Clipp 16/11/2009

Read the press news about Flamengo

By From the press office - in 16/11/2009 às 11:55

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THE GLOBE

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Fla\ wins, climbs another step and is vice-leader
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Supported by the fans, the team beats Náutico 2-0 and is two points behind São Paulo. The dream of a sixth title seems real.
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\ PETKOVIC AND ADRIANO hug after Flamengo's second goal, scored by\ Imperador: striker scored 19 goals and is the top scorer in the Brazilian Championship
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Flamengo's fans take over a good part of the Aflitos and push the team: there were more than four thousand red-black fans from Rio and various parts of the Northeast
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\ Marcos Penido
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RECIFE. After the game, the Flamengo players' run toward the stands, chasing one of the goals at the Aflitos stadium, was a tribute to those who made the red-and-black team feel at home in the Northeast once again. And the applause from those more than four thousand fans was a fitting tribute to the team that had just become runner-up in the Brazilian Championship. The 2-0 victory over Náutico, on the day the club turned 114, took Flamengo to 60 points, one ahead of Palmeiras and two behind leaders São Paulo.
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\ The lead could even come next Sunday, as long as the team beats Goiás at Maracanã and São Paulo doesn't defeat Botafogo at Engenhão. The dream of a sixth championship has never seemed so real.
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Officially, the Flamengo fan section held 19 people. But the impression was that almost a third of the XNUMX in attendance supported the red-and-black team. Fans arrived early from all over the Northeast, especially Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte. More than an hour before the game, the Flamengo fan section was packed. Trying to drown out the Flamengo fans' chants, Náutico played frevo over the sound system.
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\ On the field, under intense heat at the beginning of the game, Flamengo took a few moments to wake up. And at 45 seconds, Aílton launched Carlinhos Bala, who\ touched the ball past Bruno but the goalkeeper prevented the goal.
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Gradually, Flamengo managed to retain possession and impose its greatest technical quality. In fact, no one imposed himself more than Adriano, well assisted by Leonardo Moura and Willians. When it was difficult, the ball went to the Emperor, who invariably created good chances. In the eighth minute, he tried his luck from distance, but Gledson saved it. Then, in the 16th minute, Willians, who was running tirelessly, crossed for Adriano to control with great skill and pass back for Leonardo Moura to shoot. Gledson gave a rebound and Petkovic pushed it into the goal: 1-0.
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\ - Killing the ball was difficult, it was getting away. But I managed it and passed it to Léo\ - commented Adriano, already at half-time.
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Before that, however, Flamengo would take advantage of Náutico's desperation, as they edged ever closer to relegation. In the 20th minute, Leonardo Moura passed to Zé Roberto, who shot, and Gledson saved. The biggest scare came in the 26th minute. Not because of Cláudio Luiz's offside call, which was blatantly obvious, but because of referee Sandro Meira Ricci's indecision. Michel's shot rebounded Bruno, and Claudio Luiz, who was offside alongside two other teammates, tapped the ball into the goal. Assistant referee Alessandro Matos flagged the foul. Ricci took a while to convince himself. When he disallowed the goal, he heard protests from Náutico and went to speak with Matos. Not satisfied, he crossed the field and went to speak to the other assistant referee, Altemir Hausmann, and the fourth official, Antônio Souza. Later, Ricci said he saw Bruno down and tried to check for any aggression. After four minutes, the goal was disallowed.
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Flamengo, the best on the field, launched another counterattack to score their second goal. In the 46th minute, Leonardo Moura provided a beautiful pass to Zé Roberto. He entered the box and crossed the ball for Adriano to score. It was the 19th goal for the Brazilian top scorer.
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\ Zé Roberto misses an incredible goal in the second half
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In the second half, some players struggled physically. Flamengo lost control of the midfield, and Náutico continued to dominate the penalty area, but opened themselves up to counterattacks. In the third minute, Irênio fired a cross from Patrick, but Bruno made a great save. On the return leg, Willians crossed for Leonardo Moura to tap in, but Gledson saved. In the 14th minute, Zé Roberto missed an unbelievable goal. He passed to Adriano, who waited for the goalkeeper to come out and returned the ball perfectly, but Zé Roberto, inside the penalty area and with an open goal, fired over the bar.
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Injured, Willians came off in the 19th minute, making way for Lennon. Flamengo lost momentum, but continued to find space and almost scored the third in the 25th minute, with a combination between Petkovic and Leonardo Moura, who crossed for the Serbian to shoot against the defense. Tired, Petkovic came off in the 35th minute. Sensing victory was near, the fans chanted "raised dust."
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In the 40th minute, after a pass from Tuta, Anderson Lessa pushed the ball toward goal, but was ruled offside. In the 46th minute, Adriano created a great play with Leonardo Moura, but shot wide. To the chants of "Come on Flamengo, we're going to be champions!" (sic), the team celebrated the victory.
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Yellow cards: Claudio Luiz, Asprilla, Irênio, Nilson, Leonardo Moura and David. Attendance: 19.798 paying spectators.

