The Globe
A test for Renato Augusto to regain his status as Flamengo's darling
The star feels the weight of criticism from fans, but says he won't shy away from the challenge.
Photo caption: RENATO AUGUSTO, behind coach Joel Santana, plays a key game at Maracanã to test his prestige
Márcio Tavares
The weight of the red-and-black jersey grows more difficult to bear every day. Roger, 29, was left out, was benched, and left the team as the scapegoat for the defeat to Inter. And today, the responsibility of leading a defensive Flamengo, with the appearance of a small team, in the match against second-place Cruzeiro (45 points) at 20:30 pm at Maracanã, falls to Renato Augusto, who, at 19, until very recently was the darling of a nation. Now, however, the star is facing the heavy hand of a demanding and anxious fan base, who dream of seeing the team, currently in 16th place with 29 points, stay out of the relegation zone.
"Nobody remembers that I'm only 19, that I'd been out for a long time, and after only two training sessions, I got into the game, and since then I haven't had time to recover or get back into shape properly. It's normal; they just want me to play well. I just wanted to play my role, my real position," Renato Augusto defends himself calmly, faced with a serious situation.
Star says boos distance him from the club
If Roger, with all his experience (and also indolence), wasn't able to help overcome Flamengo's identity crisis, Renato Augusto knows that, despite his quality, it hasn't been easy to face the negative reaction of the fans, who boo him every time he plays. He candidly discusses a situation he didn't expect to face.
"When I moved up to the professional team, I knew it would be complicated because of Flamengo's size. Today, I don't even know what I think when I face this situation. If this had happened before, I don't know if I could handle this pressure. I think it's bad because the boos and rejection distance us. I was run over at the World Cup, suffered intense stress, returned injured, and lost fitness. Ideally, I would stop, but I'm not going to ask for that," he says.
Despite the pressure, Renato Augusto doesn't hide. He shows his face because he knows he's partly to blame for Flamengo's poor performance in this Brazilian Championship, a consequence of a series of mistakes at every level. He's certain of one thing: his downfall isn't due to off-field factors:
"I'm calm, in a steady relationship with a homely girl, and I've been staying home. When I lived in Tijuca, I went out a lot more. Now that I've moved to Barra da Tijuca, I've been staying home more."
Today, Renato Augusto's challenge is no different. He'll try to rebuild a team that takes the field with the tendency its fans detest: playing to avoid losing.
Roni: safe haven in Belo Horizonte
Free from the pressure experienced in Gávea, the striker fights for the title at Cruzeiro
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
Judging by his fate in the first five months of 2007, Roni could still be fighting for a place in Flamengo's lineup today, hearing protests from the stands and, worst of all, living with the turbulent atmosphere of the relegation battle. However, the lack of space at Gávea earned him a much more pleasant situation. Cleared to sign with Cruzeiro, he started 14 of the team's 15 games until his injury and now has the chance to dream of the Brazilian title.
At 20:30 p.m. at the Maracanã stadium, against his former club, Roni will start for the first time after returning from injury. A victory over Flamengo will bring second-place Cruzeiro closer to São Paulo. The gap could be reduced to six points.
For Roni, the poor run he experienced in Rio opened doors. Today, he's Cruzeiro's second-highest scorer in the Brazilian Championship, with seven goals. For Flamengo, he scored three.
"At Cruzeiro, I live a different reality. The goals came quickly, and the fans supported me," says Roni, assuring he didn't have any relationship problems at Gávea, not even with former coach Ney Franco. "I didn't have any problems with him. But sometimes he'd put a midfielder up front. When I played, the fans would chant "Obina," who wasn't even fit to play. All of this took away my confidence."
Wagner returns and Marcelo Moreno does not play
Roni had already experienced good times in the campaign that took Atlético-MG to Série A in 2006. Now, he has found his safe haven in Minas Gerais.
"Here, I feel more important to the fans and the coaching staff. I believe in the Brazilian title. Every team goes through a bad patch. Only São Paulo hasn't had one yet. Cruzeiro has to win to put pressure on them."
Roni believes that the key to Cruzeiro winning today is the psychological aspect.
"Flamengo's players can't afford to make mistakes. The pressure from the fans is beyond normal," he says, before analyzing his former club's current form. "Given the quality of the team, I'm surprised by Flamengo's situation. The group was assembled to win the Libertadores; it was strong. When we lost, the frustration was immense, and the team didn't react."
Today, Cruzeiro will be without striker Marcelo Moreno, who is playing for the Bolivian national team. In compensation, midfielder Wagner returns to the team.
Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Romulo (Obina), Jailton, Cristian and Toro; Renato Augusto and Souza. Cruzeiro: Fabio, Jonathan, Emerson, Thiago Heleno and Fernandinho; Ramires, Charles, Maicosuel and Wagner; Alecsandro and Roni. Referee: Sergio da Silva Carvalho (DF).
BROADCAST: Premiere and Rádio Globo
After the best World Cup in history, Beijing is the leap forward for Brazil
Diego and Jade disembark at their peak, but Oleg says Daiane is over
Photo caption: DIEGO KISSES the gold medal and Jade does the same with the bronze medal
Alessandro Lucchetti
SÃO PAULO. The president of the Brazilian Gymnastics Confederation (CBG), Vicélia Florenzano, concluded the press conference given by the Brazilian team with a grandiloquent statement.
- Brazil is part of the very select group of gymnastics giants - he announced.
The delegation arrived in Guarulhos yesterday from Stuttgart. There, Brazil enjoyed its best World Championship campaign. Diego Hypólito's gold medal in vault and Jade Barbosa's bronze in the individual all-around placed the country fifth in the medals table, ahead of established powerhouses in the sport, such as Russia, Romania, and Japan.
The World Championships were a qualifying event for the Olympics. The Brazilian women's team's fifth-place finish qualified six gymnasts for Beijing. The men's 17th-place finish was enough for Brazil to send only one representative. The CBG has the prerogative to choose the name, and it will be Diego Hypólito of Flamengo.
