THE GLOBE
Basketball
Fla loses again and finds itself in a difficult situation in the League
Leandrinho, Nenê and Varejão advance to the second round of the NBA
CORRIENTES, Argentina. Flamengo found itself in a tough spot in the South American Basketball League title fight against Argentina's Regatas Corrientes. Yesterday, again at their rival's stadium, the Rio de Janeiro team was defeated 63-56, giving Corrientes a 2-0 lead in the finals.
The series continues on Tuesday at 19 p.m. at Maracanãzinho. Flamengo must win to force a fourth game on the 23rd at the same venue, and then win again to trigger a fifth game on the 29th or 30th in Corrientes. Yesterday, Flamengo played without star Marcelinho, who was sent off in the day before yesterday's loss (95-72), in a tumultuous match. Marcelinho will be tried tomorrow.
In the first quarter, very good on defense, Flamengo made it 14 to 4, at 3m30s, closing the quarter at 16 to 11. In the second period, they continued to be better, pacing the game, with Fred, and took the advantage of 30 to 22 to the locker room, thanks to a three-pointer from Amiel.
Nenê is expected to be on the court on Sunday for Denver
In the third quarter, the previously listless Corrientes fought back, led by Stanton, closing the gap to 37-35, with 4:50 remaining in the quarter. Flamengo coach Paulo Chupeta called a timeout, but with 2:20 remaining, a three-pointer by Montecchia put the Argentine team ahead, 43-41. Corrientes closed the period 47-43. In the final quarter, as Flamengo's performance declined, Corrientes took a 59-47 lead with Martinez, with 4:18 remaining in the quarter, before closing the score at 63-56.
Corrientes: Montecchia (9), Martinez (11), Stanton (19), Robinson (11) and Lopez (4). Entered: Rivero (3) and Tintorelli (6). Flamengo: Fred (11), Hélio (6), Amiel (14), Alírio (7) and Coloneze (15). Entered: Fernando (3), Maicon and Duda.
Gavilán trains at Fla until he transfers
As personal issues threatened to gain ground at Gávea, the board issued a resolution: anything other than Libertadores games and the state finals is prohibited. To that end, the club is smoothing things over and yesterday sealed the future of Paraguayan Gavilán. He won't play in the Brazilian Championship for Flamengo, but will remain at Gávea until he finds a new club.
Gavilán, whose professional demeanor is praised at Gávea, had agreed a contract with Flamengo until the end of the year, divided into three contracts: two for three months and one for six, so Flamengo could evaluate him. The first contract ends next Wednesday. The player, who sees no chance of playing, wants to look for a club. Flamengo decided to keep him even after the end of the first contract. This will be the time for Gavilán to finalize a transfer.
Joel maintains base to face Bolognesi
When asked about the reasons why he wasn't used, Gavilán said he doesn't usually talk to coaches about the matter.
"I'm not talking to Joel about this at all. I'm past the point of asking for an explanation," the player said.
Yesterday, the club's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, announced that matters related to the players' situation will not be addressed until the end of the State Championship. The day before, coach Joel Santana had been forced to comment on Gavilán's situation, as well as those of Diego Tardelli and Marcinho, who had recently expressed dissatisfaction.
Club president Márcio Braga had lunch with Ronaldo's agent, Fabiano Farah. He reiterated his invitation for the striker to continue his recovery at Gávea, which, according to Márcio, is being managed by doctor José Luiz Runco.
- To play, only in 2009. It was a public relations meeting - said Márcio.
In yesterday's training session, coach Joel Santana showed that he expects to maintain the so-called "elite squad" that beat Cienciano and lost to Botafogo against Coronel Bolognesi in the Libertadores. The exception was Renato Augusto, whose leg injury still requires attention. He was replaced by Marcinho.
On Monday, the team travels to Granja Comary in Teresópolis, where they plan to stay for two weeks, or until the end of the State Championship. The schedule would only change if there's a long trip for the Copa Libertadores Round of 16, which will be between the two final matches of the State Championship.
In an interview with "RJTV", on Rede Globo, Romário chose Flamengo's fans as the ones who had the most impact on him:
- Flamengo's fans are from another planet - said the former player.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Leo Moura: 'Fla learned a lesson from Libertadores 07'
DANIEL PRADO dprado@jsports.com.br
File/JS
Leo Moura is one of Fla's main offensive weapons
Leaving aside the Campeonato Carioca, where they await the winner of the Taça Rio final between Botafogo and Fluminense this Sunday, Flamengo turns its attention to the Libertadores. Flamengo has already secured qualification from Group 4 with 10 points, but is still fighting to secure first place in the group and, with less chance, the best overall record in the competition.
