THE GLOBE
Dress rehearsal without applause
Test for the Libertadores, Fla's performance in the 2-0 victory over Mesquita irritates Joel
Photo caption: SOUZA CELEBRATES his goal, Flamengo's first, while goalkeeper Diogo gets up after being beaten by a low shot
Coach Joel Santana was hoping to draw conclusions to build the team that will play the decisive match against Nacional on Wednesday in the Libertadores. He started Luizinho at right-back, replacing Leonardo Moura, and three forwards. However, yesterday's victory over Mesquita at Maracanã didn't convince the coach, who has apparently given up on the 4-3-3 formation.
"With a trial like this, I'm screwed. I can't evaluate anything. I tested players and expected more. Since I arrived, I think it was the worst game. They expected an attacking team. I put three forwards in, and we didn't score many goals, we created a lot. None of that happened. It seems like the way I set up the team before was the right one," said Joel, irritated by the team's complacency.
Striker Souza admitted that the team had problems.
"It's difficult to play with three forwards; we don't practice this system much," said Souza, who had a heated argument with Ibson in the second half, an incident that required Juan's intervention. "This is normal in the game; we can't help but push each other. I wanted the ball, and he shot it at goal."
The fight angered Joel:
- I'll talk to them. But I think it's regrettable.
Captain Fábio Luciano also lamented the fact:
- These are players who have already had problems. We always say the group is united, and sometimes it doesn't show.
Renato Augusto has a chance at the end
Luizinho, a likely replacement for Leonardo Moura, who is suspended in the Copa Libertadores, was frequently called upon. But Joel didn't seem thrilled with his performance.
"He didn't do badly in the first half. He may have gotten tired in the second. I'll think about whether to bring in Luizinho or improvise. The game was so boring that I briefly brought Cristian on as a winger. I wanted to see more of him."
Another area tested was the pressing approach, as Flamengo needed to beat the Uruguayans, preferably by a good margin. The idea was to have intense movement from the three forwards, especially with Maxi and Diego Tardelli on the wings. And it was a stolen ball by Diego Tardelli in the 13th minute that led to the goal. He passed to Luizinho, who crossed low for Souza to make it 1-0. But Flamengo's rhythm soon dropped. In the 26th minute, Luizinho crossed high and Souza headed weakly, which goalkeeper Diogo Silva saved. On Juan's first run down, the full-back exchanged passes with Kleberson and shot wide. In the 43rd minute, Diogo Silva saved a header from Ronaldo Angelim.
Early in the second half, in a play very similar to Souza's goal, Maxi passed to Luizinho to cross back, but this time, Tardelli's shot went just wide of the post. In the 10th minute, Juan crossed, and Vágner Eugênio, with a diving header, scored an own goal. With the game settled, although disturbed by his team's inactivity, coach Joel Santana continued his plan to allay fears and restore the rhythm of Renato Augusto, who underwent facial surgery two months ago. Shortly after coming on for Maxi, the midfielder fired a shot from outside the box, which Diogo made a great save.
Renato Augusto created other chances. The first time, he missed the goal after a rebound from Ibson's shot. In the end, he made a good individual play until he was dispossessed. On Wednesday, in the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo will not only create chances, but will also have to score goals to defeat Nacional, from Uruguay.
Yellow cards: Ronaldo Angelim and Leo.
FLAMENGO
BRUNO: No work, he did well in replacing the ball. 6.
LUIZINHO: A potential replacement for Leonardo Moura, suspended in the Libertadores, he was used frequently and didn't disappoint. He crossed for the first goal and most of the dangerous plays. 6,5. He gave way to GAVILÁN, who came on late and couldn't do much. No rating.
FÁBIO LUCIANO: Not very demanding, he tried to go on the attack. 5.
RONALDO ANGELIM: He was more dangerous and almost scored a header. 5,5.
JUAN: More quality than quantity in support. He crossed for the second goal. 6.
CRISTIAN: He was a correct third defender. 5.
KLEBERSON: No accuracy in passes and shots. 4,5.
IBSON: Shy, he didn't show up for the game for long and even argued harshly with Souza in a calm game. 4.
MAXI: He fought, tried to mark the ball out, but was not inspired. 5,5. He gave way to RENATO AUGUSTO, who created some good chances. 5,5.
SOUZA: He did what's expected of a center forward: scored a goal. The bad part was the argument with Ibson. 6,5.
DIEGO TARDELLI: He started the play for the first goal, but didn't finish much. 6. He was replaced by OBINA, who did little. No rating.
JOEL SANTANA: The team performed poorly in the Libertadores test. 5.
MOSQUE
In a modest team, the standout was goalkeeper Diogo Silva.
ARBITRATION
Referee André Ramos was misled by assistant referee Antônio Marcos Lemos, who harmed Flamengo by pointing out a series of non-existent offsides.
Fla is already planning to have to decide at altitude
After threatening to stop playing in cities above 2.750 meters above sea level, Flamengo is already executing a plan to play in Cuzco against Cienciano on April 9th. In the Peruvian city, at an altitude of 3.400 meters, the team will likely need to earn at least one point. Without time to repeat the 2007 hypobaric chamber adaptation process, the players have been receiving chelated iron and vitamin C tablets for the past 15 days.
