The Globe

Pacifier makes opponents cry

Three-time state basketball champion coach for Fla praises players' connection with the club

Photo caption: PAULO CHUPETA poses with the Fla mascot, at the Gávea gymnasium: in three years, three state titles

Ary Cunha

Paulo Teixeira de Sampaio has lived on Marechal Bittencourt Street in Riachuelo for half a century, but not even the mailman can connect the name to the person. Celebrated by Flamengo fans for the past three seasons, the man who prides himself on preserving the identity of Rio basketball is ironically known only by his nickname: Chupeta.

Three-time state champion leading the red-and-black team, Paulo Chupeta hails from a time when the city's courts were hotbeds and Rio's championships didn't require rental teams. Besides Vasco/Universo (DF), who lost in the final, the competition featured two other "outsider" teams: Fluminense/Minas Tênis Clube and Liga Macaense/Saldanha da Gama (ES).

"The team's attachment to Flamengo's colors made all the difference. Our players train twice a day at the club, they know the clubhouse, they go to the pool, they run around on the soccer field. Bringing in teams from outside means you lose your identity. I saw Vasco fans upset because their jerseys didn't even look like their own.

An example of self-control on the courtside, Paulo Chupeta was hoarse yesterday. Along with Marcelinho, who was also in Gávea yesterday afternoon, she had repeatedly sung the red-and-black anthem and the "Victory Theme" during the title celebration at a steakhouse in the South Zone.

Paulo Chupeta's connection with basketball began in his early teens. At 12, he played for Riachuelo Tênis Clube. He might have been known differently if a neighbor, Benedito, a bricklayer, hadn't seen him training in the junior team.

"Ever since I was a child, he'd always see me with a pacifier on my doorstep. One time, he was doing some work at the club and shouted, 'Look, there's Paulinho with the pacifier.' Everyone laughed so hard, the nickname stuck, and it's stuck for 38 years.

'I am against a foreign coach in the national team'

In 1996, he began working with the youth teams and as an assistant coach for the adult team until his tenure in 2005. Since then, he has won three state championships and three Olympic laps. A gym instructor, devotee of Saint George, samba dancer with experience in front committees, and father of three girls, Paulo Chupeta sees dialogue as the secret to great achievements. And he points to the way for the Brazilian national team to regain harmony and victories.

"I'm against a foreign coach because there are great coaches in Brazil, like Hélio Rubens and Emmanuel Bomfim. I think the team lacks a unifying force."

The seductive power of fans

Leonardo Moura trades gypsy fame and euros for the affection of Flamengo fans

LEONARDO MOURA celebrates with his mother Lenice, his sister Lívia and his brother Eduardo the end of a stressful and fruitful year\ ELECTED the best right-back in the Brazilian Championship, the family kiss at the Golden Ball\

Márcio Tavares

He started out at the modest Linhares club in Espírito Santo, blossomed at Botafogo, and played for all the major clubs in Rio, as well as São Paulo and Palmeiras, earning a reputation as a gypsy. With a prominent agent, he's always shown extreme ease in changing clubs from season to season, even moving abroad, having played for Sporting Braga (Portugal), Den Haag (Netherlands), and GBA (Belgium). Today, at 29, with no illusions about playing outside Brazil, Leonardo Moura is going against the grain of most players. In the best year of his career, instead of dreaming of euros or petrodollars, he was seduced by the captivating and passionate chant of Flamengo's fans. With his sights set on his second Libertadores Cup with Flamengo, he extended his contract until 2011.

Signed by Flamengo in 2005, Leonardo Moura had a special end to 2007 and is now shedding the image of a player who flits around every year-end. Valued for his performances, his release clause was doubled to €6 million, shortly after being named the best right-back of the recently concluded Brazilian Championship. A reward for someone who, alongside goalkeeper Bruno, was the most assiduous player on the field in 2006: 36 appearances. In total, he made 138 appearances for Flamengo, scoring 14 goals.