Daiane's struggle to overcome pain and disbelief
Brazil has never won a medal at the Olympic Games. And Diego, clearly considered a strong contender on the floor exercise, avoids taking on greater responsibilities.
"I've already realized my dream. I wanted an Olympic spot. Now, let the Olympics come. Nothing will be more important now than training," says the world champion, whose workload is seven hours a day.
Third best in the world in the individual all-around, Jade Barbosa from Rio de Janeiro, who turned 16 in July, deals with the responsibility of being the main name in women's gymnastics in Brazil.
"Taking responsibility is a very powerful thing. There's a whole generation working to achieve these good results," says the Flamengo athlete, who cried during the interview.
While Jade carries hopes of a medal among women at the Beijing Games, Daiane dos Santos doesn't even know if she'll get there.
"She has problems with her knee, foot, and ankle. For her, it's over. I even have doubts about whether she'll make it to the Olympics," said Oleg, who also sees no future for Laís Souza, who has bone edema in her right foot. "Daiane and Laís will never compete at a high level again."
Despite the disbelief, Daiane is still working to be physically fit and surprise:
- They also didn't believe I would recover in 2006 and I ended up champion of the World Cup grand final.\ () From Diário de S. Paulo\
Fernando Calazans
Kleber Leite corrects one of the statements made here yesterday. Delighted with Roger's behavior at Gávea, Kleber recalls that several clubs were interested in signing the player, and it was he, Roger, who preferred Flamengo. These were Cruzeiro, Atlético-MG, Santos, Grêmio, Internacional, and Cruz Azul, from Mexico.
It's strange that, with so many clubs on his trail, Roger suffered a prolonged period of ostracism at Corinthians, but there's no doubt that Kleber's information is correct, as he was the one who participated in the negotiations.
What's truly shocking is another piece of information. Kleber writes: "Contrary to what many people imagine" (and Kleber has no idea how many people imagine), "this player has led a completely domesticated life, living in Recreio dos Bandeirantes with his partner, where their daily routine has been, lately, home-work, work-home."
As for my teammate, I can't say anything. As for Roger, I personally would appreciate it if, for the good of the Flamengo team, he were more at work. By work, I mean the field, where a soccer player plies his trade.
At least there, on the playing field, Roger hasn't been seen much.
He should be at home more.
By the way, Kleber says that one of the problems that plagued him has been overcome: players are back wanting to play for Flamengo. The most recent was defender Fábio Luciano, who, according to Kleber, had been wanted by nearly a dozen clubs, opted for Gávea. Also on that note, I can't resist repeating the phrase a famous media man coined in my presence: "Romário is the man. Roger is the Caras."
Ah, fame...
O Dia
Flamengo: A night of contrasts at Maracanã
Flamengo, trying to escape the specter of relegation, hosts second-placed Cruzeiro
Rio - Flamengo is going through its own personal hell: they lost Maxi and Ibson to injuries, and Roger was sidelined due to a physical disability. Cruzeiro is all blue: the team is second in the league and boasts the most efficient attack in the league, scoring 57 goals.
For both teams, a victory today at 20:30 PM at Maracanã carries different weight. Flamengo would move away from the danger zone, while the Minas Gerais team would close the gap on leaders São Paulo.
Without Ibson and Maxi, the coach has only one question regarding his starting lineup. The midfield should consist of Rômulo, Cristian, Jaílton, and Toró. Renato Augusto could partner Souza in attack. The other option is to drop Rômulo and start Obina up front.
Even with three defensive midfielders on the team, Joel Santana doesn't support opting for a defensive system. "The problem isn't the three-man lineup, but rather how the team will perform. São Paulo uses three, is leading the league, and has only conceded seven goals. Here at Flamengo, everything is a storm. We either go with a lineup and improve our marking, or we play as equals," he warns.
At Maracanã, Flamengo hasn't lost to the Minas Gerais team in almost seven years: three wins and three draws. It's on the strength of their fans and the hope that the team can repeat its strong home performances that the red-and-black coach is banking on the beginning of a comeback.
"I have to be sensitive to avoid mistakes. Cruzeiro is a well-organized team, and we need to be very careful. But what really counts in our favor is the nearly 60 fans who come to the stadium to support us. I hope to count on that support once again," the coach says.
Wearing sunglasses, Joel made no attempt to hide his continued anger over the many problems. He complained about Maxi and Ibson's injuries, lamented the suspensions (Souza missed seven games), and lamented Renato Augusto and Roger's poor coaching form.
"I haven't had much time to train or even to work on the team's mental health, which is shaken. But I can't just swallow this situation. I feel the same way as the fans. When I stop reading the newspaper from top to bottom, I'll take off my glasses," he said. The red-and-black fans hope that, from now on, the coach will only read good news about the team.
DEFENSE
Angered by the repercussions of Roger's dismissal, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, came to the player's defense, saying he was being treated like a bum. Furthermore, he announced that he will try to keep him at Gávea for another four years. In December, he will have to pay Corinthians $500 if he wants to keep the player. "Roger is neither a drunk nor irresponsible."
Souza expects to receive more balls today
In recent games, striker Souza's performance stood out for his constant movement. He also delivered accurate passes and provided solid assists to his teammates. That's why he complained so much when, in a good position, he wasn't receiving the ball.
Repeating the old mantra that "a striker lives for goals," Souza hopes that in today's game, his teammates will change their behavior. "They know I need to score goals. When I see someone well-positioned, I pass the ball and expect them to do the same for me. I do complain. But we're talking to fix this," explained the striker.
Souza also hopes that the full-backs will drop deeper to support the attack. For the striker, who has only scored two goals in the championship, the team needs to show more desire on the field. "Given Flamengo's greatness, we shouldn't go through this. It's time to go out there with full commitment. We're talking to correct mistakes and overcome obstacles," said the player.
Having failed to score in five games, Souza doesn't want to worry about choosing a partner in attack. The important thing for him is to stay on the team. "Anyone who comes in will want to show their worth and do a good job. Playing alongside Obina or Renato Augusto doesn't make a difference to me," he assures.