Last year, the strong first-round performance didn't amount to much, as the Gávea team had the second-highest score, with 16 points, and was eliminated shortly thereafter in the round of 3 by Uruguay's insignificant Defensor. The Rio de Janeiro team lost 0-2 in Montevideo, and in the return leg at the Maracanã stadium, they couldn't come back and, despite winning 0-XNUMX, were eliminated.
Right-back Leonardo Moura, who was involved in the early elimination in 2007, guarantees that the team learned its lesson and that this year the story will be different.
"We learned from last year's mistakes, when we lost 3-0 to Defensor in Montevideo. If we have the chance to decide in front of our fans, it will certainly be different," the full-back stated.
The red-black seesaw
After being almost eliminated, Flamengo could have the best Libertadores campaign
Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
Jair Motta
Léo Moura credits the defeat in Montevideo with the beginning of Flamengo's rise in the Libertadores
The old saying that things change every minute at Flamengo could be a defining characteristic of their future in this year's Copa Libertadores. Before facing Cienciano in Cusco last week, there were fears of the worst, that a defeat would practically decimate their chances in the competition. However, the impressive 3-0 victory at 3.360 meters above sea level in the Peruvian city changed the course of Joel Santana's team's year.
The result opened up another possibility, previously almost ignored by the Club: that the team could have the best campaign among the 32 participants and, thus, in the round of XNUMX, face the worst second-placed team from the group stage. Although this position is still elusive due to the goal difference with the other competitors, a victory over the weak Peruvian team will guarantee, at the very least, one of the three best campaigns in this stage.
Flamengo's biggest lesson in the championship, however, didn't come with a positive result. For right-back Leonardo Moura, the decisive factor in the comeback came after the 3-0 loss to Nacional in Montevideo.
"The loss to Nacional helped the group mature a lot and showed us the importance of winning away from home. The game in Peru gave us a lot of confidence that we can still get results even when we're not playing at Maracanã," said Léo Moura.
The full-back also sees the positive factors of qualifying in the best position:
"It's important to finish first overall because, theoretically, the weaker teams will qualify at the bottom. Furthermore, we'll enter the next stage with more confidence," he concludes.
Challenge
As each important match proves, Flamengo has become a team willing to silence those who doubt its potential. Whether with the support of its massive and fanatical fan base or with just its 11 warriors on the field, Joel Santana's team can achieve another great feat: a group previously facing early elimination from the Copa Libertadores could end up with the best record for the knockout stage.
Flamengo trains calmly in Gávea
Qualified in the Libertadores, the team awaits its opponent in the Carioca final
Coach Joel Santana has had time to train the Flamengo team, aiming for the last match of the Copa Libertadores qualifying phase, next week, against the eliminated Coronel Bolognesi, from Peru.
Joel has been working with fitness coach Ronaldo Torres to help with the team's conditioning and has also developed a training plan for fundamentals and tactical elements. He talks about the club's current situation.
"Now, what interests me is to qualify well in the Libertadores. We qualified for the round of 16 with a round to spare, but we're going to aim for first place in the standings. From now on, every game is a decisive one. We can't afford to mess around," he told Rádio Bandeirantes.
Flamengo will only take to the field on Wednesday next week, against Bolognesi, at Maracanã.
Flamengo will try to ban Péricles Cortez from its games
President Marcio Braga criticizes the referee's performance in the classic against Botafogo
The 3-0 loss to Botafogo is still a hot topic in Gávea. Last Tuesday, president Marcio Braga revealed that the club will send a letter to the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation requesting that referee Péricles Cortez be banned from officiating matches for the club in the State Championship.
Flamengo's president expressed outrage at the referee's performance in last Sunday's derby, which Marcio Braga himself said committed a "crime" against football. Without taking away from Botafogo's merits for the undeniable victory, Braga also said the referee demonstrated impartiality and professionalism.
"I didn't have time, but I'm going to send a letter to the Federation asking that this trio no longer be used in Flamengo games. Botafogo deserved to win because they were superior, and Flamengo was lacking energy because of Cuzco. But they didn't need to use a referee like that. It's blatant, a crime against the football product. He was biased," declared Marcio Braga.
Now you have to win two in Rio
Flamengo loses 63-56 to Regatas, who leads 2-0 in the South American League final
Public Relations
Winger Fernando Mineiro had a good performance in yesterday's match
Deeply feeling the absence of its best player, forward Marcelinho, Flamengo was unable to avoid its second defeat in the best-of-five finals of the South American Basketball League. The team tried hard to assert itself, but lacked the strength to sustain its lead and ended up losing 63-56 to Regatas de Corrientes (Argentina) yesterday at the opponent's stadium. Now, it must win all its remaining matches if it hopes to win the title.
