which is also very close to a Libertadores berth, scored zero.
José Antonio Gerheim
Free pass
Anything goes for the Libertadores?
José Antonio Gerheim gerheim@jsports.com.br
Before the big game, the megashow that Flamengo's fans put on and the team managed to transform into yet another historic victory at the Maracanã, the news that the team's turnaround leader in the Brazilian Championship, coach Joel Santana, could be replaced in 2008 by Santos coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo, fell like a bomb that could destroy everything that the club has been conquering step by step with love, dedication and competence in 2007. And it is precisely in the figure of its coach, Joel Santana, with the support of its best and most fantastic player, its immense fan base, the main person responsible for the turnaround in the Brazilian Championship, for the previously unimaginable third place in the championship and the now almost achieved qualification for the Libertadores.
I know that today's football, increasingly hostage to the so-called market, economic factors, and marketing, often forces clubs to make decisions and conduct business deals they wouldn't have otherwise. Even given, let's assume, the reasoning that to not only compete in, but to win, the Libertadores, Flamengo needs a coach like Vanderlei Luxemburgo, who enjoys the reputation of being an expert and eminent connoisseur of the continent's most prized competition, the art of team building and player negotiations, there is an ethical question—I would even say a limit to everything.
Certainly, in the eyes of the fans, of the current group of players, it could even seem like a betrayal. And an ingratitude Joel doesn't deserve, for wouldn't that be the same as considering him only capable of managing Flamengo in domestic competitions, or worse still, only those of suffering, anguish, and distress?
Since everyone is only talking about the Libertadores, I'm passing on to the Tricolor fans some information, confided in me by a very reliable source, that the main signing, the most dreamed of at Laranjeiras, by the club's great benefactor, Celso Barros, by supervisor Branco and by Renato Gaúcho, is that of midfielder Renato.
The former Flamengo player will come to form the duo with Washington, who will be the number 9, the commander of the tricolor attack.
O Dia
Vanderlei's statement is used in lecture
Marluci Martins
Rio - The match against Santos started early, still at Flamengo's training camp in Barra. It was there that the atmosphere of rivalry took hold, when the players and coach Joel Santana learned that, in an interview with 'Ataque' published yesterday, Vanderlei Luxemburgo had revealed he had been invited to work at Gávea next season.
Concerned about the repercussions of the news, vice president of football Kléber Leite called a last-minute meeting with the team and explained his position.
"I actually had a phone conversation with Vanderlei, but I wouldn't have leaked it. Suddenly, Vanderlei revealed this in an attempt to destabilize Flamengo, but it backfired because I gave a speech, explained everything, and warned him that Joel wouldn't be Flamengo's coach next year unless he didn't want to be," said Kléber Leite.
According to the director, the idea is for the football team to have a manager in 2008. Vanderlei was the first name on his list, but he's already out of the plans, for reasons Kléber won't discuss: "I told Vanderlei that I'd like to see him as Flamengo's football executive. Next year, football will have a president, and I'll be the Queen of England. But now Vanderlei's name has been ruled out."
President Márcio Braga's resistance to his name may have weighed against Vanderlei: "I don't think Vanderlei is a good name, as he already worked at Flamengo and didn't do well."
Joel says he hasn't lost focus and is staying in 2008
The news that Santos coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo has been invited to work at Flamengo has led Joel Santana to admit for the first time that he is likely to stay at Gávea in 2008. He just hopes that hiring a manager doesn't interfere with his work.
"I think I'll stay, yes. If a manager comes in, everyone can just do their own thing, and everything will end well," he commented.
After the game, Joel made it clear he didn't approve of Vanderlei's revelation about the invitation he'd received to work at Gávea: "If I were still a first-timer, I would have lost touch. But I didn't get carried away by the news. I didn't lose focus."
VACANCY FOR ANGELIM
As if the controversy surrounding Vanderlei wasn't enough, Joel had to keep a cool head to make a decision before the game: the selection of Ronaldo Angelim, who was cleared by the doctors.