Goalkeeper Bruno, who came through Cruzeiro's youth ranks, urged his players to be more careful to 'avoid silly goals,' especially when facing the tournament's best attack. "We're adjusting things up front to avoid these mistakes. We have to win and get out of this unfortunate situation."
Ibson won't play against Vasco on Sunday
However, Maxi Biancucchi has a good chance of playing in the classic.
Rio - According to Radio Brasil, midfielder Ibson has already been ruled out of the derby against Vasco da Gama next Sunday at Maracanã. This past Monday, the player reappeared in Gávea on crutches and with his ankle in poor condition. He is now undergoing daily treatment at the club's headquarters.
After the injury suffered in Rio Grande do Sul, Flamengo's medical department already knew that the athlete would be unable to participate in Wednesday's match against Cruzeiro at Maracanã. However, hopes were high that Ibson would recover for Sunday's big derby.
On the other hand, Argentine Maxi Biancucchi has a good chance of returning to the team against the Cruzmaltino rival. A muscle examination performed by Flamengo's medical department showed that the Argentine's thigh problem is practically resolved.
Flamengo wants to renew with Roger for another five years
Rio - Supporter Roger left Fluminense, Benfica, Portugal, and Corinthians through the back door. However, despite his poor performance with Flamengo in this Brazilian Championship, the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, delivered a fiery speech defending his player. Sidelined by coach Joel Santana to regain fitness, the director stated that he intends to renew Roger's contract and keep him for another five years.
Corinthians, which owns the player's transfer rights, will have to receive US$500 (50% of the transfer rights) in December of this year for Roger to renew his contract with Rubro-Negro.
"We're working to have Roger for next season. We want to count on him for four or five years. How many players didn't perform at first here at Flamengo and then went on to excel? We have complete confidence in Roger's class and willpower. He goes from home to work and from work to home, and he's married to a fantastic girl," he said in an interview with Rádio Tupi, referring to Deborah Secco, Roger's girlfriend.
Sports Journal
Kléber Leite defends Roger
File/JS
Roger is prestigious in Gávea
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, defended Roger against the criticism he has received from the press. The midfielder was suspended by coach Joel Santana to undergo a period of physical reconditioning.
"The impression one gets from the news is that he's a bum, a reckless drunk. This image needs to stop being portrayed. It's not true, because Roger is a responsible person who rarely goes out. He just needs to work on his muscles," argued Kleber Leite.
Since arriving at Flamengo in July, the player has only played eight matches, has not scored a goal and has missed four games due to suspensions and injuries.
To escape the haunting
Victory is essential to ensure that Gávea doesn't become the House of Scares in the coming days.
Thiago Bokel and Nathan de Lima
Nina Lima
Souza and Renato Augusto need to help Flamengo escape the terror of relegation to Serie B of the Brazilian Championship. Cruzeiro has been a regular customer for seven years.
Flamengo's battle to eradicate the specter of relegation begins today at 20:30 PM at the Maracanã, where they will face Cruzeiro, currently second in the Brazilian Championship. The match is another one postponed at the beginning of the championship due to the Pan American Games. To overcome this difficult opponent, Flamengo will have to overcome some obstacles.
The first is the team's inconsistency. Since taking over, coach Joel Santana has failed to repeat his starting lineup in two consecutive games. The longtime starter has rarely been seen off the bench. The numbers go further and reveal other interesting points.
Of the 11 matches played so far under Joel's leadership, only two players have participated in all of them: Bruno and Ibson, who is ruled out of today's game due to a sprained right ankle. The defense has shown some consistency, as the starter, captain Fábio Luciano, has played the least, appearing eight times.
In midfield, Rômulo and Cristian have played nine games with Joel, while Toró and Jaílton, who will complete the midfield tonight, have played four and three games respectively, starting only once. The biggest problem, however, lies in attack.
Souza, who is confirmed to be a regular, has only played four matches under Joel. The other center forward in the squad, Obina, has played the most games, with nine, but only three as a starter. The striker, in fact, is the coach's only doubt for the match against Cruzeiro. He hasn't yet decided between Rômulo and the fans' favorite. If he chooses the latter, Renato Augusto, who played seven times under Joel, would be moved to midfield.
If things aren't going well, the opponent couldn't be more advisable. Cruzeiro hasn't beaten Flamengo in Rio for seven years or six matches, five of which were in the Brazilian Championship and one in the 2003 Copa do Brasil final.
Obina could get a chance at Fla
Obina has a chance to play against Cruzeiro, but Rômulo has confidence in Joel
As has become customary, coach Joel Santana, once again on the eve of a match, decided to cast doubt on the team's lineup. After training since the beginning of the week and anticipating that the midfield would consist of Rõmulo, Jaílton, Cristian, and Toró, the coach appears dissatisfied with the team's performance and has announced that he may include Obina in attack, replacing Rômulo.
The uncertainty stemmed from the starters' 1-0 loss to the reserves, scored by Kayke, in yesterday's training session at Gávea. Immediately after the only goal of the training session, Joel sent Obina up front and moved Renato Augusto back to midfield. The coach explained the difference between the two systems.
"The starting team is more defensive, while the other is more offensive. I haven't decided which formation I'll use yet, but I guarantee Flamengo will go for the win. Cruzeiro is a fast opponent with two very skilled forwards, so I need to be cautious," Joel explained, almost hinting at his choice of the defensive midfielder.
The red-and-black manager once again emphasized that the team needs to know how to play when away from Rio. When at home, one factor is considered a differentiator:
"Here we have 40, 50 fans supporting us, making it very difficult to defeat us. They understand the difficulties we face and end up supporting the team. I can't stand opening the newspaper and looking at the reversed standings, but we'll soon get out of this bad patch, with the fans on our side."
Fla hasn't lost to Cruzeiro in Rio since 2000
If Flamengo's record against Cruzeiro is anything to go by, the Rio fans are likely to turn out in force at Maracanã this Wednesday. The team's last loss to Cruzeiro in Rio de Janeiro was in 2000, a match for the João Havelange Cup. Since then, Flamengo has drawn three times and won three times.
