THE GLOBE
Bruno shines and the crossbar also helps Fla
Even under pressure, the red-black team relies on the luck and talent of its goalkeeper to guarantee a 0-0 draw with Grêmio and bring home an important point from the South.
Photo caption: TORÓ DISPUTES the ball with Roger, from Grêmio: the red-black player marked the opponent individually and managed to be efficient in yesterday's draw
PORTO ALEGRE. Bruno's intensity at the Olympic Stadium yesterday suggests just how satisfying the 0-0 draw with Grêmio in Porto Alegre was for Flamengo. Under pressure for much of the match, Flamengo relied on great saves from its goalkeeper and luck to contain its opponent, who hit the post twice.
"It's difficult to play here because the fans really cheer Grêmio on. The point was important, and we have four games in Rio," said Bruno. "After the lesson we learned in the Libertadores, this game is a morale booster."
The first half showed that Flamengo coach Caio Júnior's assessment of the game was correct. But Flamengo struggled to overcome the obstacles they had prepared to face. With a tall, strong team and pressing hard, Grêmio gradually controlled the ball and forced Flamengo back. Flamengo also pressed hard, but played with the midfield very close to their own box and isolated Marcinho and Diego Tardelli up front.
A more open game\ in the second half\
Flamengo even looked like they could score and attack Grêmio. They had their first good chance when Juan received a beautiful pass from Marcinho in the fourth minute, but inexplicably didn't shoot on goal. Facing the goalkeeper, he preferred to pass to Diego Tardelli, but missed.
Gradually, the game began to develop in Flamengo's defensive half, with Flamengo misplacing passes when attempting to counterattack. Toró man-marked Roger and, although effective, was pushed to the side by his opponent, creating space at the edge of the box. From there, Grêmio threatened in the 15th minute. Perea received the ball and shot, which Bruno saved well. In the 19th minute, Roger took a free kick into the box, and Ronaldo Angelim grabbed Réver, but the referee overlooked the penalty. Bruno would work twice more in the first half. In the 24th minute, Paulo Sérgio crossed and Soares headed dangerously. In the 29th minute, the goalkeeper made a beautiful save from Perea's shot into the top corner.
The game didn't change in the second half. But goalkeeper Bruno added some luck to his skills. In the first minute, Roger took a corner kick, and Pereira headed it against the crossbar. In the sixth minute, Perea beat Jaílton and passed to Helder, who shot just wide of the post.
Trying to ease the pressure, Caio Júnior introduced Renato Augusto in place of Kleberson, who was playing poorly. Flamengo managed to occupy more of the attacking half, but conceded more space. In the 10th minute, Flamengo had its big chance when Renato Augusto found Leonardo Moura on the right. The full-back crossed to Marcinho, who missed from the six-yard box.
From then on, Bruno would once again be decisive. In the 11th minute, he saved a curling shot from Soares. In the 20th minute, he was fortunate when Léo received the ball at the edge of the box and shot against the crossbar. On the rebound, Bruno stretched to save Roger's shot. Caio Júnior would even replace Diego Tardelli with Cristian in an attempt to improve his marking. Flamengo was unable to be objective on the counterattack and even allowed Grêmio to pose a threat late in the game. In the 44th minute, Rodrigo Mendes received the ball from Makelelê in the box and shot, which Bruno made a fine save. In the 48th minute, Eduardo Costa shot into the right corner, but it was the Flamengo goalkeeper's turn.
Yellow cards: Fabio Luciano, Leo, Réver and Helder.
Fla values the draw and asks for a goalkeeper in the national team
Dininho is expected in Rio to settle the matter
PORTO ALEGRE. Coach Caio Júnior didn't exactly celebrate the draw with Grêmio. However, he acknowledged that, given the opponent's superiority in the second half, Flamengo brought a good result from Porto Alegre.
"In the second half, they were better, hitting the post twice, and we had some tough times. Playing away from home is like that, and I consider this draw a great result. We have four points from two games, which is a good result," said Caio, who, unlike last Friday's training session, decided to start the game with Jaílton as the third defender instead of Leonardo.
Coach and vice-president of football Kleber Leite praised Bruno's performance and called him a national team goalkeeper.
- I hope Dunga saw the same game as me and enjoyed it as much as I did - said vice president of football Kleber Leite.
"It's just a matter of time before he makes the national team," said Caio, who admitted concern about Kleberson's poor performance. "He needs to bounce back, and I have to help him."
Today, defender Dininho and his agent are expected in Rio to finalize his signing.
FLAMENGO
BRUNO: He was Flamengo's star player in the game. He made at least four great saves and also had luck and the help of the post in the second half. 9.
LEONARDO MOURA: He was heavily marked, only managing one baseline play in the second half. He tried to create chances through the middle, but was also ruled out. 5.
FÁBIO LUCIANO: Secure down low, he had problems in aerial plays, especially when fighting Grêmio's defenders .5,5.
RONALDO ANGELIM: He also had problems in the air. He conceded a penalty that the referee didn't see, still in the first half. 5.
JUAN: The team's main outlet when it came to possession, he failed to finish off plays in attack. Even so, he provided good playmaking options. 6.