With a completely different approach than last Wednesday, when they were defeated 95-72 and conceded 34 points in the first quarter, Flamengo entered the match determined to erase the negative impression left in the first match. Led by Fred and Coloneze in the first period, the red-and-blacks imposed their traditional rhythm, strong defense, and quick counterattacks, eventually opening up a 10-point lead. Despite a slight lapse in the final minutes, Paulo Chupeta's men closed the match at 16-11.
In the second period, it was Regatas' turn to step up and focus on the court, preventing the Brazilian team from pulling away. Despite maintaining a solid defense, the red-and-blacks couldn't maintain their strong offensive performance, and that's when Cuban Amiel, who had already performed well in the first game, began to shine again. With a three-pointer, the club led by eight points at the end of the first half, 30-22.
Reaction
Counting on the nervousness of the red-black team, and with the good performance of Montecchia and Robinson after the break, the team from the city of Corrientes settled down on the court and opened up a four-point lead at the end of the third quarter, taking a good advantage to the last and decisive quarter: 47 to 43 for the home team.
In the final period, coach Paulo Chupeta's team was unrecognizable. They lost focus, lost their edge on defense and offense, and allowed the Argentine team to open up a healthy lead and secure their second victory: 63-56.
Now it's the red-black nation's turn to demonstrate its strength and help its team tie the series in the next games that will be held on the 22nd and 23rd (if necessary), at Maracanãzinho.
Eduardo Lacombe
The Red and the Black
Ease
Eduardo lacombe lacombe@jsports.com.br
A colleague often says that sports journalists are the only ones who analyze things after they happen. And he justifies himself by saying that political analysts comment on things as they happen (Will the President manage to pass a certain law? Will senators and representatives give the majority to the President without getting something in return?). Economists, in turn, have to determine whether inflation will rise even before supermarket prices change. We, sportswriters (ugh!), always talk about the team and/or players after their performance.
I say this because before the sensational victory in Cusco, none of us mere mortals would have admitted that Flamengo, besides qualifying from its group, would do so in first place, with the possibility of finishing the first phase as the sole leader among the 32—I repeat, 32—American clubs competing in the Copa Libertadores. As the Bahians say, "Oh, my God!"
It's a shame that the victory in Cusco was followed by a defeat at Maracanã. It's a shame because we could have settled the score this very Sunday. Now, we have to wait a little longer to finally celebrate our second championship. But I don't consider this second championship as easy as some fans try to convince me. History, as always, tells us that when there's a chance we could equal Fluminense in terms of titles won—in 2008, they've won 30—they leap ahead. And we're starting the race. So, it's best to stay alert.
Finally, a topic that, I know, has nothing to do with the 40 million red-and-blacks that we are. In the draw between Botafogo and Portuguesa yesterday, the disallowance of two goals in favor of the São Paulo team—very rightly disallowed, by the way—only shows that the much-talked-about plot against them doesn't exist. After all, what better reason to continue the plot than to allow two illegal goals? Fortunately, we can sleep without someone by our side constantly crying and complaining that the referees don't let them be happy. And if they continue to complain, we'll say, like the Bahians: "Wow, what a bad mood!"
THE DAY
Gavilan: 'Joel has no dialogue'
After Diego Tardelli's irony, yesterday it was Gavilán's turn to question the coach. New signings aren't getting a place in the 2007 starting lineup.
Janir Junior
Rio - Previously hidden pockets of dissatisfaction are now beginning to surface at Gávea, especially among new signings. After Diego Tardelli sarcastically declared he wasn't a savior when he came on as Flamengo was losing 3-0 to Botafogo, yesterday it was Gavilán's turn to question Joel Santana. According to the midfielder, the coach didn't engage in dialogue with him.
Gavilán, who has played only a few games this season, has a contract that expires on Wednesday, and he's already looking for a new club. "I have no explanation for my lack of performance. Joel hasn't spoken to me. But it's also past time to ask for an explanation. I just don't know why," lamented Gavilán, who signed a risky contract due to osteoarthritis in his right knee.
Besides Tardelli and Gavilán (who only played in four matches, starting two), other players are also reportedly unhappy with Joel's constant reliance on and praise for the 2007 team when they're going through tough times. To further complicate matters for the new signings, Jônatas and Rodrigo are still recovering from injuries.
Kléberson, who has been getting more opportunities, hasn't been a crowd-pleaser. Defender Leonardo is another player the Red-and-Black coach hasn't been able to utilize.
On Wednesday, Joel had already commented on the fact that there wasn't enough room for everyone on the team: “The only one who can't be left out is the commander, which is me.”
While some players are struggling, others are calming their stomach aches at Gávea. Yesterday, Leonardo Moura, Souza, and Diego Tardelli trained normally after suffering from gastroenteritis.