Next to Zico, the beginning of passion

Before entering his fourth consecutive year at Flamengo, which promises to be both exciting and stressful, he's been recharging his batteries in Santa Catarina. He's spending a few days of his vacation in Florianópolis. It's a very special trip, as he's missing his daughter, Maria Eduarda, who lives in Santa Catarina with her mother, Juliana. Even on vacation, Leonardo Moura never tires of talking about his experiences in 2007.

"I have no complaints about this year. It was truly sensational. I believe it was the best season of my career, but I hope the next one will be even better. My goals are to win the Libertadores and get a chance at the Brazilian national team. We won the State Championship and managed to overcome a difficult period in the Brazilian Championship to earn a spot in the Copa Libertadores. Furthermore, I was named the best player of the championship by the CBF and received the Silver Ball. I think all of this was the result of the work I put in to maintain consistency throughout the year, and I think it paid off."

In a year full of challenges and obstacles, with moments of joy at winning the state championship and also of despair and tension due to elimination from the Libertadores, in addition to the long stay in the Brazilian relegation zone, Leonardo Moura learned a lesson that has forever remained. To shine at Flamengo, you must first and foremost have heart and identification with the club.

"At Flamengo, I feel at home. I'm treated very well and get along with everyone. It makes me very proud to play for this club. When I was a kid, I dreamed of the day I could play in a packed Maracanã. I even entered the field as a mascot, alongside Zico, and today I'm happy to receive the affection of the fans. That's why, even though I received offers, I preferred to stay and extend my contract. Today, it's very difficult to take me away from Flamengo."

Despite the favorable phase, the right-back knows that in 2008 the problems could be as big or bigger than in 2007. And that next year's difficulties must be seen as a warning.

"We'll have a second chance. This year's elimination was traumatic, because we managed to get close to qualifying. Even after the elimination against Defensor Sport, the fans applauded. That left a lasting impression on our group, and I'm sure all the players will remember that moment to ensure it doesn't happen again. We made our mark on the club's history with our second Copa do Brasil title, and we'll do everything we can to repeat that by winning the Libertadores for the second time."

When he talks about making his mark on the club's history, he is obviously also referring to the fans, who, without exaggeration, can be seen as responsible for the turnaround in the Brazilian Championship.

"Our fans are magical. I've never seen such tremendous support, even when the team faced difficult times this year," the player summarizes.

In Porto Alegre, Flamengo lost to Cruzeiro 2-1 and was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship.

Ibson and Joel, chosen by internet users

Bernardo Pombo ()

In a survey conducted by Globo Online and the newspaper O GLOBO to select the tournament's standout players, Flamengo midfielder Ibson was named the Brazilian Championship's best player, beating out São Paulo goalkeeper Rogério Ceni and defender Breno; Fluminense defender Thiago Silva; and Náutico striker Acosta. The breakthrough trophy went to Corinthians goalkeeper Felipe.

Unlike the CBF's awards for the best in the Brazilian league, internet users had no doubts when choosing the best coach. For most, Joel Santana deserves all the credit for taking Flamengo out of the relegation zone and into the Copa Libertadores.

"It's like a title for me, a great joy. Especially because the internet world isn't just about Flamengo fans. This shows the affection of Flamengo fans, but also the admiration I have from fans of other clubs," said Joel, who took the opportunity to praise Ibson. "It's a fair choice. A player who was underutilized in Portugal has arrived here and, today, deserves a spot on the Brazilian national team. Without a doubt, 2007 was a very special year for me. We lost some players, but the board is working hard to strengthen the group."

Flamengo was the team that contributed the most players to the Brazilian national team. But other Rio clubs were also represented.

The Brazilian team was as follows: Felipe, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Thiago Silva and Juan; Richarlyson, Arouca, Ibson and Valdívia; Leandro Amaral and Dodô.

() From Globo Online

Sports Journal

Renato's case will have its D-Day on Tuesday

The 'cannon' Renato should return to Gávea soon

As reported by JORNAL DOS SPORTS on November 17, midfielder Renato remains a dream for the board. And apparently, returning to the Red-Blacks also seems to be the player's dream. Proof of this is that he has expressed a desire to return to the club, and Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, will travel to Dubai by Tuesday at the latest.