JAÍLTON: Playing as a third defender, he was involved in the battle on the right flank. Grêmio had a lot of shots from his own area. 4,5.
TORO: He was efficient in chasing Roger and gave the opponent few chances to create chances. He committed some unnecessary fouls, especially early in the game. 7.
IBSON: He helped a lot in the fight and tried to lead the team forward. At times, he made too many misplaced passes. 6.
KLÉBERSON: Very bad in the game, he always tried to participate in the plays, but he made a lot of passing mistakes. 4.
RENATO AUGUSTO replaced him and made Flamengo more offensive, although he also failed to create any big plays. 5,5.
MARCINHO: Created a good play that Juan wasted early in the game. After being isolated, he struggled to beat the defense. He missed a great opportunity in the second half. 5. He was replaced by MAXI, who spent little time on the field and had few chances to create offensive plays. No rating.
DIEGO TARDELLI: He tried to move a lot, but with little help from the midfielders, he was also trapped in the marking. Technically, he wasn't at his best. 5. He gave way to CRISTIAN, who was efficient in the fight and managed to get the ball out well, helping to relieve Grêmio's pressure. 7.
GUILD
Left-back Helder consistently posed a threat to Flamengo's defense, as did midfielder Rafael Carioca. Roger played a discreet role.
ARBITRATION
Wilson Luiz Seneme erred in not calling Ronaldo Angelim's penalty on Réver in the first half. Assistant coach Giovani Canzian erred in calling an offside call for each team in key plays.
Fernando Calazans
Good game without goal
Not every 0-0 draw is proof of a bad game—and Grêmio vs. Flamengo was proof of that. It was a well-played game, with both teams playing offensively, numerous scoring opportunities (more so for Grêmio, who had the greater volume of play and attack), and some rough plays, as is typical in football, but without foul play or violence. And with an extraordinary performance from one goalkeeper: Bruno, from Flamengo.
If Grêmio failed to win at home, it wasn't due to a flaw or incompetence, but to the merit of Bruno and his goalkeepers, who saved Flamengo twice. Bruno saved even more, with saves that put him on par with the best goalkeepers today.
Despite all of this - Grêmio's dominance, more opportunities and shots on goal - Flamengo could have dictated another game, if Juan had known how to take advantage of one of the clearest chances just 4 minutes into the game, when he entered the box unhindered, unhindered, and, in front of the goalkeeper, what did Juan do?
Juan refused to score. He preferred to pass to Tardelli. He was so ill that neither he nor Tardelli scored.
In the second half, Marcinho also missed a clear goal: he mistimed the ball in the six-yard box after Léo Moura's cross. But it was Grêmio who intensified their dominance, also wasting chances on Perea, Soares, and even defender Pereira. It was good to see Celso Roth's Grêmio playing forward, attacking, and even deserving of the victory.
Also very good performance by judge Wilson Seneme, from São Paulo.
NATIONAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
The semifinals (best of five games) of the National Men's Basketball Championship begin today with two matches. Flamengo/Petrobras (RJ) hosts Ciser/Univille/Joinville (SC) in Tijuca at 19 p.m. An hour later, at the Minas Tênis gymnasium in Belo Horizonte, the home team faces Universo/BRB/Converse (DF).
SPORTS JOURNAL
The draw tasted like victory
Facing Grêmio is already a daunting task, but it's practically tripled when the match is played in the packed stadium of the Olympic Stadium in Porto Alegre. That's why Flamengo's players left the field satisfied with yesterday's 0-0 draw in the second round of the Brasileirão.
One of those most thrilled with the point was goalkeeper Bruno. Having made some miraculous saves that were crucial to the result, he noted that over the next four rounds, Flamengo fans will be putting pressure on their opponents at Maracanã:
"Playing here at the Olímpico is always very difficult. The Grêmio fans are very strong and put pressure on the whole game. That's why the result was good. Now, we have a sequence of home games, including a derby. We'll leave the decision to be made at Maracanã," commented Bruno, referring to the upcoming matches against Internacional, Fluminense, Figueirense and São Paulo.
Critics
Although the draw was considered a good result, coach Caio Júnior criticized the team's behavior at certain moments of the match, especially the defense's "kicks" in the first half:
"On a good pitch like this, you can't pass the ball around so much. Passing should be done from foot to foot. When we did that, we were able to attack with more quality," said the coach.
Bruno, once again, saves Flamengo
Rubro-negro draws at Olímpico and now plays four consecutive home games
Eduardo Lacombe, Thiago Bokel and Tiago da Costa
Fred Vieira/Folha Imagem
To contain Grêmio's attack, Ronaldo Angelim had to play bravely and even commit fouls
A point that can be credited to goalkeeper Bruno, who secured a 0-0 draw with Grêmio in a packed Olympic Stadium. With the result, Flamengo reached four points in the Brazilian Championship.
Before the game began, coach Caio Júnior surprised everyone by starting Toró in place of defender Leonardo. Thus, he tried not to change much the strategy that had worked well under Joel Santana. Flamengo started the match looking to exploit counterattacks. However, they consistently misplaced the final pass.
Grêmio, for its part, had a promising prospect in midfielder Rafael Carioca, who created its best plays. The skilled Colombian striker Perea also posed some danger. In the first half's best chance, he received the ball inside the box, adjusted it, and shot into the top corner. Bruno, well-positioned, made an excellent save.
