The Globe
Fla plays strategic game against Grêmio
The clash is decisive in the fight for promotion in the table and also for Roger
Márcio Tavares
At the gates of heaven, but still not allowed in. And forbidden to talk about the Copa Libertadores. It's the climate of austerity that coach Joel Santana has been trying to impose at Gávea since the last two consecutive victories, one of them over old rival Vasco (2-1), a result that sent the club's self-esteem skyrocketing. That's why Joel wants Flamengo (46 points) to focus today at 18:10 p.m. at the Maracanã, only on Grêmio (51), their opponent in the fight for a Libertadores spot.
- Grêmio is a mature, experienced team, which has the bad habit of playing well in Rio - commented Joel.
The coach will be without left-back Juan, who is suspended, and midfielder Rômulo, who tore the cruciate ligaments in his right knee. Egídio will replace Juan. Jaílton would be the most likely option for Rômulo if he weren't returning from injury. The other option would be Rodrigo Arroz, who performed well against Vasco.
But the coach's biggest change is on the bench. Besides Bahia native Obina, who today completes his 100th appearance for Flamengo, the other star is midfielder Roger, who is under pressure and has one of his last seven chances to prove himself at Flamengo.
Out of the team since the match against São Paulo on October 4th, when he played only a few minutes, he faces a crisis of suspicion at Gávea. The first time he complained of pain in the back of his left thigh, he was immediately taken by doctor José Luiz Runco for an MRI. The scan revealed no injury.
After treatment, he returned to the team against São Paulo and again complained of pain in the area. Doctors decided to perform a scan to determine if there was a hidden infection, a dental problem, or something hidden causing the pain. Turned inside out, nothing was found.
"We did a search and found nothing. In our assessment, he's fit to play," said José Luiz Runco.
The directors avoid the issue, but at Gávea, it's no secret that Roger is hanging by a thread. Doctors and coaching staff seem to have lost faith in anything, and Joel has been showing signs of losing patience with him. It's even said that the midfielder hasn't been receiving his salary and would only receive it again if he plays in the final games.
Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Egidio; Jailton (Rodrigo Arroz), Cristian, Ibson and Toro; Maxi and Souza. Grêmio: Saja, Bustos, Leo, William and Anderson Pico; Nunes, Marcelo Labarthe, Tcheco and Diego Souza; Jonas and Tuta. Referee: Salvio Spinola (SP/Fifa).
BROADCAST: Premiere Channel and Globo and CBN Radios
Renato Mauricio Prado
Here comes Boitatá!
There you go! The red-and-blacks are on fire! Calculator in one hand and flag in the other, they say the Libertadores "is just around the corner" and promise to set the Maracanã on fire soon, in the match against Grêmio – an opponent who, at the end of the last round, was one of the "G-4", five points ahead of the red-and-blacks, after their victory over Vasco. Is this an impossible dream? I still think so.
In addition to Grêmio, Cruzeiro, Santos and Palmeiras are still well ahead of Flamengo.
"But, by the end of the championship, we'll face practically all of them!" the most optimistic Flamengo fans cheer (Palmeiras is the only team the red-black team has faced in both rounds).
It's true. But, besides defeating Grêmio, Cruzeiro, and Santos, Flamengo will need to outperform all of them in the final seven rounds, as simply beating them won't be enough to overtake them. Easy peasy, right?
But Boitatá doesn't give up. And he called on the Headless Mule and the Curupira, to join forces and ask Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny for a spot in the Libertadores...
Disbelief aside, it is undeniable that the red-black's surge ended up giving a special flavor to the final stretch of this dull championship - where São Paulo has been champion for a long time....
And that Joel Santana, despite the "Chastity Belt" in midfield (or was it, precisely, because of it?), has been obtaining positive results.
If he can pull off the miracle of taking Flamengo from the relegation zone to the Libertadores, Joel will, in fact and by right, deserve a statue in Gávea.
In fact, they already owe him one, ever since that other miracle, escaping from the Second Division, in 2005...
I just wanted to understand what the CBF is going to do with Maracanã, if it is obliged to play all of the national team's friendlies (already sold to a sports marketing company) in Europe.
Are you going to rent a stadium to use every seven years? Oh, please...
Sports Journal
Golden chance for Egidio
Left-back Egidio got a big chance in today's match. Without Juan, who is serving a suspension for a third yellow card, the young player was chosen by coach Joel Santana to replace one of the team's top scorers in the competition. Loaned to Paraná at the beginning of the year to gain experience, the player said his time in the South was crucial for his career.
"My time in Paraná gave me a lot of experience and now I'm more mature and ready for this responsibility," said Egídio.
