Globo online
Márcio Braga sends letter to President Lula
Flamengo president Márcio Braga sent a letter to President Lula this Saturday. The decision came after Braga learned that Bolivian President Evo Morales had called Lula and asked for Brazilian support in lifting the ban on games at altitudes above 2.750 meters.
In the letter, Márcio Braga explains the reason for FIFA's veto and asks the Brazilian president not to support Bolivia in this case. Flamengo struggled with altitude sickness in the 2007 Copa Libertadores, when they faced Bolivia's Real Potosí at an altitude of 3.800 meters.
See the letter in full below.
Dear President Lula,
I learned today, through a note published by the newspaper O Globo, that the President of Bolivia had called you to ask for the Brazilian government's support against FIFA's decision to ban games at extreme altitudes.
In fact, the FIFA Executive Committee, meeting in Tokyo on December 15, 2007, prohibited the holding of football matches, in its competitions, above 2.750 meters in altitude.
This decision was motivated by the recommendation of doctors specializing in the effects of altitude who participated in the seminar held in October 2007 at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, and concluded that: practicing physical activity at altitudes above 2.600 meters puts the health and even the lives of participants at risk.
In fact, in 2007, I forwarded to the Ministry of Sports, to the attention of Mr. Alcino Reis Rocha, who receives a copy of this email, an opinion from Flamengo's doctors with the same conclusion.
You can't play with people's lives.
The effects of altitude are extremely dangerous, as seen in the incident with Minister Tarso Genro, whose office also received a copy of this email, who fainted on December 17, 2007, during a ceremony in La Paz.
Dr. Cléber Araújo, his doctor, confirmed that the fainting occurred due to a "drop in blood pressure," exacerbated by the altitude of La Paz, which is over 3.600 meters above sea level.
Now, imagine the effects of these extreme conditions on athletes in full physical activity.
Unfortunately, there are still those willing to defend exposing athletes to such serious risks. On December 20, 2007, CONMEBOL Secretary General Eduardo Deluca declared that there would be no restrictions on Copa Libertadores matches in 2008.
This is absurd! We can't put athletes' lives at risk.
Therefore, as the Libertadores regulations determine that the club must contact CONMEBOL through the CBF, I sent a request last Wednesday for the entity to take a stand in defense of the lives of Brazilian athletes and demand that FIFA's determination prohibiting games above 2.750 meters of altitude be observed in the competition's games.
The CONMEBOL Executive Committee will meet next week, on the 22nd, in Santiago, Chile, to discuss the matter and the representative of Brazil will be the President of the São Paulo Football Federation, Mr. Marco Polo Del Nero, who has already been contacted by Mr. Sérgio Veloso, from the Ministry of Sports, who also receives a copy of this email, and has committed to defending FIFA's position, which protects the lives of athletes.
Furthermore, I ordered Flamengo's lawyers to take legal and administrative action with FIFA itself, which was done last Thursday when the club filed a representation with the entity.
The request made by the President of Bolivia is irresponsible!
I would like Your Excellency to evaluate the issue and help us protect the lives of Brazilian athletes.
Best Regards,
Marcio Baroukel de Souza Braga
President of the Flamengo Regatta Club
BalloonSport
Marcio Braga sends open letter to Lula
Leader asks president not to support Bolivia, which wants to hold games at altitude
This Friday, Bolivian President Evo Morales asked President Lula for help in reversing FIFA's decision to ban international matches at altitudes above 2.750 meters. Through his press office, Lula assured Bolivia that he would support the cause, which is detrimental to Brazilian clubs and even the national team, as they face local teams facing all the challenges of the thin air.
The news that Lula would support Evo came as a bombshell to Flamengo, which has long complained about matches being played at altitude. This Saturday, club president Marcio Braga sent an open letter to the president asking him to reconsider his decision.
Read the letter in full:
Online bid
Márcio Braga sends letter to President Lula
Flamengo president asked Brazil not to support games at altitude
Márcio Braga is against games at high altitudes in the Libertadores (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)
LANCEPRESS! Flamengo president Márcio Braga sent a letter to President Lula this Saturday. The decision was taken after the president learned that Bolivian President Evo Morales had called Lula and asked for Brazilian support in ending the ban on games at altitudes above 2.750 meters.
