The Globe
Devil's Pact
America forms an alliance with the Federation, Botafogo approaches and Fla already accepts dialogue
Photo caption: TRIO DISBANDED: during a meeting, last March, Bebeto for Botafogo, Mathias for América and Márcio for Flamengo
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
Behind the scenes, a political shift is changing the power structure of Rio de Janeiro's football industry. To be elected on August 1st, the president of the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (FERJ), Rubens Lopes, faced only three First Division clubs as his opponents: Flamengo, Botafogo, and América. For over a year, they had been united in fierce opposition to the Caixa D'Água club, successor to the late Eduardo Viana. Today, a month after the election, the bloc no longer exists.
América's president, Reginaldo Mathias, announced a "pact of respect" with the Federation. In exchange, the entity has brokered loans and advances on TV fees for the 2008 State Championship. For Botafogo, vice president of soccer, Carlos Augusto Montenegro, says he observed many virtues in Rubens Lopes during a recent meeting between the two. At Montenegro's invitation, although reticent about the future of his relationship with the Federation, Flamengo's president, Márcio Braga, says he is open to dialogue. Yesterday, Rubens Lopes was in the US, leading the national team delegation.
América cannot afford the monthly cost of R$200 to compete in Série C. The club has no sponsorship or funding from the CBF for travel and accommodation.
"Rubens Lopes and I understand that the criticism was exaggerated. We scheduled a meeting, and today, all the funding we receive comes from TV, thanks to the Federation," says Mathias, referring to an agreement reached just over a week after the election in which his club, Botafogo, and Flamengo supported opposition candidate Francisco Horta. "América reaching Serie B is good for the club and for the Federation."
Mathias does not rule out voting for Rubens Lopes in a future election.
- If he maintains his current line of conduct, America can vote for him.
Botafogo's vice president of football, Carlos Augusto Montenegro, also recently met with Rubens Lopes. Until the last election, Botafogo and Flamengo officials were vocal in their criticism of Lopes. They even accused the Federation of withholding TV fees from the clubs.
"Botafogo raised many questions. Now that Rubens Lopes has been elected, he's legitimized. It's time for dialogue. I've heard about the good things he's done, like a referee training project. He has clear goals and objectives. With this serious work, Botafogo will applaud him and may one day vote for him," says Montenegro, who in April called Rubens Lopes a scoundrel when he believed Botafogo had been wronged in the distribution of tickets and revenue from a derby against Vasco.
Flamengo president Márcio Braga said he heard Montenegro's praise for Rubens Lopes at a recent meeting of directors with Rio de Janeiro governor Sérgio Cabral Filho. Márcio Braga, Rubens Lopes' harshest critic, agreed to dialogue and plans a meeting at the Federation, which will also include Botafogo president Bebeto de Freitas.
"Given what Montenegro told me, I think it's worth talking. We make politics by talking," he says, adding some reservations. "I know terrible things were done in the Federation, especially in the refereeing department. If everything is fixed, that's fine."
Opposition lasts for more than a year
The death of Eduardo Viana, known as Caixa D'Água, on August 21, 2006, sparked controversy surrounding the succession. Two of his vice presidents were vying for the position: Rubens Lopes and Hildo Nejar, the latter supported by Flamengo, Botafogo, and América. In September 2006, with Rubens Lopes in power, the América-RJ headquarters hosted a meeting convened following a movement led by Flamengo and Botafogo and supported by a court order. The meeting elected Nejar president, but he was unable to take office.
In February 2007, the courts removed Rubens Lopes from office and intervened in the Federation. He returned to office, but a new election was called for August 1st. Lopes was elected with 269 votes to Francisco Horta's 29, who was supported by Flamengo, Botafogo, and América. Today, just over a month later, the opposition is closing in on power.
Bruno's hand injury surprises Fla
Goalkeeper says situation will be resolved today but doctor downplays threat of absence
Without Souza, Roger, and Maxi—the former suspended and the other two still unfit to return to the team—the afternoon wasn't very encouraging for coach Joel Santana. Goalkeeper Bruno, with his left hand protected by a tape glove, left some doubt in Gávea about his chances of missing Flamengo's derby against Vasco on Sunday.
- I hurt my little finger in a clash with a guy from Cruzeiro. I'll see how it's going tomorrow (today) - said Bruno as he left.
Despite the goalkeeper's concern, doctors believe the injury does not appear to be serious.
"There's more tape there than a hurt finger," joked doctor Walter Martins. "He'll be re-evaluated tomorrow (today), as will Fábio Luciano, but I don't think they're a problem."
Joel will have a real problem with Souza's absence. Unable to field his star striker, who can hold the ball up front and worry opposing defenders, the coach is fielding Obina and keeping Renato Augusto up front. The midfield is also unlikely to change. Joel deeply regretted the yellow card that ruled Souza out of the derby.