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A\ precaution from an expert in\ Flamengo
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Andrade asks for caution with hype and victories and says: 'If destiny is in our favor, we will be champions'
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\ PETKOVIC JUMPS to celebrate his goal, Flamengo's first in yesterday's victory over Náutico. Toró (left) also celebrates
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\ Marcos Penido
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RECIFE. It's no secret that Andrade has a deep understanding of Flamengo. And in the final stretch of a Brazilian Championship, where the chances of winning the title become more palpable with each round, such experience becomes even more valuable. Andrade was present for four of Flamengo's five Brazilian titles and knows that, in Gávea, depression and euphoria run rampant. After the victory over Náutico, he tried to nip the problem in the bud.
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"Now is the time to keep our feet on the ground, to focus on the excitement. I know Flamengo well, and I know this victory will heighten that spirit. It's time for seriousness, humility, and hard work. We need to try to win the three remaining games. We can't afford any setbacks," Andrade warned. "Flamengo hasn't reached this position in the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship for a long time. But we can't stop at 60 points. We have to contain the party atmosphere."
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\ Team mocks Pernambuco fans' fireworks
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\ Two points behind leaders São Paulo and without a direct confrontation with their rivals,\ Flamengo does not depend solely on its own efforts to become six-time Brazilian champions.\ But Andrade believes that, with nine points in the last three rounds, the team will inevitably\ win the title.
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"If fate is on our side, we'll be champions. And I really believe in fate. We just have to earn points," said the coach, noting that, in addition to São Paulo, he considers Palmeiras still in contention for the title.
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\ And it was Andrade who highlighted another aspect linked to the red-black life: victory\ on the day the club completed 114 years since its founding:
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\ - Winning on Flamengo's birthday is always a good gift.
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Andrade sees good prospects in the immediate future. For the game against Goiás, in addition to the strength of a fan base that has already purchased more than 74 available tickets, he is counting on the return of Maldonado, Fierro, and Juan. However, the board is issuing a warning: in 2008, Flamengo was beating Goiás 3-0, conceded a 3-3 draw at Maracanã, and lost its place in the Copa Libertadores.
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\ In the early hours of yesterday, what had happened in\ Belo Horizonte was repeated in\ Recife. A fireworks display disturbed the Flamengo players' sleep. Andrade said ironically.
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"Foguetório turned out to be a good sign. It messed with Flamengo, and that's what it's all about," Andrade said. "We could have decided the game in the first half. We had chances. But we played defensively and quickly went on the attack. That's Flamengo's strength."
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\ Goalkeeper Bruno also showed irritation with the fireworks episode.
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\ - Heavenly Father is watching this. They messed with those who were quiet - he said.
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\ It was Bruno, in fact, who praised Flamengo's behavior in this final run\ of the Brazilian Championship.
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"In the beginning, we faced a lot of criticism. No one believed in Flamengo, that we would be able to reach the top positions. Just being in second place at this moment is already a great achievement for this group; I already consider this team champions. But we're going to strive for more," he said.
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The team, which returns to Rio de Janeiro today, will train again on Tuesday. In addition to Goiás on Sunday at Maracanã, Flamengo will face Corinthians in Presidente Prudente and Grêmio in the final round at Maracanã.

