The Globe
On the eve of the debut, Joel lives a day of uncertainty at Fla
Bruno is not registered and is out of the debut. Renato Augusto is doubtful.
DIEGO TRAINS among the starters after the news that Bruno is not registered to debut in the State Championship
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
Coach Joel Santana began Flamengo's collective training session with the starting lineup he had been practicing with throughout preseason. Little by little, he saw his plan unravel. First, Renato Augusto left the field injured, and then he had to withdraw Bruno and Cristian from the team due to uncertainty about their registration. The goalkeeper will not play. Cristian was only released at 22 p.m. yesterday.
Jônatas and Léo Medeiros, who weren't expected to start, were also not regularized yesterday. Defender Rodrigo and midfielder Marcinho are free.
To make matters worse, Renato Augusto, who felt pain in his left knee, is doubtful and will be re-evaluated today. According to doctor Marcelo Soares, the player is causing some concern.
The investors from whom Flamengo purchased and paid for Bruno's rights did not authorize Atlético-MG to send the transfer document. Flamengo officials believe the likely reason is that they couldn't locate the deposit. Diego will be the starter.
Leader is rushed to the Federation
Cristian's transfer, originally from Atlético-PR, was hampered by the Rio de Janeiro Federation's chaotic day due to the sheer volume of registrations on the last business day before the State Championship. The document arrived early in the evening, but the player's name was not published in the bulletin. The same happened with Marcinho. Legal director Michel Asseff Filho was rushed to the Federation's headquarters. Around 22 p.m., he received the official signal that the two men's situation had been regularized. At that moment, at the training camp, coach Joel Santana was notified.
Regarding Jônatas, Flamengo's board reported that Espanyol, the club that loaned the midfielder, claims to have already sent the transfer document to the Spanish federation, which, in turn, claims to have forwarded the document to the CBF. The Brazilian federation says it has not received it.
The starters were winning yesterday's training session 2-0, with goals from Leonardo Moura and Souza. At one point, Joel, warned of the registration issues, replaced Bruno with Diego and took off Cristian. Since Léo Medeiros and Jônatas were also unfit, he brought on Argentine Colace. With Renato Augusto injured, Obina stepped up to attack. The reserves soon scored three goals.
"The team has fallen apart with the changes. Knowing that we'll have most of our starters gives us peace of mind," said Joel.
As of yesterday, nearly 10 tickets had been sold for Flamengo's debut. The club expects between 30 and 40 people to attend the match against Boavista. President Márcio Braga released a statement announcing that he will propose a reduction in the price of blue-seat tickets for Flamengo matches. Tickets for this section are currently selling for R$20, and the director advocates for them to be reduced to R$10. The change, however, is subject to approval by the Federation.
STATE ROWING
The Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) decided yesterday to cancel the Dois Com competition, valid for the 2nd Regatta of the 2007 State Rowing Championship. With this, the event, which was sub-judice because Flamengo alleged irregularities in the registration of a Vasco rower, will be held again, on March 30th, at 9 am, in Lagoa. Only then will the state champion be known.
Evo Morales appeals to Lula again
Bolivian President Evo Morales called President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva yesterday and asked for renewed government support against FIFA's decision to ban matches at altitudes above 2.750 meters, which would exclude the capital La Paz from official competitions. Lula promised to help and said he will send letters to the presidents of FIFA, Joseph Blatter, CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation), Nicolás Leoz, and CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), Ricardo Teixeira.
Sports Panorama
Marriage in danger
Petrobras is not at all satisfied with Flamengo. The reason: the club's board wants the privilege of having two major sponsors. Clearly, the oil industry disagrees.
A senior Petrobras executive warns that the negotiations are heading in the wrong direction and that the long-standing partnership, about to celebrate its silver anniversary, is at risk of falling apart.
In terms of sponsorship, the company has been the red-black's main ally since April 8, 1984, when the club debuted its logo in the 3-0 victory over América.
According to the contract, the adjustment is annual: Flamengo will receive R$15,5 million (R$1,25 million per month) in 2008.
The red-black board has said that another company is willing to pay R$21 million per year.
Sports Journal
Joel laments possible absences from Flamengo for the Carioca debut
The uncertainty surrounding goalkeeper Bruno's regularization caused a stir at Gávea this Friday afternoon. In addition to Bruno, Rodrigo and Jônatas may miss the debut against Boavista. Coach Joel Santana expressed some discomfort with the potential absences.
"We maintained a core set of players, and within that framework, we had two and a half weeks of training, where the team performed well. Of course, changing three positions is a concern. We'll wait for the Federation to resolve the bureaucratic issues, as our fans expect a decent performance on Sunday," Joel said in an interview with Rádio Tupi.
The red-black commander justified the entry of the Argentine Colace in the second stage of training this Friday, saying he was not happy with the result of the activity, but left an optimistic message for the Nation.