"He's a warrior. Souza was booked for a sliding tackle almost in our penalty area, which shows how much he's sacrificed for the team. But I won't dwell on it. We lose a warrior, but I hope to win the war," the coach stated.
If Joel lamented Souza's absence, the big guy also complained about not being able to face his former club:
"With a clear head, of course I regret getting that card. But at the time, I can't think about it. It's a shame because I really wanted to play in that classic."
Kleber announces last attempt to get Nilmar
Souza may not be in the derby, but he could return against Juventude in Caxias do Sul. His replacement this Sunday, however, risks a 120- to 540-day suspension from the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD). Obina will be tried on Tuesday, charged under Article 253 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice for assaulting Inter's Índio (in TV footage). Attorney Michel Assef Filho will attempt to transform the indictment into an act of hostility.
Vice President of Football Kleber Leite said that Argentine Hugo Colace is already registered with the CBF and revealed that Flamengo made a final attempt yesterday to sign Nilmar, who is wanted by Inter and Santos:
- We reiterated to Nilmar our intention to hire him.
Ancelmo Gois
Now it's official
Today, the decree by Sérgio Cabral revoking the concession for Flamengo to build a shopping mall in Gávea was published in the Official Gazette.
But the governor admits to reviewing the cancellation, as long as it is a smaller project.
Fernando Calazans
Long live the play!
Two beautiful 3-1 midweek victories, this one, for some reason, is considered a classic soccer scoreline. A beautiful 3-1 victory for the Brazilian national team in a friendly against the Mexican national team; another beautiful 3-1 victory for Flamengo, in a real Brazilian Championship match against Cruzeiro. And, to top it all off, after four or five games without finding the net, Dodô scored his little goal again.
After the poor run of the Brazilian Championship last weekend, in which São Paulo's defense earned praise from a certain sports column for systematically stopping Vasco's plays with fouls (and also deserved praise for even "wasting" so well), I really deserved to see other plays (yes, more important than the game is the play, said master Armando Nogueira) of some visual value. And I did. So, long live midweek football!
First and foremost, those who criticized Flamengo's midfield, led by Joel Santana, before the game, were, in theory, absolutely right. Strictly speaking, a midfield with Rômulo, Jaílton, Cristian, and Toró isn't really a Flamengo midfield.
But it worked, much to my surprise. It worked because Joel, like the rest of the team, put it together with great care, and some players' performances were crucial. Starting with Léo Moura, who, given the chance to attack, played everything he hadn't been playing in recent rounds. Toró surprised with an inspired performance in the first half, and Cristian could have won a supporting actor Oscar, just like Souza.
What a play that was Flamengo's first goal! Just look: Souza dribbled between the defender's legs; a cross to Toró's head; a headed pass from Toró, with absolute awareness and foresight; and Léo Moura's follow-up with the ball in the air, a precise and unstoppable shot.
Surprised and excited, I even called Leonado Moura Leandro Moura, inadvertently, in an instinctive allusion to the great Leandro, right-back for Flamengo and Telê's national team.
And, remembering this goal, I don't even need to dwell on Flamengo's others, except to note that, at the origin of both, were the feet of Leandro Moura, that is, Leonardo Moura - the star of the game.
But why don't Leonardo Moura and Flamengo always play like this, huh?
Renato Mauricio Prado
And isn't it true that Fla, with a midfield made up only of defensive midfielders, managed to play well and fairly defeat Cruzeiro, the championship's runner-up?
Something similar to what had happened with the national team in the Copa América final was repeated in Gávea, when Dunga brought together four "brutes" (Mineiro, Josué, Elano and Júlio Baptista) and defeated the talented Argentina.
All that's left now is for Joel Santana to get Roger, when he returns to the team, to start running and participating in the game, as happened with Ronaldinho Gaúcho.
If you expect this sloppy midfield to continue producing wins, you might fall off your horse.
Especially because Leonardo Moura (who had been playing very badly) is unlikely to repeat such an inspired night.
If the "catching" midfielder had the merit of nullifying Cruzeiro, it was the full-back who created practically all of the red-black team's attacking options.
Souza also played well and scored, but he picked up another yellow card and is out of the derby against Vasco. It's remarkable how he, Juan, and Roger, every other game, are cautioned and end up missing from the team...
Rubro-Negro vice-president Kleber Leite guarantees that the cost of the football department (youth and professional division, with employees and charges) is around R$2 million/month - half of what a source linked to the finance department reports.
Sports Journal
Flamengo could enter the classic against Vasco disfigured
File/JS
Roger is expected to miss Fla once again
Out of the squad due to lack of fitness, midfielder Roger is unlikely to play in this Sunday's derby against Vasco da Gama at 18:10 PM at Maracanã Stadium. According to fitness coach Ronaldo Torres, it would be foolhardy to field him ahead of an important match like a derby.