In terms of overall head-to-head record, the Gávea team also has the advantage. In 63 matches, the Rio de Janeiro team has lost 22, compared to Cruzeiro's 20, with 21 draws.
Joel is unlucky against his opponent
The one who hasn't had much luck against Cruzeiro is coach Joel Santana, currently managing Flamengo. In his three matches against the Minas Gerais team, Flamengo won one and drew twice.
'They're treating Roger like a drunk'
Even though he's been away to work on his physical condition, midfielder Roger still enjoys considerable prestige with the board. Vice-president of football Kleber Leite attended training yesterday in Gávea to defend his athlete and, to the surprise of many, made a shocking statement.
"Roger only leaves home to train. They're treating him like a bum, a drunk. We didn't sign an irresponsible guy. He hasn't played for four months, so he's not in ideal physical condition. The board is working very hard to keep the player next year; in fact, the intention is to keep him with us for another five years," revealed the club's director.
Kleber is completely confident that Roger will soon regain his form and bring much joy to the fans.
He also said he admired the player's willpower, who, according to the manager, never shied away from responsibility, despite criticism.
Marcelinho flirting with Gávea
The captain of the national team, the player, has an offer from Flamengo, but has not yet decided.
Rafael Oliveira
Disclosure/CBB
Marcelinho is one of the main players of the National Team and is out of contract with the club he defended last season, in Lithuania
Looking to bring in a top player who would promote Flamengo, the club made an offer in July to sign the captain of the Men's Basketball Team, Marcelinho Machado. After weeks of negotiations, the player has yet to respond, and the hiring process has already turned into a soap opera.
According to Gávea's director of amateur sports, Patrícia Amorim, Flamengo presented a proposal to the player's agent. Although it doesn't even represent 50% of what Marcelinho earned when he played in Lithuania, the amount offered is well above the realities of Brazilian basketball.
However, as the offer has not received any response so far, the club's directors are already beginning to show disbelief that the transaction will be successful.
"Flamengo extended an invitation to Marcelinho during the Pan American Games, but since we haven't heard back yet, we don't even believe we'll be able to bring him in. We can't offer more than that, so our chances are slim," said the club's Basketball Director, Arnaldo Szpirro.
Family present
Although they can't afford what Marcelinho earns in Europe, the club's advantage is that it's the home of point guard Duda and fitness coach Ricardo Machado, the Brazilian national team player's brothers. If he accepts the offer, Marcelinho will play with his family.
The player is still without a club. His contract with the Lithuanian team where he played last season ended last semester. In addition to Flamengo's offer, he received a contract renewal proposal from his former club and offers from other European teams. He has until next week to decide his future.
In addition to Marcelinho, the national team's point guard Valtinho was approached. But this invitation also received no response.
Diego returns to Rio de Janeiro with the medal on his chest
Rafael Oliveira
Ursula Nery
Diego proudly displays his medal at the feet of Christ the Redeemer
Diego Hypólito is no stranger to traveling. But yesterday, upon landing at Galeão Airport on Governador Island, returning home never felt so special. Two years ago, he returned from Australia with the world championship title, but this time he brought not only the gold medal but also a spot in the Beijing Olympics.
"This title was truly different. I was much more excited about the victory. While last time I was speechless, this year I celebrated immensely. I even cried at the airport," said the athlete, who arrived with his Brazilian and Flamengo teammates, coach Renato Araújo, and gymnast Victor Rosa.
Despite all his career achievements, such as gold at the Pan American Games and the World Cup in Australia, this will be Diego's first appearance at the Olympic Games.
"I'm going to train hard. My goal is to reach the final. If I'm calm and well trained, who knows, maybe I'll get a good placement."
The gymnast still has a few commitments this year. In a month, he'll compete in another World Cup event, and in November, he's expected to participate in a test event in Beijing for the Olympics. Even with several other commitments, Diego can already consider 2007 the best year of his career.
"This is undoubtedly my best year. Not just because of the title but also because of the overall apparatus. I trained twice as hard to perform well in the individual all-around," he celebrated.
A superstitious Diego\ One of the secrets to the athlete's success lies in superstition. He often performs certain rituals when competing. It was no different for the World Championships.\
"I thought about not following any superstitions, but I couldn't help it. I stepped on the line one more time before entering the floor. I also cut my hair two weeks beforehand so it would be the same length as when I won my first World Championship."
Sports Gazette
Bronze medal surprises Jade\ Marta Teixeira\
São Paulo (SP) - Bronze medalist in the individual all-around at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Stuttgart, Rio de Janeiro native Jade Barbosa admitted she was surprised by her result. At 16, she was competing in the competition for the first time and finished behind only American Shawn Johnson and Romanian Steliana Nistor. "I couldn't believe it," the gymnast confessed upon landing in Guarulhos (SP) this Tuesday, before the team headed to Curitiba (PR) to resume training. "I trained a lot and Irina (Ilyaschenko, the team's assistant coach) talked to me a lot, but I never believed it," she said, interrupting the memory with tears. "From what I can see, I'm very happy."
Jade took a while to understand what was happening after the last day of competition in Germany. "At the time, I didn't even cry, I was so speechless. I couldn't believe it; Daiane (dos Santos) was the one who told me. I was stunned."
In the individual final, the Brazilian finished the first rotation leading the score among the 24 competitors and held the position until the penultimate apparatus (vault, uneven bars, and balance beam), but put her hand on the floor exercise. The error was considered a fall by the judging criteria and cost the gymnast important points, who was joined by Daiane and Irina in the final.
Outside of the medal race, the gymnast from Rio Grande do Sul played an important role in her friend's presentation. "There wasn't much to go through. The only thing I had to say was: do what you train, there's nothing to change." Her contribution may have been modest, but it made a difference, Jade assures. "That was very important; it's just one word, but for me it makes a big difference."
Responsible for the women's team's best performance in the tournament, the Rio native confesses that the first round of competition, when the other gymnasts on the team were also participating, was easier. "You compete as a team, and the others are there, but in the final, the other seven (finalists) are very strong, and any mistake really matters."