Coach wants the spot with his fans
For Joel, all it takes is a win and Flamengo will be in next year's Copa Libertadores. Taking the field today to help make that dream come true is the club's legal director, Michel Assef Filho.
The lawyer will travel to São Paulo for a hearing with the president of the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), Rubens Approbato. The topic of discussion is the attempt to field his 12th player, the fans, for the match against Atlético-PR on the 25th at Maracanã. Initially, the match will be played behind closed doors as punishment for incidents that occurred in the match against Grêmio.
"I will try to obtain a stay of execution injunction. I hope he considers my request," said Michel Assef Filho.
SEIZURE DAY
Today is a day off, but it's still a day of apprehension for Joel Santana. He won't give up on his 12th player: "I'm worried about this punishment they want to inflict on us. How can they punish a team that's bringing fans to the stadium? I don't understand, but I'll try to understand."
What makes Joel most relieved is the certainty that the team is very close to the 2008 Copa Libertadores.
"With another win, I think it'll happen... But we're not going to get carried away. What if it doesn't happen," the coach emphasized.
Mengão fans had a gala performance at Maracanã
"Cry, Vasco fan, the dream is over. I'm the one going to the Libertadores." Flamengo fans once again set the tone for the celebrations, leaving the Maracanã stadium taunting their main rival from Rio de Janeiro after their 1-0 victory over Santos.
Once again, the fans showed civility, joy, enthusiasm and, above all, confidence in the team, filling the stadium and celebrating the crucial step taken yesterday towards a spot in the Copa Libertadores.
While the team didn't have a memorable performance, the fans put on a stellar performance. Before the game, outside the Maracanã stadium, a peaceful atmosphere reigned. Women, children, and the elderly mingled with the fanatical supporters, forming a large red-and-black family heading to the stadium.
Proof of this was that at the end of the game, the Jecrim (Special Criminal Court) recorded two arrests for contempt and two touts detained. A zero-tolerance rate, considering that Maracanã hosted 87.716 spectators (81.884 paying), breaking Brasileirão revenue and attendance records. "This is to shut up those who say Mengão fans are troublemakers," praised Emanuel de Carvalho, from Cachambi.
Inside the stadium, the red-and-black 'nation' went wild. They sang their new hit song nonstop: "I will always love you, wherever you are, I will be, oh, my Mengão. You are a team of tradition, grit, love, and passion. Oh, my Mengão."
To further excite the fans in the stands, Vasco, who were beating Figueirense 3-0, conceded a draw in Florianópolis. With each goal from the Santa Catarina team, the Maracanã shook.
And Souza's goal was the signal for total delirium. The fans left the Maracanã stadium in a frenzy. The ecstasy was so great that even King Pelé was left to joke. "What's up?... Zico is better than Pelé."
After the victory, fans celebrated with Flamengo players, who paraded onto the field with a replica of the polka dot trophy — which will be given to São Paulo — for the Rubro-Negro's fifth title, which is not recognized by the CBF.
Flamengo: Towards the Libertadores
The team beats Santos 1-0 and gets closer to realizing its dream.
Raphael Roque
Rio - With nearly 90 cheers, a new Brazilian Championship attendance record, Flamengo defeated Santos 1-0 at the Maracanã stadium and is now two steps away from the paradise called the Copa Libertadores. Souza's header put the red-and-blacks in third place with 58 points, with just two rounds remaining in the championship. Flamengo faces Atlético-PR at the Maracanã stadium on the 25th and Náutico in Recife on December 2nd.
Yesterday, only victory mattered, and so the Rubro-Negro sought to dominate the action from the start. Even with a cautious lineup, with Jaílton, Cristian, and Toró in midfield, Joel Santana managed to corner Vanderlei Luxeburgo's Santos.
The São Paulo team entered the match satisfied with the draw and didn't take many risks. The main chances fell to Rodrigo Souto, who often appeared as a surprise player, behind the fullbacks.
RENATO AUGUSTO LOSES
In the 10th minute, Renato Augusto missed Flamengo's best chance of the first half. He received a pass from Leonardo Moura, who was free in the box, but took his time and lost the angle when shooting. Fábio Costa saved it.