"Hugo hasn't been getting opportunities because he's been watching Kléberson, Jônatas, and Gavilán. We're not really having as good a finish to the session as we were at the beginning, but we'll stay calm," the coach analyzed.
Renato Augusto feels pain and is worried
In addition to the numerous absences for the Carioca debut, coach Joel Santana faced another headache during yesterday's training session at Gávea. Midfielder Renato Augusto felt severe pain in his right knee and was replaced by Obina. The injury, however, wasn't serious, as explained by club doctor Marcelo Soares.
"Renato left the field complaining of pain, and because it's in his knee, it's always a cause for concern. But he will be re-evaluated tomorrow (today) to see if he'll be able to play," explained Marcelo Soares.
The midfielder left Gávea limping and if he is unable to play, he will be replaced by Obina.
Tickets — To put an end to the ticket controversy with Suderj president Eduardo Paes, Flamengo, through its representative in the Federation, Michel Assef, proposed yesterday that the 32 lower-tier seats available for tomorrow's match against Boavista be reduced in price from R$20 to R$10 (R$5 for half-price tickets). As of yesterday, 9.552 tickets had already been sold, and the club expects an attendance of 40.
Bebeto fan, Ibson completes 100 games
Sunday's match against Boavista, in the opening round of the Campeonato Carioca, will mark the 100th match for one of Flamengo's standout players: midfielder Ibson. The player, who joined the club at just nine years old, said he was ecstatic about the prospect of playing his XNUMXth game in front of the country's largest crowd.
"It's a very important milestone for me, I'm very happy. I remember when Abel promoted me and let me play. Playing for this club is wonderful," Ibson said emotionally.
Considered the best right-winger in last year's Brazilian Championship, the player confessed that one of his idols is striker Bebeto, who also grew up in Gávea. However, he made a point of emphasizing one small detail.
“One of my idols at Flamengo was Bebeto, but that's not why I like wearing the number 7 shirt,” he explained.
For him to play another 100 games for the Red-Blacks, the club will have to dig into their pockets and pay around R$10,5 million (€4 million). This is the amount that Porto, the club that holds his economic rights, has set for the player.
Ibson had a good performance for the Portuguese club, but due to the disagreement he had with coach Jesualdo Ferreira, who even declared that the midfielder did not fit into his work philosophy, he ended up losing his place at the Portuguese club.
Colace disappoints in collective
With starters Bruno and Cristian absent, coach Joel Santana took advantage of yesterday afternoon's training session to test out a new lineup. However, his chosen lineup didn't perform and ended up losing to the reserves.
At the start of the activity, Joel fielded last year's starters, and the goals came naturally. With the exception of Juan, the first team played very well, winning the first half 2-0, with goals from Léo Moura and Souza.
The second half of the training session was frustrating for the fans in Gávea. The coach took off goalkeeper Bruno and midfielder Cristian, who won't be able to play tomorrow, and Renato Augusto asked to leave due to pain in his left knee. Diego, Colace, and Obina replaced them, respectively. The new formation was completely overwhelmed and ended up losing 3-0, which didn't please the coach.
"I tested a situation and didn't like it. The team was in disarray. I'm even going to talk to Ronaldo Torres and the rest of my team to think about a new formation. Unfortunately, with Hugo Colace, the team didn't perform," lamented Joel.
Despite playing poorly, the Argentine holding midfielder feels ready to start a match for Fla for the first time.
"I'm confident. The team that was playing was very good. They qualified for the Libertadores, but I'm working to find my place," said Colace.
Red and black Swiss cheese
Bruno is out of the debut and coach Joel Santana has problems choosing the starting lineup
Thiago Bokel and Nathan de Lima
Ursula Nery
Bruno was not registered with the CBF and Diego (in the background) will replace him tomorrow
It's now official: goalkeeper Bruno is out of Flamengo's debut in the Campeonato Carioca, tomorrow, at 16pm, against Boavista, at Maracanã.
The reason for his absence is that the documentation from Atlético-MG, which holds part of his federation rights, didn't arrive until yesterday, and since the CBF doesn't open today, there wasn't enough time to register the player in the Daily Information Bulletin. As a result, the player who gets the chance is the perennial reserve Diego. And the problems don't end there.
Midfielders Léo Medeiros and Marcinho were also not yet listed in the BID as of early last night, but their contracts have already been registered. Midfielder Cristian is also not registered, as is Jônatas. It's worth noting that the latter has not been officially presented by Flamengo. The goalkeeper's absence was confirmed by football director Eduardo Manhães after yesterday's training session at Gávea. The MSI did not forward the release to the Minas Gerais club.
"Bruno is definitely out. The documents needed to formalize the contract haven't arrived yet. We sent the first installment of the payment to MSI headquarters in London, but a phone call from England to Atlético-MG is still pending. It's a bureaucratic situation. The transfer is finalized, but sometimes it takes a while to complete," explained Manhães.