"In my opinion, he shouldn't play this game. Even if he only plays 30 minutes, I would have to reduce his training load. With him out, I can intensify training, and he will perform better in the next game," Torres explained to Rádio Tupi.
Other possible absences for the Rubro-Negro include Biancucchi, who is still being re-evaluated, and Fábio Luciano. Souza, suspended, and Ibson, injured, are certain to miss the match against their biggest rival.
Fullbacks, the path to success at Fla
On the eve of the classic, Joel praises Leonardo Moura and Juan, the team's 'outlets'
Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
Nina Lima
Leonardo Moura talks to coach Joel Santana, from whom he received several compliments
Amid the euphoria surrounding Wednesday's victory over Cruzeiro and the subsequent move away from the relegation zone, one aspect of Flamengo's resurgence in this Brazilian Championship is starting to attract attention: the good form of the team's full-backs, Leonardo Moura and Juan. Both have been praised by coach Joel Santana, the mastermind behind the strategy that frees them up to attack.
"They are two highly qualified and competent players who provide the team with relief when the game is very congested in midfield. Juan is in great form and Leonardo is returning to showing the style expected of him. When they perform as expected, the chances of winning become greater," he assessed.
Juan is the team's top scorer in this Brazilian Championship with five goals and has already agreed to renew his contract with Flamengo until December 2010. The negotiation was finalized yesterday, with only the player's signature remaining for the contract to be registered with the CBF. Flamengo acquired an additional 25% of his federation rights and now holds 75%. Juan also received a salary increase of approximately 30%.
On the right flank for the red-and-black team, Léo Moura's excellent performance against Cruzeiro is starting to excite the coaching staff and fans. After a strong start to the season, the full-back's form dropped after the team's elimination from the Copa Libertadores and was blamed by fans for the loss to Inter. Now confident, Léo projects more performances like the one he showed in the match against Cruzeiro.
Provoking the rival
"That's football. I failed against Inter, but I'll never shy away from the responsibility of being bold. I'm no longer a kid, I have some experience and I know my quality. Now my focus is on getting a good winning streak going," said Léo, who expects a very difficult match in Sunday's derby against Vasco: "It's always tough. If we win, it will give us morale and confidence to get closer to those above us in the table. They're fighting for a place in the Libertadores, and if we can hinder that goal, great," he teased.
Roger is out of the classic
Out of the squad due to lack of physical and technical conditioning, midfielder Roger, who was signed to add a touch of quality to Flamengo's midfield, is unlikely to play in this Sunday's derby against Vasco at Maracanã. The player has been training separately from the group, and according to fitness coach Ronaldo Torres, it would be foolhardy to field him ahead of an important match like a derby.
"In my opinion, he shouldn't play this game. Even if he only plays 30 minutes, I would have to reduce his training load. With him out, I can intensify training, and he will perform better in the next game," explained the fitness coach.
In addition to Roger, Flamengo will be without midfielder Ibson, who is still recovering from a right ankle injury, and striker Souza, who is suspended. Maxi Biancucchi has been cleared by the medical department but is unlikely to play. Defender Fábio Luciano, who injured his left thigh in the match against Cruzeiro, is still doubtful but is expected to play.
Obina will be tried on Tuesday
The Superior Court of Sports Justice continues to hound Flamengo. After punishing striker Souza and acquitting coach Joel Santana, the next hot topic is Flamengo's fan favorite, Obina, who will be tried next Tuesday (the 18th) for an alleged assault on Internacional defender Índio. The striker was charged under Article 253 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (assaulting a referee or his assistants or any participant in a sporting event). If punished, the scorer of Flamengo's third goal in the 3-1 victory over Cruzeiro could face a suspension of 120 to 540 days.
Caught on camera
In the 3-0 loss to Internacional at Beira-Rio, the player didn't even receive a yellow card for the play, but the STJD prosecutor's office requested footage of the match the day after the game. Yesterday afternoon, Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, was contacted by JORNAL DOS SPORTS and said that only starting today will he consider how the player's defense will be handled.
"The trial is scheduled for Tuesday, I just received the case here and we haven't had time to think about what we're going to do. I'll watch the tape tomorrow (today) and we'll take care of this case with care," said the lawyer, who was responsible for the acquittal of coach Joel Santana and managed to get a lesser sentence than expected for striker Souza.
While the trial awaits, Obina continues training hard at Gávea, as he's expected to start Sunday's derby against Vasco at Maracanã. Yesterday, the striker trained in the club's pool with his teammates and appeared relaxed.
Hugo Colace: 'Conca is a sleepwalker'
Hugo Colace was Vasco's teammate Darío Conca in the Argentina under-20 selection
Hugo Colace is one of Flamengo's fans' hopes for the rest of the Brazilian Championship. For the derby against Vasco, the player was selected to train with the team and is just waiting for the rest of Estudiantes' paperwork to be finalized and available to coach Joel Santana. The Argentine admitted he is eager and confident about his debut.