When Joel arrived at the club, Egídio had a reputation for being undisciplined, and after arriving late to training twice, he was punished by the coach. Egídio spoke exclusively to JORNAL DOS SPORTS that Joel's scoldings were also crucial to his improvement. "I'm in the right frame of mind. I got a scolding from Joel and a warning, but now I'm calmer and happier," Egidio added.
Juniors — Flamengo's junior team secured another victory at the OPG. This time, the victim was Cabofriense, who lost 2-0, with goals from Diguinho. The big surprise of the match was the return of striker Bruno Mezenga, who started on the bench.
Fla played with Paulo Victor, Cafu, Anderson, Welliton and Léo. Diego Moura, Antonio, Diguinho and Vander (Pedro), Carlinhos (Willian) and Diego Oliveira (Mezenga). Coach: Adílio.
Léo Moura asks fans for patience
With Juan's suspension, Flamengo's escape valve for today's match against Grêmio is the
With Juan suspended, Flamengo's safety valve for today's match against Grêmio is right-back Léo Moura. One of the team's top scorers in the competition, the full-back is coach Joel Santana's greatest weapon in trying to break through the tight marking that the Rio Grande do Sul team will attempt to impose throughout the 90 minutes. Léo Moura warned the fans, who are expected to fill Maracanã, to be patient and support the team throughout the match.
"I know it's going to be a tough game. Grêmio is a strong team, and we're reaffirming ourselves. Even with missing players, we'll do everything we can to win. We trust our fans, and I know they'll support us throughout the game," said the player, who tried to explain the formula the team will use to beat the Gauchos.
"We'll repeat the same style of play. At home, we always have to win. The fans are thinking about the Libertadores, but we're taking it one step at a time. Our team has improved a lot since the last time we played them. Joel's system, our fans, and the new signings were fundamental to our improvement," said the full-back, who has already scored five goals in this Brazilian Championship.
Regarding being remembered by the Brazilian National Team coach, Dunga, in the next call-ups, the player was clear and said that if coach Dunga calls him he will be available:
"The national team will always be my dream. As long as I play, I'll be thinking about it," said the player, who then took the opportunity to rule out any possibility of leaving Flamengo at the end of this year. "I don't think about leaving Flamengo before my contract ends in 2009," added Leonardo Moura.
Yesterday, in the ticket sales line at Caio Martins Stadium, in Niterói, a red-and-black fan was shot.
Another decisive chapter
Protagonists of unforgettable decisions, Fla and Grêmio face off with their sights set on the Libertadores
Nathan de Lima
Flamengo and Grêmio have already played out unforgettable and decisive duels throughout the history of Brazilian football, such as the 1997 Copa do Brasil final, won by the Gauchos, and the 1982 Campeonato Brasileiro final, when the Gávea team won the competition for the second time. Today's match, at 18:10 PM, at Maracanã, is considered by the red-and-blacks as a new final. Not only because Maracanã will be completely sold out, but also because of the two teams' standings in the standings.
If they win, the club led by Joel Santana will reach 49 points and close in on the Gauchos, who would only have two more points.
The coach knows the importance of this match and said that if Flamengo can get past Grêmio, the team's chances of securing a spot in next year's Libertadores will increase.
"This game is very important for us. It's a match that will define our future in the competition. If we beat them, we can think about new horizons," said Joel Santana.
With Rômulo, a key player in Joel's 5-5 formation, injured, the coach had to rack his brains to find a capable replacement for the young player. The Flamengo manager admitted he was torn between defensive midfielder Jaílton, who is returning from injury, and midfielder Renato Augusto.
"I'll only say who's going to play when the game starts. I still have to see how they perform. With Rômulo out, I had three options. I could have put in Renato Augusto, Jaílton, or even Arroz. But the real question is between Jaílton and Renato," said the coach, who dropped Cristian back to take over for the injured Rômulo.
Obina, 100 games
Another ingredient that will add spice is the celebration of the 99th game of the fans' favorite, Obina, who will be on the bench alongside his supporter Roger. Obina has played 32 matches for the red-and-black team and has already scored XNUMX goals.