"I'm going to Dubai to resolve this situation. I'll lay my cards on the table and try to be as transparent as possible with the directors of Al-Nasr (Renato's current club). I want to see if there's a chance he'll return before the end of his contract. If not, we'll try again in May to sign him. He's expressed interest in returning, and that's why I'm going there," said the lawyer, who will also travel to Turkey to try to reach an agreement with the directors of Besiktas regarding the dispute between the club and supporter Kleberson.

Bruno Renova

Although vice president of football Kleber Leite has yet to confirm, goalkeeper Bruno will remain at Flamengo for the next four seasons. After extensive negotiations, the investment fund MSI agreed to pay the €3 million (approximately R$7,8 million) in installments.

"Everything is on track, but it's not official yet," the director said.

Bruno will stay in Gávea for the next four years.

Furthermore, the club's players and staff received excellent news yesterday: by the 20th, October and November salaries will be paid, as well as some benefits, such as transportation vouchers and bonuses that were overdue.

Sheriff near Gávea

Former São Paulo and Ponte Preta defender Rodrigo is very close to an agreement with Flamengo

THIAGO BOKEL AND NATHAN DE LIMA

Rodrigo should form the red-black defense alongside Fábio Luciano, Léo Moura and Juan

The kitchen is getting tidy. After agreeing to four-year contract extensions for full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan, defender Fábio Luciano, and goalkeeper Bruno, Flamengo's board is close to announcing the defender they were missing to complete the squad. That's because the board's preferred choice, Rodrigo, formerly of São Paulo, no longer faces any obstacles to wearing the red-and-black jersey.

The player's agent, Giuseppe Dioguardi, traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine, to secure permission from the directors of Dynamo, the club that holds Rodrigo's economic rights, to negotiate the defender's return to Brazil. And the response couldn't have been better. They sent a fax authorizing the agent to resolve the situation. Two clubs are already interested in the player: Flamengo and Santos.

It turns out that with Vanderlei Luxemburgo's dismissal from the Baixada Santista club, Rodrigo's chances of joining the club have been dashed. He's already expressed his desire to play for Flamengo in the Libertadores and has one foot in Gávea.

"In football, what's written counts, and this situation isn't yet finalized. We're still ironing out some details, and I believe this matter will be resolved next week," said vice president of football Kleber Leite, who also mentioned the signing of defensive midfielder Jônatas: "It's the same situation as Rodrigo. It's also well underway," he explained.

The defender, who also played for Ponte Preta and São Paulo, underwent surgery on his right knee in August and was undergoing physical therapy at Santos, which was counting on Luxemburgo to remain to lure the player. He's expected to return to the field in January, so Flamengo wouldn't be taking a shot in the dark without knowing Rodrigo's true physical condition.

The first name speculated about a deal with Flamengo was Bolívar, at the end of last week, but the board's priority was always Rodrigo, so much so that from the moment they began negotiating with him, Bolívar's name was left aside. Rodrigo arrived at São Paulo in 2004, recommended by coach Cuca, currently at Botafogo. After an excellent season with the São Paulo team, the defender was sold to Dynamo Kyiv, where he has been since January 2005.

With the confirmation of this signing, the red-and-black fans can be proud of having one of the best defenses in Brazil, and if everything goes according to the board's plans, by the end of the year it could be the best in the world.

Happy with life, Bruno praises 'Daddy Joel'

Bruno stays at Fla until 2011

Goalkeeper Bruno renewed his contract for another four years with Flamengo and is thrilled about it. The number 1 quickly identified with the Flamengo fans and had a great season. Bruno credits part of this success to Joel Santana's work.

The 'red-and-black wall' heaped praise on Joel. "Joel speaks the player's language. He makes us feel comfortable and demands it at the same time. He's a really nice guy," said Bruno, who took the opportunity to highlight 'daddy Joel's' good humor. "I think it's really funny when he says, 'Look at daddy here.' You have to listen to daddy," Bruno joked in an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes.