Considered a promising member of the new Brazilian generation, Jade is reluctant to take on a leading role. "It's not just me who's improving, there are the younger girls, and this is a team as a whole. I can't say that."
In Stuttgart, Jade was the only female national representative to qualify for the finals. In addition to the individual all-around, she competed for medals on vault and balance beam. Pan American champion on vault, she finished fifth at the World Championships. On balance beam, she placed seventh.
His performance in the team competition was crucial in securing Brazil's fifth-place finish overall—the country's best performance in the tournament's history—ensuring a full team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. "I'm very happy for the whole team because we qualified," he adds, relying on his experience to help him make fewer and fewer mistakes. "The mistakes I made happen to everyone. I'll fix that with more training and more competition."
Fla and Cruzeiro play in pursuit of different dreams\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Chasing leaders São Paulo, Cruzeiro will end a one-match deficit against the leaders this Wednesday and gain an idea of the gap they will need to close in the next 13 matches of the Brazilian Championship. The team visits Flamengo at 20:30 pm (Brasília time) at Maracanã, in a match postponed from the 16th round due to the Maracanã's use in the Pan American Games. While Raposa is fighting to close the nine-point lead over the first-place team, Flamengo is looking to leave the relegation zone for good. Currently, the team sits in 16th place with 29 points, only surpassing Atlético-PR by having received fewer red cards in the Brazilian Championship.
To seek a comeback, Flamengo coach Joel Santana is banking on home advantage to secure the three points. He noted that Maracanã has been an ally of the team in the competition and asked for the fans' support to help the Rubro-Negro defeat one of the strongest teams in the Brasileirão.
"Flamengo thrives on playing at home. We're going after a win against Cruzeiro, because we can't imagine any other result. We always use the argument that we have games in hand, and only by winning will we confirm that," said the manager, trying to forget the 3-0 loss to Internacional.
The Flamengo coach believes it's possible to beat Cruzeiro, despite the opponent's strong run in the Brazilian Championship. Joel Santana believes the opponent is also worried about the match. "Every team that comes to play at Maracanã against Flamengo is worried because they know they'll face a strong opponent. We have to impose ourselves as always," he added.
Flamengo will have three key absences for this match. Midfielder Roger has been sidelined to improve his fitness. Midfielder Ibson, with a right ankle injury, and Argentine forward Maxi Biancucchi, who has not yet recovered from a right thigh injury, will also be sidelined. Therefore, the team will play with Jaílton and Toró in midfield.
For Cruzeiro, coach Dorival Júnior will make four changes to the lineup that defeated Grêmio 2-0 last round. Defender Émerson and full-back Jonathan return after serving suspensions, replacing Léo Fortunado and Mariano, respectively.
Rested against Grêmio, midfielder Wágner will take Luís Alberto's place in creating attacking plays. Roni will replace Marcelo Moreno, a striker called up to the Bolivian national team. Regarding Wednesday's match, Dorival believes his team will face a very tough opponent and reveals that he would prefer to face Flamengo in a different situation.
"Honestly, I'd rather face Flamengo without the risk of relegation. Their team will play much more aggressively, knowing that if they win, they'll gain more than just three points, but also morale. However, we can't choose our opponents or the dates we face them. A team that dreams of winning the title needs to know how to impose itself no matter what," Dorival assured.
PeléNet
Kleber says Roger is not a drunk and wants to keep the midfielder at Fla
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Angered by the backlash over midfielder Roger's exclusion, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, came to the player's defense. On Tuesday, in Gávea, the director met with the press to vent his anger.
Roger hasn't yet made it to Flamengo's shirt, but he remains prestigious.
"In life, facts are worth nothing; what counts is the version of the facts. And the version that has been reported has been deeply displeasing to me. The feeling is that this is about a drunk, living in the gutter, fallen," Kleber raged.
The manager's irritation stems from the "flip-flop" label Roger is being given. "He's a responsible, above-average person. I wish all the players had the same orderly life as him. He has a girlfriend [actress Débora Secco] who's a good girl; they rarely leave the house. But they create the wrong image. This needs to stop," Kleber continued.
Last Monday, coach Joel Santana announced that Roger will be off the bench for next Wednesday's match against Cruzeiro, at Maracanã, for the Brazilian Championship, to recover his best physical form.
However, Roger trained for only 15 minutes and then left Gávea, complaining of a headache. "Scientifically, it was concluded that he needs to do some muscle strength work, and that's what's being done," said the vice president of football.
The director also hinted that Flamengo will renew Roger's contract. The player is on loan from Corinthians until December of this year, but the red-and-black club has until November to express interest in purchasing 50% of the player's economic rights for US$500 and signing a four-year contract.
Fla and Cruzeiro 'make up for lost time' in pursuit of their goals in the Brazilian Championship
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Separated by 16 points and 13 teams in the Brazilian Championship standings, Flamengo and Cruzeiro face each other this Wednesday at Maracanã at 20:30 pm. Although the teams have completely different goals within the competition, the postponed match from the 16th round is equally decisive for the success of both teams in their respective objectives.
Sixteenth placed, Flamengo is only not in the relegation zone because it has one less red card than Atlético-PR (17th), a team with which it is tied in number of points (29), wins (seven), goal difference (-2) and goals scored (35).
Therefore, victory in this match - which is one of the two fewer games that the Rio de Janeiro team still has in relation to most of its opponents - is crucial for Flamengo's objective of moving away from the group of the last four placed teams that will be relegated to Série B at the end.
"We have to win this game no matter what," warned coach Joel Santana. "Soon, Flamengo will have played the same number of games as the others," continued the red-and-black coach.
On the other hand, Cruzeiro is second with 45 points. If they win their only game in hand, they'll close the gap on leaders São Paulo from nine to six points and gain a boost in the fight for the 2007 Brazilian title.
"It's a very important game. We can't think differently at any point, focusing on the whole thing, so we can get a great result," commented coach Dorival Júnior, who will be out of Cruzeiro's bench for the fifth game, as he is suspended.
the teams
At Flamengo, coach Joel Santana decided to drop midfielder Roger. Dissatisfied with the player's performance against Inter last Saturday, the coach left him off the bench, even because, according to the manager, he needs to regain his best physical condition.