In the letter, Márcio Braga explains the reason for FIFA's veto and asks the Brazilian president not to support Bolivia in this case. Flamengo struggled with altitude sickness in the 2007 Copa Libertadores, when they faced Bolivia's Real Potosí at an altitude of 3.800 meters.
See the letter in full below.
The Globe
Fla begins to put the 'team of 100 million' to the test
The club invests more than R$14 million in players and bets on increasing the value of the squad to increase its assets.
Photo caption: SOUZA DURING a Flamengo training session: the club made a large investment in the striker they feared losing
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
Today's match at 16 p.m. against Boavista at Maracanã represents more than just Flamengo's State Championship debut. The club is beginning to put a significant investment to the test. Although it's being made in installments, it's spending over R$14 million on acquiring reinforcements and purchasing the rights to players already at Gávea. In return, it's celebrating a net worth increase, which, to materialize, depends on the team's strong performance.
The bold policy sought to buy player rights and sign long-term contracts, allowing for returns in future negotiations. However, to capitalize, the club sold some of its players' rights.
"Today, we have a squad that, in real market value, could reach 100 million. This squad has a responsibility, but it has our trust," says vice president of football Kleber Leite.
Debut without Bruno against Boavista at Maracanã
One example is Renato Augusto. First, Flamengo sold 20% of his rights for 1,5 million. With the money, they brought in Rodrigo on loan and bought 50% of Kléberson.
- We exchanged part of Renato for Kléberson's market value, which we calculated at almost 5 million - says Kleber.
The player signed a five-year contract, with a termination clause that, according to the director, is close to 8 million.
Flamengo then negotiated with Carlos Leite, Renato Augusto's agent, to transfer an additional 12% of the player's stake. In exchange, it increased its stake in Souza's rights from 25% to 60%. Souza, also represented by the agent, had already made offers to leave. The release clause increased from US$4 million to US$8 million.
Flamengo also sold 25% of Juan's stake, retaining 50% of his rights. In the new contract, valid until December 2010, the contract's release clause increased from $4,6 million to $6 million. Flamengo then purchased the remaining 50% of Leonardo Moura's rights and signed a four-year contract with a $6 million release clause.
For 3 million, the club acquired 75% of goalkeeper Bruno's rights. After a 700 down payment, ten installments remain. Also in installments, it will pay US$1 million for Jônatas' loan and spent US$250 on Diego Tardelli. The club hasn't invested so much since the ISL era.
- Today, Flamengo can sell players without losing face, because it will capitalize itself - said director Eduardo Manhães.
Today, coach Joel Santana will not have goalkeeper Bruno, who was not registered and will be replaced by Diego. Renato Augusto trained yesterday and was confirmed.
"We're going to play in intense heat, and we had problems at the end of the preparation. But no crying," said Joel.
The climate condition that concerns them most is altitude, where the team could play in the Copa Libertadores if the South American Confederation insists on defying FIFA's ban on matches above 2.750 meters. Upon learning that Bolivian President Evo Morales had asked the Brazilian government for support on the issue, Flamengo President Márcio Braga sent a letter to President Lula asking for his support in defending Brazilian athletes.
Flamengo: Diego, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Cristian, Ibson and Toro; Renato Augusto and Souza. Boavista: Erivélton, Felipe, Vinicius, Helton and Medina; Roberto Lopes, Thiago, Rodrigo and Paulo Rodrigues; Anselmo and Diogo. Referee: Pericles Cortez.
Survey points to red-black as favorite for the title
Flu fans are the most confident
Gian Amato
They say numbers never lie. In the reality of spreadsheets, Flamengo is cited as the Rio de Janeiro champion. At least in the favor of 29,7% of the 1.100 fans interviewed by telephone in a survey by the Brazilian Institute of Social Research (IBPS) in the city of Rio. The margin of error is 3%. Fluminense is second, with 11,6%, followed by Vasco (10,2%) and Botafogo, with 6,5%. The math also reveals a state of mind: the Tricolor fans are the ones who trust their team the most.
- I don't like favoritism, because all we have so far is a good team on paper - reacted coach Joel Santana.