The so-called chemical supplement is administered daily during training and aims to increase the number of red blood cells, improving oxygen transport throughout the body. They will receive the supplements for 45 days. Additionally, the hotel where the club has reservations will provide oxygen in all players' rooms.
"The club purchased a device that measures hemoglobin oxygen saturation. Anyone with low saturation will be placed in a mask," explained doctor Serafim Borges. "We performed anaerobic threshold tests on the players and intensified this type of training."
Ancelmo Gois
Green and pink Zico
There is a connection to make Zico, our beloved star who supports Beija-Flor, Mangueira's theme song in 2009.
GOOD PEOPLE
Flamengo fans, a Supreme Court justice, a fashion consultant, a bricklayer, famous actors... There were all kinds of people in the grand ballroom of the Copacabana Palace—that chic anteroom of the Golden Room—last night. They contributed to changing the country throughout 2007 and, for that, took home the "Make a Difference" award, created five years ago by O GLOBO to honor those who, in one way or another, have made all of us Brazilians proud.
"She really makes a difference, doesn't she, Dad?" commented Isabel Fillardis. "She's hard to swallow, isn't she? Seriously!" "She," to whom Isabel referred, was the Flamengo fan club, which took home the award in the Sports category.
The one honored on stage was Suely de Carvalho, daughter of Jaime de Carvalho, the founder of Charanga Rubro-Negra. She spoke beautifully, receiving a number 12 jersey from president Márcio Braga—with the tag attached and all—but, oh, what a cruel blunder: she didn't even thank the Flamengo fans who had come to the World Cup in their uniforms to honor her, and instead, in the Golden Room, led the chorus of "you are a team of tradition / race, love and passion / oh my mengo...", which Elba Ramalho sang along with, completely moved.
Flamengo fan Marcelo Nuba, meanwhile, wore angel wings and sunglasses. He's that crazy guy who always appears on television calling for peace. Marcelo wants to "enter the market" and told a friend about his plans to launch a doll in his image. "It's the Little Angel of Peace doll. I think it'll sell... Don't you think?" And his friend said, "I do, I do..."
SPORTS JOURNAL
Game character: Luizinho
In a game without much appeal for Flamengo's players, as they were already guaranteed a spot in the Campeonato Carioca final, one player in particular had a golden opportunity to show his worth. And he didn't disappoint.
With Leonardo Moura's expulsion against Nacional last week, coach Joel Santana is testing alternatives to replace him next Wednesday, against the same Nacional, in the Libertadores.
Because he plays the same position, Luizinho got a head start on the competition and didn't seem worried about the responsibility of replacing the worthy starter. Uninhibited, the player, originally from Ipatinga, didn't shy away from pushing forward and was actively involved in Souza's first goal. He received a pass from Diego Tardelli and had the sensitivity to find his teammate open inside the box to score.
This wasn't the only time Luizinho showed his worth. Even in marking, which isn't his strong point, the full-back contributed, so much so that Mesquita barely threatened on his own side.
Given such disinterest from Flamengo, Joel Santana can at least be content that he managed to find a replacement for Léo Moura. (TB)
Fla beats Mesquita aiming for the Libertadores
Livia Andrade landrade@jsports.com.br
Nina Lima/JS
Souza scored his fourth goal in the competition
Flamengo easily defeated Mesquita 2-0, heading into their next Copa Libertadores match against Nacional on the 19th of this month. Playing in the third round of the Taça Rio at Maracanã, Flamengo, despite the victory, didn't perform like a champion. Renato Augusto stood out, playing with determination in his second match back from injury and narrowly missing a goal.
The first half began with Flamengo's attacking trio easily reaching Mesquita's box. Souza, Diego Tardelli, and Maxi continued to trouble goalkeeper Diogo Silva.
After stealing the ball in midfield in the 13th minute, Tardelli passed to Luisinho on the byline, who crossed to Souza in the six-yard box, and the striker shot to open the scoring.
Coach Joel Santana's team, despite having the lead, continued to attack the opponent's box freely, while Mesquita's team remained within halfway. The referee even wrongly disallowed dangerous plays by the Red-Blacks.
At 37, Diogo Silva made a miraculous save, stopping Tardelli's goal attempt with his fingertips.
The first half was marked by total dominance from Fla, coach Mario Marques' team played on the counter-attack and attacked little.
Mengão returned to the field with the same determination they demonstrated during the first half. Ten minutes in, Juan went to the baseline, crossed into the six-yard box, and before Souza could reach the ball, Mesquita defender Vagner Eugênio scored with a diving own goal. 2-0.
Renato Augusto wastes
In the 24th minute, Ibson took off at full speed and fired a shot from the edge of the box, but the number 1 saved. Renato Augusto's cross-shot from the rebound grazed Diogo Silva's right post.
The visitors decided to step up and created some good opportunities close to the final whistle. However, none of them posed any real threat to Flamengo.
At 38, Renato Augusto once again missed a chance. The player dribbled past three opponents with a beautiful backheel and nearly scored a stunning goal. Diogo Silva, who made several saves, blocked the shot.
Not even Joel Santana can handle it!
For the coach, Flamengo played its worst game since he took over in 2007
Diego Marrul, Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
Nina Lima/JS
Souza and Diego Tardelli celebrate Flamengo's second goal, scored by the defender
"If today was a rehearsal for the game against Nacional, I'm screwed. It was the worst game this team has played under my command."