This way, Toró earned the midfield spot. However, he will be practically alone in creating plays, as he will be joined by three defensive midfielders.
One of them is Jaílton, who will replace Ibson (the more attacking midfielder), who was ruled out by the medical department due to a sprained right ankle suffered during the match against Inter. The others are Cristian, who returns from suspension—in place of Léo Medeiros—and Rômulo, who remains in the team. Argentine forward Maxi Biancucchi remains out of the lineup, having re-injured his left thigh.
At Cruzeiro, Dorival Júnior confirmed striker Roni, who had a lackluster stint at Flamengo, in place of Bolivian Marcelo Moreno, who has scored six goals in his last six matches. The player will not face the red-and-black team because he is playing for his country's national team in a friendly against Peru on the same day.
The Celeste coach also confirmed that right-back Jonathan, defender Emerson (who served a suspension in the last round), and midfielder Wagner—rested due to physical fatigue—will return to the team. They will replace Mariano, Léo Fortunato, and Luís Alberto, respectively.
BalloonSport
Fla tries to stop the Raposa attack
Rubro-Negro sets up a midfield block to contain Roni and Alecsandro's momentum
Souza hopes to end his goal drought in this Wednesday's match at Maracanã
The match between Flamengo and Cruzeiro this Wednesday at 20:30 p.m. at Maracanã has plenty of ingredients for Flamengo and Cruzeiro fans to go to the stadium or watch the match on TV in Rio de Janeiro. On the Rio de Janeiro side, coach Joel Santana has lined up his team with three defensive midfielders, ready to shut down the rival's attack. For the Minas Gerais team, a victory means staying close to São Paulo in the fight for the Brazilian Championship title.
Flamengo is in 16th place with 29 points. Cruzeiro is in second place with 45. The match will also feature the best attack in the Brazilian Championship, the Raposa, with 58 goals, against one of the worst defenses in the tournament, the Rubro-Negro, with 37 goals conceded. Follow the match in Real Time with exclusive videos on GLOBOESPORTE.COM and live on Premiere.
Joel arms his bolt
For the red-and-black team, coach Joel Santana has been working over the past two days to establish a midfield barrier and shut down Cruzeiro. Without Roger, who is sidelined to regain fitness (watch the video below), and Ibson, who suffered a blow to his right ankle in the 3-0 loss to Internacional last Saturday, the coach opted to field three defensive midfielders (Rômulo, Jaílton, and Cristian).
Joel still tried to mislead the team after Tuesday's training session, replacing Obina with Rômulo. However, he hinted that he would use a similar lineup to the one in the derby against Botafogo, when he fielded Rômulo, Cristian, Ibson, and Toró. In that match, the Red-Blacks had a chance to score in the first half, but missed numerous scoring opportunities.
"We have to fight our own difficulties. We have to earn points for Flamengo to get out of this situation. Only here in Rio de Janeiro does a storm in a teacup happen because a coach plays three defensive midfielders. Internacional and Cruzeiro play like that and no one says anything," says Joel Santana.
In the stands, the red-and-black fans will be bolstered by Maxi Biancucchi, who is injured, and Hugo Colace, who is unfit to play. The Argentines promise to encourage their teammates in their fight for a victory.
"These fans are wonderful. I've already seen two matches and I was thrilled," Colace admits.
Roni, ex-Fla, is Raposa's goal-scoring man
In the fight to close the gap on leaders São Paulo, which now has a nine-point lead, second-place Cruzeiro needs to improve its performance in its last two away games. On August 29, it drew 2-2 with Paraná at Vila Capanema, and last Wednesday, it lost 1-0 to Juventude at Alfredo Jaconi. In its only match at Maracanã this year, on May 12, in the first round of the Brasileirão, Raposa drew 2-2 with Fluminense.
Coach Dorival Júnior made no secret of his starting lineup to face Flamengo, confirming the return of right-back Jonathan, defender Emerson, and midfielder Wagner to the Celeste squad. Mariano, Leo Fortunato, and Luís Alberto are out, respectively. Roni takes over for Marcelo Moreno, who was called up to represent Bolivia.
With Roni's return, Alecsandro is once again more fixed in the box, acting as a sort of center forward.
"Roni is faster and likes to move out of the box a little more, he doesn't have Marcelo's center-forward characteristics. Now, I should stay closer to the box, letting Roni move out a little more," the Raposa striker told the official website.
Roger's reputation as a 'slipper' bothers him
In an exclusive interview with GLOBOESPORTE.COM, the midfielder agrees with being banned from Fla
Marcio Iannacca
Roger trains hard at Flamengo to improve his fitness. One day after being dropped from Flamengo's starting lineup by coach Joel Santana, midfielder Roger spoke exclusively with GLOBOESPORTE.COM. The player, who left Gávea accompanied by his mother, admitted that he's not going through a good phase, agreed with the coach's decision to drop him, and said he was upset by the insinuations that he's a "flip-flop." To a group of fans who promised unconditional support in the stands, he promised: "I'll bounce back with my strength. You can wait."
GLOBOESPORTE.COM: Why aren't you performing at your best at Flamengo? The injury really hurt me here at Flamengo. I'd been out for four months at Corinthians and arrived at Flamengo to start a new job. I did all the preparation, and just as I was starting to play well, the injury came. My best match was against Juventude, and soon after I had the problem. On my return, against Sport, the time out hurt me again. The suspensions also got in the way. I ended up returning to my starting lineup.
And did you accept the coaching staff's decision to take you off the team? It was good to take this break. I'm feeling pretty calm. I'll work hard physically to get back to training with the group this weekend. When you have a muscle injury, that's a mystery. There's also the psychological aspect. I would control the ball and get worried when it was time to take off. That's why I wasn't performing and seemed unconcerned about the game.
Are you back from the injury? Yes, I'm back. I'm not feeling anything anymore. Now I just need to work on my physical condition to return to the team in the next rounds.
