The Globe
Flamengo wins by one point
On a night without fighting, the red-black team takes the lead in the State Basketball Championship
DUDA HANGS on the basket, after a dunk, in Flamengo's 81-80 victory over Vasco, at Maracanãzinho
Claudio Nogueira and Claudio Motta
Flamengo defeated Vasco yesterday by 81 to 80 (37 to 32) at Maracanãzinho, returning the defeat of last Friday, when their opponents won by 74 to 73, and took the sole leadership of the State Basketball Championship, with ten wins and one loss. In another match, Fluminense defeated Volta Redonda by 105 to 65, at Laranjeiras.
Flamengo was the better team throughout the match. In the first quarter, the red-and-black team took a 7-0 lead and held it until the end, 23-20. In the second quarter, which ended 37-32 for Flamengo, Vasco continued to make numerous mistakes on offense and miss free throws.
In the second leg, Flamengo held on better and managed their lead. Looking tired, Vasco (coming off three consecutive matches on Friday, Saturday, and Monday) couldn't find their footing on the court and lost 63-54.
Policing is reinforced at the gym
In the final period, Flamengo opened up an 11-point lead. However, with 2:59 remaining, Vasco began to rally. With 1 seconds remaining, Valtinho could have tied the game, but he missed the second of his two free throws, and Flamengo won 6-81.
Rubro-negro winger Marcelinho was the top scorer, with 37 points.
"I was very happy with the win, but the referees called all the fouls. Basketball is a contact game," the forward complained after the game.
This time, there was no fight between players or fans. After the brawl between the two teams last Friday, the Military Police increased security. Three hundred soldiers from the Special Stadium Policing Group (Gepe) were dispatched to the scene, with 60 of them stationed in the nearby streets, where 30 officers from the 6th Military Police Battalion (Tijuca) and six patrol cars were also stationed. The remaining 240 military police officers remained inside Maracanãzinho.
According to the Military Police, only 1.090 of the five thousand tickets were sold. Point guard Ratto was disappointed with the reduced attendance:
- A beautiful gym like this deserves a bigger audience.
According to the commander of GEPE, Major Marcelo, organized fan groups would only be allowed into Maracanãzinho if they were registered. He assured that the same procedure will be adopted on Sunday (especially with Torcida Jovem), when Flamengo faces Atlético-PR at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship.
Flamengo: Fred (10), Marcelinho (37), Amiel (9), Coloneze (4) and Wagner (8). Maicon (4), Helio (4), Mineiro (2), Duda (3) came on. Vasco: Valtinho (19), Rossi (18), Jefferson (10), Marcos Cipriano (13) and Estevam (16). Rafael, Fernando Bala, Enéas, Ratto (4), Brasilia came on.
Fan will be buried today
Germano dies five days after being attacked
The Municipal Health Department officially confirmed yesterday morning the death of Flamengo fan Germano Soares da Silva, 44, who was beaten last Friday at Praça XV. Doctors at Souza Aguiar Hospital in downtown São Paulo had already declared him brain dead. The funeral will be held today at 10 a.m. at Caju Cemetery.
Germano was violently attacked with punches and kicks during a confrontation between Flamengo and Vasco fans, before last Friday's basketball derby.
The confrontation is being investigated by the Child and Adolescent Protection Department because minors were among those involved. That day, 52 members of Vasco's Torcida Força Jovem (Young Force Vasco Fans) were detained after the brawl in the city center and released. Eight of them are minors, and one has a criminal record. The fans were arrested by military police while attacking Germano, who was wearing a Flamengo jersey. Police are investigating the suspicion that those involved arranged the fight online.
Germano, a Flamengo fan, had three criminal records: assault, threats, and attempted murder. In November 2005, he was arrested, accused of participating in the death of Botafogo fan Rafik Tavares Cântio, who was stabbed to death with a scythe. The case was dropped.
ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Gymnast Diego Hypólito, judoka Tiago Camilo and swimmer Thiago Pereira, in the men's competition; and gymnast Jade Barbosa, soccer player Marta and pole vaulter Fabiana Murer, in the women's competition, are competing for the COB's trophy for best athlete of 2007.
CLASSIC IN FUTSAL
Flamengo and Vasco face off today at 21:15 p.m. at the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium (Gávea) in the second leg of the semifinals of the State Futsal Championship. The winner will advance to the semifinals. The first match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Amidst the chaos, the unequal fight for tickets
Those who spent nights on the streets around Maracanã didn't even get close to the ticket office, where privileges reigned
IN THE reserved area of the ticket office, ticket exchange. Behind, hundreds try to jump the queues
MAJOR MARCELO Pessoa, in plain clothes, announces the end of tickets to angry fans
MUNICIPAL GUARD, who didn't have to wait in line, exchanges cans for tickets
AUTHORIZED BY THE POLICE, the security guard sweeps the floor. In return, he skips the line.