Flamengo: Bruno, Leo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Egidio; Cristian, Jailton (Renato Augusto), Ibson and Toro; Maxi and Souza Coach: Joel Santana
Grêmio: Saja, Bustos, Leo, William and Anderson Pico; Nunes, Marcelo Labarthe, Diego Souza and Tcheco; Jonas and Tuta\ Coach: Mano Menezes\
Location: Maracanã\ Time: 18:10 p.m.\ Referee: Sálvio Spínola Fagundes (Fifa-SP)\ Assistants: Carlos Augusto Nogueira and Rogério Rolim (SP)\ Observer: José Carlos Santiago de Andrade (RJ)\
Marcos de Castro
Bath-in-Cuia
The good companion
Marcos de Castro castro@jsports.com.br
It was in a TV interview with Romário, not long ago. If my memory serves me right, it was around the time of the thousand-goal season, but I can't remember which program. There were so many interviews (and always intelligent ones)... What matters is that he said, with absolute certainty, that Joel Santana is the best coach he's ever known, among the many who managed him.
If you, my dear reader, remember the current Brazilian Championship standings, you'll see that Romário was right again: this guy is good. Flamengo was right there in the relegation zone. They kept climbing, climbing, Joel always discreet, good-natured, and sober. Now, if those at the top make a mistake, he'll be close to the Libertadores Cup. Some might say it's unfair to praise Joel in a championship where he's been shouting nonsense from the sidelines. And I'll ask: which of us doesn't make mistakes?
Echoing Romário, a Flamengo player (I'm not sure if it was Ibson or Toró) had the highest praise for Joel after the victory over Vasco on Thursday. The best qualities of Joel the coach and the man, according to all the players who refer to him, can be summed up in this: he's, above all, a friend, a good teammate. And no one ignores the importance of this, let's say, psychological side, which deals with the emotional.
For us news professionals, good humor is essential among the people we deal with. It's tiring to see people like São Paulo's coach, always grumpy, always trying to correct reporters' questions, counter-arguing with them instead of responding simply.
Joel has no shortage of simplicity, having long endured in silence, for example, a blatantly insensitive irony directed at his middle name, Natalino, a name typically used by humble people. With his simplicity and good humor, Joel is taking Flamengo from the bottom of the table to the top of the table. He thus contributes to the strong performance of the four Rio teams this year, unlike the three from São Paulo. It's true that a São Paulo team will be champion. But, on the other hand, there are still teams from São Paulo in the relegation zone, or even close to the top.
O Dia
Flamengo: Joel and the victory suit
If it worked against Vasco, the coach will repeat the 'look' against Grêmio
Marluci Martins
Rio - If it worked against São Paulo and then against Vasco, why change? That's exactly why Flamengo coach Joel Santana already has a red polo shirt and black pants in his bag. This Sunday, he'll wear his lucky outfit before and after the match against Grêmio, starting at 18:10 PM at Maracanã.
During the match, the coach will wear his basic training uniform. But later, he'll be at the press conference wearing the outfit that has cemented Joel Santana's reputation as a superstitious person.
"Have you noticed I'm wearing this outfit, huh? It worked twice... I put it in the wash so it wouldn't grow wings," Joel joked, assuring that his superstition won't last long. "I can't wear the same outfit for five months," he dismissed.
While Joel has plenty of options in his closet to field whoever he wants, the same can't be said for his team. Without Rômulo, out of the Brasileirão due to a right knee injury, and also without Juan, who is suspended, the coach will have to tinker with the lineup he already considered ideal.
Joel just hasn't thought about what he'll wear if the club celebrates a spot in the Copa Libertadores in the future. Far from the relegation zone, the coach prefers to stay grounded just yet.
"My first goal is to reach 50 points, and I only have four left. The second is to stay strong in the Copa Sudamericana. And the third is to fight for the Libertadores. But I was hired to get the club out of this relegation situation, and if we're not out of it yet, I don't want to talk about the Libertadores," he stated.
The coach fears that the strain from the match against Vasco on Thursday night will have an impact on the match against Grêmio. This is his main concern.
"We have to be careful, because they've been preparing for this game for a week, and we faced Vasco in a match that wasn't easy at all. There was a certain amount of wear and tear," he noted.
According to Joel Santana, Grêmio should not be intimidated by playing away from home, despite the expectation of an excellent crowd at Maracanã supporting Flamengo.
"We're facing an opponent who has a habit of playing well here in Rio. It won't be an easy game," Joel recalled, his speech as unabashed as the polo shirt and black pants that bring him so much luck.
Íbson wants a chance in the National Team
One of the highlights of the red-black team in recent games, supporter Íbson — who scored the winning goal for Flamengo over Vasco, 2-1 — hopes that coach Dunga gives him an opportunity in the Brazilian national team.
"I know my potential and I believe I'm capable of representing the national team. Fortunately, the timing is excellent, and I know Dunga likes to give opportunities to those who have excelled at their clubs. Now, I just need to help Flamengo qualify for the Copa Libertadores and continue my work," says Íbson.