Otherwise, the game, despite being fiercely contested, showed little variation. Grêmio limited itself to crosses into the box, and Flamengo to counterattacks. One positive aspect of the first half was Ibson's strong performance, as he was freer to create chances without having to score.
dash
Flamengo started the second half with a scare in the first minute: after a corner kick, defender Pereira's header hit the crossbar. From then on, the pressure from the Gauchos became inevitable. But thanks to goalkeeper Bruno, who made more than five great saves, the score remained unchanged.
And when he couldn't get there, luck played its part: Léo hit a beautiful shot against the crossbar, leaving the goalkeeper helpless. Roger got the rebound, but this time Bruno was there to make sure. For Flamengo, Marcinho missed an incredible goal, shooting unmarked in front of goalkeeper Victor.
In the end, Bruno still prevented defeat from two great chances by Rodrigo Mendes and Eduardo Costa, respectively. The stalemate will serve as a catalyst for Flamengo's rise in the Championship. The team will now have a four-match streak at Maracanã.
Mengão faces Joinville
Rubro-Negro relies on the support of the fans in the first game of the 2008 National semifinal
Eduardo Vieira and Pedro Ivo Almeida
Nina Lima
Talented point guard Hélio is back to lead Flamengo
With the best record in the qualifying round, Flamengo begins today at 19 p.m. against Joinville at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gymnasium, another battle in pursuit of the coveted National Basketball Championship title. The match will be broadcast live on SporTV.
Coach Paulo Chupeta's team, who will also lead the Brazilian national team in the South American Championship, hosts the Santa Catarina team for the first match of the best-of-five series of the competition's semi-final playoffs.
In addition to the support of their fans, the Gávea team will have another reinforcement for today's game: point guard Hélio. He returns after missing the team's quarterfinal match against Cetaf due to a lower back injury.
Trusted
"I'm feeling great. I'll be available to Chupeta to help our team. Whenever he needs me, I'll step onto the court," said the point guard.
Joinville, the red-and-black team's opponent in today's match, defeated Ulbra/Rio Claro 3-2 in the quarterfinals before reaching the semifinals. Forward Duda believes the team, which features Espiga, Willians, and Shilton (the championship's top rebounder), will be a tough opponent.
"We know the potential of the Joinville team. They were second and third for much of the championship. We have to try to minimize Shilton's rebounds and Williams's scoring as much as possible. They're a very good team, and it's going to be a very tough series," said the forward, who will try to help Flamengo win a title for the first time in its history: the National Basketball Championship.
Another game
Also in the semifinals of the National Basketball Championship, Pitágoras/Minas and Universo/BRB, from Brasília, begin their battle for the other spot in the final today. The match will be held in Belo Horizonte at 20 p.m.
Having had a better campaign in the classification phase, the Minas Gerais team, which represented Fluminense in the last Rio de Janeiro State Championship, will have the right to play three matches at home, if necessary.
Flamengo and Botafogo face off in two Water Polo finals
Rio de Janeiro/RJ - The Under-21 Brazil Cup will conclude this Sunday, May 18th, at Tijuca Tênis Clube, with a double-header featuring Flamengo vs. Botafogo. The women's final is scheduled for 9 a.m., and the men's final at 11:20 a.m. Between these two finals, the men's bronze medal match will be played between Tijuca Tênis and Fluminense.
In the men's semifinals held on Saturday night, May 17th, Flamengo confirmed its favoritism by beating Tijuca for the second time that day. But unlike the morning, when it won 10-2 in the qualifying round, the victory that put the red-and-black team in the final was a hard-fought 7-5.
The final game was a thrilling affair. In regulation, the score was tied at six goals. In overtime, the score was tied again, 1-1. In penalties, Botafogo won 5-4, making the total score 12-11.
In the women's version of the competition, Botafogo defeated hosts Tijuca Tênis 8-6 in extra time - repeating the balance of the first phase match, in which the two teams tied at seven goals - and will play the final against the undefeated Flamengo.
In the first phase of both competitions, Flamengo defeated Botafogo, 15-2 in the women's competition and 9-4 in the men's competition.
THE DAY
Fla holds on to a draw with Grêmio in the South
Genilson Junior
Porto Alegre - Flamengo drew 0-0 with Grêmio at the Olímpico Stadium and returns to Rio with a point. Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno was the standout performer, making at least four great saves.
In a lively first half, Flamengo was undaunted by the pressure from the Grêmio fans and pushed hard for the goal. In the fourth minute, Juan advanced down the left, burst into the box, and instead of shooting, he preferred to pass it to Diego Tardelli, who couldn't reach the ball.
Flamengo was exploiting the left flank more, but Grêmio also caused problems. In the 12th minute, Léo crossed, Bruno couldn't get to the ball, but the defense cleared the danger. In the 15th minute, it was Perea's turn to shoot weakly, but the number 1 saved.
Flamengo's attack came through with a touch of the ball, without desperation. In the 28th minute, Ibson found Juan on the left. The full-back cleared the ball to the right and fired over Victor's goal. Grêmio responded with Perea. The Gremista forward spun inside the box and forced Bruno into a great save.