"I feel confident and I'm eager to play. I just need to get clearance from Estudiantes, which hopefully will come today (yesterday). I've been named among those training for the game, which makes me anxious," said Colace.
If the documentation doesn't arrive and Colace isn't registered with the CBF by today, he won't be able to play in this year's Brasileirão. Everyone knows that the derby is known throughout Brazil, but Rio's biggest rivalry transcends borders and has even reached our neighboring country. "I've always watched the derby on television and now I'm preparing to play in it. Maxi has also mentioned to me how big this derby is," said Colace, who played alongside Vasco da Gama midfielder Conca in a tournament for Argentina's under-20 team in South Korea. At the time, they were roommates.
"I shared a room with Conca. What caught my attention was that he was a sleepwalker. One day, I woke up in the middle of the night and he was walking around the room. I was scared, but I decided to go back to sleep and didn't disturb him," he said.
Léo Moura dreams big and is already thinking about the Libertadores
The victory over Cruzeiro, second in the Brazilian Championship, served to boost Flamengo's morale, as they already dream of a spot in the Copa Sudamericana and even the Copa Libertadores. According to Léo Moura, a victory over Vasco da Gama this weekend could boost Flamengo's campaign.
"We're coming off a good win, now we'll face our biggest rival. I expect a win with the dedication Joel is putting into the team. The three points in the derby would be very important, as we're aiming to compete in a South American or a Libertadores, and a win could keep us out of the relegation zone for good," commented the full-back, dreaming big.
The classic between Vasco and Flamengo will be next Sunday, at 18:10 pm, at Maracanã.
Blood donation campaign guarantees tickets for the classic
Fans who want to watch the Flamengo-Vasco match at Maracanã have a chance to show solidarity. On Saturday, the day before the match, the Sangue Bom campaign will be held, promoting blood donations. The first 20 donors will receive a free ticket to the derby. The movement is organized by "Urubuzada."
Donations can be made starting at 9 a.m. at Cancer Hospital I (INCA Hospital Unit), located at Praça Cruz Vermelha, 23, 2nd floor, Downtown, Rio de Janeiro. To participate, donors must follow these guidelines: wear a Urubuzada or Flamengo jersey; bring an official photo ID (ID card, work permit, military service certificate, professional council card, or driver's license); be in good health; be between 18 and 65 years old; weigh more than 50 kg; not be fasting; and avoid fatty foods for four hours before donating.
More information can be found on the website www.inca.gov.br/conteudo_view.asp?ID=119 .
Rematch between Flamengo and Cabo Frio shakes up the State Championship
Rafael Oliveira
Wallace Teixeira/JS Archive
Center Diego Panázio is one of Fla's weapons to beat Cabo Frio in today's match, valid for the third round of the State Championship
Rafael Oliveira
Futsal fans have plenty of reasons to celebrate. Five matches will be taking place on Friday in the State Futsal Championship. The highlight among them is the duel between Cabo Frio and Flamengo, which will pit two semifinalists from this year's Carioca Championship against each other. The match will begin at 20:15 pm in Cabo Frio. In the last match, the team from the Lagos Region eliminated Flamengo. Coach Cid Escarlate hopes for a new ending today. "We trained hard throughout the week. The team is aware of the difficulties they will face and is committed to overcoming them." Cabo Frio, meanwhile, has taken every precaution to avoid being surprised. "Their group is strong and gave Macaé a scare. We'll respect them to prevent the same from happening to us," said coach Rodrigo Barreto. Another match will be between América and Piedade, at 20 pm in Campos Sales. The red team hopes to get its first victory in the competition, but its opponent tonight is riding high from its victory in the last round.\
O Dia
Flamengo: Boca x River carioca
Aware of the great rivalry, Argentine Maxi, recovered, wants to face Vasco
Rio - You don't have to be a Rio native to understand the fierce rivalry between Flamengo and Vasco. Despite only recently joining Gávea, Argentines Maxi Biancucchi and Hugo Colace have already been warned by their teammates about the importance of winning the derby on Sunday. Recovered from a left thigh injury, striker Maxi says he's ready to return. Hugo, meanwhile, is awaiting documentation to register with the CBF.
Coach Joel Santana, who will be without the suspended Souza and injured Ibson, said he is hopeful for the recovery of defender Fábio Luciano, who was injured in the 3-1 victory over Cruzeiro (he felt pain in his left thigh) and will be re-evaluated today to see if he will be fit to play. Roger, according to fitness coach Ronaldo Torres, will only be cleared to face Juventude on the 23rd.
"I've heard that this game is like River Plate vs. Boca Juniors: full of rivalry. That excites me even more. I really want to be on the field, but it will be up to the coach to decide who to start me," said Maxi, who will undergo a medical re-evaluation today before training.