Joel Santana has announced that he will field a full-strength squad against Coronel Bolognesi on Wednesday in the Copa Libertadores. The starting lineup will be the same as in 2007. It remains to be seen who will join the ranks of the dissatisfied.
Being first in the group, the mission
Rio - The order of the day in Gávea is to beat Coronel Bolognesi to secure first place in the group and thus play the second leg of the next stage of the Copa Libertadores at Maracanã. "We have to avoid losing away and then decide at home with the fans behind us," said Íbson.
Leonardo Moura recalled that Flamengo still didn't succeed in last year's Copa Libertadores. On that occasion, the team lost 3-0 to Defensor Sport away from home, and at Maracanã, they won 2-0 and failed to qualify. "We have to do well in the first leg. I believe that with last year's experience, we've matured," the full-back analyzed.
On Monday, the team is scheduled to travel to Granja Comary in Teresópolis to prepare for the match against Bolognesi and the State Championship final. The team is expected to arrive in Rio on Wednesday and return to Granja on Thursday.
Léo Moura approves possible move to Granja Comary
Rio - One of Flamengo's leading players, right-back Léo Moura, welcomed the club's potential move to Granja Comary in Teresópolis. He recalls that the Gávea team's recent visits to the Brazilian National Team's training center were quite fruitful.
"If we have to leave Rio, it'll be good for us all to be together and thinking about the state final. The other times we've gone out, it worked out, and this time it will work out too. The coaching staff and the board know what they're doing. With this week without a game, we're taking the opportunity to spend time with family, especially since we know that from now on, that will be increasingly rare."
For the full-back, the 3-0 away victory over Cienciano will be important to give the red-black team confidence for the next challenge, against Coronel Bolognesi, on Wednesday, at Maracanã.
"The group today is much more mature than last year. We learned a lot from the 2007 Libertadores, and now we understand how important it is to play well away from home. Our victory in Peru gave us even more confidence that we can do well even without playing in front of our fans. We'll approach the match against Bolognesi with all seriousness because it's important to finish in the best possible position. This could be decisive for the next rounds."
Léo doesn't believe that the Peruvian team will play violently against the Flamengo team.
"Bolognesi isn't a violent team. We have nothing to worry about, and we also can't expect it to be a lavish training session. It could be a warm-up for the final games of the state championship."
The player has been unwell for the past few days, but he trained this morning and says he is 100% again.
"Suddenly I felt really bad. It's a good thing there's no game this week, because it would have been difficult to participate. I ate well, just with my mom's food, and I'm ready to train and play again."
Renato Augusto is out of tactical training
Rio - After a finishing training session in the morning, the Flamengo squad returned to the field this afternoon for a tactical training session.
Joel organized an attack-versus-defense training session on a small field. The coach fielded the starting lineup as follows: Bruno, Léo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Cristian, Kléberson (Diego Tardelli), Ibson, and Toró; and Marcinho and Souza.
Renato Augusto, who is recovering from a blow to his right thigh, only did some physical training at the club's gym.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Flamengo requests Ferj veto on the refereeing of the classic
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's 3-0 loss to Botafogo continues to resonate with the club. Club president Márcio Braga revealed that he will send a letter to the Rio de Janeiro State Football Federation (FERJ) vetoing the referee Péricles Bassols Cortez's selection for the Campeonato Carioca finals. Flamengo's players, despite the large scoreline, left the field outraged with the referee, who awarded a penalty after a play between Jorge Henrique and Toró in the Flamengo penalty area. "I'm sending this letter requesting that last Sunday's refereeing team not go near Maracanã in the Campeonato Carioca finals. What happened at Maracanã was blatant, a crime against football. He was very biased," said Márcio Braga, who denied any attempt to divert attention from the defeat. "I'm not trying to justify the loss, because Botafogo was superior on the field and deserved to qualify for the final."
Still regarding the match, left-back Juan could be indicted for his post-match statements, when he said the referee was decisive in Botafogo's victory. Prosecutor André Luís Valentin of the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court (TJD-RJ) promises to bring the athlete to trial.
"I don't need the incident to be recorded in the match report to report the player, especially since the statement was made to the press. The soccer player needs to understand that he needs to play soccer and not complain about the refereeing. I believe the complaint will actually be filed," said André.
The prosecutor caused controversy by revealing that he supports Flamengo after the Guanabara Cup final, when he indicted several Botafogo players and coach Cuca, who complained about the refereeing in the 2-1 defeat. At the time, he was heavily criticized by Carlos Augusto Montenegro, a collaborator in the Glorioso's football department.
While still off the field, Flamengo's board managed to get an advance to pay the players' February salaries, as there was a certain climate of dissatisfaction at Gávea.