Despite having rediscovered his true colors at Gávea, Porto, the owner of the player's federation rights, has already announced that they are counting on Íbson for the 2008/09 season. His loan to Flamengo ends on June 30, 2008.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo and Grêmio duel with Libertadores as their goal\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The competition at stake is the Brazilian Championship, but when Flamengo and Grêmio take the field at the Maracanã this Sunday at 18:10 p.m. (Brasília time) for the 32nd round, the 2008 Copa Libertadores will be on the players' minds. With 46 points, the Rubro-Negro team is riding high on two consecutive victories and is once again dreaming of qualifying for the continental tournament. Grêmio, with 51 points in the Brazilian Championship, has been in this fight for the longest time. From hell to heaven. This is what happened to Flamengo, which was languishing in the relegation zone when coach Joel Santana took over the team mid-year and, today, already dreams of participating in the continent's premier competition.
"The championship is very balanced, and I think this spot is within our grasp. Not long ago, we were second to last, and no one believed in us. We'll continue playing with the same determination, and a win against Grêmio will put us right up against them. But our first goal is to collect as many points as possible and move away from the bottom of the table," commented midfielder Ibson.
Right-back Leonardo Moura also says he's confident of a win this Sunday, but he preaches respect for his opponent, who won the first-round match of the Brazilian Championship 1-0. "It's a tough game, and they're also in the running for a spot. We have to stay calm, like I said, one step at a time. Let's take it step by step."
Despite the club's confidence, coach Joel Santana continues to decline to comment on the possibility of leading Flamengo to next year's Libertadores. "At Gávea, we're forbidden from talking about the Libertadores. We have to live in reality. When I arrived at Flamengo this time, they told me the goal was to reach 50 points, and we're still striving for that. We can only think about something else when we're mathematically consolidated where we want to be."
Regarding the team that beat Vasco, coach Joel Santana will be without left-back Juan, who received his third yellow card and will be replaced by Egídio. Midfielder Rômulo, who was injured on Thursday, is also absent. Defender Fábio Luciano returns after serving a suspension and resumes the captain's armband.
At Grêmio, coach Mano Menezes assures he's not afraid to face an opponent motivated by recent strong results, especially after the red-and-black victory over Vasco. "If they had lost, they would be worried about being close to the bottom of the table. Since they beat Vasco, they're eyeing the top spot; anyway, it would be the same. The important thing is for Grêmio to enter the field focused on achieving its objective," commented the coach.
Defender Léo, who served a suspension, returns to his starting spot in defense. Other good news for Grêmio fans comes from left-back Anderson Pico and midfielder Nunes, who have recovered from muscle injuries and confirmed their presence at Maracanã.
Anderson's presence was the biggest reassurance for Mano Menezes, who has been facing numerous problems in the midfield. Although he hasn't yet earned the fans' full trust, the full-back is gaining the coach's respect. "Anderson goes through natural fluctuations, and we're trying to get the best out of him. He has great physical strength, maturity, and good positioning," Mano Menezes emphasized.
Roger should stay on the bench\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Midfielder Roger, cleared by the medical department, is expected to be used by coach Joel Santana in this Sunday's match at the Maracanã against Grêmio. According to fitness coach Ronaldo Torres, the player is not yet in optimal physical condition and should only play a few minutes during the match. Defensive midfielder Jaílton, who has missed the team's last two matches due to a right foot injury, has also been cleared to return to the team. He could replace Rômulo, who will be out for six months due to an injury suffered during the match against Vasco. Argentine Colace, also in contention for the starting spot, will serve a suspension.
With a win this Sunday, the Rubro-Negro team will reach 49 points in the Brazilian Championship and move closer to qualifying for the Copa Libertadores. The Tricolor from Rio Grande do Sul currently sits in fourth place with 51 points.
Obina could complete one hundred games for Fla against Grêmio
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - If he's selected this Sunday against Grêmio, striker Obina will have played 2005 games for Flamengo. The excited striker hopes to score a goal to put his team closer to a spot in next year's Copa Libertadores. Signed from Vitória in XNUMX, the center forward has become a favorite among Flamengo fans. "I want to help Flamengo, and that's what matters now. These wonderful fans deserve so many good things. They put on a show in their own right," the player declared.
Obina has already scored 32 goals for Flamengo. To date, he has won the Copa do Brasil, the Taça Guanabara, and the Campeonato Estadual. However, the striker is unlikely to start in the match against Grêmio. For this match, coach Joel Santana intends to field Maxi and Souza in attack, the duo that started the derby against Vasco.