Joel Santana said that Maxi's selection was 'unlikely', put Roger's fate in the hands of the fitness coach, and praised the performances of Juan, Léo Moura and Toró, who could get another chance.
Hugo played with Conca in the U-20s, when he discovered that his compatriot sleepwalks. "He has to be well-marked because he doesn't sleep on the field," he warns.
LEO: SENNA'S DVD AS AN INCENTIVE
The presence of his daughter, Maria Eduarda, at the training session before the match against Cruzeiro was the first sign that everything would work out. Defender Leonardo Moura likes to say that his daughter brings him luck. But the message from psychologist Paulo Ribeiro, who prepared a DVD with images of Ayrton Senna to inspire the players, was crucial.
"It was a beautiful thing. The goal was to give Renato Augusto and me strength, because we both weren't doing so well on the field. And it all worked out."
Léo Moura, who had a hand in two goals and also scored a stunning goal against Cruzeiro, also thanked his teammates for their help. "Plays down the wings are our best offensive weapons. It works because everyone helps," he believes.
To make things even better, the full-back hopes that Flamengo defeats Vasco and finally enters the competition for a spot in the South American or even the Libertadores.
"Beating Vasco will give us the confidence to try to beat Juventude away from home and climb the table. And if we can upset Vasco, even better."
The team is on the rise at Maracanã
The numbers speak louder and are encouraging: at Maracanã, Flamengo has been unbeatable. In its last nine matches, it has won seven and drawn two. In the 24 matches played throughout the Brasileirão, Flamengo has scored 38 goals and conceded 38.
But if only the numbers from their home games were taken into account, the team would be in a much better position in the table (it occupies 14th place). At Maracanã, Joel Santana's team scored 25 goals and conceded 14 (11 goal difference).
"Playing at home is a whole different ball game. The fans push the team. Every game is a final, especially against Vasco. That's why I expect a full house and lots of support on Sunday," says Léo Moura.
Joel Santana also highlights the advantage of playing at Maracanã, but reminds us that in a derby, everything is equal. "Vasco is better than us, but in a derby, anything can happen. We have to do our homework well," the coach urged.
Against Vasco, Obina could play his last game of the year. The striker will be tried on Tuesday by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) for assaulting Internacional defender Índio. The player was charged under Article 253 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (assault). The 'Black Angel' faces a suspension of 120 to 540 days.
Obina's trial will be next Tuesday
Rio - Striker Obina's trial is scheduled for next Tuesday at the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) for allegedly elbowing Internacional defender Índio in the 3-0 loss at Beira-Rio Stadium. The player was charged under Article 253 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD) (assault). If convicted, Obina could face a suspension of 120 to 540 days.
The court prosecutors requested the footage, even though Obina hadn't received a single yellow card after the play. Obina continues to refuse to give interviews in Gávea or even after Flamengo's matches.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo renews with Juan and guarantees Roger's permanence\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's board is already moving ahead with next season in mind and has agreed to renew left-back Juan's contract until 2010. The new deal was signed this Thursday at the Gávea club headquarters. Kléber Leite also intends to renew Roger's contract for four years, which runs until the end of 2007, despite the player training separately from the squad. "We've seen in the press that Roger has no commitment; he's a player who only causes problems."
"But in reality, Roger is married, doesn't like to party, and lives from home to work and from work to home. The public perception doesn't reflect reality at all. My goal is to secure an extension for his contract with our club," said the Flamengo director.
Joel keeps Flamengo's lineup for the classic a secret\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo coach Joel Santana will use Friday's tactical training to define his team for next Saturday's derby at 18:10 pm (Brasília time) against Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), in the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. The coach has some issues to manage and doesn't intend to rush the lineup. So much so that he will only officially announce the team minutes before the match. "Of course, we're already focused on the derby against Vasco, but the team beat Cruzeiro yesterday and the players are only being evaluated this Thursday. Therefore, it's still too early for me to say anything about the team that will take the field. We'll have important absences, and some players are doubtful. We'll have more specific training on Friday, and we still have the Saturday before the game. I don't see any reason to rush, especially since we'll face a tough opponent," said Joel Santana.
The coach responded to criticism that he's setting up Flamengo too defensively when facing opponents much better placed in the table, like Cruzeiro. "I don't understand what's happening. On the day of the Cruzeiro game, I opened the newspaper and saw that I was going to field a team with four defensive midfielders, very defensive, out of fear of Cruzeiro. That's not what we saw on the field."
"Flamengo was the better team throughout the ninety minutes, scoring three goals and missing several opportunities. But of course, I was also concerned about the defense, as Cruzeiro has the best attack in the Brazilian Championship, and that's no coincidence. Therefore, I'll always work to achieve balance between the team's sectors. In football, you don't win with just a good attack or a good defense. You need the whole picture," analyzed the Rubro-Negro coach.