Bruno joins other certain absences such as midfielder Kleberson, suspended by FIFA, and Paraguayan Gavilán, who, in addition to the suspension imposed by the STJD for punching Chilean Valdívia in last year's Brazilian Championship, when he was still at Grêmio, also does not have his work visa regularized, which should be done next week.
Of the reinforcements, the only one fit to sit on the bench for the debut is defender Rodrigo, whose contract was formalized yesterday.\ The absences, especially of Bruno and Cristian, who would have started in this first game, are not a cause for concern for coach Joel Santana.\
"We were waiting for the regularizations to come through. Initially, our only problems are these (Bruno and Cristian), but we can cover for these absences. Diego, for example, is as good a goalkeeper as Bruno," praised the coach, who will have to rack his brains to get 18 players to the season opener.
Diego Tardelli happy with agreement with Flamengo
Tardelli: 'I didn't even think twice'
Striker Diego Tardelli completed Flamengo's signing cycle for the 2008 season. The player was one of the dream players of vice-president of football Jkléber Leite and is now part of the red-and-black group.
And Diego arrived confident and happy. He assured that when he learned of Flamengo's interest, he didn't hesitate before choosing the team from Gávea. It's worth remembering that Tardelli was also on Santos' radar.
"When you arrive motivated, happy, and with everyone's trust, it's great. I spent seven years playing in the São Paulo state championship. I wanted to experience Rio de Janeiro football, and when it comes to Flamengo, you can't think twice. I'm very happy to be here and I hope to bring a lot of joy to this wonderful crowd," said Diego.
The player has a slight sprain in his right ankle and will need a few days to be available for Joel Santana.
State Rowing Championship to be decided this Friday
After the controversies surrounding the Dois Com event, valid for the 2nd Regatta of the 2007 State Championship, the Rio de Janeiro rowing champion will be announced on the afternoon of this Friday (18/1), after a hearing scheduled for 15 pm.
The game will take place at the headquarters of the Brazilian Rowing Confederation, located in Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.
CRFlamengo hopes for a fair and positive decision to celebrate the championship title, with a one-point advantage over its arch-rival, Vasco da Gama.
The Gávea Club could have secured the championship title in the 4th and final Regata of the State Championship, when they opened up a one-point lead in the Championship. Unfortunately, however, the red-and-black team ended up losing to Vasco, and thus fell back behind, three points behind, 259 to 256.
If the disqualification of the Dois Com boat is confirmed, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo will be officially declared the 2007 state champion, with a one-point advantage over Vasco.
Reasons that led to the test Two With the sub-judice:
Due to a registration error, Vasco da Gama ran the race with a rower who was not listed as a registered athlete. As a result, the CRFlamengo filed a lawsuit to invalidate the race.
O Dia
Fla: Diego wins the number 1 shirt
The club refuses to regularize Bruno, which angers him. Renato Augusto, in pain, is a concern.
Janir Junior
Rio - Bruno is out of Flamengo's State Championship debut tomorrow against Boavista at 16 p.m. at Maracanã. The club was unable to regularize his status in time. As a result, Diego, who conceded two goals in yesterday's training session while playing for the reserves and three more when he was called up to the starting lineup, will be the No. 1.
In Cristian's case, the club assured that it had sent the document to the Federation regularizing the player, but the athlete's name did not appear in the registration bulletin until early evening.
Even before Bruno's veto and Cristian's situation were confirmed, Joel Santana had already expressed his displeasure. "We'll have to change what we've already been practicing for two weeks," said the coach, who made a point of giving Diego a boost and commenting on the five goals the goalkeeper conceded in training. The reserves won 3-2. Diego only missed one of them: "Diego is as good as Bruno. I trust him. Regarding the five goals, it always falls to the goalkeeper," said Joel.
During the week, Bruno had already expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation. The club renewed the goalkeeper's contract for five years and purchased 80% of the player's rights. The group of investors who held the goalkeeper's economic rights failed to confirm to Atlético-MG that the club had paid the first installment.
Renato Augusto felt pain in his left knee and was replaced by Obina. If he is cleared, the starting lineup will be: Diego, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Toró, and Íbson; Renato Augusto and Souza. If Cristian is absent, Colace is expected to start.
Fan support cheers up the team
As of yesterday, 9.552 advance tickets had been sold for tomorrow's game. The board expects at least 40 fans to be present at Maracanã. Throughout the day, long lines formed at the Gávea stadium. The fans' promise of support encouraged the team.
When the bus carrying the players and coaching staff arrived in Gávea, everyone was ecstatic. "The fans are always our greatest asset. When we arrived for training and saw the line, we felt the warmth of the fans. The support of the red-and-blacks is as important as the players' effort," said Joel Santana.