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The striker's leadership and good humor
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RECIFE. Once again the name of the game, Adriano once again demonstrated how his leadership within the red-and-black squad is growing. He had just become the top scorer in the Brazilian Championship, but he preferred to make references to the fans and coach Andrade.
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The good relationship with the coach led to a curious fact, revealed yesterday. During the week, Andrade was unsure about who would replace Juan, who was suspended. Before opting for Ronaldo Angelim, he heard Adriano jokingly offer to replace him. Before becoming a striker, he had come through Flamengo's youth ranks as a left-back.
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"I made a point of relaxing and saying he could count on me," said Adriano. "We got here because of Andrade's humility. The players enjoy running for him. It's an honor to be the top scorer, but the whole team deserves credit."
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\ The striker asked the team to concentrate on the next games.
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"We have to do our job and pay maximum attention. Botafogo can take a point from São Paulo," he said. "The fans always help us a lot." (MP)
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FLEMISH\
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\ BRUNO: He made two great saves, one in each half. He calmed the team down. 7.
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\ LEONARDO MOURA: He played a great game, even without advancing systematically.\ He participated in the plays for both goals. 8.
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\ ÁLVARO: Very good in aerial plays. He played with great confidence. 7.
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\ DAVID: He was also safe, although he was involved early in the game. 6,5.
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\ RONALDO ANGELIM: Out of position, he had problems with his speed moves.\ When he arrived in full form for direct combat, he did well. 6,5.
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\ AÍRTON: It took him a while to find his position. In the second half, even with Náutico\ having added another midfielder, he improved. 6,5.
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\ TORÓ: His performance was poor in recent matches. He seemed unsure of who to mark. He had few chances to get out there and help the attack. 6.
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\ WILLIANS: He may not have enough technique to play in such an attacking role.\ But he is tireless, both in combat and in his advances down the right. He started the play for the first goal. 7,5. Injured, he gave way to LENNON, who marked well, but contributed less to the attack. 6.
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\ PETKOVIC: Physically, he felt the game. But he managed to be decisive by showing opportunism and opening the scoring. 7. BRUNO MEZENGA came on and had a good chance.\ He also helped the defense with high balls into the box. 6,5.
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\ ZÉ ROBERTO: Had a great first half, providing the pass for Adriano's goal, but\ was very poor in the second. He missed a great chance. 6,5. WELLINTON came on at the\ end of the game. No rating.
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\ ADRIANO: Once again the absolute standout. He scored a goal, set up another, held the ball in attack and followed up on every play. To top it all off, he helped the defense. 9.
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\ ANDRADE: More than tactical inventions, he seems to have the confidence of the squad. 8,5.
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\ NAUTICAL
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\ Right-back Patrick gave Flamengo's defense a lot of work. Bruno\ Mineiro is also dangerous.
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\ ARBITRATION
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\ Sandro Meira Ricci showed inexcusable insecurity in disallowing the goal in\ a clear offside call made by Náutico.

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Basketball\
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\ Flamengo loses its unbeaten record in the NBB
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\ Tiagão, from Joinville, scores 27 points, grabs 13 rebounds and leads the team\ from Santa Catarina
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\ JOINVILLE, SC. Current two-time Brazilian champion, Flamengo lost its\ unbeaten streak in the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) after being defeated by\ Ciser/Araldite/Univille/Joinville (SC) by 72\ to 69 (42 to 28, at halftime), yesterday, in\ Joinville. To achieve the victory, the local team had as a\ standout\ power forward Tiagão, with 27 points and 13 rebounds. For Flamengo,\ Marcelinho scored 25 points.
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\ Duda admits that the group was uneasy
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\ The victory was celebrated by the fans, after the confusion in a friendly match, in\ October, between Marcelinho and Shilton, from Joinville. The winger Audrei scored\ Marcelinho.
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\ - We reduced not only his playing volume, but that of the entire team - said\ Audrei.
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\ In the balanced first quarter, the red-black team won 22\ to 21. In the second, Joinville opened 21\ to 6 in the period, reaching 42\ to 28.
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After halftime, Flamengo stepped up its defense and reduced the deficit. Thus, the third quarter ended 51 to 48 in favor of Joinville, who also prevailed in the final period, closing the game 72 to 69.
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\ For Flamengo winger Duda, there was a lack of tranquility:
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\ - A high-level team like ours can't rush and only score\ six points in the second quarter.
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\ Joinville: Manteiguinha (6), Audrei (7), João Victor (2), Tiagão (27) and Shilton\ (2). André (17), Jefferson Sobral (11) and Marcão came in. Flamengo: Hélio (7),\ Duda (16), Marcelinho (25), Teichmann (3) and Coloneze (9). Dedé (3),\ Wagner (4), Fred (2) and Vítor came in.
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\ Other results: Universo/BRB/Brasília 88 x 80 Vivo/Franca (SP);\ ADL/Sercomtel/Londrina (PR) 66 x 64 São José/Unimed/Vinac (SP);\ GRSA/Itabom/Bauru (SP) 88 x 64 Assis (SP); Guaraná Antarctica/Vitória/Saldanha\ (ES) 75 x 76 Pinheiros/Sky (SP); and Vila Velha/Cetaf/Garoto/UVV (ES) 45 x 52\ Paulistano/Amil (SP).
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\ Classification: 1. Brasilia, 6; 2. Joinville, Franca, Flamengo, São José and\ Pinheiros, 5.