Gavilán admits possible departure from Fla\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Paraguayan midfielder Gavilán, signed at the beginning of the year to start and help the team compete in the Copa Libertadores, has yet to reveal his purpose at Flamengo. Having had few opportunities under coach Joel Santana, his contract expires next Wednesday, April 23, and his future at Gávea is uncertain.\ Despite an automatic renewal clause, the player acknowledged that he could leave Gávea if he receives a good offer. "There is a clause in the contract that allows me to leave if an offer is received. But I'm at peace with Flamengo, as I've never failed to fulfill my obligations to the club, participating in all team training sessions," stated Gavilán.\
The Paraguayan expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that he had few opportunities to start matches. He was ironic when discussing his assessment of his performance on the field. "It's impossible to make an assessment, as I was only selected in four matches and only started in two. But if we look at the numbers, I did well, as Flamengo managed to win three of those four games."
Regarding his relationship with Joel Santana, the midfielder said he had no problems with the manager, but revealed that there had been no conversation between them about the Paraguayan's situation. "There was never any such dialogue. I'm past the stage of having to ask the coach for explanations about why I wasn't selected," he explained.
In Thursday's training session at Gávea, goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba, right-back Leonardo Moura, and forward Diego Tardelli returned to training, having been sidelined the day before due to stomach problems. The club is likely to travel to Teresópolis, in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, this Friday to train until the match against Coronel Bolognesi-PER.
The match is scheduled for next Wednesday at Maracanã Stadium and is part of the final round of the Copa Libertadores group stage. Already qualified for the round of 16, the Rubro-Negro team is aiming to gain a strong advantage in the subsequent stages, finishing top of the overall standings.
PELENET
Romário: "Flamengo's fans are from another planet"
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Romário was trained at Vasco and played for two other Rio de Janeiro "big clubs": Flamengo and Fluminense. He also played for several clubs around the world, becoming an idol on many occasions. However, the shorty didn't hesitate when asked about the fan base that had the most impact on him.
Ana Carolina Fernandes/Folha Imagem
"Ah, Flamengo's, with all due respect to the others. Flamengo's fans are from another planet," said the eternal number 11, in an interview with RJ TV, on Rede Globo.
Romário's connection with the red-and-blacks has always been intense. Despite not winning many titles with the Gávea club (only three—the 1996 and 1999 State Championships and the 1999 Mercosur Championship), the striker remains beloved by the "world's biggest fan base."
Baixinho first played for Flamengo in 1995, after a stunning stint with Barcelona the previous year, when he was named FIFA's best player in the world. Shortly before, he had been the star player for the Brazilian national team as they won their fourth World Cup.
After two years at Gávea, the number 11 returned to Spanish football, playing for Valencia. But he soon returned to Rubro-Negro, where he remained until the end of 1999.
Last Monday, Romário officially announced his retirement. The announcement was made during the launch of the DVD "Júri do Baixinho - Romário É Gol" (The Shorty's Jury - Romário Is a Goal), at a restaurant in Barra da Tijuca, in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro.
Despite having already "hung up his boots", the star player is expected to play a farewell game, in which he intends to wear a shirt that combines the colors of the three Rio de Janeiro clubs he played for.
In his nearly 24-year career, Baixinho scored 1002 goals and won several notable titles. According to him, one of the ones he remembers most fondly, besides the 1994 World Cup, is the 2000 Mercosur World Cup with Vasco.
Cruzmaltino was crowned champion after beating Palmeiras 4-3 in the second leg of the final. However, the big difference, according to the striker, was that the São Paulo team took a 3-0 lead in the first half, and the Rio team pulled off the historic comeback in the final 45 minutes.
Dissatisfied, Gavilán rehearses farewell to Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Little used, Gavilan (e) says he is dissatisfied and may leave Flamengo
Gavilán's future at Flamengo remains uncertain. Underutilized by coach Joel Santana, the Paraguayan midfielder admits the possibility of not renewing his contract, which expires on the 23rd.
"The contract can normally be extended, but as long as I'm working normally. I hope to have the opportunity to play a sequence of games, which hasn't happened yet," said the player, adding.
"There is a clause that allows me to leave the club if I receive a good offer for me and for Flamengo," he added.
Gavilán appeared in just four games for the Rubro-Negro, two of them as a starter. The midfielder arrived at Gávea at the beginning of the season. After failing his medical due to a problem in his right knee, the Paraguayan offered a risky contract, which would be renewed every four months.