Hope of victory in the National

Six months ago, Paulo Chupeta was mourning his team's elimination from the 2006/07 National Championship. Today, the coach is all smiles and eagerly awaits his debut in the 2008 edition, where he is one of the favorites to win the title. He admitted that, in his three years at Flamengo, he has never been so optimistic about his chances of lifting the coveted trophy, which the club has never won.

"In 2005, when Emanuel left his position, Flamengo wasn't going to participate in the State Championship due to lack of funds. But then I was called in to take over and look for some players who were available on the market. I called Léo, Ricardinho, Alexei, and Mingão. We brought the other players from the youth academy. We won the State Championship against Telemar, but didn't do well in the National Championship. The following year, the squad was strengthened. We won our second championship and finished seventh in the Brazilian Championship. Now we've built one of the strongest teams in the country, and our goal is the National Championship," he explained.

A warrior leader and samba dancer

Superstitious, devoted to Saint George, and passionate about Carnival and basketball. That's Paulo Chupeta.

Rafael Oliveira

The coach was just happy after winning the title on Thursday

In a championship marked by so many partnerships, the star of the only coach trained at his club shone. Paulo Chupeta has been at Flamengo for 11 years, managing the youth teams for the first eight. In his three years as an adult, he won every state championship he competed in.

Much congratulated by his friends, the red-black commander lived yesterday his first day as the only legitimate three-time state champion, since in Gávea he was the only one who participated in the victorious campaigns of 2005/06/07.

The pride of being a Flamengo fan was evident on his face. This sentiment, in fact, was crucial to the club's victory in the decisive series against Vasco.

"No matter how good the teams are, they don't have as strong an identity with the jersey they're wearing as we do. We build our own team; it's not a partnership. I hope this encourages other Rio de Janeiro managers to build their own squads next year."

Having been with the club for so long, Chupeta has become a fixture at Gávea. It's rare to find a member who doesn't recognize his shiny bald head and the man who is always dressed in red and white. There's an explanation for his appearance: he's a devotee of Saint George and wears these colors because of a promise he made to the saint.

"I lived in Quintino for two years. One day my father took me to the São Jorge parish church, which is in the neighborhood, and ever since then I've been a devotee," said the coach, who still follows the superstition of always wearing the same jersey in matches.

"It was Cuca (current Botafogo coach) who gave it to me. Only he and I have one of those."

Besides the warrior saint, samba is another of his passions. Chupeta paraded for five years in the Viradouro front commission, also paraded in Paraíso do Tuiuti, and was also the bloco director of Vassourão do Riachuelo.

Samba is in his blood. His mother, Dona Almerinda, was a flag bearer for Tuiuti, while his older sister, Dona Neusa, was a princess for Cacique de Ramos. Only his father, Seu Válter, wasn't involved in the Carnival scene.

Chupeta's father, in fact, didn't approve of his son's participation in the sport that had become a part of his life. "He said basketball was a woman's thing," he said.

If he were alive, Mr. Válter would see how the sport of hoops made his son a respected and admired man. He started playing as a boy and was a champion in every category he competed in, both as a player and as a coach.

first round\ 29/9 - VOLTA REDONDA 49 x 95 FLAMENGO\ 7/10 - FLAMENGO 91 x 86 FLUMINENSE\ 14/10 - FLAMENGO 94 x 45 MUNICIPAL\ 19/10 - FLAMENGO 91 x 79 AUTOMOBILE CLUB\ 22/10 - FLAMENGO 97 x 78 LEAGUE MACAENSE\ 30/10 - FLAMENGO 98 x 74 IGUAÇU\ 21/11 FLAMENGO 81 x 80 VASCO\

SECOND round\ 3/11 - FLAMENGO 125 x 65 VOLTA REDONDA\ 5/11 IGUAÇU 67 x 85 FLAMENGO\ 16/11 - VASCO 74 x 73 FLAMENGO\ 18/11 - AUTOMOBILE CLUB 74 x 106 FLAMENGO\ 24/11 - FLUMINENSE 75 x 91 FLAMENGO\ 28/11 - MUNICIPAL 57 x 107 FLAMENGO\ 30/11 - LEAGUE MACAENSE 99 x 101 FLAMENGO\