With these words, coach Joel Santana defined Flamengo's performance in yesterday's match against Mesquita, at Maracanã.
Even though they were winning 2-0, the coach was highly critical of the players' behavior. He felt his players should have taken the match more seriously.
"We made a lot of mistakes with our passes, we were sleepy and scattered on the field. With all due respect to the Mesquita team, we can't afford to let them down to beat them right here at the Maracanã," he said.
Joel was so irritated with his players' performance that he ended up criticizing even the fans and critics.
"I'm playing in a way that I think is right. We've changed the players, but we haven't changed the formation. As soon as I started playing three forwards, everyone started asking for a flurry of goals."
Regarding Sunday's match against Botafogo, he didn't want to say whether he would actually field a reserve team, or whether he would try new experiments, still thinking about the game against Nacional, next Wednesday.
"I have time to work and I'm still not sure what I'm going to do. Luizinho, for example, had a good first half, but his performance dropped off in the second. I don't know if I'll go with him to face Nacional, or if I'll improvise with Cristian, who is a great player who knows how to mark and support well," Joel added.
Defender and team captain Fábio Luciano seems to be following his coach's line of thinking. He believes the victory wasn't worthy of Flamengo.
"I don't know if we'll play like that, because of the pressure we're already under. We're thinking about the National Championship and we know we have to win," said Fábio Luciano. (NL)
Obina renews for another two years
Flamengo fans had another reason to celebrate yesterday. Their idol, Obina, even as a reserve, renewed his contract until the end of 2010. His previous one was due to expire in December. However, according to vice president of football Kleber Leite, who confirmed the deal, negotiations had been dragging on since late 2007. He also reiterated that the US$5 million (R$8,8 million) termination fee was maintained, as well as the salary of approximately R$80 per month.
Obina arrived at Flamengo in mid-2005 and, after a rocky start, began his honeymoon with the club and its fans by scoring the winning goal against Paraná in Curitiba, saving the club from relegation. Since then, he has scored 36 goals in 117 appearances.
Sponsor
Marketing Vice President Ricardo Hinrichsen announced yesterday that the final issues preventing the signing of the sponsorship contract with Petrobras should be resolved by tomorrow:
"All that's missing is the signature, as the amounts were agreed upon in February," explained the director.
The renewal of the contract—a 24-year partnership—was agreed upon early last month. The new agreement will be valid for one year, until December. (TB)
THE DAY
Fla beats Mesquita 2-0 in training mode
Genilson Junior
Rio - Flamengo defeated Mesquita 2-0 on Wednesday night in the first leg of a doubleheader at the Maracanã stadium. Souza scored the goals in the 13th minute of the first half and an own goal from Mesquita defender Vagner. With the victory, Flamengo maintains its 100% record in the Taça Rio, with nine points in Group A. Mesquita remains at the bottom of Group B, with just one point earned in the Taça Rio.
The Red-Blacks started the game pressing. Their first clear chance was missed six minutes into the match, in a rebound in Mesquita's box.
Thirteen minutes into the game, the red-and-blacks scored their first goal. Tardelli advanced down the right flank and passed to Luizinho, who crossed low. Souza, with a first-time shot, found the back of the net. Mesquita only threatened in the first half through Márcio Orelha. In the 13th and 15th minutes, the striker missed two good chances to equalize.
Flamengo was in control of the match and seemed to be genuinely training for the decisive match against Nacional next Wednesday. In the 35th minute, it was Juan's turn to shoot over the bar after a good Flamengo attack. The Gávea team was still being hampered by the assistant coach. He ruled offside on at least two occasions in favor of Flamengo.
After the break, Flamengo continued to play at a practice pace. The second goal came after a mistake by defender Vagner. Juan took the ball to the byline and crossed into the six-yard box. Souza would have reached the ball, but the Mesquita defender got there first and, with a diving header, slotted it into the net, a veritable own goal.
Renato Augusto entered the field in the 10th minute and again performed well. A minute after his introduction, he took a chance from outside the box, threatening goalkeeper Diogo Silva. In the 24th minute, Ibson burst from midfield in a brilliant play and shot toward goal. Diogo saved. Renato Augusto fired a low shot from the rebound, out of bounds.
Fifteen minutes later, the match's most beautiful play came. Renato Augusto dribbled past three players with a flick of the ball and burst into the box. Diogo came out to block the shot from the number 10.
At 41, the number 10 again. This time he attempted a shot from outside the box, but Diogo managed to put it out for a corner. In the next round, Flamengo faces Botafogo at 18:10 PM at Maracanã. Mesquita faces Macaé away from home.
Team warns that Botafogo will be a tough rival
Rio - Coach Joel Santana predicted the game would be tough, and he was right. While he tested the team with the tough match against Nacional on Wednesday in mind, Obina and goalkeeper Bruno noted that Flamengo's next Taça Rio match, against Botafogo on Sunday, will also be very difficult.
Bruno, who highly praised goalkeeper Diogo Silva, who he believes was responsible for the red-blacks' narrow victory, asked everyone to just think about the next State Championship match.
"We have to think about Botafogo first. It's going to be a great game, but I have faith in our team," commented the goalkeeper.
Striker Obina, who renewed his contract with the club until 2010, thinks the players lacked a little more dedication in yesterday's game.