Joel Santana certainly has reason to be secretive about his lineup. Midfielder Ibson, with a right ankle injury, and forward Souza, who received his third yellow card against Cruzeiro, are certain to miss the match. Defender Fábio Luciano, who left the field against the Minas Gerais team complaining of muscle pain in his left thigh, and Argentine forward Maxi Biancucchi, who has yet to recover from his right thigh injury, will be dependent on their participation in Friday's training session.
Argentine midfielder Colace, whose documentation has been regularized with the CBF, and midfielder Roger, who is training separately to improve his fitness, may be included in the squad for the match. After Friday's training session, the squad will resume recreational training on Saturday morning, before the training camp for the derby.
PeléNet
At Fla, Colace awaits release to see his sleepwalking colleague again
Vinicius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo's newest signing, Argentine Hugo Colace, is just waiting for his release from Estudiantes-ARG, his last club, to be eligible to play in the derby against Vasco da Gama next Sunday at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship. Besides being anxious about making his debut for Flamengo, the midfielder is also waiting for his release to reunite with fellow Brazilian Darío Conca.
In fact, when telling reporters that he knows the rival team's midfielder, Colace made a curious revelation. "I played with Conca on the U-20 team. I shared a room with him. He's a quiet, calm guy. And he also sleepwalks," the player stated.
"One day, I woke up in the middle of the night and he was walking around the room. I was scared, but I decided to go back to sleep and not disturb him," Colace continued, drawing laughter from the journalists present at Gávea.
Before the Argentine's interview, coach Joel Santana confirmed that he will include the midfielder in the squad for the derby against Vasco if Colace's release certificate arrives by Friday. Otherwise, the player will not be eligible to be registered with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
However, the Argentine believes the document will arrive in time. "I think it will arrive today [Thursday]," said Colace, who made no secret of his desire to make his Flamengo debut soon.
"I'm really looking forward to playing this classic on Sunday and I'm anxious to get on the field. I've heard a lot of people talking about the rivalry," concluded the Argentine midfielder.
Roger, Ibson and Maxi remain out of Flamengo
Vinicius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo will be without Roger for the derby against Vasco da Gama next Sunday at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship. This Thursday, fitness coach Ronaldo Torres decided to rule him out of the match. In addition to the midfielder, defensive midfielder Ibson and Argentine forward Maxi Biancucchi are also out due to physical problems.
Coach Joel Santana, who had already kept Roger off the bench in last Wednesday's match against Cruzeiro, still tried to mislead the player's performance by saying that "Roger is in Torres' hands. He's unlikely to play, but we'll wait until tomorrow [Friday], after the training session."
However, when asked about his position, the red-black fitness coach confirmed that the player is out of the classic.
"He's even capable of playing 30, 45 minutes. But, if we release him, we'll have to reduce the workload. If he's out, on the contrary, we'll increase it," said Ronaldo Torres, explaining that it's more advantageous to prepare Roger to return to the team for the match next Sunday (September 23), against Juventude, in Caxias do Sul.
"He's working to get into the minimum physical condition to play. It's like he's doing preseason training. He won't be ready in a week [the time between the match against Inter, the player's last, and the derby against Vasco]. Against Juventude, he'll definitely be fit to play," the fitness coach continued.
Coach Joel Santana also justified his decision to block Roger: "He understood that he needed to, otherwise, the opposing coach would put his most physically prepared player to mark him closely."
In addition to Roger, midfielder Ibson, with a severe sprain in his right ankle - suffered in the game against Inter -, and Argentine Maxi Biancucchi, who suffered a strain in his left thigh against Goiás, remain out of the team.
"Clinically, he [Maxi] has recovered. But physically, he is not fit. I don't think he will be used against Vasco," said Ronaldo Torres.
Defender Fábio Luciano is still doubtful for the derby. He felt pain in his left groin during the match against Cruzeiro and is not yet guaranteed to play against Vasco. However, according to Joel Santana, he has a good chance of playing on Sunday.
BalloonSport
Ibson out of the derby. Maxi thinks he can play
Players are in the final stages of recovery to return to the red-black team
Marcio Iannacca
Injured, Ibson has been using crutches to walk
Midfielder Ibson will miss Flamengo's match against Vasco at the Maracanã on Sunday, but striker Maxi Biancucchi believes he will be able to play.
The Argentine is in the final stages of recovering from a muscle injury in his left thigh and trained at Gávea this Thursday, running laps around the pitch. Ibson, meanwhile, trained on Leblon beach in Rio's south zone.
Coach Joel Santana believes he won't be able to count on both players. He believes the ideal scenario is to have both players in perfect condition next week.
"I'm unlikely to count on Maxi and Ibson. Maxi isn't even training with the ball this week. Ibson has improved a lot, but it's tough," explains Joel.
However, the Argentine is confident:
- I'm going to have an exam tomorrow (Friday) and I think I'll be able to play - he says.