Before halftime, another Perea vs. Bruno duel. The striker took a shot from distance, but Bruno fell to the defense.
In the second half, Grêmio came back more dangerous. Before the second minute was up, defender Pereira headed Bruno's crossbar. In the sixth minute, it was Hélder's turn to receive the ball in the penalty area and shoot wide.
Caio Júnior decided to make a change in the 10th minute. Renato Augusto came on for Kleberson, and the number 10's first play nearly scored for the red-and-blacks. He played a one-two with Léo Moura, who crossed. Marcinho, facing the goalkeeper, managed to miss the ball.
A minute later, it was Soares' turn to force a great save from Bruno. Roger found his teammate free, who shot with precision. Bruno jumped and made another great save.
Fla, at the request of its coach, worked the ball, but was unable to get a good finish.
In the 20th minute, defender Léo played a one-two at the edge of the box and struck a well-placed shot. Bruno watched as the ball hit the crossbar for the second time. On the rebound, Roger fired a left-footed shot, and Bruno fell to the left corner for a save.
In the 33rd minute, it was Cristian's turn to try a free kick, but the ball went out without much force, over the goal line.
In the end, Flamengo decided to hold on to the result, bringing on Cristian for Diego Tardelli. Bruno, in the 44th minute, still had to save the game by preventing a Grêmio goal from Rodrigo Mendes. In the final minute of the game, the team's standout player, Bruno, also prevented another goal from the opposition.
In the next round of the Brasileirão, Flamengo faces Internacional, Saturday, at 18:10 pm, at Maracanã.
Caio Júnior: 'Bruno is a national team goalkeeper'
Rio - Flamengo hero Bruno emphasized the importance of the point earned away from home, as Flamengo will now have four consecutive matches in Rio. "Everyone knows how difficult it is to get a good result at the Olímpico. But the draw was great, as we'll have a sequence of matches in front of our fans to get going in the Brasileirão," said the goalkeeper.
Coach Caio Júnior emphasized Bruno's qualities. "He's a national team goalkeeper. When you have a goalkeeper of his caliber, you know it will be difficult for the opposing team to score," said the coach, recalling the series of home games. "It will be the first time I've coached the team and interacted with the fans. We have to believe, because his performance in the Brasileirão has been excellent."
The Red-Blacks are expected to sign another reinforcement today. Recommended by Caio Júnior, defender Dininho, who is currently on the sidelines at Palmeiras, could finalize his transfer to Gávea.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Caio Júnior is satisfied with a goalless draw
Porto Alegre (RS) - Coach Caio Júnior took over Flamengo after a disastrous elimination from the Copa Libertadores, but he hasn't disappointed the fans. After defeating Santos in their Brazilian Championship debut, Flamengo secured a 0-0 draw against Grêmio in Porto Alegre, and the coach says he was pleased with the result. "It's like that away from home, the draw against Grêmio was a good result. I'm very satisfied. Psychologically, the team was also very balanced. Even with the large number of balls thrown, the team performed very well," said the coach, according to Globo radio.
Flamengo's coach further substantiated his opinion with an analysis of what he believed the match would have been like. "The first half was even, but in the second, Grêmio pushed us and had a certain advantage. They hit the post twice."
Goalkeeper Bruno also earned special praise from the coach after his decisive performance in the draw. According to Caio Júnior, Flamengo's number one should soon get a chance under coach Dunga.
"Bruno is a Brazilian national team player; it's only a matter of time before he's called up. We know he'll have the ball in the box, and he'll handle it. That's the difference we have when we have a goalkeeper of his quality," he added.
Grêmio presses, but Flamengo holds on for a draw at the Olímpico\ Gazeta Press\
Porto Alegre (RS) - Grêmio and Flamengo played a lively match this Sunday afternoon at the Olímpico Stadium in Porto Alegre. However, despite the pressure from Rio Grande do Sul throughout most of the match, the score remained unchanged. Grêmio's Perea and Flamengo's Bruno were the key players in the 0-0 draw in Rio Grande do Sul: the striker tormented the Rio Grande do Sul defense, but the goalkeeper made some great saves and prevented Flamengo from losing in the South. With the stadium packed and the fans chanting nonstop, Grêmio took the initiative from the start. Timid and cautious, Flamengo took few risks and struggled to break through the strong Gaucho defense. The first dangerous move came in the 15th minute, after a blunder by the Flamengo defense. A misplaced pass in midfield gave the ball to Grêmio, which ended up on the edge of the box with Perea. The striker turned and shot with his left foot, into the right corner of Bruno's goal, who was well placed and saved.\
Flamengo tried to respond in the 23rd minute with a good pass from Marcinho to Diego Tardelli, but he failed to finish. Grêmio then exchanged passes well and Paulo Sérgio lifted the ball from the penalty spot to Soares, who headed it weakly into the middle of the goal, but Bruno easily saved it.
Grêmio continued to improve and came closer to opening the scoring. In the 30th minute, the best play of the first half: a low cross from the right, and once again the dangerous Perea received the ball, adjusted it, and fired a right-footed shot into the top corner, which Bruno made a sensational save to save Mengão.