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Fla\ overcomes controversy and wins State Rowing Championship
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\ Vasco wins the last regatta on the day of his rival's 114th birthday, but does not reach him in the overall classification
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\ ARGENTINE Santiago Fernández lingers on the boat after winning the race
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\ ATHLETES AND TECHNICAL COMMITTEE celebrate winning the championship
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\ ROBERTO Dinamite and José Roberto pose with Vasco athletes
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\ Deborah Gares
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With a garbage container serving as a drum, a flag draped over their heads, and provocative chants of "Runner-up again," Flamengo fans enthusiastically celebrated Flamengo's 2009 State Rowing Championship victory yesterday at the Lagoa Rowing Stadium. Despite finishing second in the eighth and final race of the competition, held yesterday and won by Vasco, Flamengo had already secured a significant lead in the other stages and finished first in the overall standings with 601 points. Vasco, in second, had 556, and Botafogo, in third, had 259.
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In yesterday's regatta, Vasco scored 89 points, winning six events: men's and women's lightweight single sculls, lightweight double sculls, junior double sculls, four sculls, and four sculls with juniors. Flamengo scored 86, winning the eight sculls with masters, the junior single sculls, the two sculls without juniors, the open four sculls, and the eight sculls with juniors. Botafogo won the children's four sculls, scoring 32. Flamengo also took home the Efficiency Trophy, which includes events that do not count towards the State Championship.
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\ The title win, on the day Flamengo turned 114, was even\ more celebrated due to the red-black victory in the last test of the day, the\ traditional eight with open.
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"It's the result of intense work. And even with the problems we faced, we didn't let it get to us. We were already prepared, expecting anything. Luckily, common sense prevailed," said Vasco's coach, Marcos Amorim, referring to the decision by the Sports Justice Court (TJD) of the state Rowing Federation (FRERJ), which dismissed a lawsuit filed by Vasco against Flamengo.
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Last week, Vasco filed a lawsuit to eliminate Argentine athlete Santiago Fernández, an Olympic athlete brought by Flamengo in March, and nullify his results. According to the president of the TJD, Charles Aguiar, there was no evidence in the records when Vasco learned of the irregularity.
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\ Vasco will appeal
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\ According to Vasco's vice-president of Rowing, José Roberto Saraiva Gomes da\ Costa, the club will still appeal the decision:
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"We will go to the Sports Court and, if necessary, to the Common Court to have this decision reviewed. We have proven that the Argentine participated in competitions for an Argentine club this year, which is prohibited by Brazilian rowing regulations. Vasco is the legitimate champion."
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\ Leader of the victorious eight-team with open, Fernández revealed irritation with the\ episode.
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"At no point did I think I would lose points because I read all the regulations before getting into the water. My performance for the Argentine team was a must for me to remain on my country's national team. More than fear, I felt anger and annoyance. You have to know how to win and how to lose," he said, having a contract with the red-and-black club until March, with the possibility of renewal.
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\ Also present at the event were presidents Roberto Dinamite, from Vasco,\ and Márcio Braga, from Flamengo, who socialized with the athletes and presented\ medals.
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\ The teams' next challenge is the Unified Brazilian Rowing Trophy, from December 3rd to 6th, also in Lagoa.

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Column\Calazans

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With\ merit
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Flamengo continues its consistent streak: it doesn't play well, but it wins - and that's what's important, at least in this increasingly results-driven football we have here. Flamengo doesn't play well, but it wins well. That's what happened yesterday at the Estádio dos Aflitos: 2-0 over Náutico. That's the result that matters to reach second place, as Flamengo deservedly did.
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\\ With all due merit, I repeat. If Flamengo doesn't deserve it, who does? Palmeiras? Cruzeiro? Atlético Mineiro? Teams that can't win when they need it most. Right, Atlético Mineiro? Right, Cruzeiro?
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Flamengo, the Flamengo team, didn't play well, but some Flamengo players played very well, they played for everyone else. This was the case with Adriano, in the foreground, Petkovic, of course, and, fulfilling their role well, Álvaro and Aírton.
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Now let's get everything straightened out to include goalkeeper Bruno among the names who sustained - and continue to sustain - Flamengo's great rise in the championship. As happened at Aflitos, with Bruno making some crucial saves and ensuring Náutico's score was nil. So, according to the agreement, those most responsible for Flamengo's comeback are Bruno, Álvaro, Petkovic, Adriano - and Maldonado, who was not on the field yesterday and was sorely missed.
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\ On the other hand, it is absolutely unjustifiable that, to beat a team as\ weak as Náutico, Flamengo has to go through the suffering it went through\ for much of the game, especially in the second half. Absolutely unjustifiable.\
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\ How unjustifiable it is that a player, a professional like Zé Roberto, less than a month away from turning 29, has no talent for kicking a ball and, therefore, misses the goal he missed in the 14th minute of the second half - and which would even put an end to Náutico's dominance (as incredible as it may seem).
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\ Ah, Flamengo's goals? Petkovic and Adriano, of course.

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THE DAY

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\ \ \ \ \ 'Nation' will now support Botafogo

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BY JANIR JUNIOR, RIO DE JANEIRO

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Rio - Top scorer in the Brasileirão with 19 goals, Adriano, alongside other more experienced players, has warned the most young\ to be careful, because football is full of surprises. This lesson is already known. But the new chapter in the Emperor's red-and-black playbook has a special chapter: root for Botafogo against São Paulo, and beat Goiás, on Sunday, in a packed Maracanã, since tickets are sold out.