Leo Moura: 'Fla dreams of Libertadores'
Full-back says victory in the derby can help the team achieve its goal
Marcio Iannacca
The performance in the match against Cruzeiro encouraged right-back Leonardo Moura. Aware that the team is still far from achieving its goals in the Brazilian Championship, the player stated that a victory over Vasco on Sunday could bring the team closer to its dream of returning to the Libertadores.
"It's always important to win a derby. Even more so for our team, which is coming off an important victory against Cruzeiro. We're aiming for a spot in the Copa Libertadores or the Copa Sudamericana, and we need a win to climb even higher in the standings," says Leo Moura.
Leonardo Moura assessed his performance in Flamengo's last game, against Cruzeiro, at Maracanã.
"I scored two goals and set up the other two. That was great. I was getting booed, but I'm not a kid to let that get me down. The fans have the right to demand it, and I want them to always demand it," says the full-back.
Juan will stay at Fla until 2010
Kléber Leite says that the documentation is ready and that all that is missing is the full-back's signature.
Marcio Iannacca
Juan is expected to sign a new contract with Flamengo on Friday
Left-back Juan will sign a new contract with Flamengo this Friday. This means he will remain at Gávea until the end of 2010. Previously, the player's contract, which has been one of the team's standout performers in the Brazilian Championship, was set to expire at the end of 2008.
- The contract is agreed and all that's left is for Juan to sign it - says Kléber Leite.
Juan was sought after by clubs in Spain, but Flamengo rejected the offer. The board met with the player's agent, Eduardo Uram, and finalized the deal. The player was signed in late 2005, after a successful stint with Fluminense. The full-back previously played for Arsenal in England.
Maxi and Colace await 'Boca x River'
Argentines compare the match between Flamengo and Vasco with the Buenos Aires derby
Marcio Iannacca
Argentines Maxi Biancucchi and Hugo Colace have yet to participate in a Flamengo vs. Vasco match. However, both the forward and midfielder have already been warned of the importance of the derby for the club and the Flamengo fans.
"What I've been told is that it's similar to a game between River Plate and Boca Juniors. I haven't played yet, but I already have an idea," says Biancucchi.
Colace and Maxi show off their Flamengo shirts: expectations for Sunday's classic at Maracanã
Maxi is not yet confirmed for the derby. Recovering from a left thigh injury, the forward will be examined this Friday by doctor José Luís Runco at Pasteur Hospital in Meiér to determine whether or not he will be fit to play. He is confident.
"I believe I'll be on the field. I'm training for that and I need to know the results of Friday's exam," says the striker, who did physical training with a boot on the Gávea pitch.
Colace, who belonged to the Argentinos Juniors fan club before becoming a professional player, confirmed the fights outside the stadium and said he was already familiar with Flamengo's fans.
"In Argentina, riots happen outside the stadiums, never inside. Here in Brazil, I've been to four Flamengo games and know their fans well," Colace reveals.
Like Maxi, Colace is awaiting a document clearing him to register with the CBF. According to Flamengo's board, this won't be a problem, and the midfielder will be fit to play. The Argentine was named in the squad by coach Joel Santana for the match.
Roger only returns to the team against Juventude
Joel Santana admits that the player will only return to the team next week
Marcio Iannacca
Roger was removed from the team after the defeat to Internacional
Coach Joel Santana ruled out using midfielder Roger in Sunday's derby against Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã stadium. The player, who was sidelined from Flamengo's squad earlier this week to improve his fitness, didn't even work with the ball on Thursday and is expected to remain under the care of trainer Ronaldo Torres.
Roger did a thorough physical preparation session on Thursday, but he didn't participate in the reserves' training session against the youth team. Coach Joel Santana had expected the midfielder to participate in part of the training session on Wednesday.
Coach Ronaldo Torres ruled the player out of Sunday's match. Roger will only return to the team for the match against Juventude on the 23rd in Caxias do Sul.
"Roger is trying to improve his physical condition. To include him in the derby, he would need to reduce his workload, and that's not ideal. He needs to be at least physically fit," says the coach.
Throw
Colace looking forward to debuting in a classic
Argentine midfielder sees no difference with Argentine classics
Colace watched Flamengo and Vasco on TV in Argentina (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
Hugo Perruso
Hoping to make his Flamengo debut, Hugo Colace will have the opportunity to play in a great rivalry derby against Vasco.
The 23-year-old Argentine midfielder has only played in two classics in his career (Estudiantes X Gimnasia and Newell's Old Boys X Rosario Central, both in Argentina) and said he already knew the "Clássico do Milhões".
"I've always watched it on TV in Argentina. It's incredible. I really want to be on the field on Sunday," he said.
When asked if he would like to debut by scoring a goal, the midfielder showed humility:
- It would be great, but first I have to do my part in marking - he said.