PeléNet
Flamengo and Grêmio duel for a Libertadores spot
From the Placar Agency\ In Rio de Janeiro\
It's not a final, but this Sunday's Flamengo-Grêmio match at 18:10 PM at Maracanã for the Brazilian Championship could be considered a decisive one. The winner won't lift the trophy, but a victory will mean closer ties with the Libertadores.
The situation for the Rio de Janeiro team is a bit more complicated. Despite a strong run in recent rounds, the team remains five points behind the first team in the qualifying zone for the continental competition, their rivals from Rio Grande do Sul, a margin that could narrow or widen significantly depending on the outcome of the match.
At Flamengo, there's good news and bad news. Defender Fábio Luciano, who served a suspension against Vasco, has confirmed his return and will play alongside Ronaldo Angelim. This means Rodrigo Arroz will once again be an option on the bench. On the other hand, left-back Juan, suspended, will be unable to play and will be replaced by Egídio.
But Joel Santana's biggest problem lies in midfield. Midfielder Rômulo ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in Thursday's derby and will be out for about six months. With Argentine Hugo Colace suspended, Ibson is likely to be dropped back. Another option would be to start Jaílton. In this case, Renato Augusto, still not fully fit, would be out of the lineup.
Regarding the approach to the "Libertadores zone," Joel preferred to be cautious and even issued a warning. "We're at heaven's door, but we're not in yet. So we still need to be very careful," he emphasized.
On Grêmio's side, there's no news. Although coach Mano Menezes held a closed-door training session, there's little to hide. The good news is Léo's return to defense. In midfield, Nunes was confirmed as the starting midfielder.
Surprising many this week, coach Mano Menezes abandoned his usual discretion and took aim at his rivals. According to him, the Rio de Janeiro club ended up benefiting from the CBF, as it had games postponed during the Pan American Games.
"The CBF gave Flamengo special treatment. They pushed the team's games forward, when they were in a more positive moment," said the coach of the Tricolor gaúcho.
Mano, however, did not fail to recognize that he will face an opponent who deserves much respect. "In the first round we won 1-0, but both were in bad shape. Now, it will be different. Both are on a high and will certainly play a great match," he assessed.
Globo Sport
Fla makes shirt with 'Victory Theme'
The club's official store sells merchandise featuring the lyrics to the club's new anthem.
Shirt with the new anthem is official for Fla
The version of "Theme of Victory" has been well received by the red-black fans, who can now wear it on their chests: the official Flamengo store is selling a shirt with the lyrics of the new fan anthem for R$29,90.
Flaboutique launched the official product online, featuring the club's symbols on the front, above the song's lyrics: "I will always love you, wherever you are I will be, oh my Mengo. You are a team of tradition, race, love and passion, oh my Mengo."
The song is sung to the rhythm of the "Victory Theme", written by composer Eduardo Souto Neto for Formula 1 races and which became immortalized as the soundtrack to Ayrton Senna's triumphs.
The first fans to take the song to the stadiums were Internacional, at Beira-Rio, but with different lyrics to those sung by the red-blacks.
Shirt 12 Promotion
Flamengo is also running, in partnership with GLOBOESPORTE.COM, a promotion to choose the model of the number 12 shirt. The number was immortalized in honor of the fans and will no longer be used by the players.
Flamengo fan shot in Caio Martins
Victim was in line to buy a ticket to watch the game against Grêmio
Eduardo Peixoto and Thiago Dias
A Flamengo fan was shot on Saturday afternoon at Caio Martins in Niterói. According to the Fire Department, the Flamengo fan was treated within five minutes and his name is José Roberto Monteiro Caldas, 33.
He was in line to buy tickets for the Grêmio game when he got into an argument with another person present and was shot in the neck. The shooter fled before the police arrived. The victim was taken to Antonio Pedro Hospital and entered the operating room around 16 p.m.
Hospital doctors said they were not authorized to disclose the severity of the injury. The 77th Police Precinct (Icaraí, Niterói) confirmed the incident, but the attendant said she couldn't provide details without the presence of the chief of police, who is not on duty this Saturday. According to witnesses, the altercation occurred because the shooter had allegedly jumped the queue and was reprimanded by others. In the confusion, he pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the neck.
Faced with the uproar, Flamengo decided to close the Caio Martins ticket office.
"There was this incident, and since someone was shot in front of Caio Martins Stadium, we couldn't sell tickets anymore. It was an incident that occurred on the street, and we're not responsible for it," says Flavio Pereira, Fla's fundraising coordinator.