Íbson was also excited about the promise of a full stadium tomorrow afternoon. "Knowing the fans will show up is the best news. Last year, they helped us secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores, and this year they'll support us again," the player said.
In tomorrow's match, the winner will receive 60% of the revenue, with the losing team receiving the remaining 40%. Expected attendance is the best in the last five State Championships.
Sports Gazette
Bruno misses the debut. Diego enters the starting lineup.\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo will begin its bid for its second state championship without goalkeeper Bruno. The Flamengo board was unable to resolve the player's situation, leaving him out of this Sunday's match against Boavista at the Maracanã. Thus, reserve Diego takes over the number one jersey, while young Marcelo Lomba gets a chance on the bench. Even without Bruno, the Gávea team's first game of 2008 is expected to draw a good crowd. As of Friday afternoon, according to the board, 9.552 tickets had been sold for the match against Boavista. More than 20 fans are expected to attend the Maracanã.
Flamengo captain and defender Fábio Luciano is excited about this Sunday's Carioca match. "I'm really looking forward to seeing the Flamengo fans again, who supported our team so much last year. That feeling of butterflies in my stomach is normal at any debut, and I hope our team puts on a great performance on Sunday," he said.
Tardelli is expected to miss the State Championship debut\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - While Flamengo's squad is counting down to its debut in the Campeonato Carioca, striker Diego Tardelli is expected to miss this Sunday's match against Boavista. The player, who was introduced last Thursday, is not only unregistered but also has physical problems. "I have a little problem with my ankle. I had the tests done at São Paulo and I think I'll be ready in a week and a half," said Tardelli.
Flamengo's new signing was warmly welcomed by Souza, with whom he exchanged barbs even before signing with Flamengo. "I have nothing against Diego, and I hope he can help me score a lot of goals here at Flamengo," Souza commented.
Ronaldo - Flamengo's dream of signing striker Ronaldo from mid-year remains firm. Plínio Serpa, a Flamengo football contributor, confirmed that the Rio de Janeiro club will present an official proposal after Carnival for the "Phenomenon" to sign a pre-contract with the team. "We don't want to mislead the fans. I believe that after Carnival we will present a proposal with the support of three partners," Plínio stated.
Ronaldo, who has stated on several occasions that he is a Flamengo fan, has a contract with Milan until June. The "Phenomenon" has avoided speaking openly about his future, but the Italians have already expressed interest in renewing the striker's contract.
Ibson happy with interest in his renewal\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - During the Fla-TV presentation last Thursday, Flamengo vice-president Kléber Leite confirmed that he hopes to use part of the funds the club raises from this new venture to try to permanently sign midfielder Ibson. With his federation rights tied to Portuguese club Porto, the player is on loan to the Rubro-Negro until June. Ibson admitted that Flamengo's interest pleased him very much, but preferred not to elaborate on his future. "I'm very happy. I didn't expect it. My contract ends in June, and they already want to renew it. I'm more concerned with playing and leave that part to my father, who is my agent. But of course I'm happy and hope to have an even better 2008 than 2007," said the midfielder.
While he's uncertain whether Flamengo will be able to convince Porto's management, Ibson is counting down the days until the Campeonato Carioca debut, where they face Boavista this Sunday at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at Maracanã. "Flamengo is very anxious, as all the players are desperate for it to arrive," Ibson said.
Price reduction - Off the field, after much pressure due to the price of tickets for the Campeonato Carioca, club president Marcio Braga asked Michel Assef, the club's representative at the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (FERJ), to lower the price of the 32 blue seats at Maracanã. As a result, tickets in this section now cost R$10, half the original price.
PeléNet
Bruno will miss Flamengo's State Championship debut
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo will definitely be without Bruno for their State Championship opener this Sunday against Boavista at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium. The necessary documentation has not yet arrived, and the goalkeeper will be replaced by Diego.
Without mandatory documentation, Bruno will be replaced by Diego in Fla's debut
However, Flamengo's problems aren't limited to Bruno. Coach Joel Santana could also be without Jônatas, who was signed from Espanyol-ESP. However, the midfielder's problem isn't as serious, as he would be an option on the bench.
But Flamengo's "drama" isn't just about bureaucracy. On the field, the Red-Black team could be without Renato Augusto, who left training this Friday complaining of pain in his left knee.
Therefore, Flamengo should enter the field with the following formation: Diego, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson and Toró; Renato Augusto (Obina) and Souza.
Flamengo can match Fluminense's achievements
Sergio Rangel\ From Folhapress\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Current champion Flamengo has the chance in this packed Rio State Championship to equal Fluminense in titles won in the competition's history.
The Laranjeiras team, which holds the record for most trophies, has won 30 times. The first time was in 1906.