Flamengo was attacking well from set pieces, and Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim had good chances with headers. In the 36th minute, Juan forced Fábio Costa into a difficult save with a free kick.
Flamengo returned from the break in the same vein, pinning Santos to their own half but failing to create any clear-cut opportunities. The best came in the 10th minute, when Cristian forced a good save from Fábio Costa on a free kick. Then, in the 27th minute, Joel decided to push the team forward, replacing Jaílton and Toró, who left to much applause, with Roger and Obina.
The boost in spirit paid off. In the 31st minute, Fábio Luciano received the ball from Obina in the box and headed it in for Souza to score: 1-0. The stadium nearly came to a standstill.
Flamengo retreated, Joel took off Souza and brought on Léo Medeiros to close the midfield, and narrowly avoided being punished. Bruno performed a miracle on a shot from Rodrigo Souto in the 33rd minute. And in the 44th minute, the goalkeeper saved again, on a shot from Rodrigo Tabata. With that, the victory was already assured, and so was the celebration in the stands.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo beats Santos and gets closer to a place in the Libertadores
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo celebrated with over 87 fans at a packed Maracanã stadium. With a goal from striker Souza, the Rio de Janeiro club defeated Santos 1-0 this Sunday in the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship, and moved very close to a spot in the 2008 Copa Libertadores. With the positive result, Flamengo took advantage of Cruzeiro's defeat the previous day and moved into third place with 58 points. Despite the defeat, Santos remains in second place with 59 points, but has lost some of the "fat" it had before this weekend's games.
In the next round, which will take place in two weeks (on the 25th) due to the Brazilian national team's 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Flamengo will play against Atlético-PR, again at the Maracanã. Santos will face Paraná, which is still fighting to avoid relegation to Série B in 2008, at the Durival de Britto stadium in Curitiba.
The game: With Flamengo's fans in full force, the Rio de Janeiro team started the match nervously, giving Santos, who had excellent ball possession, space. So much so that even midfielder Rodrigo Souto had the freedom and courage to leave the marking and venture forward on two occasions.
After 15 minutes, Flamengo managed to calm down and created their first scoring chance through midfielder Renato Augusto. The shot grazed Fábio Costa's left post.
With the midfield very evenly balanced, the game continued without any clear-cut scoring opportunities. The only one, which required some flexibility from the Santos goalkeeper, came from a free kick taken by left-back Juan in the 36th minute.
After the break, Santos maintained their strong play in midfield, but their attacking play was hampered by the inefficiency of striker Kleber Pereira. Flamengo, on set pieces, posed a threat, such as Cristian's shot from the edge of the box.
With two simultaneous substitutions—the introduction of Obina and Roger—the Rio de Janeiro team dominated the midfield and scored the winning goal in the 31st minute. After a cross from the right, defender Fábio Luciano headed the ball from the far post into the middle of the box. The ball found Souza, who slotted it home unmarked.
At a disadvantage, coach Wanderley Luxemburgo tried to give the attack more mobility by bringing on Renatinho and Petkovic, but to no avail. Flamengo's well-positioned defense managed to thwart Santos' final attempts.
For Joel Santana, three more points are enough for a place in America
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The round's results helped, and with the victory over Santos, Joel Santana's projections changed. For the Flamengo coach, who was thinking 62 points would secure qualification for the Copa Libertadores, now just one more win is enough for the Rio de Janeiro team to secure a spot. "I think three more points are enough. Cruzeiro lost, and so did Grêmio. We have Palmeiras against Fluminense, but I think 61 points is enough to qualify," said Joel Santana in the post-match press conference at Maracanã.
What Joel doesn't want is euphoria over the team's good form and the possibility of finishing as runner-up in the Brazilian Championship – they're currently one point behind Santos. "We have to be calm and patient. We can't set off fireworks now. Everything we've done so far could go down the drain," he stated.