"We have to give more of ourselves on the field to make victory easier. The game was very difficult," said the red-and-black striker.
Obina emphasized that the team needs to take it game by game: "We have to take it one step at a time. First, we have to think about Botafogo. Then, we'll talk about Nacional."
SPORTS GAZETTE
Even with victory, Ibson and Souza fight and Joel criticizes Flamengo
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The performance in the victory over modest Mesquita seems to have displeased the players and coach Joel Santana. So much so that Ibson and Souza repeated a scene seen in the match against Duque de Caxias and argued in the final minutes of the second half, while the manager spared no expense, calling the match the worst "since he arrived at Flamengo." The argument, however, was smoothed over by the two after the match. "It was nothing," Ibson summarized as he quickly left the field. Souza went further, explaining the reason for the disagreement, which almost escalated into physical violence. "He's demanding things from me, and I'm demanding things from him. It's normal in the game," declared the number 9 while still on the field.
Joel Santana went further and was highly critical of the team's performance, despite the comfortable 2-0 victory. "In my opinion, it was the worst match we've played since I arrived at Flamengo. We played poorly, disinterested. My teams aren't like that. Honestly, I didn't like it," the coach concluded.
Against Mesquita, Fla wins another in the Rio Cup\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Playing at training pace, Flamengo had no major difficulties in overcoming the weak Mesquita team 2-0 on Wednesday night at the Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro, in the third round of the Taça Rio, second round of the Campeonato Carioca.\ Souza and Vágner Eugênio, against, scored the goals that helped Flamengo maintain their 100% record with nine points, in the classification zone of group A. The team from Baixada Fluminense, which remains with one point in group B, remains threatened with relegation.\
The scheme with three attackers - Maxi Biancucchi, Souza and Diego Tardelli - tested by Joel Santana served to greatly trouble Mesquita's defense, but that is too little to judge that it worked, given the opponent's fragility.
So much so that, even without forcing, Flamengo opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Luisinho was released down the right wing, crossed low, and Souza, who was racing forward, struck powerfully to beat goalkeeper Diogo Silva.
Unfazed by Mesquita, Flamengo kept the ball moving, waiting for the right moment to break through the Baixada Fluminense team's defensive block. They nearly extended their lead in the 26th minute, when Diego Tardelli crossed, Souza headed in, and Diogo Silva saved.
Flamengo's attack, when it wanted to, penetrated Mesquita's defense with ease. This was evident in the 34th minute, when Juan played a one-two with Ibson unchallenged. From the edge of the box, the full-back fired a shot over the goal. Three minutes later, Diego Tardelli received the ball unmarked and shot, which the goalkeeper saved well. Mesquita's number 1 would save his team again in the 42nd minute, with a shot from Cristian outside the box.
In the first minute of the second half, Mesquita threatened. Leandro Netto advanced through the opposing defense and shot over the goal. However, Flamengo responded four minutes later, with even more danger. Maxi cut in and crossed, Souza shot, and the ball grazed the left post.
It didn't take long for Flamengo to extend their lead in the tenth minute. After a ball into Mesquita's box, the defense stopped calling an offside call. Juan picked up the rebound on the left and crossed, Vágner Eugênio tried to cut it out and, pathetically, headed it into the back of the net, scoring an own goal.
After that, Flamengo decided to slow down the pace and Mesquita even attempted some attacks, like in the 20th minute, when Léo crossed from the right and Leandro Netto, in the small area, missed the finish.
Even without putting in the effort, Flamengo created opportunities to extend their lead. In the 24th minute, Ibson cut through the defense and shot. The goalkeeper rebounded, but Renato Auguston couldn't capitalize and shot wide.
Renato Augusto narrowly avoided scoring a stunning goal in the 39th minute. With a single dribble, he knocked three opponents out of the play, but he pushed the ball too far forward, allowing the goalkeeper to recover. After that, the red-and-blacks held onto their lead until the final whistle.
The two teams will play again next Sunday. Mesquita will visit Macaé at 15 p.m. (Brasília time). Later, at 18:10 p.m., Flamengo will face Botafogo at Maracanã.
PELENET
Calmly, Flamengo defeats Mesquita and remains firm in the Rio Cup
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
FLAMENGO WINS WITH EASE
Flamengo effortlessly defeated Mesquita 2-0 this Wednesday at the Maracanã stadium in the third round of the Taça Rio, the second round of the State Championship. Souza and Vágner (own goal) scored the goals.
With the victory, Flamengo reached nine points in Group A and remains firmly in contention for a spot in the second round semifinals. Meanwhile, Mesquita, which has just one point in Group B and seven points in total, continues its fight against relegation.
In the next round, Flamengo will play the derby against Botafogo this Sunday at 18:10 PM at Maracanã Stadium. On the same day, Mesquita will face Macaé away at 15 PM.
With three attackers and clearly thinking about Nacional-URU, the game on the 19th, at Maracanã, for the Copa Libertadores da América, Flamengo had no problem dominating Mesquita's fragile team.
Just 13 minutes in, after a pass from Luizinho, Souza slotted the ball into the back of the net. Without any offensive force, Mesquita saw goalkeeper Diogo save the team and prevent an even heavier first-half deficit.
"We're playing well and maintaining control of the match. This is better, as we need to run less," said defender and captain Fábio Luciano.