"There's no denying that the championship will have a special flavor. This is the first time Flamengo has been able to match Fluminense. This alone will be even more motivating. We'll do everything we can to achieve this feat," said Joel Santana, the red-and-black team's coach.
In this edition, the State Championship grew from 12 clubs to 16. Four newcomers will be on the field: Macaé, Cardoso Moreira, Resende and Duque de Caxias.
All are funded by local governments. Mesquita, which only played in one edition in the 80s, also moved up.
Flamengo regularizes Cristian's situation
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Good news for Flamengo fans. Due to last-minute issues with the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (FERJ), midfielder Cristian was only registered late Friday night.
Therefore, the player is available to coach Joel Santana for Flamengo's debut in the State Championship, this Sunday, at 16 pm (Brasília time), against Boavista, at Maracanã.
But while Cristian's condition is 100%, the same isn't true for Bruno, who is out of Sunday's match. The goalkeeper will be replaced by Diego. Jônatas is in the same situation, but the midfielder would have been on the bench anyway.
On the field, the problems continue. After Friday's training session at Gávea, Renato Augusto left complaining of pain in his left knee. If ruled out, the player will be replaced by Obina.
In this way, Flamengo should enter the field with the following formation: Diego, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson and Toró; Renato Augusto (Obina) and Souza.
Lula expresses support for Bolivia against FIFA's veto and disagrees with Flamengo
From international agencies\ In Brasilia\
In a telephone conversation this Friday, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed support for his colleague Evo Morales and Bolivia in their fight against FIFA's ban on hosting matches at altitudes exceeding 2.750 meters. The announcement was confirmed by presidential spokesman Marcelo Baumbach.
Presidents Evo Morales and Lula: together against FIFA's veto on high altitudes
The Executive Committee of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) will meet on the 22nd in Santiago, Chile, to discuss the issue and try to reach a common opinion to take to FIFA.
"Lula assured Morales that he will take some national and international measures before that date in support of the request from Bolivia and other South American countries for this measure to be reconsidered," Baumbach said.
Among the Brazilian president's gestures were a letter to FIFA, another to CONMEBOL and a third to the head of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ricardo Teixeira.
Lula's decision contradicts statements made by Flamengo executives. Since the team traveled to Potosí, Bolivia, last year to face the local team in the Libertadores and the city's 3.850-meter stadium, the club has vowed never to expose its players to such a high altitude again. The Rio de Janeiro board later supported FIFA's veto.
Regarding the case, the presidential spokesperson stated that Lula "considers concerns about athletes to be legitimate, but believes that the importance of sports as a factor of integration and as an opportunity for international fraternization should be taken into account."
Flamengo requests a reduction in the price of the "popular" ticket at Maracanã
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo president Márcio Braga has requested a reduction in the price of tickets for the lower seats at Maracanã, the stadium's most "popular" section. According to the Flamengo club, the goal is to offer fans with lower purchasing power the opportunity to watch the team's games.
Flamengo fans were a special spectacle at Maracanã throughout 2007
For the game against Baovista, this Sunday, at 16pm (Brasília time), for the State Championship, the director intends for the ticket to go from the current R$20 to R$10 (half-price going from R$10 to R$5).
In the other sectors of Maracanã, everything is the same: yellow and/or green stands cost R$30 (R$15 half-price), white stands cost R$40 (R$20 half-price), while the special seat costs R$120 (R$60 half-price).
Fans will be able to purchase tickets at the following locations: Gávea ticket offices (Flamengo), RioSampa (Nova Iguaçu), General Severiano (Botafogo headquarters), Caio Martins Stadium (Niterói), Laranjeiras (Fluminense headquarters), Maracanã ticket office 8 and Engenhão north ticket office.
Ronaldo Angelim asks Flamengo to respect Boavista
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Aware of the dangers Flamengo may face, Ronaldo Angelim called for the Rubro-Negro to show full respect for Boavista, their opponent this Saturday at the Maracanã, in their State Championship debut. The defender noted that their rivals have strengthened significantly for the competition.
"Until recently, many Boavista players were playing in major national football centers. Therefore, we need to respect this team a lot. We will certainly have difficulties in the debut," he told Rádio Brasil.
The defender expressed excitement at the prospect of playing alongside Fábio Luciano in the Rubro-Negro's first match of the competition. This will happen, as starter Rodrigo is not yet in peak physical condition.
"The new hires aren't 100 percent, and Joel has chosen to maintain last year's base. Everyone needs to be ready to collaborate. I promise to do my best," he emphasized.
With the inclusion of Angelim, Flamengo should have the following formation for the debut in the State Championship: Bruno (Diego); Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Cristian, Toró and Ibson; Renato Augusto and Souza.
BalloonSport
Fla debuts with the essence of 2007
In the match against Boavista, the team will not have reinforcements on the field. But they are betting on the fans.