The Flamengo coach was full of praise for the team's performance on the field, especially midfielder Toró. "He gets criticized, but he's the guy who fixes everything on the team. He covers the flanks and the middle. His tactical approach is crucial. But the whole team deserves congratulations," he commented.
Flamengo fans want to work harder to secure a spot
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's players know that nothing is won in the fight for a Libertadores spot, despite their victory over Santos at the Maracanã. Everyone talks about a lot of work in the final two rounds of the Brazilian Championship – against Atlético-PR in Rio and Náutico in Recife. "I can guarantee that there will be a lot of work here at Flamengo to qualify for the Libertadores. We have some tough matches ahead," said goalkeeper Bruno, who stood out with key saves in the match's decisive moments.
Striker Souza, the hero of the victory with his header, recalled that the players took the field with only one thought in mind: victory. "We had to go after Santos. We couldn't lose under any circumstances. We dream of a place in the Libertadores, but nothing is guaranteed," he stated.
PeléNet
Flamengo defeats Santos and gets closer to the Libertadores
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo took an important step toward reaching the Copa Libertadores. On Sunday night, at the Maracanã stadium, in the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship, the Red-Black team defeated Santos 1-0, with a goal by Souza. The victory left the Rio de Janeiro team with 58 points, in third place. Santos, despite the loss, remains in second place with 59, and their situation remains relatively stable.
WATCH STRIKER SOUZA'S GOAL
In the next round, on the weekend of the 24th and 25th, Flamengo takes on Atlético-PR at Maracanã (likely behind closed doors), while Santos faces Paraná Clube at Durival de Britto Stadium in Curitiba. The CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) has not yet set the dates and times.
Before the ball rolled, two "surprises" were announced. Santos goalkeeper Fábio Costa, who had recovered from lower back pain, and Flamengo defender Ronaldo Angelim, who had recovered from chest pain, were confirmed as starters for their respective teams.
When the match began, Flamengo, cheered on by their fans, had a slight dominance in the first half. Winning most of the action in midfield, the players consistently created danger. Goalkeeper Fábio Costa saved the São Paulo team twice, after shots from Renato Augusto and Juan.
Santos also threatened in the opening 45 minutes. The São Paulo team's best option was midfielder Rodrigo Souto. The best chance came in the ninth minute, but the ball went wide of Bruno's right.
The second half began with Flamengo putting intense pressure on Santos. However, aside from a foul by Cristian, goalkeeper Fábio Costa barely had to work.
Santos balanced the action from the 25th minute onwards. However, Flamengo ended up opening the scoring in the 30th minute, through Souza, after receiving a touch from Fábio Luciano.
With the negative result, Vanderlei Luxemburgo changed his lineup, bringing in Renatinho and Petkovic. The team still tried, but Bruno's defenses thwarted them.
Flamengo director rules out signing Luxemburgo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Kleber Leite has changed his mind. Flamengo's vice president of football appears to no longer have any ambition to bring in coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo, currently at Santos, to be the "commander" of the club's 2008 season project.
"Next year will be a year of renovation. We want to build a new stadium and we will enter the race for the Maracanã stadium. The president (Márcio Braga) wants to hire high-quality professionals. However, this Vanderlei Luxemburgo story is completely buried," he warned.
Before Flamengo's 1-0 victory over Santos this Sunday at Maracanã, the Santos coach admitted to having spoken with the club's director. However, "out of respect for coach Joel Santana," Luxemburgo did not comment on the matter.
The red-black coach, however, did not want to further stir up controversy on the matter and took the opportunity to praise Vanderlei Luxemburgo.
"I'm already vaccinated against this type of controversy. I consider Vanderlei a five-star coach. I worked at Flamengo four times and every time with Kleber Leite by my side. I'm calm," said Natalino.
Flamengo will not have Toró, suspended, against Atlético-PR
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Toró will miss Flamengo's match against Atlético-PR, initially scheduled for the 25th at Maracanã (likely behind closed doors), in the 37th and penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship. The CBF has not yet set the date and time for the matches. The Flamengo midfielder received his third yellow card in the Flamengo's 1-0 victory over Santos.