Does it bother you to be labeled a "slipper" by the press? Of course it does, but I don't read much. My friends or my mother tell me what's in the press. I know what they'll say about me. I'm the guy who demands the most, and I know I can turn things around.
Do you think the pressure is being applied incorrectly because you're Roger? It was the same at Corinthians. I'm getting used to this kind of thing. There's no point in saying anything. I need to work to get back on the team. If it were another player, there wouldn't be all this pressure, but it's me.
Kléber Leite comes to Roger's defense
Rubro-Negro director says they are trying to turn the midfielder into a bum
Marcio Iannacca
Roger trains to improve his fitness
Removed by coach Joel Santana from the Flamengo playing group to improve his physical condition, Roger gained a powerful ally within Gávea: the vice president of football, Kleber Leite, came to his defense and complained about the excessive criticism.
"Roger lives from training to home. He's been working hard, but he's not in good shape physically. They're making him look like a bum, a drunk. It seems like we hired an irresponsible guy."
Kléber remembers that Roger was unable to play for a long time, when he was defending Corinthians, where he was left aside by coach Paulo César Carpegiani.
- His problem is that in the recent past he was out of action for four months.
The manager confirmed that Roger is fighting to get in shape and play this weekend, in another classic for the Brasileirão.
- From what I've been told, Roger will be much better by the end of this week and will face Vasco on Sunday.
Renato Augusto worries Joel
The midfielder's poor performances have led the coach to consider a solution to recover the athlete.
Marcio Iannacca
Boos from the crowd have shaken Renato Augusto, whose performance has dropped
Coach Joel Santana is concerned about midfielder Renato Augusto's inconsistent performances. The player is far from the form he enjoyed in the first half of the year, when he helped Flamengo win the Campeonato Carioca. The red-and-black coach believes he needs to be patient with this rising star.
"In Renato Augusto's case, we're trying to figure out what's going on with him. We're losing key players at a crucial moment in the competition. The title, relegation, and spots in South American competitions are all being decided now," says Joel.
Last week, coach Ronaldo Torres admitted that Renato Augusto needed to take a break because he was very tired. According to the professional, the player is not in top physical shape, and this has been hampering his performance on the field.
Renato Augusto relies on the support of Joel Santana, who sidelined midfielder Roger on Monday. The coach's plan is to give his key players time to regain fitness as the games progress.
"Roger's case can't be treated like a soap opera. We'll find a solution for each player. Now it's Roger's turn, tomorrow it could be someone else's," explains Joel.
In Rio, Fla does well against Cruzeiro
In the last match, the red-blacks won 1-0 with a goal from midfielder Renato
Flamengo fans have a good reason to head to Maracanã this Wednesday. The team faces Cruzeiro at 20:30 p.m. in a postponed match from the 16th round of the Brazilian Championship. The performance against the Minas Gerais team is encouraging: the Red-Blacks haven't lost to their opponents as hosts since 2000.
On that occasion, Flamengo lost 2-1 in the João Havelange Cup. Reinaldo scored the goal for the Rio de Janeiro team. Since then, nothing has changed. They've played six more games, winning three and drawing three. In the last meeting, last year, Flamengo won 1-0, with a goal by Renato.
The most impressive result occurred in 2004, in the Brazilian Championship. Flamengo won 6-2, in the last round, at Raulino de Oliveira, in Volta Redonda. The goals were scored by: Andre Bahia (2), Ibson, Whelliton, Athirson and Felipe.
Check out Flamengo's unbeaten home games against Cruzeiro:
2006: Flamengo 1x0 Cruzeiro (Brazilian) Maracanã
2005: Flamengo 1x1 Cruzeiro ((Brazilian) Maracanã
2004: Flamengo 6x2 Cruzeiro (Brazilian) Raulino de Oliveira (Volta Redonda/RJ)
2003: Flamengo 1x1 Cruzeiro (Brazilian Cup) Maracanã
2003: Flamengo 3x0 Cruzeiro (Brazilian) Maracanã
2002: Flamengo 1 x 1 Cruzeiro (Brazilian) Maracanã
Cruzeiro's attack worries Bruno
The red-black goalkeeper knows he will have his work cut out for him in this Wednesday's clash at Maracanã
Bruno, dejected, goes to the field to train
Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno will have a tough task in Wednesday's match against Cruzeiro at the Maracanã. He'll face the best attack in the Brazilian Championship, with 56 goals, and will have the responsibility of holding them back as much as possible to help the Red-Blacks secure a victory and move away from the relegation zone.
- It's the best attack in the Brazilian league and we have to be careful - says the goalkeeper.
Bruno complained about the goals the team has been conceding.
"We're conceding too many silly goals. This can't happen. It's deplorable," complains Bruno, who has conceded 36 of Flamengo's 37 goals in the Brazilian Championship.
Fasting leaves Souza uncomfortable
The striker hopes to soon end his goal drought in the red and black shirt.
Souza tries a play during training
In Flamengo's last game, a 3-0 loss to Internacional, Souza constantly complained about his teammates, especially when he wasn't receiving the ball. Having gone five games without scoring, the striker confessed that he's upset about his goal drought and, as a result, has been complaining a lot during games.
"People are saying I'm fine, but strikers thrive on goals, and that bothers them. And when I get upset, I really complain. Sometimes I'm alone and they don't touch the ball. I always try to pass it when someone else is better positioned."
Souza's last goal was in the 4-0 rout of Juventude on August 23. The striker, top scorer in the 2006 Brazilian Championship with 17 goals, has scored just two this year.
Fla wants Roger for another five years
Kléber Leite reveals that the midfielder, who is in a bad phase, has the full support of the red-black board.
Marcio Iannacca
Roger has the support of the red-black board
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, surprised everyone in Gávea this Tuesday, revealing that the club intends to renew midfielder Roger's contract for up to five years. This is noteworthy, as the player was recently sidelined by coach Joel Santana to train and improve his fitness, sparking rumors of a potential crisis for the club.