The Tricolor board combined one with one and one more, arriving at the trio of Dodô, Leandro Amaral, and Washington. Perhaps that's why they garnered 80,6% of the fans' trust. Flamengo leaves 79,3% of the red-and-black fans confident. The black-and-white fans (74%) also believe in the team. Vasco fans (59,2%) share Romário's opinion, believing the team is technically weak.
"What makes fans believe so much in Fluminense is planning. We maintained last year's core team and signed qualified, experienced players. The arrival of these stars has increased expectations and responsibility," said Branco, the club's soccer coordinator.
According to Branco, Fluminense's equation doesn't depend on all three factors to reach the total. The manager predicts that the fans' confidence will remain, even if the trio can't be fielded together in some matches.
"The support is unrestricted. Renato has credibility and the group is good," said Branco.
For Joel Santana, the reason the Tricolor fans believed in their team more than the red-blacks in Flamengo was the impact signings.
- There was a lot of fuss made about Fluminense's reinforcements, while we did something well designed to fill the team's needs - he said.
Vasco fans follow Romário's opinion
At Botafogo, the process was reversed. Cuca saw his squad whittled down to just a few starters from the team that lost the 2007 Carioca final to Flamengo and now sits last in the IBPS poll.
"Today's Botafogo isn't the same as last year's. We'll really need the fans' support," said Cuca.
Careful with the numbers, especially in his countdown to reach his thousandth goal, Romário seemed to predict the result of the fan confidence survey when he commented on the club's participation in the Dubai Tournament:
- Vasco is technically the weakest of the big four and had to train more.
Predicted numbers need to be reflected on the field to become indisputable truth. But, as football has never been an exact science, surprises always multiply.
Flamengo fights for victory in Londrina
Undefeated in the National Championship, the three-time Rio champion team respects the team from Paraná
Fighting for its first national basketball championship title and undefeated in four matches, Flamengo will face Inesul/FEL/Londrina today, at 19 pm, at Moringão, in Londrina, for the National Men's Basketball Championship.
Three-time state champions, the red-and-black team is seeking its first national title. For the red-and-black team, winger Marcelinho, the competition's top scorer (98 points), is the standout.
Today, the player will meet old acquaintances:
"We know Léo, Guto, and Ricardinho, who played for Flamengo. They have a very young team, but they're physically strong. It's another tough away game, but we'll fight for a good result."
Marcelinho is also alert to the fans.
- Whenever I played in Londrina, I played against a good team and against a crowd that really makes noise, but I'm sure we'll also have the red-black fans in the gym, he says.
Also today, there will be Saldanha da Gama (ES) x UTC/Uberlândia (MG), at 11am; CISER/Univille/Joinville (SC) x Universo/BRB (DF), 19pm; and Univates/Bira (RS) x FTC EAD (BA), 20:30pm.
Sports Journal
Good memories for Souza
In his debut in the Carioca, against Boavista, Souza wants to repeat his performance from a year ago.
Thiago Bokel
Souza meets his first victim again this Sunday
The time has come for a reunion. After nearly two months away, today Flamengo will reunite with its greatest ally: the fans. The fans, who were instrumental in 2007, promise to once again play a key role in the Campeonato Carioca, which kicks off today for Flamengo at 16 PM against Boavista. The two clubs will face off in just one game. But while the duel lacks tradition, it nonetheless brings back fond memories for striker Souza.
The striker made his Flamengo debut against this afternoon's opponent, and the result couldn't have been better. On February 4th of last year, in the third round of the Guanabara Cup, the team beat Boavista 1-0, with a header from Souza. Almost a year later, the number 9 already has a story to tell.
He only managed to win over the fans after the arrival of coach Joel Santana. Not even the goals he scored in the Carioca final against Botafogo were enough to win over the fans. But he recovered, and today, the shadow of Obina, the fans' favorite, no longer haunts him.
"I was fortunate enough to score a goal on my debut, which was the winning goal. But it was a difficult match, and I hope it will be easier this time," said Souza, who also took stock of his change in attitude since joining the club:
"I'm much more mature, complete and calm than when I arrived. I learned a lot from everything I've been through here," he explained.
Besides Souza, Flamengo's projection at the start of the season is quite different from that of 2007. Back then, as now, the Libertadores was the most important competition of the year, but reaching the semifinals of that championship would be a major achievement. This time, with the team that was assembled, Flamengo fans already dream of finishing 2008 in Yokohama, celebrating the Interclub World Cup title.