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"Every red-and-black fan has to root for Botafogo to take a few points off São Paulo (laughs). We have to do our part, which is to win the remaining three games. It's time to put our feet on the ground and know that the final stretch won't be easy. The experienced players are teaching the youngsters that football is full of surprises; a team that's on top can fall. We have to be careful," said Adriano.

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Adriano's goal of scoring at least 21 goals to equal Zico's feat, the Brazilian top scorer in 82—the last time Flamengo had a top scorer in the competition—could come along with a sixth national championship, which would motivate him even more. "It would be an honor to be top scorer and also champion. But we have to think of the team as a whole. Our triumph is the result of day\ of the whole team&8221;, completed the Emperor, who every day gets closer to guaranteeing\ vacancy\ for the World Cup.

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Adriano heaped praise on Andrade, who transformed a discredited team with problems\ internal in a group without vanity and focused on the title. "We got here because of Andrade's humility, open to dialogue and with the group in his hands. Before the game, I joked with him and offered to play left back if needed.\ This is the spirit of the group," said the Emperor, who praised the presence and\ party of the fans at Aflitos: "They always give off good energy. I'm happy to have a wonderful fan base like Flamengo's by my side."

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Goiás\ brings bitter memories

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Rio - &8220;Who knows what\ Flamengo's destiny will be Champion\ is it not mapped out? I believe in destiny&8221;. With this statement, Andrade illustrates the dream\ of winning the sixth title. But, so that destiny is not drawn along crooked lines, the coach warns of the game\ against Goiás, which last year was a turning point in the Brasileirão — Flamengo was winning 3-0 and conceded a draw, which practically took away their chance of going to the Libertadores.

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For the next game, Andrade will have a full team, with Juan, who served a suspension, Maldonado and Fierro, who were with the Chilean national team, and Kléberson, on the bench after a period out due to shoulder surgery. São Paulo only depends on him. There's no point in getting a little help from Botafogo\if we don't do our part&8221;, said the technician.

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Wall\ Bruno makes fun of critics

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Goalkeeper highlights performance in the second half and spits out those who doubted Fla: 'I want to see who's going to talk about us now'

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Rio - One of the heroes of the game and of Flamengo's campaign in search of the sixth title, goalkeeper Bruno highlighted the team's strength in the second half of the Brasileirão. The wall poked the critics and all those who doubted Flamengo.

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"We came from the bottom of the table and we're fighting for the title. Many people didn't believe us and even laughed at us when our group said that we were fighting for the Libertadores or the title. I want to see who's going to talk about us now," challenged the captain.

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Despite the happiness of achieving their first goal, reaching the top four, Bruno emphasized that the title is still a long way off, despite the team being only two points behind leaders São Paulo: "The problem is that winning the title doesn't depend on us. We're in the fight, but we depend on them to stumble. However, even if we don't win the title, I already consider this group champions. We had a campaign worthy of second-round champions. This group really deserves something bigger."

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About drying São Paulo and cheering for Botafogo\ in the next round, the number 1 preferred to look at Flamengo. &8220;We have to play\ without looking at the other game. It won't do any good if the others teams\ stumble and we don't do our part, overcoming the games.\ We have to stay focused on our matches. Whatever comes is profit\ from now on&8221;, he said.

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Bruno also highlighted the strength of the red-and-black squad in this final stretch: "Some players arrived later, like Maldonado and Álvaro, but they fit the team perfectly. We have a strong squad and that's why we're fighting at the top of the table," he said.

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Fla defeats Náutico and takes second place

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BY NILO JUNIOR, RIO DE JANEIRO

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The Emperor scored the second goal and led the red-black victory. Photo: Marcelo Regua / Agência O Dia

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Rio - The dream of a sixth title is more alive than ever thanks to goals from Petkovic and Adriano. With another strong performance in the championship, Flamengo defeated Náutico 2-0 at Estádio dos Aflitos and remains in the fight for the Brasileirão title. With three rounds remaining, Flamengo is in second place with 60 points, two behind leaders São Paulo (62), who are fighting for their seventh title. The result also helped Fluminense, who are fighting against relegation, as they sank their club.

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The game started with Náutico trying to go forward, pushed by crowd.\ Little by little, Fla advanced the marking, arriving for the first time with danger\ in the 8th minute, in a shot by Adrinao, which went to the left of Gledson's goal.\ Timbu's response came soon after, with Bruno Mineiro, who risked a shot from afar and\ scared Bruno.
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\ At 16, in a beautiful play, Adriano passed to Léo Moura, who shot hard.\ Gledson saved and, on the rebound, Petkovic sent it to the back of the net, making it 1\ 0 for the red-black team.