Colace has been receiving information about the derby from his teammates and hasn't seen much difference compared to Argentina.
"I think they're very similar, with a lot of rivalry. There, the fans start thinking about the game one or two weeks in advance," said the midfielder, who has already watched four Flamengo games at Maracanã and hopes to take the field on Sunday with the support of the fans, who he found wonderful at the games.
To be eligible to play on Sunday, Colace needs to be registered with the CBF by this Friday. All that's left is for Estudiantes La Plata, the club where he was playing, to send the transfer papers.
Fla players will do specific work
Fitness trainer wants to strengthen the muscles of mid-year recruits\LANCEPRESS!\
After next Sunday's game against Vasco, Flamengo will have a week to work until the match against Juventude the following weekend. Fitness coach Ronaldo Torres wants to use this time to do specific muscle strengthening work for the players who arrived mid-season: Ibson, Roger, Fábio Luciano, Maxi Biancucchi, and Hugo Colace.
"Everyone who arrived later needs specific physical exercises. This week, we'll be able to do that," he said.
Roger does not participate in collective training at Fla
In addition to being a supporter, Maxi also doesn't train with the juniors\ LANCEPRESS!\
The Flamengo players who didn't start the match against Cruzeiro held a training session against the youth squad this Thursday at Gávea. Midfielder Roger didn't participate in the training session and continued to do physical training separately. The same applies to forward Maxi Biancucchi, who is recovering from a left thigh strain and ran around the field.
In return, Argentine Hugo Colace participated in the training session. Meanwhile, the starters from the 3-1 victory did some regenerative work in the pool.
The team that participated in the collective was formed by: Marcelo Lomba, Luizinho, Rodrigo Arroz, Thiago Sales and Egídio; Colace, Léo Medeiros, Kaike and Léo Lima; Paulo Sérgio and Obina.
Souza regrets absence from the classic
LANCEPRESS!
A certain absence from Flamengo's squad for this Sunday's derby against Vasco, striker Souza is regretting his decision. After receiving his third yellow card in the 3-1 victory over Cruzeiro, the player expressed regret over the suspension.
"Now that I have a clearer head, I certainly regret it. The next game is a classic. I really wanted to play. Unfortunately, I'll be out. But I'll be rooting for my teammates to get this win so we can climb the table," he said.
The match against Vasco will be held on Sunday, at 18:10 pm, at Maracanã.
Fla and Vasco fans will be escorted
Vandalism by organized groups worries Major Marcelo Pessoa\ LANCEPRESS!\
Recent incidents of vandalism among Vasco and Flamengo fans are worrying Major Marcelo Pessoa of the Special Stadium Policing Group (Gepe) ahead of Sunday's match between the two rivals at Maracanã. According to the major, Vasco's Ira Jovem and Força Jovem fan groups, and Flamengo's Raça Rubro Negra and Jovem Fla fan groups, are being monitored daily, and he believes there won't be any problems this weekend.
"We're already monitoring the fan communities on Orkut (a social networking site) 24/XNUMX. There's no reason for them to meet. They have different routes, with escorts. If they fight along the way, they'll be treated like criminals, because it's no longer acceptable for these people to be fighting over nonsense. We have to get over this," said Marcelo Pessoa in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Fla completes four months undefeated at Maraca
Rubro-Negro has gone ten games without being defeated at the Biggest in the World
Rodrigo Mandarini
Flamengo is the longest-running Rio de Janeiro team undefeated at Maracanã. The Rubro-Negro's last loss at the stadium—a 4-2 loss to Palmeiras on May 13th—is four months old this Thursday. Since then, the team has played ten times at the World's Biggest Stadium, drawing four and winning six.
Flamengo's unbeaten streak includes one home loss, but that game wasn't in Rio. The team lost to Paraná 2-1 on July 19th at Parque do Sabiá in Uberlândia. During the same period, the team beat América 3-1, but that game was in Juiz de Fora. During this streak at Maracanã, the team earned 22 of its 32 points.
Compared to their rivals' record at the Macaranã, Flamengo's form is much better than that of Vasco, Botafogo, and Fluminense. Flamengo has gone three games unbeaten at the stadium. Their last defeat was on August 16th, in the Fla-Flu match. After the derby, they have drawn two and won one.
Botafogo hasn't had a good run of form at Maracanã. Since June 17, when they defeated Náutico 3-1, the Alvinegro haven't won a Brazilian Championship match at the stadium—they beat Corinthians in the South American. Glorioso has been unbeaten since August 15, when they lost to Corinthians 3-2. But their unbeaten streak consists of three draws in three matches.
The team that plays the least at Maracanã is Vasco. Because it plays its games at São Januário, the Vasco da Gama team only plays derbies at the stadium. In the Brazilian Championship, the team drew with Fluminense on September 2nd and was thrashed 4-0 by Botafogo on June 14th.