GLOBOESPORTE
Souza's father is shot during a robbery in Rio
Wladimir Rodrigues Cardoso is injured in the legs even after delivering a cord and cell phone
Souza tells security that he intends to sell the house where his father lives
Wladimir Rodrigues Cardoso, 49, father of Flamengo striker Souza, was shot in an attempted robbery Thursday night as he arrived home in Jardim Sulacap, in Rio de Janeiro's West Zone. Cardoso told Realengo Police officers that he handed over his gold necklace and cell phone and then ran toward his house when the robbers opened fire on him.
The car sustained ten puncture wounds to the bodywork and windshield, and the Flamengo player's father was wounded in the right leg and left foot. Souza told his father's private security guard that the house will be sold due to the high rate of violence in the area. The robbers were four men traveling in a gray Vectra or Honda Civic and attempting to steal his Space Fox.
The information comes from the newspaper "O Globo".
Flamengo hands victory to Corrientes
Argentina leads 2-0 in the best-of-five series of the South American League final
Flamengo starts ahead, but allows Corrientes to get another victory
With Marcelinho Machado watching from the box, Flamengo started the second game of the best-of-five series in the South American League finals strong this Thursday in Corrientes, Argentina. However, they surrendered the victory to the home team, 63-56, by relaxing on the court.
With the result, the Argentines opened up a 2-0 lead in the series. For them, one more victory is all they need to secure the title. The next match between the teams will be on Tuesday at 19 p.m. at the Maracanãzinho Gymnasium in Rio de Janeiro.
Victory delivered in the last quarter
After the chaos in the opening game of the final last Wednesday, when the Rio de Janeiro team got into a fight over feeling they were being wronged by the refereeing—which culminated in Marcelinho Machado's ejection—the Rubro-Negro took to the court with determination this Thursday. During the first three quarters, Paulo Chupeta's team maintained the lead. At the end of the first half, the advantage was substantial. Flamengo had 30 points to Corrientes' 22. Even without their most experienced player on the court, the team managed to impose its rhythm.
However, in the final quarter, things took a turn for the worse. Anxious, the Rubro-Negro players began to raffle off the ball, missing numerous shots. Sensing their rival's momentum, Corrientes equalized and, buoyed by a strong home crowd, built a healthy lead. At home, it was easy for the Argentine team to manage the score and secure their second victory over Flamengo.
Fla confirms departure to Granja Comary
Rubro-Negro will stay in Teresópolis before the two finals of the Campeonato Carioca
Kléber Leite confirmed Flamengo's move to Granja before the two finals
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that the team will travel to Granja Comary to prepare for the Campeonato Carioca final. The news is that the team will remain in Teresópolis before the two state finals.
The schedule will be as follows: the delegation leaves for Granja this Monday. On Wednesday, they'll leave to play against Coronel Bolognesi at Maracanã in the Libertadores, and return to Teresópolis the following day, where they'll stay until the first leg of the final.
After this match, the Flamengo delegation returns to Granja the following Monday. Kleber Leite assured that it won't be a problem to play the first leg of the Libertadores Round of 16 between the two State Championship finals.
Joel maintains the base of the elite troop
In tactical training, the coach puts Marcinho in place of Renato Augusto, who is injured.
Eduardo Peixoto
Joel: despite the defeat to Bota, confidence in Fla is unshaken
The 3-0 defeat to Botafogo initially didn't shake Joel Santana's convictions. On Thursday afternoon, the coach held a tactical training session and demonstrated that Flamengo's elite squad remains highly regarded.
The only change from the team that beat Cienciano and lost to Alvinegro was forced. With edema in his right leg, midfielder Renato Augusto remained in the physical therapy room. Marcinho replaced him.
The rest of the team remained unchanged. In other words, the midfield trained with Cristian, Ibson, Kleberson, and Toró. It's the formation Joel dubbed the elite squad.
Flamengo faces Coronel Bolognesi on the 23rd at Maracanã Stadium in the final round of the Copa Libertadores. A victory will secure the team first place in Group 4 and the chance to play the second leg of the round of XNUMX at home.
"We learned from last year's mistakes, when we lost 3-0 to Defensor Sport in Montevideo. If we have the chance to decide in front of our fans, it will certainly be different," says right-back Leo Moura.
Romário: 'Flamengo fans are from another planet'
Baixinho talks about his retirement, a farewell game and the Rio Cup final
In an interview with RJ-TV, part of Rede Globo, former striker Romário, who announced his retirement last Monday, discussed his decision to end his career and a farewell match. Interestingly, after hanging up his boots at Vasco, the shorty made a somewhat controversial revelation to the fans of the São Januário club.
- Flamengo's fans are from another planet - says Romário.
Fla trains in full this Thursday
Diego Tardelli, Souza and Leo Moura participate in finishing training in Gávea
Eduardo Peixoto
Gastroenteritis gave Flamengo's squad a break, and for the first time this week, coach Joel Santana was able to hold a training session without any absences due to this issue. This Thursday morning, Leo Moura, Diego Tardelli, and Souza trained normally at Gávea.