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Three minutes later, Flamengo could have extended their lead with Zé Roberto, but the Náutico goalkeeper made a great save after the midfielder's shot. The game was very fast-paced and, in a quick descent, Carlinhos Bala headed the ball and it hit Bruno's left post in the 22nd minute.

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In the 26th minute, Michel shot, Bruno rebounded, and Cláudio Luiz equalized. The referee correctly called offside. Curiously, the referee then innovated and met with the assistants in a sort of "round table" on the field, stopping the game for about five minutes.
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\ In stoppage time, at 46, Léo Moura sent a good ball to Zé Roberto, who\ crossed perfectly to Adriano, who only had the day\ to support to make it 2 to\ 0.
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\ In desperate need of a win, Náutico returned for the second half wanting an early goal. Patrick went to the byline and crossed to\ Irênio, who fired a shot that forced Bruno to make a great save.

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In search of the goal, Timbu gave spaces to the red-black, who had the chance to kill the game in the 14th minute. Adriano invaded the area and passed it perfectly to Zé Roberto who, without a goalkeeper, kicked it over the goal.
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In the 27th minute, Juliano took a shot from distance, the ball curled, and Bruno had to stretch to save it. Flamengo slowed down a bit and looked to counterattack. In the 40th minute, after a cross from the right, Tuta attempted a volley, but the ball fell to Anderson Lessa, who headed it into the back of the net. The referee, correctly, called offside.
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\ In stoppage time, Léo Moura made a good cross to Adriano, who touched it out and missed the chance to score the third. But, in the end, it was not missed. Fla\ is still in the fight for the sixth title and faces Goiás in the next round, at Maracnã.\ All tickets for the game have already been sold and the "Greatest in the World"\ will once again have a public\ of more than 70 thousand fans.

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On Fla's birthday, Bruno asks for the sixth title as a gift

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BY JANIR JUNIOR, RIO DE JANEIRO

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Rio - Flamengo's starting goalkeeper for three years, Bruno, from Minas Gerais, has never been one to sit still. Despite his ups and downs, he has played 182 matches for the club, played a decisive role in three state titles, and become a fan favorite. On Flamengo's 114th anniversary, Bruno took over as captain and represented the Flamengo Nation. When it was time to blow out the candles, he revealed what gift the group would like.

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&8220;Definitely the Brazilian Championship. The state titles were important, but to make history, you have to win\the Brazilian&8221;, he stated.

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For the last three years, the trophy has been lifted by a goalkeeper, São Paulo's Rogério Ceni. The gesture could be repeated this year, but Bruno hopes it will be far from Morumbi. "This image of lifting the Brazilian Championship trophy crosses my mind every day. I always dream about it," he revealed.

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The number 1 left everyone apprehensive when he left training on Wednesday, but he is confirmed against Nautical.\ The captain says he loves it dispute\ decisive matches. &8220;I would play even with a cast on. I can't stay out&8221;.

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The goalkeeper showed optimism in winning the sixth title. Bruno recalled that, in 2007, he was part of the team\ commanded by Joel Santana, who started from the relegation zone to 3rd\ position in the Brazilian Championship.

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"In 2007, São Paulo was already way ahead and there was no longer time to fight for the title. I think that, if we had five rounds left, we could have even caught up. But this year we reacted earlier and we are close and have a chance of winning the title. That's what I want most," he assured.

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SPORTS GAZETTE

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Flamengo wins, takes second place and sinks Náutico

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\ Recife PE)

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Adriano and Petkovic remain decisive and, this Sunday, placed Flamengo as São Paulo's most dangerous opponent in the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship. In a game played at the Aflitos stadium, the Rubro-negro beat Náutico 2-0 and took second place in the competition, with 60 points, just two less than the Tricolor paulista.

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O meiaThe Serbian opened the scoring in Recife, and the Emperor completed the scoring in the first half. In addition to jumping to second place, Flamengo also sank Náutico, which sits in second-to-last place with just 35 points. Timbu also had two goals disallowed this Sunday, by Cláudio Luiz and Anderson Lessa (both for offside).

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In pursuit of São Paulo, Flamengo returns to the field on Sunday, when they will face Goiás at Maracanã. The Pernambuco club will look to bounce back on Saturday, against Corinthians at Pacaembu.

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Relentless Attack: The obligation of both teams to seek victory made the gameIt was exciting from the start. Even before the first minute, Carlinhos Bala received a pass on the right, behind the defense, and shot past Bruno, who managed to send it wide. Shortly after, Irênio exchanged passes with Bruno Mineiro and unleashed a dangerous shot that scared goalkeeper Bruno.