Both teams slowed down in the final minutes of the first half, but the game picked up again after the break. Grêmio, especially with their forward Perea, constantly threatened Bruno's goal.
After halftime, just two minutes in, Roger took a corner from the left wing, and defender Pereira headed the ball against the crossbar. Four minutes later, Pereira led a quick counterattack and passed to Helder, who burst into the box and shot, but it went wide.
In the eighth minute, Caio Junior took off Kléberson and brought on Renato Augusto. And on his first play, Flamengo's number 10 delivered a beautiful through ball down the right wing to Leo Moura. The full-back crossed, and Marcinho, in the six-yard box, was unable to finish, missing Flamengo's best chance of the game.
Grêmio quickly responded. A minute later, another poor clearance in Flamengo's defense gave the rebound to the opponent, who launched a counterattack on the left with Helder. The full-back entered the box and shot high across goal, but Bruno stretched to deny the Flamengo goal.
The Gaucho pressure continued, and in the 20th minute, Leo hit Bruno's crossbar after a one-two with Perea. On the rebound, Roger tried a first-time shot, but Bruno dived and made the save.
In the 22nd minute, the Rubro-Negro coach decided to tighten up his midfield and took off Tardelli for defensive midfielder Cristian. The game slowed down, and both teams seemed content with the result. Following Caio Junior's example, Celso Roth took off Roger and Perea for Jonas and Makelele. With that, the score remained scoreless until the end.
Flamengo and Grêmio will play again next Saturday in the third round of the Brazilian Championship. Flamengo hosts Internacional at Maracanã Stadium, while Grêmio plays again at Olímpico Stadium against Náutico.
PELENET
Grêmio fights, presses, but cannot escape the 0-0 draw with Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\In Porto Alegre\
In a beautiful tactical duel, Grêmio and Flamengo drew 0-0 this Sunday afternoon at the Olímpico Stadium in the Brazilian Championship. The home side, who pressed hard, couldn't overcome Bruno, the best player on the pitch, who, in addition to making some great saves, also had luck and a helping hand from the post.
BEST MOMENTS OF THE MATCH
The draw keeps both clubs unbeaten and on four points in the competition after two rounds. In their next match, the Rio de Janeiro team returns home to face Inter next Saturday (May 24th). Meanwhile, the Rio Grande do Sul team, once again at the Olímpico Stadium, will host Náutico.
The two teams respected each other and had a balanced start to the match. Roger showed quality with his passes and created good plays for the Tricolor side. Leonardo Moura pushed forward excessively, and Grêmio capitalized on the space and attacked more from the left. Flamengo, on the other hand, struggled to overcome the strong Gaucho defense and produced little offensively.
While the home side worked the ball around and took their time advancing, the red-and-blacks exploited the counterattack and sought to define their chances quickly. Despite Grêmio's greater play, Bruno put on a flawless performance, securing a scoreless draw in the first half.
The result wasn't what was expected, but midfielder Roger was pleased with the performance. "They're waiting for the counterattack, and we just need to stay focused. We're doing well, playing in the opponent's half, we just need to be patient to win," he advised.
In the first minute of the second half, Pereira took advantage of a corner kick from the left and headed the ball against the crossbar, bringing the crowd to its feet. Colombian Perea, excited, led the Grêmio pressure. In a quick run down the right, Leonardo Moura crossed into the six-yard box, but Marcinho misplaced the ball and missed a clear chance.
Even under pressure, Flamengo's goalkeeper provided plenty of defensive security, and the team, with the ball at their feet, calmly exchanged passes through the middle, tying up the opposition. In the 44th minute, Bruno blocked a shot from Rodrigo Mendes that was headed for the right corner. Until the end, Grêmio pinned Flamengo down, but despite their efforts, they failed to find the net, and the score remained 0-0.
Flamengo could sign defender Dininho this Monday
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Defender Dininho is getting closer and closer to Flamengo. Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, confirmed a meeting with the player's agent, Marcelo Robalinho, this Monday to finalize the details of the signing.
"Tomorrow (Monday) I'm going to talk to Dininho's attorney. The alternative is to stay with us until December. We already have something in place and the possibility of an agreement is good," he said.
With Rodrigo's departure, Flamengo now has five defenders on its roster: Fabio Luciano, Leonardo, Rodrigo Arroz, Ronaldo Angelim, and Thiago Sales. According to the director, according to coach Caio Junior, this is a small number to compete in the Brazilian Championship.
"Nothing prevents us from signing another defender. No one knows what will happen mid-year. He could come and go, but the truth is we need a defender," concluded Kleber Leite.
In addition to Dininho, midfielder Renato Abreu, currently playing soccer in the United Arab Emirates and a former Flamengo player, is reportedly back in the board's plans. However, for now, the matter is still being treated cautiously at Gávea.
Hero of the game, Bruno celebrates the point won by Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Bruno was Flamengo's standout performer in the goalless draw with Grêmio this Sunday at the Olímpico Stadium in Porto Alegre, in the second round of the Brazilian Championship. Besides his fine saves, the goalkeeper also had a stroke of luck on two occasions, when the ball hit the crossbar.
"Playing at the Olímpico is very difficult, because the fans push you. The result was good. We managed to hold on and we're heading back to Rio de Janeiro with a point," he said.