Diego's big chance
With Bruno absent, Diego has the mission of closing the red-black goal
Training all week only to sit on the bench during games, with no prospect of playing. This has been goalkeeper Diego's fate since Bruno's arrival. Last year, for example, he barely played. In the Brazilian Championship, he only played two matches, and even then, only because the fan favorite was at an impasse over renewing his contract.
Today, once again, the situation repeats itself. Since the board didn't have time to formalize Bruno's new contract, Diego once again saw the opportunity to wear the No. 1 jersey fall into his lap. The responsibility of maintaining his level doesn't quite weigh him down.
"I always train hard to play. I knew about these bureaucratic issues involving Bruno's renewal and that I could earn a chance to start. Now I hope to help the team achieve victory, no matter how much, and to start the year on the right foot," warned Diego, who confessed yesterday that he asked Bruno to stop by his room in the training camp to give him good vibes.
Letter to Lula - In light of the controversy surrounding high-altitude games, President Lula promised to support Bolivia so that its games could be held in cities like La Paz, for example, which is 3.600 meters above sea level. A sworn enemy of this approach, Flamengo, through its most prominent representative, President Marcio Braga, sent a letter to Lula asking him to abandon the idea.
Fla's fantastic four
Duda, Hélio, Fernando Mineiro and Coloneze unveil Londrina, their opponent in the National Basketball Championship
Rafael Oliveira
Wallace Teixeira
The pivot Coloneze tries to get past Wágner, watched by Duda, Hélio and Fernando Mineiro
Four years ago, an unknown quartet shone on the Londrina (PR) team, helping the club achieve its best-ever National Basketball Championships. Their careers were never the same after that. Duda, Hélio, Fernando Mineiro, and Coloneze emerged on the national scene and moved on to major clubs in other states. Reunited again, now at Flamengo, the foursome will meet again today with the team that changed their lives. The match will be at 19 pm at Ginásio Moringão in Londrina.
In 2003, Londrina opted for a team of young talent. Due to their players' lack of experience, they were expected to finish last in the competition. But the team, led at the time by Ênio Vecchi (now at Saldanha da Gama), surprised everyone by finishing fifth.
Point guard Hélio says this was one of the most memorable periods of his career.
"It was my first adult team that I actually played for. We were expected to finish second to last, but we finished fifth. That's where I came into the country's spotlight."
The club's strong campaign took the city by storm, with the Londrina gymnasium filling up during games. For winger Fernando Mineiro, that group will never be forgotten by fans.
"The fans are very considerate of us. They know everything we've done for the team. When I'm in the city, they even ask me to come back."
Duda also hasn't forgotten the fans' affection. The Flamengo point guard fondly remembers the matches at Moringão.
"It was remarkable to play every week in front of four thousand people."
Despite the good memories, they guarantee that everything will remain in their memory and today they will do their best to return from Paraná with their sixth consecutive victory in the National Championship.
"I've faced them there before and I always go there to win. This time will be no different," said center Coloneze.
It's not just the red-and-black team that features former players from the opposing team. Londrina also has former Flamengo players, such as Léo, Guto, and Ricardinho.
O Dia
Íbson reaches 100 games for Flamengo
Supporter has no doubt that his account is correct and prepares celebration
Janir Junior
Rio - There's no doubt about midfielder Íbson's talent and starting status at Flamengo. But when the player decided to celebrate his 100th game in the club's jersey this afternoon against Boavista, he would have added another match to the official tally.
The red-and-black star, however, is betting on his math: "It's the hundredth, yes. I'll celebrate that way. And, since Kléber Leite said I'll stay at the club forever, who knows, maybe I'll make it 1,000?" he joked.
The club is preparing tributes with a plaque and possibly a commemorative jersey. With a contract until June 30th, Íbson is celebrating the milestone. "It's great to be an idol for a fan base like Flamengo's. The milestone is very important to me, as I grew up in Gávea," recalled the player, a standout in the team's rise in 2007.
Achievement in his personal life also served as inspiration for Íbson: the birth of Íbson Júnior, now two and a half months old.