SEMIFINAL\ 6/12 - MACAENSE LEAGUE 82 x 90 FLAMENGO\ 8/12 - FLAMENGO 79 x 78 MACAENSE LEAGUE\

FINAL\ 12/12 - VASCO 74 x 92 FLAMENGO\ 13/12 - FLAMENGO 75 x 73 VASCO\

O Dia

Flamengo makes efforts to repatriate Renato

Rio - Flamengo will invest heavily in an attempt to repatriate key players who participated in the 2006 Copa do Brasil victory: Renato, currently playing in the United Arab Emirates, and Jônatas, from Espanyol in Spain. The club's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, will be traveling next week to try to resolve Renato's situation. Regarding Jônatas, negotiations between Flamengo and Espanyol are well underway.

Renato's contract with Al Nassr runs until the middle of next year. However, the club's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, despite knowing that signing the midfielder is difficult, states that the club will make another effort to secure the player for the 2008 Copa Libertadores.

"Michel is going to Dubai to explore this situation. It's unlikely that Renato will leave before his contract ends. But if he comes to Brazil, he will come to Flamengo," said Kléber.

Sports Gazette

Galo is unaware of Fla's interest in Marcinho\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - With goalkeeper Bruno's contract renewal secured, Flamengo hopes to secure reinforcements for other positions. One of the names being speculated at Gávea is midfielder Marcinho, currently at Atlético-MG. Flamengo's directors are unaware of the red-and-black interest. "There has been no contact with Atlético-MG. There has been no understanding with anyone at Atlético-MG," Atlético's director of football, Beto Arantes, confirmed to Rádio Brasil.

Marcinho's agent, Daniel Pereira, also confirmed that he hasn't been approached by anyone from Flamengo, but confirmed that he is open to receiving offers from the Rio de Janeiro club for the player. Goiás is also in the running to sign Marcinho.

Another of Flamengo's hopes for 2008 is the return of midfielder Renato Abreu, who left Gávea for Arab football midway through the year. Next Monday, Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, is expected to travel to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, where he intends to formalize an offer to re-sign the player.

Renato, however, has a contract with Al Nars until May 31st of next year and is unlikely to be released before then. If Renato's return currently proves difficult, Jônatas's return could be announced next week, as Espanyol has already expressed a willingness to loan him out.

Midfielder Ricardinho, currently playing football in Turkey, was offered to Flamengo's directors, but initially the Rio de Janeiro club is not interested in the player who has played for Corinthians, Santos and São Paulo.

Coach Joel Santana has already asked the board to also look for reinforcements for the attack, one of the areas that has struggled the most this year. The coach wants a partner for Souza, as Maximiliano Biancucchi hasn't convinced, and Renato Augusto has already made it clear that he prefers to play in midfield.

While speculation about new signings is stirring at Flamengo, the club is also taking action on other fronts. This week, the club announced the launch of Flapédia, an online encyclopedia about the club.

Through Flapédia, Flamengo fans can access articles, interviews, photos, videos, and statistics about Flamengo's history.

Manager guarantees agreement to keep Bruno at Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's dream of turning Bruno into a Rogério Ceni of Gávea is closer. This Friday, vice president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that the MSI group has accepted the offer made by the Flamengo club to acquire the player's federation rights permanently. Next week, Bruno is expected to sign a new four-year contract with the Rio de Janeiro club.

To secure Bruno, Flamengo will have to shell out approximately €3 million (approximately R$8 million). To pay this amount to MSI, Flamengo will have to use funds it intends to raise from Fla-TV.

Throughout the 2008 season, Bruno was one of Flamengo's biggest stars in winning the Rio de Janeiro title and in the surprising campaign in the Brazilian Championship, when the team left the relegation zone and finished the competition in third place.

The number 1's retention was considered a priority by Flamengo's entire board and coaching staff. In recent weeks, the club has faced pressure from other clubs regarding its goalkeeper.