Now, Flamengo will have a series of games at Maracanã: Internacional, Fluminense, Figueirense, and São Paulo. For Bruno, this could be the Flamengo's first shot at the top of the Brazilian league.
"We have a sequence of matches at Maracanã, including a derby. We will decide the games," he concluded. Flamengo will only play away from home again in the seventh round, when they face Ipatinga, on June 22, in Minas Gerais.
Coach Caio Júnior was full of praise for Bruno. "He's a goalkeeper for the Brazilian national team. It's only a matter of time before he's called up," the red-and-black manager emphasized.
Caio Júnior likes the result, but admits Grêmio's superiority
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Coach Caio Júnior approved of Flamengo's performance in the 0-0 draw with Grêmio this Sunday at the Olímpico Stadium in the second round of the Brazilian Championship. However, he admitted the Tricolor Gaúcho's superiority, which forced the Rubro-Negro to play deep, especially in the second half.
"In the second half, Grêmio pushed us and were better. They hit the post twice. We had the chance to create chances on the counterattack. I think it was a good result considering it was a game against a strong team and away from home, especially on a fast pitch," commented Caio.
Without Obina and Souza, who were ruled out by the medical department, the red-black attack was left without a fixed point in the area, which caused problems in breaking through the opposing defense.
"Marcinho and Tardelli are different from Souza and Obina. They had to try dribbling to score. I can't expect them to be in the box too much," analyzed the coach, who expects the entire group to improve.
"Kleberson needs to act more. He's introverted, that's just his nature. I'll try to encourage him, because he deserves it. Cristian started the game well and has been training well. Renato Augusto is still lacking rhythm and is gradually gaining fitness. But the important thing is that the team had the psychological balance to withstand the opponent's pressure," he emphasized.
GLOBOESPORTE
Caio Júnior predicts a very tough match against Internacional
Flamengo coach believes fans have reason to support the team in the match against Colorado, next Saturday, at Maracanã
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
Caio Júnior hopes that Fla maintains its performance in the Brasileirão
After a tough clash with Grêmio on Sunday at the Olímpico, Flamengo will face another team from Rio Grande do Sul in the Brasileirão: Internacional, next Saturday at the Maracanã. Even though the game is at home, coach Caio Júnior doesn't believe Flamengo will have an easy time. He, who will be playing his first match in front of Flamengo fans, considers Flamengo one of the best teams in the country.
"It'll be a similar game to today's (Saturday, against Grêmio). Inter might have the best squad in Brazil. We'll evaluate their team. Before we start work, I need to know who we're facing and, based on that, train. For the first time, I'll have the fans by my side (against Santos, the game was played behind closed doors). I think it'll be one of the toughest matches; Inter is one of the favorites in this championship. From what I've seen from Flamengo's fans, they'll cheer us on. We're at almost 70% success rate, and if we keep it up, we'll be fighting for the title," he said in an interview with Rádio Globo.
Flamengo is in third place in the Brazilian league with four points. Internacional is in 11th place with three.
Dininho arrives in Rio this Monday to talk to Fla
The defender was a request from coach Caio Júnior, who worked with him when he was managing the Palmeiras team.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
Dininho has not been used at Palmeiras, and has the confidence of coach Caio Júnior, from Fla
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, has a meeting scheduled with Palmeiras defender Dininho to try to finalize the player's signing. The athlete will travel to Rio de Janeiro to negotiate with the club at the request of coach Caio Júnior, who has worked with him before and requested the signing. The position is considered a shortage in the group following the departure of Rodrigo, who was signed at the beginning of the year but has played little due to an arm injury.
Flamengo faces competition from a São Paulo club to sign the defender.
Bruno: 'It was a game that boosted my morale and that of the entire Flamengo team'
Goalkeeper, the main highlight in the 0-0 draw against Grêmio, says that the point gained at the Olímpico stadium was a good result.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
Grêmio tried hard, but when they missed the post, goalkeeper Bruno was there to secure a 0-0 draw (watch the video below). After the match, Flamengo's number 1 stated that the match against Grêmio served to boost his and the team's morale after their traumatic elimination from the Copa Libertadores. He analyzed the Flamengo's performance and praised his teammates' fighting spirit on the field.
"I think the best save against Grêmio was the one against Soares, who headed it in. It's a morale-boosting game for me and the whole team. Congratulations to the group for what they did. We were warriors, we had opportunities, but we ended up not finishing well. Playing Grêmio at the Olímpico isn't easy; there are a lot of balls into the box, a lot of collisions. Flamengo plays a more technical, passing-ball game. The draw was a good result. We'll have to run hard to beat them at Maracanã," he said in an interview with Rádio Globo.
Regarding the Brazilian team, Bruno prefers to give it time.
"I have to win titles, work hard, and the time will come. If I deserve it, I'll definitely be there," he says.
Caio Júnior: 'I'm very satisfied'
Fla's coach praises the participation of goalkeeper Bruno, who had a decisive performance and guaranteed the 0-0 draw
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
Flamengo's goalless draw against Grêmio this Sunday at the Olímpico Stadium left Fla coach Caio Júnior very pleased. The Flamengo manager noted that away from home, the task is always more difficult. He said that, despite the pressure and the shots that Grêmio unleashed, the team maintained psychological balance on the field.