A playmaker at the beginning of his career, Toró has shown great energy and was one of the key players in Joel Santana's defensive scheme.
The coach will use training sessions throughout the week to determine Tóro's replacement for the match against Furacão. Midfielder Roger is the favorite to fill the role.
If Joel Santana opts for Roger, Renato Augusto will remain up front alongside Souza. If Argentine striker Maxi Biancucchi is chosen, Renato Augusto will drop back to midfield, his preferred position.
Cristian is moved and thanks Flamengo for their support.
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Cristian was one of the most emotional and celebrated players after Flamengo's 1-0 victory over Santos this Sunday at Maracanã, in the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship. The midfielder, who joined the club midway through the season, expressed his gratitude for the support from the Gávea club.
"Nobody believed in me and Flamengo opened their doors to me. I'm very grateful for that. The club welcomed me during a difficult time," said the midfielder, who couldn't stop crying.
After the red-black victory, the midfielder "paraded" with a trophy made by a Flamengo fan, making an allusion to the five-time Brazilian championship.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Cristian also praised the strength of the stands. "A crowd like this is no joke. I've never seen anything like it, and congratulations to everyone," he concluded.
With the victory over Santos, Flamengo reached 58 points and moved into third place in the Brazilian Championship. Their next match, likely behind closed doors, will be on the 25th against Atlético-PR at the Maracanã stadium.
BalloonSport
Souza's head brings Fla closer to the dream
With record attendance, the red-black team defeats Santos and jumps to third in the Brasileirão
Eduardo Peixoto
They say strikers live for goals. Souza proved that theory true this Sunday. Missing for 71 minutes, the striker used his head to secure Flamengo's hard-fought 1-0 victory over Santos at Maracanã. It was a relief and the start of the celebration for the 81.844 paying spectators (87.716 in attendance) who packed the stadium and broke the Brazilian Championship attendance record.
The result puts the Rubro-Negro on track for the Copa Libertadores. The team jumps to third place with 58 points. According to coach Joel Santana's calculations, three more points from six points are enough to secure a spot.
Despite the defeat, the São Paulo team remains in a somewhat comfortable position. Vanderlei Luxemburgo's men have 59 points and are in second place.
Upcoming games\ 25/11/2007 (16:25 p.m.) FLAMENGO x Atlético-PR Maracanã\ 11/2007/16 (XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.) Paraná x SANTOS Vila Capanema\
Missed chances
Flamengo launched an attack from the start. Shots, however, were nonexistent. Timid, the visiting team had a great opportunity in the tenth minute. Rodrigo Souto dribbled past Ibson inside the box and, unmarked, fired wide.
Ibson protects the ball for Flamengo
On the next play, Rubro-Negro responded. Leo Moura launched the ball, but Renato Augusto took his time, shooting straight at Fábio Costa. Cristian also came close to scoring. But the score remained 0-0. The celebrations in the stands continued.
The hosts' pressure didn't let up. In the 37th minute, Juan took a free kick from the sidelines, and Fábio Costa parried it away. Santos had another clear chance in the 40th minute, but Rodrigo Tabata beat the opposing defense. In the 44th minute, Rodrigo Souto easily broke into the Santos box, but his shot was crossed, and Bruno saved.
Souza decides with his head
The match started more tensely in the second half. Santos threatened with counterattacks through Rodrigo Tabata. Flamengo tried long shots. In the tenth minute, Cristian fired a powerful shot, but Fábio Costa parried it away.
As the minutes passed, the home team began to misplace passes, and the fans called for Roger to come on. Satisfied with the result, the São Paulo team began to exchange passes calmly.
At 28, Joel finally made some changes to his team. He replaced Jaílton and Toró with Obina and Roger. But Santos had the good chance. Pedrinho's shot went just wide of Bruno's left post.
Having disappeared from the game, Souza appeared with precision in the 31st minute. Flamengo played a one-two with headers in the box. Obina passed the ball to Fábio Luciano, who set it up, and Souza finished into the net.