Eduardo Peixoto
Ibson is Flamengo's main name for the Carioca Championship
On November 25th, with a packed Maracanã stadium, Flamengo defeated Atlético-PR and secured a spot in the Copa Libertadores. Cut to the scene. This Sunday, almost two months later, the red-and-black team will meet its fans again in the opening match of the Campeonato Carioca. Their opponent will be Boavista, at 16 p.m., in the same venue that turned Flamengo into a bogeyman in 2007.
Despite the nearly 60 days separating one moment from the other, the 2008 Flamengo version closely resembles the one that closed the year. Father Joel Santana continues to lead the group. Incidentally, the coach recognized the players who stood out last season and kept all the newcomers on the bench.
"It's a matter of fairness. I've learned to be fair in my life. It wouldn't make sense to come in now and forget everything these players did last year," says Joel.
The lineup would have been the same as the match against Atlético-PR. However, two bureaucratic issues prevented the team from remaining in the squad. Goalkeeper Bruno was not registered in time and will be replaced by Diego.
Of the seven reinforcements signed, only Rodrigo and Marcinho are fit to play. Kléberson and Gavilán are suspended, and Diego Tardelli is injured. Jônatas and Éder have not been regularized.
Expectation of a new show in the stands
Even without any "new developments," Maracanã is expected to welcome a good crowd. The estimated attendance is 40. All for a complete repeat of the "wherever you are, I'll be there" celebration that was such a success in 2007.
"The pressure will be greater. But I hope our fans come to Maracanã and cheer us on again like last year," says midfielder Ibson.
The reigning Rio State Championship champion, Flamengo, has extra motivation in its bid for a second title. For the first time in history, the team could equal or even surpass Fluminense's number of titles. Currently, the score is 30-29 in favor of the Tricolores, but Fluminense's 2002 title is, according to Ferj, sub judice.
Undefined rival
Fábio Braz could be the new addition to Boavista's defense against Fla
Boavista coach Edinho has yet to decide on the lineup for his team to face Flamengo. The coach will take this question to Maracanã and is expected to announce his starting lineup minutes before the match.
"We trained very well with both formations, and I'm still going to study Flamengo's style of play a little more to make the best choice. In the 4-4-2 formation, we gain offensive strength, and in the 3-5-2, we're less exposed. In any case, this will be a very difficult match, but we have nothing to fear. We're excited and confident that we can have a good championship," guarantees Edinho.
Edinho, a former Flamengo player, knows he won't have an easy task in this opening match. The coach believes the Flamengo players are motivated to prove themselves to coach Joel Santana, which could make the match even more difficult for Boavista. Even so, he warned his players that it's time to start on the right foot.
"It will be a tough match, but we're capable of playing good football and we'll fight to win. Flamengo is a team that has played together for a long time and has a very good chemistry, which we still have to develop. We have to forget all that and overcome their will to achieve victory," he states.
Cristian is regularized at the last minute
Michel Assef Filho is on duty at Ferj and frees the midfielder for the Carioca debut
Eduardo Peixoto
With a new tooth, Cristian takes on Boavista
An early evening news story nearly ruled Cristian out of Flamengo's debut in the Campeonato Carioca, Sunday at 16 p.m., against Boavista at the Maracanã: the midfielder still hadn't regularized his registration with the Rio de Janeiro State Football Federation. Caught off guard by the news, the club's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, went to the organization's headquarters with the impossible mission of clearing the player for the match, and he was successful. After a brief shift at the site, the lawyer cleared the player and midfielder Marcinho, who will be on the bench.
Fla 'ignores' sub judice title
Coach Joel Santana and Ibson want to surpass Flu on the field in the State Championship
Eduardo Peixoto
The Rio de Janeiro Football Federation posted on its official website that the 2002 state title is sub judice. This means Flamengo and Fluminense are officially tied with 29 titles.
In Gávea, the news was met with indifference. The players are working with the possibility of tying with Tricolor if they win their second championship.
"We have a chance to draw. We don't have a chance to advance. A beautiful title is won on the field. We're going after our goal of equaling Fluminense," says midfielder Ibson.
Coach Joel Santana, champion with Flu in 1995, is taking the same approach. He believes this year's championship will be balanced precisely because of the possibility of Flamengo drawing with their rival.
"I haven't been told anything about overcoming Fluminense. The tournament will be beautiful, very balanced, and our fans will have to help us," says the coach.
Fla sells more than nine thousand tickets
The estimated attendance for the game against Boavista is 40 paying spectators at Maracanã.
Eduardo Peixoto
By the end of Friday afternoon, Flamengo had sold 9.552 tickets for Sunday's match against Boavista at the Maracanã, the Carioca Championship opener. Sales continue this Saturday starting at 11 a.m.
According to the red-black board, the estimated attendance for the match is between 35 and 40 paying spectators.