PeléNet

Flamengo and Santos can now negotiate with Rodrigo

Bruno Rousso\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Flamengo and Santos have a clear path to negotiate with Dynamo Kyiv-UKR defender Rodrigo. This Friday, the Ukrainian club released a statement on its official website informing that the player and two other defenders are on an initial transfer list.

Rodrigo in 2004, during São Paulo's match in the Copa Libertadores that year

Rodrigo's release was the result of a meeting held this afternoon between his agent, Giuseppe Dioguardi, and the Dinamo board. The former São Paulo player is expected to be loaned out for a year.

With the first stage over, it is now up to Flamengo and Santos to submit their official proposals to the defender and the Ukrainian club, which will have a decisive influence on the choice and will demand financial compensation.

In the fight for Rodrigo, Santos has a slight advantage, as the player used the club's facilities to recover from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Rodrigo spent the last two months receiving treatment at CEPRAF (Center of Excellence in Prevention and Recovery for Football Players).

Flamengo director goes to Saudi Arabia to "repatriate" Renato

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Flamengo's board of directors is keen to bring back midfielder Renato. The club's legal director, Michel Assef Filho, revealed that he will travel to the United Arab Emirates to repatriate the player who had a successful stint at Gávea from 2005 until this year, when he transferred to Al Nasr.

"Next week I'll fly to Dubai and try to bring Renato back to Flamengo. I need to know about his current situation, whether he could return in January or only in May," Assef said in an interview with Rádio Tupi.

Flamengo's lawyer emphasizes that he will go to the Arab world willing to resolve any issue involving Renato's contract, as long as, of course, Al Nasr's directors do not try to hinder the agreement.

"That's why Flamengo is sending a legal director and not an executive director. It all depends on what they say, and then we'll do business. I'm not aware of the termination fee, but that doesn't worry me because that's usually negotiable," he emphasized.

In injury time, Fla loses to Cruzeiro and leaves the Brazilian U-20

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

With a goal in the 48th minute of the second half, Cruzeiro defeated Flamengo 2-1 in a comeback on Friday in Porto Alegre and qualified for the semifinals of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship, which is being held in Rio Grande do Sul. With the result, Raposa qualified to compete against Grêmio on Sunday for a spot in the grand final.

Rubro-Negro opened the scoring through striker Paulo Sérgio, who previously played for the first team. Near the end of the first half, however, the Celeste equalized with Vinícius converting a penalty.

When everything indicated that the decision would go to penalties, Wallace took a free kick into the box in the 48th minute, the ball went past everyone and ended up in the right corner of the Rio goal.

Rio teams maintain their positions in the CBF rankings

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

There was no change for Rio de Janeiro's major clubs in the rankings released by the Brazilian Football Confederation. The four Rio clubs remain in the top 12, with Vasco (in 3rd place) being the highest-ranked.

With 1.928 points, Vasco remains behind only Grêmio (leader, with 1.978) and Corinthians (2nd, with 1.938). Not even relegation to Série B changed the team's position. According to the CBF's criteria (which only takes into account the Brazilian Championship and the Copa do Brasil), Vasco had 53 points in 2007.

Arch-rival Flamengo now holds fourth place with 1.918 points, just ten behind Vasco. This year, Flamengo has added 58 more.

The team that scored the most points (87) in the season among the Rio de Janeiro teams was Fluminense, backed by their good campaign in the Brazilian Championship (4th place) and winning the Copa do Brasil. Tricolor is in 11th place, with 1.561.

Finally, closing the gap between Rio's top teams is Botafogo, in 12th place with 1.503 points. In 2007, the black and whites scored 62 more.