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Flamengo, for their part, also launched themselves forward, but still felt danger from Carlinhos Bala, who invaded the box and wasted a good chance by missing the target. On the other side, in the 17th minute, Flamengo opened the scoring. After a cross from the right, Adriano rolled the ball into the middle of the box for Léo Moura to finish. Gledson partially saved and left the rebound for Petkovic, who only had to tap it into the net.

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In the very next play, coach Andrade's team almost extended their lead. Zé Roberto faced Asprilla on the right, got away from his marker and shot hard, forcing Gledson to make a save. great\ intervention. But Flamengo was wrong in imagining that it had dominated Timbu.\ Carlinhos Bala received the ball in the area and headed it very close to the post.

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Shortly after, the most controversial play of the half occurred. From outside the box, Michel fired a powerful shot that Bruno saved. Claudio Luiz fired the ball into the net from the rebound, but the referee flagged for offside. The Náutico players protested loudly, and Sandro Meira Ricci consulted with both assistant referees before confirming the goal was disallowed.

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Undeterred by his opponent's challenges, Adriano went on the attack and took a shot from the edge of the box, but the goalkeeper saved it. On the other side, Michel wasted a free kick by hitting the wall.

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In stoppage time, Flamengo showed why they're fighting for the Brazilian title. Leonardo Moura made a great pass from the right to Zé Roberto, who rolled the ball into the box for Adriano to extend the lead.

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At halftime, Geninho abandoned the three-man defense and took off Asprilla to bring on midfielder Juliano. Just like in the first half, Náutico threatened from the very first play. Irênio received the pass in the middle of the box and shot straight away, but Bruno stretched to palm it away. But the play didn't faze Flamengo, who responded with a dangerous shot from Willians.

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More dangerous on the field and enjoying\ the opponent's desperation, the visiting team came close to the third goal soon after. Adriano led a counterattack, invaded the area and gave the assist to Zé\ Roberto, who, with an open goal, sent the ball over the crossbar and wasted\ an incredible chance.

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Bruno inspired: Coach Geninho then placed his last hopes on the introduction of Anderson Lessa and Tuta, replacing Aílton and Irênio, respectively. In desperation, Náutico began to cause more problems up front, putting pressure on the visitors.

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Midfielder Juliano unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box and saw goalkeeper Bruno make a good save. In the next play, Michel controlled the ball on the left and sent a powerful shot, but the red-and-black goalkeeper made another save.

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Moments later, Lessa advanced down the right and crossed, unable to get past Bruno. In the final minutes, the referee still noticed offside and disallowed a goal by Anderson Lessa.

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PELENET

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After much distrust, Andrade praises his group's response

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From UOL Sports
\ In Rio de Janeiro

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Step by step, without much talk, Flamengo reached second place in the Brazilian Championship. Previously discredited, the team is now considered the great 'pursuer' of leader São Paulo. Coach Andrade, excited by the red-and-black's surge, made a statement in defense of his players.

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SEE THE GOALS OF THE MATCH

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"Flamengo was a discredited group and I put Adriano playing up front and Pet coming from behind. And with that the team fit together and gained strength. Today we are not in this position by chance," he said, adding.
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"Of course I helped, but there would have been no point in me wanting something if the players didn't want it. They excelled and made the team grow. That's why we improved our performance and our position in the table," he added.
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With the victory, the team from Gávea reached 60 points and took second place. São Paulo, in first place, has 62. There are still three rounds left until the end of the Brazilian Championship.

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Flamengo fans irritate Náutico hosts with chants and irony

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Sergio Rangel
\ From Folhapress
\ In Recife (PE)

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The approximately 4 Flamengo fans who went to Aflitos last Sunday took advantage of the victory to mock Náutico, who were practically relegated.
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\ They chanted "second division" during the match. Most of the Rio de Janeiro team's fans were residents of Recife or neighboring states, a fact that led Náutico's main organized supporters to protest.
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\ Before the start of the game, they opened a banner with an arrow in the direction of the red-blacks and the phrase: "Shame of the Northeast".
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With a Northeastern accent, Flamengo fans chanted encouragement for the team and the club anthem. "Flamengo isn't just Rio. It's the Northeast and all of Brazil. The passion for this jersey transcends all borders," said Milton Barbosa, a 38-year-old engineer from Paraíba, who traveled two hours by car from João Pessoa to Recife with 15 friends.
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\ There were bands of organized groups from the Northeast, such as Raça da Paraíba, Jovem de Natal and\ Fla-Bahia.
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\ Náutico's president, Maurício Cardoso, was criticized by the club's fans for giving 4 tickets to his rival, or more than 20% of the stadium's capacity.

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After reaching second place, goalkeeper Bruno speaks out

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From UOL Sports
\ In Rio de Janeiro

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Flamengo defeated Náutico 2-0 and moved into second place in the Brazilian Championship. A few rounds ago, this position was considered unattainable by many. This led goalkeeper Bruno to speak out and demand respect for his team.