"In the first half, the game was even, but in the second, Grêmio pushed us and had some control. They hit the post twice. That's how it is away from home; the draw against Grêmio was a good result. I'm very satisfied. Psychologically, the team was also very balanced. Even with the large number of balls thrown, the team performed very well," he said in an interview with Rádio Globo.
Caio Júnior highlighted goalkeeper Bruno's decisive role. He believes Flamengo's number one will be on the Brazilian national team soon.
"Bruno is a Brazilian national team player, it's only a matter of time before he's called up. We know he'll get the ball in the box and he'll handle it; that's the difference we have when we have a goalkeeper with this quality," he says.
The coach analyzed the performance of forwards Marcinho and Tardelli, who tend not to stay in the box, like Souza and Obina. Caio Júnior hinted that he felt the lack of a key player in the box. He took the opportunity to praise the introductions of Cristian and Renato Augusto.
"They're players with different characteristics. I tried to play with speed, dribbling, and penetration. We have a home game, and maybe we'll change that approach. Some players had a good game. Cristian came on very well, Renato Augusto struggled a bit, but only by coming on will he gain rhythm. Regarding Klérberson, he's a player I've been supporting because he deserves it; he's a world champion," he says.
Grêmio hits the post and goalkeeper Bruno and draws with Flamengo
Flamengo's number 1 shirt guarantees the result against the Gauchos; both teams remain undefeated in the Brazilian Championship
Flamengo's Jailton clears danger in the box
Grêmio hit the post and goalkeeper Bruno this Sunday at the Olímpico Stadium, tying Flamengo 0-0. With the result, both teams, who had won their opening match, now have four points. The match was full of excitement, but it wasn't the strikers' day, who couldn't overcome the opposing defenses. The star of the show was Flamengo's number 1, who made spectacular saves to secure the result.
Next Saturday, at 18:10 p.m., in the third round, Rubro-Negro will face another Gaucho team, Internacional, at the Maracanã. Tricolor, at the same time, hosts Náutico.
Open and exciting game
Fans at the Olímpico saw an open game from the first minute, with neither team falling behind. The first big chance fell to Flamengo, with their main playmaker, left-back Juan. In the fourth minute, he burst into the box at speed and found himself facing goal, but instead of shooting, he preferred to pass to Tardelli, who couldn't get a shot on goal. In the 15th minute, it was Flamengo's turn to threaten. Ibson lost the ball in midfield, and Perea received the ball at the edge of the box, spun in front of the defense, and shot with his left foot. Bruno saved confidently. In the 18th minute, Roger lifted the ball into the box, and Ronaldo Angelim held off Réver, who couldn't reach the ball.
The red-and-blacks relied on the speed of their attack and created another good chance in the 24th minute. Marcinho received a through ball on the left and crossed low to Tardelli, who was speeding into the box. The ball, however, was too powerful, and the number 11 couldn't reach it. The Tricolor responded immediately, within the same minute. After Paulo Sérgio's cross from the right, Soares headed the ball, but Bruno saved.
Still on the left, Flamengo opened the scoring again in the 28th minute. After a beautiful triangle between Ibson, Marcinho, and Diego Tardelli, the ball reached Juan, who, with his right foot, took a shot from outside the box but missed the target. Grêmio's biggest opportunity came in the 29th minute. Perea received a low cross from the right inside the box, spun on Fábio Luciano, and unleashed a bomb. Bruno flew and made a spectacular save.
Grêmio goes forward and hits the post twice
After the break, the Gauchos immediately created a threat. After Roger's corner kick from the left, Pereira rose above the Rubro-Negro defense and hit the crossbar, which Bruno could do nothing about. The move was enough to rouse the Tricolor fans at the Olímpico stadium. Shortly after, in the sixth minute, after a quick counterattack, Pereira passed to Hélder on the left. He fired a powerful shot, but it went wide.
In the tenth minute, Leo Moura made a play from the baseline and crossed into the middle of the box. The defense didn't clear it, and Marcinho, one-on-one with goalkeeper Victor, missed a great chance to open the scoring. Grêmio wasn't fazed, and a minute later they came close to scoring again. Soares, inside the box from the left, fired a first-time shot with his right foot toward goal. Bruno, once again, stretched out and made a spectacular save. In the 16th minute, it was Perea's turn to arrive again. In the 18th minute, the striker shot from the edge of the box, but the ball went wide, wide of the goal.
In the 20th minute, Grêmio once again came very close to turning the score around. Leo played a one-two with Perea and sent a rocket against the post. The goalkeeper was left helpless in the middle of the goal. Frightened, Flamengo closed up on defense, but on a counterattack, they put together a good play. In the 26th minute, Leo Moura received the ball on the right and passed it to Ibson, who controlled it and shot from outside the box. The ball rose and sailed over the goal. In the 33rd minute, Cristian, who had replaced Kléberson, took a powerful, low free kick from distance, scaring goalkeeper Victor.
In the 44th minute, Rodrigo Mendes fired a powerful shot into Bruno's right corner, but the number 1, on a great day, made a good save. In stoppage time, in the 48th minute, Eduardo Costa fired a shot from inside the box into the corner, but the red-and-black goalkeeper capped off a fine performance.