- I haven't seen such a high demand for a debut game in five years - says Fla's fundraising coordinator, Flávio Pereira.
The empathy between the team and fans in 2007 makes the players and coach Joel Santana eager for the reunion on Sunday.
"The end of the year was good, the fireworks were great. But I already miss our fans," says the coach.
Renato Augusto worries Fla
Supporter feels pain in his left knee and will be re-evaluated this Saturday by doctors
Eduardo Peixoto
Renato Augusto at Flamengo training
Bruno could be joined by Renato Augusto on Flamengo's absence list for this Sunday's match against Boavista in the first round of the Carioca Championship. The midfielder felt pain in his left knee during training on Friday and had to be substituted.
As he left the locker room and headed for the bus, the player walked with some difficulty and showed an employee the outside of his knee, where he felt pain.
- Knee pain is always a concern - says doctor Marcelo Soares.
Renato Augusto will be re-evaluated this Saturday, and if he is ruled out, the tendency is for Obina to be the starter.
Bruno is out of Fla's debut
The goalkeeper was not regularized in time and will be replaced by Diego on Sunday.
Eduardo Peixoto
Bruno will be replaced by Diego in Flamengo's debut in the Campeonato Carioca
Flamengo has been unable to register goalkeeper Bruno for their Campeonato Carioca debut this Sunday against Boavista. Early Friday evening, the club's director of football, Eduardo Manhães, admitted that the goalkeeper's documentation won't arrive in time.
"Bruno, it's definitely not going to happen. The documents haven't arrived yet. We sent the first installment to the company's headquarters in London, but we still need to call Atlético-MG from England," he says.
This way, Diego will be the starting goalkeeper. The document releasing Bruno would be sent by the group of investors who held the player's economic rights and then passed from Atlético-MG to the Rio de Janeiro Federation (FERJ).
Earlier this season, Flamengo renewed the goalkeeper's contract for five years and acquired 80% of his rights. The race is now on to secure his contract for the match against Cardoso Moreira next Wednesday.
Defender Rodrigo's name appears in the CBF's BID. The club is still awaiting the Rio de Janeiro Federation's report to determine whether midfielder Leo Medeiros and midfielder Marcinho will be able to play. Jônatas is out, and Cristian is registered.
Holders doze off and lose collective
Diego scored all five goals in the match, which the reserve team won 3-2 in Gávea.
Eduardo Peixoto
For the first ten minutes, Flamengo's starters looked like they would crush the reserves. But Joel Santana's changes changed the course of the match this Friday afternoon at Gávea. In the end, the reserves won 3-2. Interestingly, goalkeeper Diego, who started on the bench and then moved into the starting lineup, conceded every goal.
- We started training in a spectacular way and when we changed you saw what happened - laments coach Joel Santana.
Just eight minutes into the match, Renato Augusto crossed from the left, and Leo Moura, with a diving header, opened the scoring. Less than two minutes later, the right-back went to the byline and crossed back. Souza took two shots and scored.
Despite being a team effort, Renato Augusto took the activity seriously and made slide tackles in the defensive half. He left the field after 24 minutes, and Joel put Obina in the first team. Due to doubts about Bruno's regularization, Diego became the starting goalkeeper.
A minute after the change, the substitutes pulled one back. Leo Medeiros fired a shot from outside the box into the right corner. Cristian, who replaced Colace, took a long-range shot that hit the crossbar, and Éder equalized. The starters "stopped," and left-back Egídio turned the score around.
Lineups:\ Starting lineup - Bruno (Diego); Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian (Colace), Ibson and Toró; Renato Augusto (Obina) and Souza.\
Reserve team - trained with: Diego; Luizinho, Arroz, Rodrigo (Thiago Sales) and Egidio; Jônatas, Colace, Leo Medeiros and Marcinho; Maxi and Obina (Éder).
Tardelli's father guarantees his son's maturity
Former player Tadeu Martins reveals that Diego has finally freed himself from the traps of football.
Father guarantees: Diego Tardelli has freed himself from the traps of the football world
Tadeu Martins, father of Flamengo striker Diego Tardelli, was a former player and knows how difficult it is to resist the temptations of the football world. He acknowledges that his son got into some trouble when he first emerged at São Paulo, but assures that's in the past.
"What happened was five years ago. It was the normal pitfalls of football. A lot of people get close to you, and sometimes the choices are wrong. It's difficult, but today Diego is more mature, he's married, he's a father, he has a family. That changes anyone's mindset," says Tadeu.
Tardelli's father relaxed and joked about what his son could do in Rio without it affecting his performance at Flamengo. In fact, Tadeu approved of Diego's choice.
"He's free to visit the city's landmarks, because Rio is beautiful. When someone he knows comes to play here, we're already happy. Imagine when it's his own son," he concludes.