For over an hour, the red-and-black players practiced finishing under the blazing sun. The three players who were weak participated until the end.
The medical department has no conclusive answers about the gastroenteritis outbreak at the club. In Leo Moura's case, he believes he became ill from some popcorn he bought at the cinema. Souza, in turn, blames pizza.
THROW
Gavilán will not play in the Brazilian Championship for Flamengo
The midfielder will remain at Gávea until he signs a contract with another club.
Steering wheel says he prefers to be realistic and practically rules out renewal (Credit: Júlio César Guimarães)
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Midfielder Gavilán will not compete in the Brazilian Championship for Flamengo. However, out of respect for the player's conduct at Gávea, he will not be fired: he will continue training until he finds another club.
Gavilán's contract ends next Wednesday, but it has an automatic renewal clause—it's up to Flamengo to decide whether to exercise it. Gavilán has already admitted that his continued presence was unlikely. He doesn't speak with regret about not being used.
"I have a contract, but the opportunities are minimal. I have to be realistic. My contract ends now, and I'm unlikely to renew it," he stated.
Ibson: 'For Flamengo, there is no friendly'\ Midfielder says the match against Bolognesi is very important\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo's next match will be on Wednesday against Coronel Bolognesi. Many consider this matchup to be of little importance, as the Red-Blacks are already guaranteed a place in the Copa Libertadores round of 16. For Ibson, however, the match must be taken seriously.
The Flamengo midfielder believes that a victory will guarantee first place in Group 4 for Flamengo, which will give them the advantage of playing the second game of the round of XNUMX at Maracanã.
"Wearing the Flamengo jersey is never a friendly match. Every time we step onto the field, we're looking for a win. We're thinking about the Libertadores; our goal is to finish first in the group," Ibson declared.
Fla confirms preparation at Granja Comary
Kléber confirms that the team will go to Teresópolis before the two finals
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Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that the team will travel to Granja Comary to prepare for the Campeonato Carioca final. The news revealed by the Flamengo executive is that the team will remain in Teresópolis before the two state finals.
The schedule will be as previously speculated: the delegation will depart for Granja on Monday. On Wednesday, they will leave to play against Coronel Bolognesi (BOL) at Maracanã in the Copa Libertadores, and return to Teresópolis the following day, where they will stay until the first leg of the final.
After this game, the Flamengo delegation returns to Granja the following Monday. When asked about the first leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16, which will take place between the Carioca final and the next, Kléber Leite saw no problem.
"No problem. We came back from Teresópolis, played in the Libertadores, and then went back there," concluded the vice president of football.
Joel tries to get Fla's positioning right
Coach led an attack versus defense training session this Thursday\ LANCEPRESS!\
Coach Joel Santana completed Flamengo's full training session this Thursday with a tactical drill at Gávea. After conducting technical drills (touching the ball, shots on goal, and heading) in the morning, the coach conducted a drill on half the pitch, attacking versus defending.
In the defense, he fielded the same players who played against Fluminense: Bruno, Léo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Cristian, Kleberson, Íbson, and Toró. Up front, only Marcinho participated in the offensive play. The rest of the squad participated on the other side of the pitch in a kickabout on a smaller field.
Renato Augusto did not participate in any of the training sessions. He is recovering from edema in his right calf and is undergoing treatment. Midfielder Jônatas, who is recovering from a left leg injury, did some physical activity this morning and ran around the pitch.
Leonardo Moura: 'It will be a luxury training session'
side understands that Bolognese will serve as preparation for the decision\ LANCEPRESS!\
Already qualified for the round of 20 of the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo hosts Coronel Bolognese next Wednesday at the Maracanã. Furthermore, Flamengo begins the Campeonato Carioca finals this weekend, awaiting the winner of Botafogo and Fluminense, which will be decided this Sunday, the XNUMXth.
Right-back Leonardo Moura guarantees that, against Bolognese, Flamengo will have a luxury training session.
- It will be a warm-up game for the first match of the Carioca Championship final - he told Rádio Manchete.
There's talk that the coaching staff is concerned about possible injuries to key Flamengo players in the match against the Peruvian team, as the game is just a fixture list. However, right-back Leonardo Moura thinks that's unlikely to happen.
"I'm not worried, since the opponent has shown that they are not violent. We played against them there (Peru) and they were clean, always aiming for the ball," he told Rádio Manchete.
The right-back also remembers how tired he was in last Sunday's match against Botafogo, and vehemently complains about the Brazilian football calendar.