In three games, 140 thousand tickets sold
Fans from São Paulo, Flamengo and Atlético-MG race for record attendance
Fans from São Paulo, Flamengo, and Atlético-MG are in a fierce battle to see who can fill the stadiums the most this Sunday. Until Saturday night, the Tricolores were in the lead, followed by the Rubro-Negros and Atlético-MG. There's a good chance the championship attendance record will be broken.
Game Tickets Sold\ Atlético-MG x Vasco 43.823 55 thousand\ Flamengo x Grêmio 48.617 79.064\ São Paulo x Cruzeiro 50.813 64.841\
In Minas Gerais, Atlético fans will rock the Mineirão stadium against Vasco da Gama next Sunday. According to the club's press office, approximately 43.823 tickets have already been sold out of the 55 available for purchase. The attendance for the game will be a club record in the competition. The highest attendance so far was 37.038 paying spectators for the 3-1 victory over Sport in the 30th round.
Flamengo, which holds the Brazilian Championship record with 61.042 paying spectators for the derby against Fluminense, will also count on the overwhelming support of its fans. As of Saturday afternoon, 48.617 tickets had been sold for the match against Grêmio on Sunday. A shipment of 73 has been made available. The remaining tickets will go on sale starting at 11 a.m. this Sunday at Maracanã.
At Morumbi Stadium, 64.841 tickets were put on sale by the Tricolor board for the match between leaders São Paulo and runner-up Cruzeiro. As of Saturday afternoon, 50.813 tickets had already been sold. The remaining tickets will go on sale starting at 11 a.m. only at the Morumbi ticket offices.
This round is expected to have the highest attendance of the 2007 Brasileirão. For now, the best record is the 30th, which had a total attendance of 237.732 paying spectators, a number driven by the classics Flamengo x Fluminense and São Paulo x Corinthians.
Throw
Red-blacks from all over the world at Maracanã
People from Maranhão, Amazonas and even Norway will watch the game
Almost 50 thousand tickets were sold for the game against Grêmio (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)
Cassius Leitao
Get in touch The passion of Flamengo fans for their team knows no bounds. Further proof of this will be provided this Sunday in the match against Grêmio, at 18:10 PM. People from all over the country and even abroad will be at Maracanã. This Saturday, in the ticket line, fans made a point of revealing their great love for Flamengo.
People from Manaus (AM), Teresina (PI), Timon (MA), and Aracaju (SE) went to great lengths to see their favorite club up close. Even Klas Malmberg, a photographer for the Norwegian newspaper "The Biggest," came to Brazil on vacation and will take the opportunity to go to Maracanã on Flamengo's match day:
"Flamengo is known everywhere. It will be wonderful to see them at Maracanã, one of the most important stadiums in the world," he emphasized.
Councilman Marcelo Biú (PTB-MA), 23, went with a group of friends from Timon, a city in the interior of Maranhão, to watch the games against Vasco and Grêmio. Biú also shared his strategy for following the team from afar:
"Marco Simão (Marcelo's friend) has a subscription TV at his house, and at every game, more than 50 Flamengo fans celebrate. I've seen Flamengo play in Teresina, but seeing it at Maracanã is a feeling like nothing else," the politician revealed.
Nursing technician Jaspe Meira, 38, traveled from Manaus to Rio de Janeiro to see Rubro-Negro:
"It's my first game in Rio. I'm really looking forward to seeing that beautiful crowd," he admitted.
As of 17 p.m. this Saturday, 48.617 tickets had been sold for the game. But it wasn't all fun and games. The hundreds of people who went to buy tickets at Maracanã Box Office 8 were met with immense disorganization, with sales starting 45 minutes late.
If 2005 repeats, Fla will be close to America
With 17 points in Joel's first seven games, Fla escaped relegation.
Will the 2005 Miracle Worker get up to mischief again? (Credit: Júlio César Guimarães)
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
Get in touch If Joel Santana performed the miracle of saving Flamengo from relegation in 2005, the "red-black church" will try to canonize him if he repeats that year's record. Flamengo has seven games remaining, and if the team scores 17 points out of a possible 21—a figure Natalino achieved in his seventh game two years ago—it will have a 96% chance of advancing to the Copa Libertadores, according to mathematician Tristão Garcia.
Although Joel is already drawing up a new miracle on his "sacred drawing board", the coach asserts that the ghost of relegation still needs to be completely banished.
"First, we have to mathematically avoid relegation. When we're safe, then we'll look to the horizon. If it's a brigadier, we'll go after it," joked the "Clipboard Man."
In 2005, Joel took over as Flamengo's manager when it was in 20th place (the Brasileirão that year was made up of 22 teams), in the relegation zone.