THROW
Grêmio presses, but Fla holds on for a draw
Tricolor Gaúcho and Rubro-Negro draw 0-0 in Porto Alegre
Ronaldo Angelim scores against Soares in the balanced match between Grêmio and Flamengo (Credit: Ricardo Rimoli)
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo visited Grêmio this Sunday at the Olímpico Stadium for the second round of the Brazilian Championship and drew 0-0, despite the Rio Grande do Sul team's dominance for most of the match. With the result, both teams reached four points and are at the top of the table. In the next round, the Rio de Janeiro team will host Internacional. The Tricolor Gaúcho, also at home, will face Náutico.
In a lively start, with boldness and courage, Flamengo had its best chance of the half just three minutes in. Juan burst into the box and, facing the goal, chose to tap the ball in rather than shoot. It was the red-and-black's biggest flash of strength.
From then on, with the support of their fans, Grêmio dominated the entire first half. With a strong defensive presence, the team from Rio Grande do Sul dominated the midfield and began creating opportunities. The first of these came from a shot by Colombian Perea.
Shortly after, referee Wilson Luís Seneme ignored a penalty awarded by Ronaldo Angelim for a foul on Réver. With Juan advancing too far, right-back Paulo Sérgio opened up space to exploit. From his cross, Soares narrowly missed opening the scoring with a header.
Grêmio's pressure continued, and the goal was denied thanks to a spectacular save by Bruno, who parried Perea's point-blank shot. In the 36th minute, Grêmio was once again hampered by the refereeing trio. Assistant referee Giovani César Canzian wrongly flagged Soares for offside, as he was about to enter the box.
If there had to be a winner in the opening 45 minutes, it would be Grêmio. Without a regular center forward with the absences of Souza and Obina, the halftime draw was profitable for Flamengo.
The second half was no different from the first. Grêmio threatened from the first minute. Roger crossed for Pereira, who headed the ball against Bruno's post. A run by Leonardo Moura gave Flamengo a chance amidst the pressure. The full-back crossed from the right, and Marcinho, unmarked, missed the shot.
Grêmio hit the post again with a beautiful shot from captain Léo. On the rebound, Roger took a shot from distance, and Bruno made a brilliant save.
With Grêmio in control but unable to score, coach Celso Roth made two changes. Rodrigo Mendes and Jonas replaced Roger and Soares.
The changes didn't help Grêmio much. Quite the opposite, in fact. Grêmio lost some intensity, and Flamengo found some breathing room in the match. Flamengo even had a chance with Renato Augusto, but he finished poorly.
In the closing stages of stoppage time, Eduardo Costa tried a shot from the penalty area, and Bruno held on for the equalizer. Given the incompetence of both Grêmio and Flamengo's attacks, a goalless draw in Porto Alegre became inevitable.
Bruno stands out and has the help of the crossbar
Flamengo draws with Grêmio and Fábio Luciano believes the result was good for the Rio team\ LANCEPRESS!\
Luck was on Flamengo's side this Sunday. In the 0-0 draw with Grêmio at the Olimpico, not only did Bruno shine with some excellent saves, but the red-and-black team also had the goalposts, which seemed intent on keeping the ball out.
Encouraged by the Tricolor fans, Grêmio managed to maintain its superiority for most of the match and put together some excellent plays. Two of them, one by Pereira and another by captain Léo, sent the ball crashing off Bruno's crossbar.
In front of a packed stadium, defender Fábio Luciano was pleased with the away result:
- The Olímpico, for visitors, is one of the most difficult stadiums to play in due to the pressure from the fans and the quality of Grêmio's team. One point ended up being a good thing.
With the draw, Flamengo reaches four points and remains at the top of the Brazilian Championship table.
Marcinho: 'I got scared and missed an easy goal'
The team's top scorer missed a cross and wasted a chance
LANCEPRESS!\ Despite the 0-0 draw with Grêmio, Flamengo had its good moments in this Sunday's match and the unbelievable happened. Midway through the second half, Marcinho missed a cross from Leonardo Moura and missed a goal that would have given the victory to the Rio de Janeiro team.\
"I didn't think the defender would miss that ball. I got scared, fumbled, and the ball went through my legs. It was the most obvious goal I've ever missed," laments the player.
The rest of the match was filled with excitement and dangerous plays. The Tricolor fans, who packed the Olimpico Stadium to see the Rio Grande do Sul club play in the second round of the Brasileirão, cheered the team on throughout.
With the support of their fans, Grêmio also threatened the opposing goal several times. Besides giving Bruno a hard time, the Rio Grande do Sul club's attacks resulted in two bombs hitting the crossbar.
Flamengo remains in the top spots
After a draw at the Olímpico, the team is behind Cruzeiro and Náutico\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo finished the second round of the Brazilian Championship in third place. This Sunday, the Red-Black team drew 0-0 away to Grêmio at the Olímpico Stadium, and with the results of the 18 p.m. matches, they remain among the top spots.
With four points from two games (in the debut, a 3-1 victory over Santos), Rubro-Negro is behind only Náutico and Cruzeiro, with six points each.