Besides the uncertainty surrounding his 100th match, another question arose: should he take his son to make his debut at Maracanã or not? As of Friday, Íbson still hadn't decided. And the doubts don't end there. Dreaming of a goal in his State Championship debut, Íbson also hadn't decided what his celebration would be. "I'll think of something. It could be for his 100th match or something for my son," the player said.
Amidst the doubts, one certainty emerges: Íbson, alongside Obina, is one of the fans' most beloved players. "I receive a lot of affection everywhere. It's recognition of my work," the player stated.
He fondly remembers one coach: Abel Braga. "It was with him that I began to project myself. I'm very grateful," says Íbson, who always enjoyed wearing the number 7 jersey.
The number, which the popular saying says is a liar's number, doesn't lie: Íbson is an absolute starter and today, at Maracanã, he celebrates 100 games for Flamengo.
Mengão gives a beating in the crowd's ranking
Datafolha survey shows that Flamengo has an absolute majority among fans
Rio - Made a cultural heritage site by Mayor Cesar Maia, Flamengo's fan base knows no boundaries and is increasingly expanding throughout the country. A recent survey by the Datafolha Institute confirms that the Flamengo fan base is the largest in Brazil. Flamengo fans make up 17% of the country's fans.
A total of 11.786 Brazilians—all over the age of 16—were interviewed across 390 municipalities. An important detail: the survey included clubs competing in Series A, B, and C of the Brazilian Championship.
In second place is Corinthians, with 12% of the fans' preference - the survey, however, was conducted before Corinthians' relegation to Serie B. And in third place is São Paulo, the current two-time Brazilian champion, which was mentioned by 8% of those interviewed.
With a margin of error of 2%, Datafolha's latest survey presents basically the same result as the last survey conducted by the institute, in August of last year.
The only new development among the top teams in fan preference is a drop for Palmeiras, which went from 8% to 6%, now tied with Vasco in fourth place.
Botafogo and Fluminense, respectively, have 2% and 1% of fan support across Brazil. Santos and Atlético-MG each have 2%, while Bahia, Sport Recife, and Vitória are tied with the Rio de Janeiro club at 1%.
RED-BLACK MAKES WAVES
In Rio de Janeiro, not all rivals combined come close to the Gávea club. Flamengo is in first place, with almost three times the percentage achieved by the second-placed Vasco, and also surpasses all three. Forty-six percent of the club's supporters claim to be Flamengo fans, compared to 46% who support Vasco. Botafogo and Fluminense each have 16% of the total.
In the capital, the results are similar: Flamengo is the favorite team for 43%. Vasco comes in second, with 18%. Fluminense is the favorite team for 11%, and the percentage for Botafogo fans is 9%.
The numbers leave 22-year-old administrative assistant Rodrigo Cardoso excited about the titles. But he doesn't just want the state championship; he also dreams of the Copa Libertadores. "The guys will show up, as they always do. There's no way they'll disappoint. It's a drive, love, and passion that will push Flamengo toward titles," he stated.
Eldon de Azevedo says that only with the fans' roar will Vasco be able to make a splash this season. The announcer acknowledges that the team isn't the best, but he knows that at São Januário, he can root for Vasco to win the title. "I'll tell you one thing, honestly: only with the fans can we get there."
Upon hearing the Vasco fan's words, Rodrigo Cardoso joked: "What kind of fan base?!? You don't have any fans. Even if you join the ranks of Botafogo and Fluminense, you won't reach ours."
Fla: The goal is to reach Flu
Flamengo seeks 30th title to tie with traditional rivals
Janir Junior
Rio - In addition to the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo and Fluminense also promise a separate battle in the state championship. This is because, if Flamengo, which debuts today at 16 pm against Boavista at Maracanã, wins the championship, it will equal, for the first time in history, the number of titles won by Tricolor, which has already lifted the trophy in 30 editions.
Joel Santana believes the competition will add a touch of glamour to the championship. "We're going for the title to tie with Fluminense and make history in our football. The Rio State Championship is one of the strongest and most captivating competitions in the country. We enter the field with great responsibility, as it will be a great and exciting contest," he predicts.
Rubro-Negro, who finished 2007 on the rise after leaving the relegation zone to secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores, wants to maintain their good form and honeymoon with the fans, who promise to fill the Maracanã this afternoon to cheer on the team.