In his first challenge, a 2-2 draw with Juventude in Caxias do Sul was achieved in dramatic fashion. A goal from midfielder Júnior in stoppage time secured the draw and marked the beginning of a dazzling comeback. The final chapter of Joel's miracle also ended in dramatic fashion, with a 1-0 victory over Paraná in Curitiba. A stunning shot from Obina in the 47th minute of the second half put an end to the nightmare.
According to Tristão Garcia, if Flamengo finishes the Brasileirão with 63 points (the same 17 points as in 2005), Joel's team will only miss out on the Libertadores if they're very unlucky. This bad luck would be directly linked to the excellent track records of Cruzeiro, Santos, Grêmio, and Palmeiras, which, according to the mathematician, are Flamengo's opponents in this fight: "With 65 points, a team qualifies. São Paulo has 64, but I guarantee it. However, with 63, their chances are enormous, and only a strong performance by Flamengo's opponents could derail them," he explained.
If he enters, Obina will play his hundredth game for Flamengo.
Baiano arrived at the club in 2005 and already has three titles under his belt
Obina celebrating: a common scene at Flamengo
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
Get in touch In the first half of 2005, striker Manoel de Brito Filho, better known as Obina, arrived at Flamengo. This Sunday, against Grêmio, the 24-year-old, if he takes the field, will complete his 32th match for the red-and-black team, having already won a Copa do Brasil, a Taça Guanabara, and the State Championship. The red-and-black favorite has XNUMX goals for Brazil's Most Beloved.
Surrounded by anticipation for his fine stint with Vitória in 2004 rather than his adventure at Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia), the Black Angel of Gávea made his debut on April 13, 2005, when the Rubro-Negro lost 2-0 to Ceará in the Copa do Brasil. Since then, the Bahia native has had to work hard to become the great idol of the current Rubro-Negro squad.
Poor performances in his first few games earned him his first boos, a seat on the bench, and the complete distrust of the Flamengo Nation. Being overweight for a long time, a problem he himself attributed to his fondness for Bahian food, further hindered his career at Flamengo.
However, on November 20, 2005, Obina began to carve his name into the hearts of Flamengo fans by scoring the goal that gave them a 1-0 victory over Paraná, in Curitiba, and saved Flamengo from relegation from the Brasileirão that year.
After the goal, the weight problems returned, and with them, the boos and the bench again. The distrust from the red-and-blacks bothered the folkloric Obina, and he decided to train harder. The recognition from the Gávea team's fans began to become more evident, and the Bahian began to feel more at ease playing.
July 19, 2006, was a decisive day for the once-persecuted player to become the darling of the Flamengo fans. Flamengo and Vasco were deciding the Copa do Brasil, and 11 minutes into the second half, defender Renato Silva—currently with Botafogo—suffered an injury. Obina, who was on the bench, came on and, four minutes after replacing the defender, hit a stunning shot that opened the scoring in the match, which until that point was undecided. Two minutes later, Luizão scored again, Flamengo won 2-0, and the Bahia native earned the "hit from the stands": "Oh, Obina is better than Eto'o."
In the second game, a new red-black victory (1-0) gave Flamengo its second Copa do Brasil title and Obina its first achievement with the Manto Sagrado.
In 2007, more problems arose. In the Guanabara Cup semifinal, Obina scored just two minutes into the match against Vasco, but the moment that should have been a joyous celebration of another goal was replaced by intense pain, which ultimately sidelined him for six months due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The only positive aspect was the goal that secured a 1-1 draw and sent the match to a penalty shootout, which Fla won 3-1.
Another setback for the Black Angel at Flamengo came on September 8 of this year, when, after an exchange of insults with Internacional defender Índio, Obina elbowed his opponent and was eventually tried by the Superior Court of Sports Justice. The first instance dealt a heavy blow: the darling was suspended for 120 days.
However, the joy returned, and last Thursday the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) reduced the Bahian's sentence to five games and even granted an injunction allowing Obina to face Vasco da Gama on the same day. The result: the red-and-blacks won 2-1 in another happy chapter in the player's history with Flamengo.
This Sunday, Obina is set to play his 100th game against Grêmio. Who would doubt a new story in the life of this Bahia native at Flamengo?
Fla faces Grêmio with an eye on the Libertadores
Rubro-negros and tricolors play the famous six-point game
Divino Fonseca and Fred Gomes
The victory over Vasco in Thursday's derby increased Flamengo's chances of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores. This Sunday, at 18:10 PM, at the Maracanã, the Rubro-Negro will face another test of fire: Grêmio, an ideal (and direct) opponent to definitely become a contender for the next edition of South America's premier tournament. The Tricolor Gaúcho, however, to avoid another strong opponent in the competition, is seeking its fifth away win.