While the fans were still celebrating, Rodrigo Souto took a shot and Bruno made a spectacular save.
The goalkeeper decided to live up to his nickname of "Brazil's best" given to him by Flamengo fans. In the 44th minute, Rodrigo Tabata took a shot from the edge of the box, and Bruno flew to palm it away.
After the match, Flamengo paraded with a mock-up of the trophy, which will be presented to São Paulo at the end of the season. The players received a standing ovation, and some, like midfielder Cristian, were moved to tears during an impromptu lap of honor (watch the celebration below).
Fla takes a lap of honor with a replica of the trophy
After leaving the field, the group returns to thank the fans and receive a trophy made of polka dots.
Marcio Iannacca
Flamengo's players were already in the locker room when the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, asked the players to return to thank the red-and-blacks. The team returned and took a mini lap of honor, including a replica of the ball trophy, which will be presented to São Paulo by the CBF for winning its fifth championship, also won by Flamengo in 1992.
Kléber Leite explained why he ordered the team to return to the field.
"We have to thank this crowd. They're spectacular. That's why I asked the players to return to the field," says the manager.
Flamengo's players thanked the red-and-blacks for their support. Some were more restrained, others were emotional. Midfielder Cristian cried profusely and couldn't even speak as he left the field.
"Flamengo opened the doors for me to showcase my football. I need to thank this wonderful fan base," says the midfielder, a standout for the red-and-black team.
Ibson also made a point of thanking them.\ - The fans always support us. We really have to thank them - said the midfielder.\
Renato Augusto: 'Victory with the taste of a title'
Midfielder performs well in his return to the starting lineup. Player felt nothing.
Marcio Iannacca
Midfielder Renato Augusto said after leaving the pitch after the 1-0 victory over Santos (watch the video below with highlights from the match) at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship that Sunday's triumph felt more like winning a title. For the player, the team is on the right track.
"It's a victory that tastes like a title. It's the first of three finals we've had to face. In 15 days, we'll have another final," says the midfielder.
The player, who returned to the starting lineup after being left out due to an injury, said he felt it throughout the match.
- I felt good and we'll work hard for the next game - analyzes the player.
'The Luxa issue is outdated'
Kléber Leite says he considered the Santos coach to be Fla's manager, but gave up
Eduardo Peixoto
Joel Santana will be Flamengo's coach in 2008. That is, of course, if he so chooses. This Sunday, the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, said that the Vanderlei Luxemburgo issue is over (watch an excerpt from the director's press conference).
According to the manager, there was a phone conversation between the parties a few months ago. The idea was to install the current Santos coach as an executive manager next season. However, after talking to others, Kléber abandoned the idea:
"The matter is outdated. There wasn't even any personal contact. I listened to other people's opinions and gave up. It's absolutely certain that Joel will be our coach in 2008. But we still have the idea of hiring a top soccer executive for next season. Flamengo will experience a year of transformation."
Luxa Case: Joel says he wasn't hurt\ For the coach, speculation at Fla would only upset the 'first-time sailor'\
Kléber Leite assured that Joel Santana will only leave Flamengo if he wants to. In turn, the coach said it's not yet time to discuss whether he'll stay. But what about the reports that the Flamengo director plans to hire Vanderlei Luxemburgo?
"I wasn't hurt. A first-time sailor would be at a loss with news like that on the eve of a game," says Joel.
Kléber Leite explained that he considered Luxa to take on the role of executive director, but gave up on the idea after talking to "O Globo" columnist Renato Maurício Prado.
"Vanderlei is a five-star coach. But this is my fourth time working at Flamengo, and each time, Kléber brought me here. I didn't get carried away by the news," Joel Santana assures.
Fla sets up a mission to guarantee fans
The club's lawyer will try to convince Rubens Aprobatto to grant a stay of execution.
Eduardo Peixoto
Flamengo is trying to secure another chapter of the Maracanã celebrations this Monday. The club's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, is traveling to São Paulo to meet with the president of the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), Rubens Aprobatto.