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SEE THE GOALS OF THE MATCH

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"When we talked about the Libertadores, many laughed at us and that was a tremendous lack of respect, but we continue working with this possibility and we will believe in it," said the number 1.
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After responding to his critics, the goalkeeper congratulated his teammates and highlighted the red-and-black team's run in the Brazilian Championship. Despite being very cautious, Bruno didn't hide the fact that the dream of winning the title is more alive than ever.
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"I want to highlight our achievements for what we did today and for what we've been doing. I don't know why we're dependent on São Paulo stumbling to win the title, but we have to focus on the victories and see what happens. It's easy to get into the top four, but staying there is very difficult," he said.

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Round\ 'separates' miners, and the fight for the title becomes polarized between SP, Fla and\ Palmeiras

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From UOL Sports
\ In Sao Paulo

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The closest battle for the Brazilian Championship title since the introduction of the points system in 2003 has practically lost two contenders. Minas Gerais rivals Atlético-MG and Cruzeiro stumbled in this round and, with only three games remaining, saw São Paulo, Flamengo and Palmeiras open up a lead and practically guarantee the polarization between them for the trophy.

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Among the top three, only Palmeiras failed to win this round. Even playing at Parque Antarctica, the green-and-white team could only manage a 2-2 draw, which, despite taking them off the top of the table, ended up relegating Sport. The Pernambuco team, however, is complaining about a possible illegality in the opposing team's second goal and has filed a lawsuit with the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) demanding a victory in this match.

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If Palmeiras faltered, São Paulo and Flamengo knew how to take advantage of this slip and, by defeating the teams from Vitória and Náutico 2-0, respectively, they managed to open up an advantage for the team led by coach Muricy Ramalho.
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"We can say that Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG have moved away a little. Although they still have a mathematical chance, it is unlikely that they will continue to fight for the title. São Paulo, Flamengo and Palmeiras are in the running, and now this fight has become a little closer," analyzed goalkeeper Rogério Ceni.
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\ To "move away" from the fight for the title, Cruzeiro ended up conceding\ an equalizing goal from Grêmio at the end of the match and reached 55 points. \ Atlético-MG, in turn, lost to Coritiba 2-1 and, as a result, remained at 56 points.

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Pet and Adriano shine again, Fla beats Náutico and takes second place

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From UOL Sports
\ In Rio de Janeiro

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SEE THE GOALS OF THE MATCH

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Indeed, it is possible to dream of the title. With another good performance, Flamengo beat Náutico 2-0 on Sunday afternoon (the day it turned 114) at Aflitos, and took second place with 60 points, two behind São Paulo. Petkovic and Adriano scored the red-and-black goals and, once again, confirmed themselves as the 'heroes of the nation'.
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The red and white team's situation has become even more complicated. With only 35 points, the team sits second to last in the competition and faces a very difficult chance of escaping relegation.
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\ At the end of the match, goalkeeper Bruno made a statement: "When we talked about\ Libertadores, many laughed at us and that was a tremendous lack of respect,\ but we continue working with this possibility and we will believe in it", he stated.

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Unaccustomed to seeing Ronaldo Angelim play at left-back, Flamengo seemed a little lost in the opening minutes. Meanwhile, Náutico tried to apply pressure, but in a disorganized manner. Therefore, they didn't create any great opportunities.
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\ Little by little, the red-blacks found their feet on the field and gained ground.\ In the 16th minute, Adriano received the ball in the box, controlled it, threatened a 'bomb,' but rolled it to\ Leonardo Moura, who shot low. On the rebound, Petkovic challenged the defense and\ opened the scoring.
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At 25, a controversial play. After a great save by Bruno, Claudio Luiz, who was offside, equalized. The referee disallowed the play, and a huge commotion ensued. Sandro Meira met with his assistants and confirmed the irregularity, much to the dismay of the red and white fans.
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The game remained evenly matched until the 45th minute when Zé Roberto appeared well on the right, crossed low, and Adriano, free, simply tapped it into the back of the net. Náutico still tried, desperately, to press in the final minutes, but to no avail. The advantage was carried into the locker room.
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With the score at a disadvantage, the home side started the second half pressing, and Bruno had to make a great save after three minutes. Well-prepared, Flamengo took advantage of counterattacks to surprise. In one of them, Leonardo Moura almost extended the lead.

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Shaken, Náutico took the blow and gave the red-and-blacks plenty of space. Zé Roberto even squandered an opportunity without a goalkeeper. From the 28th minute onwards, however, Náutico woke up and began applying some pressure. If it weren't for goalkeeper Bruno, the situation would have been complicated. But it was nothing more than a scare, and the result was confirmed. The red-and-black dream remains alive, and the Timbu nightmare is more tragic than ever.

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Blog\Juca Kfouri

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