Check out the list of the top ten and all the cariocas

1st Grêmio - 1.978 points\ 2nd Corinthians - 1.938\ 3rd Vasco - 1.928\ 4th Flamengo - 1.918\ 5th São Paulo - 1.879\ 6th Atlético-MG - 1.868\ 7th Palmeiras - 1.840\ 8th Internacional - 1.803\ 9th Cruzeiro - 1.776\ 10th Santos - 1.649\ 11th Fluminense - 1.561\ 12th Botafogo - 1.503\ 40th Americano - 479\ 41st América - 477\ 51st Bangu - 539\ 74th Volta Redonda - 174\ 87th Goytacaz - 130\ 97th Campo Grande - 97\ 109° Itaperuna - 75\ 134° Olaria - 40\ 162° Bonsucesso - 26\ 174° Serrano 22\ 183° Cabofriense - 18\ 219° Madureira - 08\ 224° Friburguense - 07\ 278° Portuguesa - 02\ 325° Barra Teresópolis - 01\ 325° Barra Mansa - 01\ 325° Bayer - 01\ 325° CFZ do Rio - 01\ 325° Macaé - 01\ 325° Rio Branco de Campos - 01\

BalloonSport

In the under-20s, Raposa defeats Fla

Cruzeiro team beats Rio de Janeiro team and qualifies for the semifinals, where they will face Grêmio

Cruzeiro has qualified for the semifinals of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship. The Minas Gerais team defeated Flamengo 2-1 in a comeback victory this Friday at the Passo D'Areia stadium in Porto Alegre and will face Grêmio for a spot in the national championship's final. Vinícius, with a penalty kick, and Maicon, in stoppage time, gave the victory to the Celestes. Paulo Sérgio scored the goal for the Rio de Janeiro team.

Flamengo started the match looking like they were going to crush the Minas Gerais team. Just eight minutes in, Paulo Sérgio received a good pass from Deivdson and opened the scoring for the red-and-blacks. After the goal, the Rio de Janeiro team retreated and saw goalkeeper Marcelo commit a penalty on Cruzeiro's Márcio. In the 44th minute, Vinícius converted the penalty and tied the score. The sad news came from young Celeste player Josean, who was hard fouled by Mazei and suffered a fracture in two places on his right leg.

In the second half, Cruzeiro completely dominated the match. Aside from a header by Diguinho that hit the crossbar, Flamengo barely troubled the Minas Gerais team. Constantly pushing forward, Flamengo finally found its way into injury time. In the 48th minute, Wallace took a free kick into the box, and Maicon headed the ball in to eliminate Flamengo and send Cruzeiro to the semifinals.

Dynamo releases, and Rodrigo is almost at Fla

Fax arrives in Brazil and defender is one step closer to becoming a reinforcement for the red-black club

Eduardo Peixoto

Defender Rodrigo, formerly of São Paulo, is at Dynamo Kyiv

A fax on Dynamo Kyiv's letterhead brought defender Rodrigo very close to Flamengo. Businessman Giuseppe Dioguardi met with the Ukrainian club's executives this Friday, presented the club's proposal, and received a positive response.

The negotiations were conducted in secret by Kléber Leite for three weeks. Last Tuesday, GLOBOESPORTE.COM reported that the defender was part of Flamengo's plans. Since the contract hasn't been finalized yet, the Flamengo executive is avoiding making a big fuss.

"Nothing's final yet. It won't be 100% finalized until we sign. But things are moving along nicely," says Kléber Leite.

The player, who is in São Paulo, confirmed the Rio de Janeiro club's offer and praised the club's fans. Rodrigo, 28, excelled at São Paulo, where he won the 2005 Campeonato Paulista. In August 2007, he underwent knee surgery and was recovering at Santos. He is expected to return to the field in January. Santos and Santos are both competing in an attempt to sign the defender.

If confirmed, Rodrigo will be Flamengo's second signing for next season. In October, Flamengo signed midfielder Kléberson. The next issue to be resolved is Jônatas. The board expects to announce him next week.

'I think Cristian stays,' says businessman

Negotiations with Lokomotiv Moscow halt and player expected to remain at Flamengo

Eduardo Peixoto

Cristian adapted well to Flamengo

Cristian's move to Russian football seemed imminent. However, the player is getting closer to staying at Flamengo every day. Negotiations with Lokomotiv Moscow have been stalled for over a week and are unlikely to continue.

The reason for the European club's decline is the coaching change. The new coach is analyzing potential signings, and the defensive midfielder is far from a priority.

"I think he'll stay at Flamengo. The coach is still looking at other players, and only if he doesn't like them will he want Cristian back," says Josias Cardoso.