Flamengo came out of the second half feeling sluggish. They had a chance early on, but then stalled. Mesquita, for their part, "grew" in the match, but did nothing to scare Bruno.
To avoid any problems, Flamengo scored the second goal. The Red-Blacks didn't even have to try very hard, as the goal was scored by Mesquita defender Vágner.
From then on, with the three points more than assured, Flamengo completely relaxed and stopped playing. Trying to revive the team, coach Joel Santana, in the 29th minute, took off Diego Tardelli and brought on Obina, a favorite of the Flamengo fans. Earlier, Renato Augusto had already replaced Maxi Biancucchi.
In the end, Gavilán came on for Luizinho. Renato Augusto had two more chances to extend the lead, but the score remained unchanged.
Obina will renew his contract with Flamengo until 2010
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo's board confirmed Obina's contract renewal. The striker extended his contract with the Gávea club until 2010, following a meeting between his agent, Eduardo Uram, and the Flamengo leadership.
Obina reaches an agreement with the board and agrees to remain at the Rio de Janeiro club
Despite having extended his contract, which was valid until the end of this year, Obina will continue to receive the same amounts as his previous contract.
The striker's release clause for international transfers remains at US$5 million.
A favorite among Flamengo fans, Obina will not start the Flamengo team's match against Mesquita this Wednesday at 19:30 p.m. at the Maracanã stadium, in the third round of the Taça Rio, the second round of the State Championship. He will be on the bench.
Revealed in the youth ranks of Vitória-BA, Manuel de Brito Filho, known as Obina, arrived at Flamengo in 2005. The striker has already played 117 games for the club and scored 36 goals.
Ibson and Souza argue, but the striker downplays the problem
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
In Flamengo's comfortable 2-0 victory over Mesquita this Wednesday at the Maracanã in the Taça Rio, the second round of the State Championship, Souza and Ibson argued after a play. During the play, the striker complained about the midfielder, who was displeased and had to be restrained by his teammates.
SEE THE GOALS OF FLA'S VICTORY
"It was a normal discussion during the game. I demanded it from him and he did the same to me," said Souza, who scored the first goal for the red-black team (the other was scored by Vágner, against).
Ibson, however, when approached by reporters as he left the field, declined to comment on the matter, simply highlighting Flamengo's triumph. "Thanks for the win, and we're still going strong in the Rio Cup," he said.
With the victory, Flamengo reached nine points in Group A. On Sunday, the team faces Botafogo in the fourth round of the Taça Rio. Flamengo is expected to field its reserves, thus resting its starters for the match against Nacional-URU on the 19th in the Copa Libertadores da América.
"It was Flamengo's worst game under my command," says Joel
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Despite the 2-0 victory over Mesquita, this Wednesday, at Maracanã, for the Taça Rio, second round of the State Championship, coach Joel Santana was not at all satisfied with the team's performance.
SEE THE GOALS OF FLA'S VICTORY
"I warned them it would be a difficult match. But instead of playing, they preferred to complain about the refereeing. We also had a lot of positioning problems," he grumbled.
Even though he had repeated throughout the week that the team would forget about the match against Nacional on March 19th in the Libertadores, the red-and-black manager admitted that the focus wasn't on the state championship. "I don't know, maybe they were thinking about the Uruguayan team," he pointed out.
The coach commented on the argument between Ibson and Souza, when the midfielder missed a play and the center forward complained. Juan and Renato Augusto had to separate them to avoid physical violence. "It was a silly argument. But I'll still talk to them," he warned.
With the result, the Rubro-Negro reached nine points and is the sole leader of Group A, following Fluminense's 2-2 draw with Resende. The Gávea team's next challenge is on Sunday against Botafogo at Maracanã, when Joel Santana is expected to field a reserve team.
Renato Augusto sees the classic as preparation for the Libertadores
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Having recovered from a facial fracture that kept him out of action for about two months, Renato Augusto is returning to the Flamengo lineup as usual. In the 2-0 victory over Mesquita this Wednesday at Maracanã in the Taça Rio, the second round of the State Championship, the midfielder played much of the second half.
SEE THE GOALS OF FLA'S VICTORY
Already thinking about the match on the 19th, against Nacional-URU, at Maracanã, for the Copa Libertadores da América, Renato Augusto sees this Sunday's classic, against Botafogo, as a "test" to be available to coach Joel Santana.
"I hope to play this weekend. That way, I'll get back into the swing of things for the match against Nacional-URU," said the Flamengo midfielder, who wasted at least two chances against Mesquita.
Obina, who replaced Diego Tardelli, can't wait to face the Uruguayan opponent. However, the striker urges Flamengo to consider the Alvinegro first.
"We have an important match next Wednesday, but we need to face Botafogo first. It's a classic and we can't let our guard down. We want to win too," he said.
GLOBOESPORTE
In training rhythm, Fla beats Mesquita
In the rehearsal for the match against Nacional, the team doesn't play well, but maintains 100%
Eduardo Peixoto
Mistakes are allowed in rehearsals. Flamengo used this strategy well in Wednesday's match against Mesquita, and despite making many mistakes, they won 2-0 at Maracanã. The match was a preliminary round for the clash between Fluminense and Resende. Coach Joel Santana used the match, a third-round match of the Taça Rio, as a test for the Libertadores clash against Nacional on the 19th.