Kléber explained that in November, Fla has to express interest in renewing Roger's contract and in December pay US$500 (50% of the transfer fee) to Corinthians, holder of the midfielder's federative rights.
- We're working to have Roger for next season. We want to have him for four or five years.
When asked about Roger's poor form, the club's director looked to the past to explain his confidence in the player's improvement.
"How many players didn't perform at first here at Flamengo and then went on to excel? We have complete confidence in Roger's skill and determination."
Throw
Kléber Leite defends Roger at Flamengo
Manager shows list of clubs that wanted to hire the supporter
To keep Roger, Fla will have to pay almost R$1 million (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)
LANCEPRESS!
Flamango's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, defended Roger on Tuesday and criticized the media for the way they've treated the midfielder. According to the director, Roger didn't go to Gávea to play just now, but to stay at the club for four or five years, and he just needs to get back into top physical shape.
"They're creating the impression that Roger is a drunk, a bum, and irresponsible. When, in reality, he doesn't leave the house. He lives with his girlfriend, who also works full time. His only problem is physical. He hasn't been playing recently," he stated.
Kléber also complained that Flamengo was being criticized for its charity by signing Roger. He also said that before the player joined the club, many people wanted him:
- Atlético-MG, Cruzeiro, Cruz Azul (Mexico), Internacional, Grêmio and Luxembrugo (Vanderlei, Santos coach) wanted him - said the director, who read the club's names from an email he printed and took out of his pocket at the time of the interview.
To keep Roger permanently, Flamengo has to show interest in him in November and pay $500 (currently R$960) in December to keep 50% of his economic rights.
Flamengo Juniors prepare for new tournament
Team will defend Octávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament title
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo's youth team, three-time state champion and third in the U-19 Club World Cup in Malaysia, is preparing for another competition: the Octávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament (OPG), won by the club in 2006.
Led by coach Adílio, a club idol and one of the key players of the victorious generation of the 70s and early 80s, the group that will face this new challenge is renewed.
- We will have a different team, already formed by players born in 1988 and 1989. Several of the athletes we worked with until August were promoted to the professional category - said Adílio, citing striker Kaike and defender Thiago Sales.
Flamengo's debut will be on September 29th, and the opponent has not yet been determined. The qualifying phase of the competition began on September 1st, with 32 teams with lower investment.
Flamengo's lineup will depend on Cruzeiro's
Joel Santana only has one doubt in the team and will wait for the opponent's lineup to be defined\ LANCEPRESS!\
Joel Santana has only one question mark for Flamengo's match this Wednesday against Cruzeiro at Maracanã. Rômulo and Obina are battling for the last spot on the team. But the coach will wait for Cruzeiro's team to be determined before naming his starting lineup.
"It's going to be a tough game, and to get a good result, we have to play well. The team is 99% ready. We just need to decide on a position, which will depend on how Cruzeiro plays," he stated.
If Joel opts for Rômulo, the attacking duo will be Renato Augusto and Souza. Regarding Renato Augusto's preference for midfield, the coach defended the midfielder's position as a forward:
"He's versatile. He can come from behind and easily float up front," he said.
Flamengo tries to hold off Cruzeiro's attack
Joel's team hosts Raposa, which has the best attack in the Brazilian league
Coaches Joel Satana and Dorival Júnior face each other at Maracanã (Credit: Archive)
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo will face no shortage of challenges as they defeat Cruzeiro this Wednesday at 20:30 p.m. at Maracanã Stadium, in a postponed match from the 16th round of the Brazilian Championship. After all, the Minas Gerais team is second in the competition with 45 points and has the best attack, with 56 goals. Flamengo, in 16th place with 29, has two key absences, but is confident of a strong record at Maracanã to move away from the relegation zone.
On Monday, coach Joel Santana began taking the necessary measures to change the team and leave the passivity of the 3-XNUMX defeat to Internacional last Saturday behind.
To achieve this, the Flamengo manager sidelined midfielder Roger due to his physical condition and tested a more defensive midfield. Joel formed the sector with four defensive midfielders: Rômulo, Jaílton, Cristian, and Toró, and liked what he saw in the collective performance.
"Something has to be done when there are defeats. With this formation, there was security in defense and quality up front. We'll see if it works in the game against the second-place team," said the coach, who will be without midfielder Ibson, who suffered a foot injury to his right ankle, and forward Maxi Biancucchi, who has a right thigh problem.
Midfielder Rômulo knows it will be a tough game and that the team will have to work hard to secure a victory at Maracanã. In the last seven games at the World's Biggest Stadium, they have won five (2-1 over Náutico, 1-4 over Fluminense, 0-3 over Juventude, 1-4 over Goiás, and 1-1 over Figueirense) and drawn two (1-XNUMX with Botafogo and Sport).
"We have some absences. But the Brazilian Championship is a big league and still has many tough matches. So we have to win no matter what. Joel is an excellent coach and complains that something is missing. That's what we have to bring to the field tomorrow (Wednesday). Besides outperforming Cruzeiro technically, we have to outperform them in terms of willpower," he said.
Already at the top of the standings, Cruzeiro's pursuit of leader São Paulo depends on a match against the red-and-black team. This match is crucial for the club's title ambitions. If Cruzeiro still wants to compete in the Brazilian Championship, they need to win this match and reduce their lead over São Paulo, which currently stands at nine points, to six.
Besides closing São Paulo's gap, the match has an added spice. A victory will give Raposa even more momentum for next Sunday's super derby against Atlético-MG.
For the match, coach Dorival Júnior will have three key players back: defender Émerson, right-back Jonathan, and one of the team's standouts, midfielder Wagner. Émerson and Jonathan return after serving suspensions against Grêmio. Wagner returns after being sidelined due to lower back pain.
Cruzeiro's only absence is Marcelo Moreno. The Bolivian striker, who scored both goals in Cruzeiro's last match against Grêmio, will serve the Bolivian national team in the friendly against Peru this Wednesday. Without Moreno, former Flamengo player Roni returns. The player will pair with Alecsandro and will face Flamengo for the first time since his brief stint with the Rio de Janeiro club.