Rubro-Negro is in seventh place and has 46 points, five less than the runner-up in this year's Libertadores, in fourth place.
Flamengo's main problem is the absence of left-back Juan, who is serving an automatic suspension. The other bad news is the injury to midfielder Rômulo, who twisted his right knee and will be out for four to six months. The good news is the return of defender Fábio Luciano, who served a suspension against Vasco.
Roger, who is recovering his fitness, could reappear in the team. With Rômulo's injury, there's also the possibility of Renato Augusto returning to the starting lineup, with Toró's withdrawal.
The match marks a reunion between Souza and Tcheco. In the first-round match, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Tricolor, the red-and-black striker elbowed a Grêmio supporter and was sent off. An own goal by Irineu, now playing for Marília, killed the team from Gávea.
If Grêmio wins again, it will be their fifth away win—and only their third outside the Rio Grande do Sul border. Of the four, two came at Beira-Rio and Alfredo Jaconi. This is the challenge for Mano Menezes's team: they're lion-like at the Olímpico (their best home record), but they're more subdued away from home.
Faced with this, the Grêmio coach launched a provocative strategy against Palmeiras to unnerve his opponent. It didn't work: to prove they weren't violent, as Palmeiras had suggested, his players beat Valdivia violently, but lost 2-0. Now, Mano accuses Flamengo of getting special treatment from the CBF by postponing several matches.
His team will have Leo, who returns to the defense after an automatic suspension, although reserve Pereira was crucial in the victory over Goiás. Midfielder Nunes and left-back Anderson Pico recovered in time from muscle injuries suffered in that match. Eduardo Costa, with the same problem, is out.
Midfielder Diego Souza, who was left out of Thursday's training session due to a right knee injury, participated in the following day's training session without any symptoms. Left-back Hidalgo, who underwent meniscus surgery on the 3rd, is now available.
Hidalgo's return revives a possibility raised by Mano himself. Since he's a great marker, he could start the match. In this case, Anderson Pico would be moved up to compete with Léo Moura, whose potential as a right-back worries the Grêmio coach. Jonas would be out, and Diego Souza would be an attacking midfielder.
Léo Moura: 'The team came together late'
In the right-back's opinion, Flamengo has a good squad
Flamengo's late surge in the Brazilian Championship isn't a surprise for right-back Leonardo Moura. He always believed the Red-Blacks had a strong squad, but in his opinion, their chemistry came a little late.
radio l! - The team came together late. We have a good squad, other players arrived. Now the matches are coming and we are managing to win - he said. (click and listen)
For the game against Grêmio, this Sunday, at Maracanã, Léo Moura preached respect for the opponent.
radio l! - Against Grêmio is always a tough game. They're chasing the Libertadores and have been at the top for a long time. We have to play well at Maracanã, with the support of the fans, to get closer - he declared. (click and hear more)
Joel Santana warns: 'You don't mess with Flamengo'
Coach responds to statements made by fellow Grêmio player Mano Menezes
Grêmio coach Mano Menezes's statements that Flamengo had benefited from the postponed games due to the Pan-American Games didn't go down well in Gávea. Flamengo coach Joel Santana's comment, for example, became advice for the Rio Grande do Sul team's manager:
"He has the right to say whatever he wants, he's an adult and he's vaccinated. But with Flamengo, you don't mess around. Things are different here," said Joel.
Another player who disagreed with Mano's opinion was right-back Leonardo Moura. He blamed the schedule.
"It's not our fault. We won most of the games that were behind us. So it's a credit to the whole group," he declared.
Fla faces Grêmio with an eye on the future
Flamengo faces Grêmio this Sunday with an eye on the future. With the team still dreaming of securing a spot in next year's Copa Libertadores, coach Joel Santana comments on the importance of the match for the Rubro-Negro:
radio l! - This game against Grêmio will be crucial for some future thinking. We'll reach 49 points and be able to envision some things moving forward. But I prefer to wait; I'm not fooled by football. There are clubs competing too, and if you make a rash statement, you could pay dearly later," he says. (Click and listen)
And Joel Santana doesn't hold back in praising the opposing team:
radio l! - Grêmio is a strong team that scores, likes to play high balls, and has good headers. They play simple but purposeful football. They know what they want, and they have a coach who's been with the club for over a year. But we'll play, and if we win, things might get better; otherwise, we'll continue on the same path," he says. (Click and listen)