Check out the highlights of Flamengo's 2-0 victory over Mesquita at Maracanã! The three-forward system—Tardelli, Maxi, and Souza—didn't work properly. Amid the opponent's sluggishness and weakness, even the few fans at Maracanã for the preview became irritated at times. Not to mention Joel, who was outraged by the players' behavior.
"Today (Wednesday) isn't the day to talk much. Let's go home and think things through. If it were a rehearsal like this, I'd be screwed. I tried out a few players and expected more from them," Joel declares.
Although far from exciting, Flamengo remains comfortable in Group A, with nine points from three games and well on its way to reaching the semifinals. With Flu's draw, the team leads the group alone.
However, regarding the Libertadores, where it faces a delicate situation, the Rio de Janeiro team once again demonstrated that it needs to improve its mental health. Ibson and Souza argued in the second half and nearly came to blows. Both coach Joel Santana and captain Fábio Luciano condemned the incident. The coach even referred to it as "stupid behavior."
Before the match against Nacional, Flamengo still has a derby against Botafogo. But in Gávea, nobody cares. This will be a good test for the red-and-black reserves.
With the loss, Mesquita remains with just one point in Group B and is threatened with relegation. Adding up the rounds, the two teams with the lowest points advance to Série B.
Calm down
Flamengo took the field with three forwards, avoiding tackles and clearly saving themselves for the game that really matters, next Wednesday against Nacional. It was enough to suffocate Mesquita from the start. In the same play, five minutes in, all three Flamengo forwards participated but failed to score. After Tardelli and Souza tried, Maxi was the last to shoot, hitting a Mesquita defender.
Playing at training pace, the two-time Taça Guanabara champions opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Luizinho, replacing the suspended Leo Moura, stepped to the baseline and sent a low cross for Souza to finish. In celebration, he skipped the crying and dancing and chose to pay tribute to the red-and-black Ronaldo with his index finger raised.
The match was really meant to be a practice match. Therefore, the number of misplaced passes from midfield, Luizinho's reverse throw, and Diego Tardelli's lopsided shot are forgivable. On the other side of the seesaw, Souza's determination impressed.
But Mesquita's fragility also impressed. In the 36th minute, Juan rolled the ball, Diego Tardelli came in unmarked, and goalkeeper Diogo Silva saved it with his arm. The second goal didn't come in the 41st minute because the Baixada goalkeeper stretched and saved Cristian's shot. Angelim headed the ball from a corner kick, and Diogo Silva was again on hand to save.
Maxi fights for the ball in the game against Mesquita
Own goal
Four minutes into the second half, Maxi played the ball between an opponent's legs and rolled it to Tardelli, who shot wide. The fans began to grow irritated by the club's sluggishness. In the ninth minute, Luizinho crossed, but Souza got tangled up and missed the chance.
While Flamengo's attackers were getting into trouble, Mesquita defender Vagner Eugênio stepped up to the plate. After a cross from Juan, the Flamengo defender grotesquely headed the ball into his own net.
Soon after, with the score at 2-0, coach Joel Santana brought on Renato Augusto for Maxi. On the first play, he took a shot, and Diogo Silva saved. Mesquita threatened a few counterattacks, but nothing serious.
Discussion on Fla
The game's climax came in the 36th minute. Ibson made a beautiful play but missed. Souza complained about not receiving the ball, and the two argued heatedly. Juan and Renato Augusto had to intervene to prevent an altercation. The fans took sides in the controversy and chanted for Obina, Souza's direct competitor.
Late in the game, with crosses from Dedeco and Edson, Mesquita threatened but barely managed to pull one back. Renato Augusto made a fine play in the 40th minute, but missed the goal one-on-one with Diogo Silva, the game's standout individual. In the end, there were some boos and much dissatisfaction from coach Joel Santana.
Ibson and Souza argue again
Players replay scene from match against Caxias: 'It's normal,' says striker
Eduardo Peixoto
The match against Mesquita was decided, and even the fans were just waiting for the final whistle. However, Ibson and Souza wanted to spice things up. The two argued in the second half after the former shot at goal instead of passing to the center forward. With the help of Renato Augusto and Juan, there was a near physical altercation.
Watch Flamengo's 2-0 Mesquita goal at the Maracanã! The scene of the two arguing on the pitch isn't new. Against Duque da Caxias in the Guanabara Cup, the midfielder and the striker clashed over who would take a penalty. Souza took it hard and took the penalty.
The two received a scolding from Joel Santana and assured that, off the field, they are good friends. But on the field, the disagreements continue. Upset by the situation, Ibson hurriedly left the field.
- Nothing happened - assured the midfielder.
Souza was a little less economical with his words. But only a little.
"He demands it from me and I demand it from him. It's normal in the game," explains Flamengo's number 9.
In the match against Nacional, in Montevideo, Ibson also had a disagreement with Cristian during the match, which the Uruguayans won 3-0, in the Libertadores.
Bitter, Joel criticizes the Fla team
Coach considers this the worst game since taking over. Discussion: 'Silly'
Eduardo Peixoto
Joel Santana arrived in a hurry for the press conference after Wednesday's game against Mesquita. The 2-0 scoreline didn't satisfy him. Quite the opposite. The Flamengo coach was outraged by the team's behavior.