But everyone knows that a stumble in the opening match would be like a cold shower. That's why no one in Gávea dares to underestimate Boavista. "In football, there's no longer a team with high or low investment. What matters is the attitude on the field," stated Fábio Luciano.
JOEL'S FAITHFULNESS
The red-and-black coach has remained loyal to the core of the 2007 team. The only change will be forced: Diego will start, as the club was unable to regularize Bruno's situation. Fábio Luciano is confident: "The entire group is quality. We have good chemistry, as well as the same commitment and dedication."
Joel also emphasizes the importance of teamwork: "We have the same foundation as last year. That's great."
The fight to equal Fluminense's number of titles begins today at 16 p.m. It will be just another chapter in a year that promises to heighten tensions in the rivalry between the two clubs.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo opens tournament against Boavista in search of the second title\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - With its sights set on catching Fluminense, the club's record holder for most titles in the competition (a 30-29 loss), Flamengo debuts this Sunday in the Campeonato Carioca, facing Boavista at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium. Flamengo, which is in Group A alongside Boavista and six other teams, takes to the field to defend the title it won last year. To start the campaign off on the right foot, coach Joel Santana is banking on the youth academy that finished strongly in last year's Campeonato Brasileiro. Throughout the preseason, the coach preferred to boost the morale of those already at the club.
"We can't throw away four months of work and leave aside players who helped us reach third place in the Brazilian Championship after being almost last," commented the red-black commander.
One of the remaining players from last year's team, midfielder Cristian praised the stance adopted by Flamengo's coach at the start of the season.
"We finished 2007 very well, and I think we have everything we need to do even better this year. Our club maintained last year's foundation, and that always works. We have São Paulo as an example, which has been doing this and doing well," Cristian emphasized.
And if the good 2007 campaign helped Flamengo start the year with a great mood, the arrival of reinforcements helped the team gain even more confidence in the Rubro-Negro's success in the Campeonato Carioca.
"Given the reinforcements Flamengo and Fluminense have signed at the start of the season, everyone is expecting a final between these two clubs, and of course we are too. They've strengthened a lot, but so have we, and it has everything to be a great duel," said forward Souza.
Of the many reinforcements Flamengo has signed for this season, midfielder Gavilán and midfielder Kléberson are still serving suspensions imposed by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) and FIFA, respectively. Defender Rodrigo is still not in peak physical shape, while Diego Tardelli only started training with his new teammates last Thursday.
At Boavista, the main attraction this Sunday will be on the bench, as the team is led by Edinho Nazareth, who has played for major Brazilian football clubs and also managed established teams. The coach says he's pleased with the challenge ahead of the team from the Lakes Region.
"Boavista has a very good structure and is providing us with all the conditions for a good job," said the coach. Defender Fábio Braz, who played for Vasco and Corinthians, was already playing during the preseason and will not start the competition among the starters.
Flamengo asks Lula not to support Bolivia\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo sent a letter to President Lula asking him to back down on his idea of supporting his colleague Evo Morales, from Bolivia, on the issue of FIFA's ban on high-altitude matches.\ In the letter, signed by president Márcio Braga, the red-and-black club recalls that the ban on matches in cities above 2.750 meters in altitude was motivated by the recommendation of doctors, who classify high-altitude matches as a risk to the health of athletes.\
In his attempt to raise awareness with the president, Braga even recalls that Justice Minister Tarso Genro recently fell ill at a ceremony in La Paz.
Renato Augusto trains and is cleared for debut\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Midfielder Renato Augusto participated normally in recreational training this Saturday morning in Gávea and has been confirmed for Flamengo's opening match in the State Championship, this Sunday, against Boavista.\ This Friday, the player received a blow to his left knee during training and left training limping. His problem has left coach Joel Santana concerned because the alternatives he tested after Renato's departure did not work.\
The only player absent from training was newly signed striker Diego Tardelli, who was working on recovering from a right ankle injury in the pool. After training, some players practiced free kicks and penalties.
Coach Joel confirmed the introduction of goalkeeper Diego in place of starter Bruno, who is not yet registered. Midfielder Cristian, who was threatened with missing the opening game, was registered late Friday night with the Rio de Janeiro Federation after an intervention by lawyer Michel Assef Filho, who managed to get Cristian and Marcinho legally fit to play.