The goal is to convince him to grant a suspension so that spectators can enter the game against Atlético-PR on November 25. Last Friday, Flamengo was punished with the loss of a home field advantage due to incidents in the game against Grêmio.
"We trust Rubens Aprobatto. Michel Assef Filho will bring irrefutable arguments so we can play with the support of our fans," declares Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
In the match against Santos, the red-and-black fans protested the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) ruling and mocked the "Dodô case." Even after failing a drug test, the Botafogo striker escaped punishment: "Absolve those who dope and punish those who put on a show," read the banner, which had to be quickly removed by order of Maracanã police.
'We're very close,' says Joel Santana
Coach maintains calculations that three more points will take Mengão to the Libertadores
Eduardo Peixoto
The 1-0 victory over Santos moved Flamengo to third place in the Brazilian Championship, with 58 points. And, according to Joel Santana's calculations, they are three more points away from securing a spot in the Copa Libertadores (watch an excerpt from the coach's post-match press conference below).
"We're close now. Good thing we came out victorious because it would be unpleasant to draw or lose in front of this wonderful crowd. Three points should be enough. Grêmio only reaches 60, Cruzeiro has an away game against Sport. Not to mention Palmeiras, with 61 they should be enough," declares the coach.
Flamengo's coach said Sunday's match was "beautiful." He emphasized that he already knew the match would be decided by the details.
"That was the game. An opportunity, a failure. Both teams are fighting for the spot, and fortunately, our team made very few mistakes. I said that if we maintained the same approach as the games against São Paulo, Cruzeiro, and Atlético-MG.
Flamengo will now have 15 days of rest before the match against Atlético-PR in Rio de Janeiro. The Superior Court of Justice (STJD) punished the team with the loss of home-field advantage, but the club is seeking a stay of execution.
Toró: 'We didn't disappoint the fans'
Midfielder reveals that the group came together to win this Sunday's match at Maraca
Marcio Iannacca
Midfielder Toró was substituted before the end of Sunday's match against Santos at Maracanã, and left the field to applause from the more than 80 Flamengo fans who were in the stadium (watch highlights of the Flamengo player's stunning performance). The player revealed that the group made a pact not to miss this weekend's match.
"I'm happy about everything. We players came together and said we couldn't disappoint these fans," says the midfielder.
The midfielder regained his place in the group under coach Joel Santana and became an indispensable player in the Flamengo team's strategy. Since the current Flamengo manager took over, he has remained with the team.
Fans approve 'Fla-micareta'
The idea of gathering around Maracanã for the match against Atlético-PR is approved
Eduardo Peixoto
There's a big party outside before the Santos game and it could happen again.
Flamengo fans are planning to invade the area surrounding the Maracanã stadium during the match against Atlético-PR on November 25. The club was punished by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) for incidents during the match against Grêmio and will have to play behind closed doors.
The red-and-blacks' plan is to organize a sort of Flamengo micareta (Flamengo Carnival) on match day. Since spectators are prohibited at Maracanã, the red-and-blacks plan to pack the stadium's surroundings and watch the game on a big screen with the presence of electric trios.
"Of course I'm coming. This idea is great and the fans will show their strength," says 25-year-old fan Pedro Bittar.
Some, more excited, plan to enjoy the benefits of the party.
- Besides cheering for Flamengo, you'll also get to kiss the ladies on the mouth - says Gustavo Andrade, 21 years old.
Maracanã gives title to Fla fans
On the electronic scoreboard, Suderj congratulates the Nation for the record attendance in the Brazilian Championship
Eduardo Peixoto
Red and black fans celebrate before going in to watch the game
São Paulo holds the fifth consecutive championship title. But the Maracanã gave the Brasileirão title to Flamengo fans. This Sunday, before the match against Santos, the stadium's scoreboard congratulated the red-and-blacks for their presence.
"The red-and-black nation, the 2007 Brazilian Championship champion," read the scoreboard. In this match against Santos, Mengão sold 81.844 tickets, an all-time record for the competition.