Watch the highlights of Flamengo's victory at the Maracanã!\ - In my opinion, since I arrived at Flamengo, it was the worst match we've played. We played poorly, disinterestedly. My teams aren't like that. Honestly, I didn't like it - he criticizes.\
The coach intended to make Wednesday's game a dress rehearsal for the Libertadores clash against Nacional on the 19th. However, the players' performance irritated him so much that he prefers to erase it.
"Today isn't the day to talk much. Let's go home and think things through. If it were a rehearsal like this, I'd be screwed. I tried out a few players and expected more from them," Joel declares.
"Silly" discussion
The argument between Souza and Ibson in the second half also left Flamengo's manager speechless. He promised to take internal measures to warn the players, who are repeat offenders.
"I'm still going to talk to them. In my opinion, I think it's regrettable. It was a silly thing that happened," says Joel Santana.
Discussions affect the image of the 'Fla family'
After Souza and Ibson started to offend each other again, the team captain asked for a change of attitude
Eduardo Peixoto
In the enchanted world of Gávea, everyone is friends. And, like friends, there are arguments. This is the discourse at every argument that occurs on the field. Or at least it was. After the umpteenth verbal confrontation on the field, some believe it's time to call it quits.
Ibson and Cristian have already argued twice; the midfielder also clashed twice with Souza; the striker has been at odds with Juan. And so it goes with the "Joel family." To avoid potential cracks in the group's cohesion, captain Fábio Luciano himself believes it's time to sit down and talk.
He recognizes that the constant fights go against the discourse of total unity.
"Wednesday's discussion involved players who have already had some issues and repeated them. We constantly say that the group is close and united, and these discussions show otherwise. Joel will rightly pull our ears," the defender declared.
Ibson preferred not to comment on the incident in the 2-0 victory over Mesquita. He said nothing happened. Souza considered it a "normal" exchange of insults during matches. Joel Santana's description of the incident, however, was much less lenient.
Group will be 'brushed' in Gávea
Flamengo coach Joel Santana plans a long scolding of the red-black players
Eduardo Peixoto
Flamengo players' ears will be burning this Thursday. Coach Joel Santana promises a resounding scolding after the team's lackluster performance in the 2-0 victory over Mesquita.
Watch Flamengo's winning goals at Maracanã! After the match, the coach didn't hide his dissatisfaction with the players' performance. Watching from the locker room, captain Fábio Luciano agreed with the manager's harsh criticism.
"Joel will have a lot to talk about. We'll have a few hours of scolding. The team didn't perform as expected," he declares.
Among the reasons cited by the defender for the poor performance are next Wednesday's Libertadores match against Nacional-URU, Mesquita's supposed weakness, and even a lack of fan interest. But none of this assuages Joel's dissatisfaction.
"I need to know what happened. I don't know if they're tense because of Wednesday's game," speculates the red-and-black coach.
Cienciano headquarters robbed in Cuzco\ Bandits held five club athletes hostage and stole salary payments\
Three hooded men stole approximately $90 (more than R$150) from the Cienciano headquarters in the Peruvian city of Cuzco on Wednesday afternoon. The money, which was intended to pay the team's players' salaries, actually refers to the proceeds from Tuesday's Copa Libertadores match against Coronel Bolognesi.
Around 17:30 p.m. (local time), armed robbers entered the club's premises and held five players hostage. The players were threatened by the robbers, who fled and have not yet been identified. According to the Peruvian press, local police said the criminals took advantage of the lack of security at Cienciano's headquarters to rob the club.
Cienciano is second in Group 4 of the competition, the same as Flamengo, with six points, and will face the Rio de Janeiro team on April 9th, in the altitude of Cuzco.
Fla can't agree on three attackers
Souza says the red-black team hasn't gotten used to the more offensive scheme.
Eduardo Peixoto
For the first time since returning to Flamengo in July 2007, coach Joel Santana tested the team from the start with three strikers. It's true that he only played for 55 minutes. Although the performance against the weak Mesquita (a 2-0 victory) wasn't a disaster, striker Souza acknowledges that he, Tardelli, and Maxi didn't quite gel.
Watch Fla 2 x 0 Mesquita's goals at Maracanã!
"Our team hasn't gotten used to having three strikers. It's complicated. We haven't trained much like this, and this change requires more teamwork," says the number 9, who opened the scoring 12 minutes into the first half.
Coach Joel Santana also followed the same line of reasoning.
"The performance wasn't good. We could have produced more," says the Flamengo coach, who complained a lot on the sidelines.
In the second half, Renato Augusto came on for Maxi, putting an end to Joel's experiment. The three-man attacking system is likely to be phased out in the Copa Libertadores match against Nacional, especially after Renato Augusto's excellent movement during his time on the field.
Flamengo easily wins 2-0 at Mesquita
Souza and Vágner (own goal) scored the goals in the red-black victory
Souza is celebrated by his teammates after scoring his goal (Credit: Julio César Guimarães)
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo, playing at full strength, defeated Mesquita 2-0 at Maracanã on Thursday. Souza and Vágner (own goal) scored the game's goals. With the victory, the team maintained its 100% record in Group B of the Rio Cup (nine points) and took provisional leadership of its group.