PeléNet
Riding the wave of 2007, Flamengo begins the 2008 season
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo finished last season on a high note. After a sensational run in the Brazilian Championship (finishing third), the Red-Blacks secured a spot in this year's Copa Libertadores. And on the back of this celebration, the team debuts in the State Championship this Sunday against Boavista at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium in Group A of the competition.
For reasons of fairness, according to coach Joel Santana, the team will begin 2008 as it ended 2007. This means that only goalkeeper Bruno (who is currently in an irregular situation) will be left out. He will be replaced by Diego.
"I was caught off guard, but I'm prepared. I had an excellent preseason. I'm a conscientious professional and I know the need to always be in shape when needed," commented Diego.
Among the reinforcements, except for Diego Tardelli, who was signed last Tuesday, defensive midfielders Gavilán (serving a suspension imposed by the Superior Court of Justice), Kleberson (still punished by FIFA) and Jônatas (who is not registered) will be left out. Midfielder Marcinho, defender and forward Eder will be available.
Renato Augusto was also at risk of being sidelined after complaining of pain in his left knee during training on Friday. However, on Saturday, the midfielder participated normally in the training session and confirmed his starting lineup.
Regarding the opponent, Flamengo deserves a lot of respect. After all, everyone in Gávea knows that smaller teams tend to be a nuisance, especially early in 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," warned defender Ronaldo Angelim.
For Boavista, Edinho has only one question about his starting lineup: Hélton or Flávio Santos. However, regardless of his choice, the coach knows that Flamengo will be a very tough opponent to beat, especially at the Maracanã stadium.
"It will be a difficult match, but we are capable of playing good football and we will 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 emphasized.
Flamengo sends letter to President Lula
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo's board of directors was not at all pleased to learn that the President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, showed solidarity with the President of Bolivia, Evo Morales, regarding FIFA's decision to prevent international matches from being held at an altitude of more than 2.750 meters.
Therefore, this Saturday, Rubro-Negro sent a letter, signed by president Márcio Braga, to Lula asking the politician to reconsider the decision, since it would harm not only Flamengo, but the other Brazilian clubs in the Copa Libertadores da América.
In the document, the Flamengo director explains the reason for FIFA's veto and asks the Brazilian president not to support the "opponent" in the matter. Flamengo suffered from the altitude in last year's Copa Libertadores when they faced Real Potosí of Bolivia at an altitude of 4.400 meters.
Flamengo is in Group 4 of the Copa Libertadores, alongside Nacional-URU and Corognel Bolognesi-PER. The other representative comes from the match between Cienciano-PER and Montevideo Wanderers-URU. If the Peruvian team qualifies, Flamengo will have to play at an altitude of 3.400 meters above sea level in Cusco.
Having trouble renewing with Flamengo, Petrobras will invest in the Olympics
From UOL Esporte\ In São Paulo\
A marriage that has lasted nearly 24 years may be nearing its end. Dissatisfied with Flamengo's new direction, Petrobras, which has sponsored the team since April 1984, could withdraw its shares from the Gávea club. This is reported in this Saturday's edition of the newspaper O Globo.
According to the note, the Brazilian state-owned company would not have liked the new idea of Flamengo's directors, who intend to count on the help of two major sponsors.
If the two parties fail to reach an agreement, the club could lose an estimated R$2008 million in 15,5. In return, Flamengo says another company would be willing to pay R$21 million per year.
But if Petrobras is having problems in football, in Olympic sports it will be important in 2008. The newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo reports that the state-owned company will invest around R$26 million in 22 sports, respecting the Tax Incentive Law.
The São Paulo newspaper emphasizes, however, that the Brazilian Basketball Confederation (CBB) is likely to be left off the list of beneficiaries. This is because Eletrobrás, the sponsor of the Brazilian basketball teams, has no intention of making room for another company.
BalloonSport
Souza: 'If you score, there will be funk at Maraca'
Flamengo striker made a mistake in his choreography in 2007, but promises to redeem himself against Boavista
Eduardo Peixoto
The first attempt, in Natal, was unsuccessful. But this Sunday, Souza promises to dance funk if he scores in Flamengo's match against Boavista at the Maracanã. All in honor of MC Frank, famous for the hits "Cabelo encurtau" and "Bonde dos prostitutos."