Before the match began, the fans showed their excitement and chanted that they are "the biggest fan base in Brazil." In this Brazilian Championship, Flamengo's average attendance is over 38 paying spectators per game.
Throw
Flamengo beats Santos and moves up to third
Rubro-Negro repeats its homework and gets closer to the Libertadores
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
With another decisive goal from Souza, Flamengo defeated Santos 1-0 this Sunday, taking third place in the Brasileirão with 58 points and getting very close to the 2008 Libertadores. Expecting to see their "third yellow card excused" (Flamengo was punished with the loss of home field advantage for the game against Atlético Paranaense), the Nação Rubro-Negra broke another attendance record - 81.844 paying fans / 87.716 in attendance. Santos is still in second place, with 59 points.
The first half saw Flamengo dominate the field but pose little threat to Santos' goal. The best chances for the red-and-blacks came from Cristian's shots from outside the box. The first, in the 16th minute, the ball grazed goalkeeper Fabio Costa's left post. In the other half, the red-and-black midfielder took a free kick from the edge of the box, but the wall deflected it.
In addition to Cristian's shots, Renato Augusto was another who had a good chance ten minutes into the game, when he received an excellent pass from Leonardo Moura, but was unable to score, firing a bomb that was saved by Fábio Costa.
For Santos, another standout was a defensive midfielder: Rodrigo Souto. The former Vasco player appeared three times to threaten Bruno. In the first attempt, in the ninth minute, Souto cut inside Fabio Luciano but shot to Bruno's right. On other occasions, Toró blocked with precision, and Bruno saved a left-footed cross shot, securing at least a draw in the first half.
Three minutes into the second half, a strong play by Juan, Souza, and Renato Augusto nearly resulted in an own goal for Santos. Santos' second chance came ten minutes in, when Cristian took a dangerous free kick, but Fábio Costa made a good save. It's worth noting that Maldonado, who already had a yellow card, pulled Ibson back but didn't receive a second yellow card.
However, the first scare for the red-and-blacks was the only exciting moment of the second half until the 25th minute, as the game then became tense in midfield. In the 27th minute, Toró—once heavily booed and a highly contested signing—was replaced by Roger in the standing ovation for his grit and numerous tackles.
The fatal blow for Flamengo came in the 30th minute, when Juan crossed and Obina headed the ball into the middle of the box. Subsequently, the giant Fabio Luciano set up Souza, Flamengo's top scorer in the 2007 finals, ahead of Fábio Costa. The Flamengo number 9, with a powerful effort, didn't hesitate and opened the scoring. To complete the celebration, three minutes after the goal, Bruno made a spectacular save from Pedrinho's shot.
After the decisive goal, Flamengo opted for a smart game, passing the ball around and closing down the midfield. But Bruno still had time to make a spectacular save from Rodrigo Tabata's shot. Everything is going well for Flamengo in this Brasileirão.
Joel praises: 'Luxembourg is a 5-star coach'
The coach was evasive regarding a possible move by the Santos player to Flamengo.
In light of reports that Vanderlei Luxemburgo had received an approach from Flamengo, coach Joel Santana sought to avoid controversy regarding a possible move by the Santos coach to the Gávea club, highlighting the good relationship he has with Kleber Leite, vice-president of the Rubro-Negro, in addition to Luxa's potential.
"Vanderlei is a top-notch professional, a five-star coach. This is my fourth time working at Flamengo, and, coincidentally or not, with Kleber Leite. He's a supportive manager, trusts what I do, and respects what I've been doing," he revealed.
The Clipboard Man attributed his football experience as the main factor in ensuring that speculation did not interfere with this Sunday's game, which Fla won 1-0.
"I never let myself get carried away by that. I've been involved in so many decisions and I always try to prepare myself. I can't lose focus," he said.
Angelim: 'Discomfort against Timão was scary'
Defender admits he didn't know if he would play against Santos
The discomfort he felt in the game against Corinthians a week ago scared defender Ronaldo Angelim, who participated in Flamengo's 1-0 victory over Santos this Sunday, in the 36th round of the C