In the fifth minute, Flamengo threatened Mesquita's goal for the first time, with all three of its attackers participating. In a scuffle in the box, Tardelli passed to Souza, who, pressed by opponents, shot. The ball fell to Maxi, who was blocked just as he was about to finish.
Flamengo's first goal came in the 15th minute: Diego Tardelli burst down the right flank of the Flamengo attack and passed to Luizinho. The right-back crossed perfectly for Souza, who, with a crisp shot, opened the scoring.
For Mesquita, only Márcio Orelha threatened, with a long shot and a header over Bruno's goal.
Assistant Antonio Marcos Leme Machado was prominent in the first half, making four incorrect offside calls against Flamengo. In one of these, Souza received a free kick from Ibson, who made a sensational play. In another, Maxi had already dribbled past the goalkeeper when Machado raised his right arm.
As a reflection of the complete superiority of the red-black team in the first half, two long-range shots, one by Juan and the other by Cristian, posed a threat to the goal defended by Diogo.
The start of the second half showed a more aggressive Mesquita. However, defensive lapses in Mário Marques's team ultimately decided the game in Flamengo's favor.
Ten minutes in, Mesquita's defense made a mistake, leaving the red-and-black attack offside, but was unsuccessful. Juan then emerged unmarked on the left side of the box and crossed. Vágner, with a clever diving header into his own net, extended the red-and-black lead.
A minute after the red-and-black team's second goal, Renato Augusto, who had come on well in the second half of the victory over Americano, replaced Maxi. The number 10's response on the field was almost instantaneous: in the 12th minute, Renato, after receiving a good pass from Luizinho, almost scored with a bomb.
On the negative side, there was only an argument between Souza and Ibson, which occurred after Renato Augusto wasted a clear chance to score, in the 24th minute of the game.
In the final dangerous play of the game, Renato Augusto made a spectacular play, getting away from several players with a simple turn and finishing, with his left foot, into Diogo's hands.
The red-black number 10 even fired a good shot towards Mesquita's goal minutes before the referee blew the final whistle of the game.
Joel Santana should not keep three attackers
The coach has not yet decided whether he will continue with Luzinho at right back.
LANCEPRESS!\ The formation with three attackers (Maxi, Diego Tardelli and Souza) seems not to have pleased Joel Santana. The Flamengo coach believes that the previous formation (4-4-2) is safer and has not decided whether to play Maxi or Renato Augusto in the next games.\
"I was playing safe, and that was the right approach. Maxi has more speed and plays more up front. Renato Augusto has more strength and is more physically fit," he explained.
Joel also hasn't decided whether he'll keep Luizinho in the team for the match against Nacional, considering fielding a makeshift player in the position. It's worth noting that Léo Moura, who was sent off in the match in Uruguay, is suspended.
"I'll see if I can improvise someone. He did well in the first half. He got tired in the second. I tested Cristian, who has attacking skills and is very good at passing and crossing. I have a week to work on it, and I'll do two or three training sessions. I'll think about whether to include him in Sunday's game or not," he concluded.
Captain warns: 'Joel Santana is going to pull their ears'
This is what Fábio Luciano said about the discussion between Souza and Ibson
LANCEPRESS!\ Flamengo captain Fabio Luciano condemned the argument between Ibson and Souza that occurred in the second half of the 2-0 victory over Mesquita. The defender believes this type of thing tarnishes the idea that the Rubro-Negro has a closed squad.\
"Joel will pull their ears so this doesn't happen again. They've already been through this kind of situation before, we say the group is closed, but this isn't the way (to argue) to show it," he said.
The other problem Ibson and Souza encountered this year occurred in the 5-1 rout of Duque de Caxias. The midfielder, Flamengo's official penalty taker, became irritated with the striker. After a penalty was awarded in the team's favor, Souza took the ball from Ibson's hands and prevented Bruno, who was cheered by the fans, from taking the shot.
"This isn't supposed to happen. Joel has a lot to talk about. The team also didn't perform as expected," Fabio Luciano insisted.
Joel disapproves of the discussion between Ibson and Souza
The coach says he will talk to the duo to smooth things over.
LANCEPRESS!\ The argument between Souza and Obina, which occurred during Flamengo's 2-0 victory over Mesquita, was disapproved by Flamengo coach Joel Santana. The Man with the Clipboard promises to take action:\
"I'll talk to them, because it's something that needs to be resolved internally. In my view, it was a regrettable incident," he complained.
In the 24th minute of the second half, Ibson made a beautiful individual play, escaping several opponents, and, once in front of the Mesquita goalkeeper, had two options: shoot or pass to Souza, who was free. He chose the former and was harshly reprimanded by the red-and-black number 9.
Renato Augusto calm about his recovery
Attacking midfielder sees match against Botafogo as a chance to gain rhythm
LANCEPRESS!\ One of the few who stood out in Flamengo's 2-0 victory over Mesquita, Renato Augusto appeared calm when talking about his recovery from the injury he suffered on his face - on January 20, he fractured his malar and zygomatic arch bones.\
- There's still Sunday's game (against Botafogo), I think I'll be able to gain more rhythm there and, who knows, be 100% ready to face Nacional - hopes the 20-year-old player.
In 2008, Renato Augusto only played 55 minutes of Flamengo's games (20 against Americano and 22 against Mesquita). In other words, he had not yet played in the 2008 Libertadores.