"Against Botafogo, the fatigue was clear. Everything has its time, and if we miss the final, it's because something good is waiting for us up ahead. I confess I've been feeling tired. Playing twice a week is tough, but unfortunately, we have to stick to this schedule," said Gávea's number 2.
Flamengo fans and Romário: hugs and kisses
Baixinho is loved by some and hated by others at Fla, but he also faces resistance at Flu and Vasco.
LANCEPRESS! Controversy has always been a part of Romário's career. Despite declaring his empathy for Flamengo fans, the short man hasn't always had a good relationship with part of the Flamengo community.
A testament to the inconsistency of this partnership came in 1998, during a Mercosul Cup match. Booed by some fans, Romário made obscene gestures toward the stands after scoring one of his two goals against Vélez Sarsfield at the Maracanã.
At Vasco and Fluminense, two other clubs Romário played for in Rio de Janeiro, relations were strained by some of the now-former player's actions. During the 2001 Brazilian Championship, the former striker had a heated argument with Vasco's Força Jovem faction, whom he called weak and even hinted at financial support.
In 2003, trouble broke out among the Tricolor fans. Baixinho was training at Laranjeiras when a fan named Ricardo Gomes threw six chickens onto the pitch, accusing the players, including Romário, of being mercenaries and popcorn sellers.
Angered by the fanatic's attitude, Romário got physical with the fan and even had the support of his friend Zé Colméia to attack the protest's leader.
For LANCE! columnist Roberto Assaf, the fact that Romário played for several Rio clubs made it difficult for him to become a unanimous choice for each of them.
"Romário has always been a fan of his own. I don't think he's wrong, but perhaps that's why he's had such a conflicted relationship with all the fan bases. During the years he spent solely at Vasco, he began to be criticized for his ties to the São Januário club's rivals," the columnist declared.
Ambiguous speeches between Fla players
Ibson focuses on the Libertadores. Léo Moura can't stop thinking about the State Championship.
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Flamengo will have two decisive matches next week. The first will be on Wednesday, in the Copa Libertadores, against Coronel Bolognesi (BOL). Despite qualifying, the team could finish among the top-ranked teams in the competition, which would be an advantage in the second round. The following Sunday, the team plays the first leg of the State Championship final. When it comes to defining the Rubro-Negro's main focus, the players offer differing opinions.
"We're thinking first about the Libertadores. We need to win to finish first in the group," said Ibson.
For Léo Moura, his thoughts are on the State Championship decision.
"My mind is on the final. The Libertadores game is important, but I can't take my focus off the State Championship," he said.
Despite their differences of opinion, the midfielder and the right-back agree on one thing. This upcoming week without games is crucial for the team to perform well in both competitions.
"The exhaustion was clear. The excessive travel, games, hotels, training camps—everything was tiring the group. Since it wasn't our turn to win the Rio Cup, we'll take advantage of this time to train even harder," concluded Léo Moura.
Fla bets on writing to be Rio champion
In this century, the club has lifted the trophy on all three occasions in which it has won the GB Cup
Flamengo came out on top in 2007, winning the GB Cup
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Of course, every Flamengo fan was upset by the elimination from the Rio Cup. However, if history from 2001 onwards is anything to go by, the nation can rest easy for the State Championship final, against Botafogo or Fluminense. After all, in all three Rio titles this century, Flamengo won the Guanabara Cup—as it did this year—and finished the competition as champion.
It all started with the Guanabara Cup title in 2001. In the final, against Fluminense, Vasco secured the title after a penalty shootout. In the return leg, Vasco prevailed but ultimately succumbed to Flamengo in the final.
In 2004, the same thing happened again: victory over Tricolor in the GB Cup final, Vasco winning the second round and Fla winning the State Championship.
Last year, Flamengo faced Madureira in the first-round final and prevailed. Botafogo won the second round, but ultimately, Flamengo prevailed and was crowned state champion. Upon learning of the potential repeat of this year's record, Joel Santana displayed his irreverent wit.
"If that happens again, I'll be so happy. I'll even give you a kiss," the coach joked to LANCE!, before getting serious and explaining why it was so difficult to win the Taça Guanabara and Taça Rio, which he achieved with Vasco in '92, Flamengo in '96, and Botafogo in '97.
"It's very difficult to maintain the pace across both halves. No matter how hard you try, there's a lot of pressure from everyone, including the press, and it's difficult to win both halves," analyzed the red-and-black manager.
With the authority of someone who's already won the Rio State Championship with the big four, Joel Santana disagrees with the adage that the team that wins the second round has an advantage in the title game because it's on a roll. For the coach, the finalists arrive on equal terms.
"That's all a load of nonsense. In a final, everything is equal. There's no advantage for whoever wins the Guanabara Cup or the Rio Cup," said Joel, who has already won several.