The two are longtime friends. In the match against América-RN in November 2007, the striker promised to celebrate the goal with some choreography. In the end, however, everything went wrong.
Souza made the gesture with his hands as if he were firing a machine gun. He was criticized for allegedly advocating violence (watch the video above with the red-and-black's disastrous choreography).
- I asked him to do the dance and when I saw it, Souza did it (laughs). But now he learned - says MC Frank.
During the preseason in Teresópolis, the player trained to avoid disappointing his friend. He hopes to do everything right this Sunday.
"If I score, there'll be funk at Maraca. It's a tribute to Frank. This time, without controversy," says the Flamengo fan.
Souza made his Flamengo debut against Boavista in the 2007 Campeonato Carioca. On that occasion, he scored and secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Diego claims he was taken by surprise
The goalkeeper guarantees he is ready to play a good match against Boavista
Diego guarantees he is ready to act
Goalkeeper Diego was surprised to learn he would start in Flamengo's debut against Boavista at the Maracanã stadium this Sunday. Bruno's situation had not been resolved, so he was ruled out of the match.
"I was taken by surprise by Bruno's suspension, but I'm prepared. I had an excellent preseason, I'm a conscientious professional, I know the need to always be in shape when called upon," he told the club's official website.
The team that will face Boavista has already been selected: Diego, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Cristian, Ibson and Toró; Renato Augusto and Souza.
Rowing: State decision will be in March
The impasse between Vasco and Flamengo will be resolved in a new Dois Com test
The impasse over which team (Vasco or Flamengo) will win the 2007 state rowing title continues. In a trial held this Friday at the headquarters of the Brazilian Rowing Confederation, it was decided that the Dois Com event, the subject of controversy, was canceled and a new competition will have to be held on March 30th at 9:XNUMX am.
The "fight" began when Flamengo filed an appeal with the Confederation requesting the cancellation of the Dois Com event, which was part of the second regatta of the State Championship and won by Vasco. The Flamengo's argument was that a Vasco athlete had competed without having been pre-registered.
Renato Augusto is confirmed
Player trains normally this Saturday and guarantees lineup against Boavista
Renato Augusto plays this Sunday
Midfielder Renato Augusto trained normally this Saturday and is confirmed for the match against Boavista this Sunday at 16 p.m., Flamengo's debut in the Campeonato Carioca. On Friday, the player suffered a blow to his left knee and limped out of training, raising doubts about his fitness to play for the club in the first game of the tournament. However, during Saturday morning's training session, he participated in the recreation session with the other players and appeared to be fully recovered.
The only player absent from training was striker Diego Tardelli, who stayed in the pool recovering from a right ankle injury. Some players took advantage of the end of recreational training to practice their free kicks and penalties.
Throw
Flamengo debuts in the State Championship against Boavista
Joel Santana has several absences to build the team
LANCEPRESS!
The reigning Rio de Janeiro champion, Flamengo, makes its competition debut this Sunday against Boavista at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium. Coach Joel Santana will be without several players for this match, as they haven't yet registered. These include Bruno, Jônatas, and Rodrigo. With Bruno absent, Diego will be the substitute.
Apart from these, Joel will still be without the recently signed Diego Tardelli, formerly of São Paulo, who was presented to Rubro-Negro last Thursday, and midfielders Kleberson and Gavilán, who are suspended.
Despite facing a smaller opponent, the Flamengo team's stance is one of respect for Boavista. According to defender Ronaldo Angelim, the Saquarema club has strengthened for the State Championship and boasts players who have played for major teams.
"Until recently, many Boavista players were playing in major Brazilian football centers. Therefore, we must have a lot of respect for this team. We will certainly face difficulties in the debut," he told Rádio Brasil.
Boavista does indeed boast some experienced players. In addition to coach Edinho, the Saquarema team boasts defender Fábio Braz, formerly of Vasco and Corinthians, right-back Arílson, formerly of Fluminense, midfielder Esquerdinha, formerly of Flu, and forward Faioli, formerly of Vasco.