Fla wants a reduction in ticket prices
The red-and-black club wants to reduce the price of blue seats at Maracanã from R$20 to R$10.
Marcio Braga wants to lower the price of blue seats at Maracanã
Despite the controversial increase in ticket prices for the Campeonato Carioca, Flamengo games are expected to have affordable prices in the blue seats. President Marcio Braga ordered Michel Assef, the Flamengo representative in the Federation, to reduce the price of the 32 blue seats at Maracanã from R$20 to R$10 (half-price tickets at R$5) for the club's games.
The objective of the reduction is to offer fans with lower purchasing power the opportunity to watch Rubro-Negro games at Maracanã at popular, more affordable prices.
The increase in ticket prices, which can reach R$40 for some matches, has caused considerable discomfort, especially when Eduardo Paes, president of Suderj and Rio de Janeiro's Secretary of Sports, threatened to suspend Flamengo and Fluminense's benefits for games at Maracanã. Both clubs have reduced ticket prices when they play at the stadium.
Throw
Bruno is out of Flamengo's debut
Without their starting goalkeeper, Flamengo will go with Diego against Boavista. Learn more about this absence.
The board is unable to secure the player's release and Fla begins the Carioca season short-handed (Credit: Júlio César Guimarães)
LANCEPRESS!
Coach Joel Santana will be without Bruno for Flamengo's Carioca Championship debut against Boavista at the Maracanã stadium. The starting goalkeeper was not registered on Friday and will not be able to play on Sunday.
According to football director Eduardo Manhaes, the group of investors who own Bruno's federation rights have not contacted Atlético-MG to release the necessary documentation.
"The people in England just had to call Atlético-MG and it would have been resolved. But they didn't do that and said everything would be fine on Monday," Manhaes said.
The director assured that Flamengo had paid Bruno's first installment to the group of investors (700 euros) and had already submitted all the necessary documentation for regularization. Without Bruno, Diego will start on the debut.
Cristian and Marcinho confirmed for debut
But Fla will not have Bruno, Jônatas and Léo Medeiros on Sunday
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo managed to register Marcinho and Cristian for their State Championship debut against Boavista at Maracanã on Friday night. After a glitch in the Federation's system for registering the players, the club's lawyer, Michel Asseff Filho, went to Ferj (National Federation of Rio de Janeiro) and secured their registration.
In addition to them, Rodrigo is also fit to play.
"Flamengo was desperate and asked me to go to Ferj to resolve the issue. Marcinho and Cristian are free to make their debut," Michel stated.
However, Léo Medeiros will not be eligible for this Sunday's match. The Minas Gerais Federation did not send the necessary documents for Flamengo to register him.
In addition to Léo Medeiros, coach Joel Santana will be without Bruno and Jônatas. The documents for both players have not been submitted by Atlético-MG (which has not received authorization from the investment group that owns the goalkeeper's economic rights) and Espanyol-ESP.
Fla tries to reduce prices of blue seats
Rubro-Negro games in the State Championship can cost R$10 in the sector
LANCEPRESS!
Despite the controversial increase in ticket prices for the Campeonato Carioca, Flamengo games are expected to have affordable prices in the blue seats. This is because Flamengo president Marcio Braga has instructed the club's representative at the Rio de Janeiro Federation, Michel Asseff, to request a price reduction to R$10 (R$5 for half-price tickets) in the blue seats for Flamengo games.
The increase in ticket prices, which can reach R$40 for some matches, has caused great discomfort in Rio de Janeiro, especially when Eduardo Paes, president of Suderj and Rio de Janeiro's Secretary of Sports, threatened to suspend the benefits of Flamengo and Fluminense for games at Maracanã. Both clubs have reduced ticket prices when they play at the World's Largest Stadium.
Ibson regrets absences
On the other hand, the supporter guarantees that he is prepared and confident for the debut
LANCEPRESS!\ The confirmation of goalkeeper Bruno's absence took everyone at Flamengo by surprise. Supporter Ibson, one of the team's standout players, lamented the legal obstacle that will prevent some Flamengo players from taking the field in the team's State Championship debut on Sunday against Boavista at the Maracanã. Midfielder Jônatas is another who will be unable to play.\
radio l! - I'm sad to hear that some players who were training with the team won't be able to play. But we have to be prepared; whoever comes in will rise to the occasion. The important thing is to get a good result on Sunday at Maracanã," he said.
Diego Tardelli feels at home in Gávea
Striker says he is happy with the reception of his new teammates
LANCEPRESS!
On his second day as a Flamengo player, Diego Tardelli has already received numerous requests for autographs before training this Friday. The striker took the opportunity to comment that the positive reception has come not only from the fans, but also from his new teammates.
"I was very well received. I was very happy. I was expecting jokes about Souza, but everything went smoothly," he said.
Diego Tardelli was introduced on Thursday and is recovering from a right ankle injury