Cristian signed a three-year contract with Flamengo. He awaits the outcome of his future in Fortaleza. However, he has made it clear several times that he wants to stay at Gávea.

From the bench to the title hero position

The star of the final against Vasco, Helinho says that the merit belongs to the team

During the State Championship, everyone pointed to winger Marcelinho as the star of the competition. But in the decisive match, the hero of Flamengo's three-time championship came off the bench. With 30 points, including five three-pointers, point guard Helinho was Flamengo's standout performer.

"The most important thing is to be champion. It was a great campaign, we lost only one game in 19, we achieved our goal, and now it's time to celebrate. It's special to be the standout in a championship final, but the important thing is the victory. In the final, I was the one; tomorrow, it will be someone else. That's how it works here at Flamengo," says the player.

Even though the player played little throughout the competition, coach Paulo Chupeta was not surprised by Helinho's performance.

"I don't have reserves, I have substitutes, and that's why I wasn't surprised by Hélio's great performance. Everyone who comes on contributes, and I can only thank them for the determination with which they approached today's match. It was a well-deserved title, because during the competition we were considered the second-strongest team and we showed that we had what it took to be champions," says the coach. Flamengo's star winger, Marcelinho, also recognizes the importance of Hélio's performance in winning the title.

"I'm very happy with this new achievement and for having contributed to the team. My role is to score, so I have a greater volume in the attack. My teammates understand this, they help me, and I thank them very much. Everyone does their part; that's what basketball is all about, it's a team effort. Just look at Hélio's exceptional performance," explains the star.

Board of Directors agrees on salaries by the 20th

Flamengo is just waiting for the release of funds from Petrobras to bring the entire payroll up to date.

Eduardo Peixoto

Flamengo employees and players should check their bank statements daily for good news until December 20th. According to the club's vice president of finance, José Carlos Dias, this is the deadline for all salaries to be paid on time.

- Everything will be up to date by the 20th. We are just waiting for the funds from Petrobras - he says.

The funds are close to being released. The main sponsor's funds have been withheld since the beginning of the year, but with the departure of the CND in November, the club was able to release them.

The club owes two months' wages to its employees - the benefits are four months late - and one month and some bonuses to its players.

Throw

Rodrigo and Jônatas are well on their way

Kléber Leite doesn't want to go into details, but promises that 2008 reinforcements will be announced soon.

Flamengo director promises reinforcements for next week (Credit: Julio Cesar Guimarães)

Without having officially announced a reinforcement yet, Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, promises to announce the new names for 2008 next week. But one name is already very close to being finalized: defender Rodrigo, formerly of São Paulo.

Another player with a strong chance of arriving at Gávea in 2008 is Jônatas. Espanyol reportedly welcomed Flamengo's loan offer.

Kléber Leite, however, prefers not to go into details about the negotiations. However, the director hinted that Rodrigo and Jônatas will be on the list of reinforcements to be presented.

"I would say they're both in the same situation. They're on the right track, but I can only confirm that they're Flamengo's when the contract is signed," Kléber told Rádio Globo.

Cruzeiro knocks Flamengo out of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship

Minas Gerais club beat Rubro-Negro 2-1 and now faces Grêmio

Flamengo and Cruzeiro faced each other on Friday night at the Passo D'Areia Stadium in Porto Alegre in the quarterfinals of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship. The Brazilian club came from behind to win 2-1 and will face Grêmio on Sunday at 16 p.m. in the semifinals.

The Rio de Janeiro team took the lead after just eight minutes. Deividson made a run down the right and crossed for Paulo Sérgio to finish with style. Cruzeiro didn't feel the blow and maintained the balance of the match.

Just before halftime, Raposa equalized. Goalkeeper Marcelo awarded a childish penalty to Márcio, and Vinícius scored with skill to level the score.

In the second half, both teams created good chances, and Cruzeiro scored the winning goal in the 48th minute. Pablo took a free kick toward the box, but no one cleared it, and the ball ended up in the back of goalkeeper Marcelo's net.