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
To say that many people were left without tickets for Flamengo vs. Atlético-PR because there were far more fans than tickets is a simplistic view. Those who waited in line for several nights to exchange their products for tickets yesterday at Maracanã faced an unequal battle.
The recipe for chaos begins by holding Flamengo's most anticipated game of the year at rock-bottom prices. Each can of the product exchanged for a ticket costs R$5. Meanwhile, the 100 police officers tasked with organizing access to the ticket office, led by Major Marcelo Pessoa, commander of the GEPE (Special Stadium Policing Group), used criteria that were difficult to understand. At the same time, the major himself denounced:
- There have been ticket scalpers for a long time, it's rotten to do this to the people.
A broom could take someone straight to the ticket office, bypassing the 20 people in line. Twenty-year-old security guard Marco Aurélio was allowed by Major Marcelo to enter the fenced-off box office area to sweep the floor. The prize was four exchange tickets.
Another fan exchanged his allotment of four tickets. Then, still without waiting in line, he returned to the ticket office, authorized by police officers. He exchanged more tickets and went to collect bags from the ground.
- I just came to collect to sell and help clean - he said.
Municipal Guard and police also skip queues
In the early hours of the morning, according to police, improvised tickets were distributed by fans. When the ticket offices opened, some were able to use them. Others were not.
"Of the people who had tickets, I knew who was actually in line. Then the scalpers started using them, and I stopped accepting them," said Marcelo, who explained why some people repeatedly had privileges. "We let about eight people go to help with the cleaning. We needed it. We let them exchange tickets."
Sandra Santos had already exchanged her four tickets. A man outside the reserved area handed her four more cans. With eight tickets already, she ran away shouting:
- I'm not a money changer!
The tactic was used repeatedly. Only a few were stopped. Many people trying to buy tickets without waiting in line called the police officers by name. A Municipal Guard had a clear path to the ticket office. An on-duty officer took two cans from a person not in line and exchanged them for tickets. Of the people who were allowed by the police to access the ticket office without waiting in line, many did so more than once.
"Most of them aren't professionals. They're the poor guy who wants four tickets so he can win R$400 on Sunday," said Major Marcelo.
The elaborate scalper scheme even involved children, who were given free seats in line. The strategy attracted attention because children under 12 get in for free.
In less than two hours, the 11 tickets sold out. In the same time, the 32 tickets exchanged at the five ticket offices were gone. While one group enjoyed privileges, many who spent two nights in line never even got near the ticket office. In the morning, an attempt by a group to jump the queue caused a riot and forced a police officer to fire into the air at the Maracanã stadium. Attempts to attack the ticket office area forced the police to use pepper spray at every opportunity. The announcement of the end of ticket sales sparked further unrest. Riots also broke out in Barra da Tijuca and Niterói.
Procon has opened proceedings to determine responsibility for the disruption to fans. Flamengo and Nestlé will have ten days to present their defense and could face fines ranging from 200 million to three million UFIRs. The agency has made itself available to fans who felt harmed.
By early afternoon, many scalpers were already selling promotional tickets for prices between R$50 and R$80.
Yesterday, law firms advertised services for anyone wanting to sue Nestlé and Ingresso Fácil.
Through the Nestlé promotion, Flamengo receives R$150 per game. This Brazilian Championship, including the match against Atlético-PR, featured seven games in Rio de Janeiro. In exchange for the fixed fee, the club provides 32 tickets. The company chooses a product that fans must purchase to exchange for a ticket.
The strategy gives the club a fixed share in some games, regardless of its performance in the Brazilian Championship. In the games with promotion in the first round, the club saw financial and technical returns. Against Náutico, Flamengo, then second-to-last, drew 35 fans and made a profit in a game that would have been a loss. With the team's promotion, the promotion prevented the club from fully realizing its revenue potential. It also created chaos due to low ticket prices. Against Grêmio, in one of its record-breaking attendance records, Flamengo earned just over R$200 in a game with 63 paying spectators. Against São Paulo, they played in front of 59 paying spectators and took home R$412. Against Corinthians and Santos, they took home around R$500.
"Nestlé, Flamengo, and São Paulo saved the championship. It's unfair to criticize the promotion. What we can do is identify the most appropriate games for 2008," argues Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
"Attracting the private sector to invest in football is always a good thing. But when Flamengo makes a leap in quality, it's time to reevaluate its values," says Eduardo Manhães, the club's executive director of football.
In Teresópolis, Joel Santana led a group training session yesterday. Léo Medeiros was tested in place of the suspended Toró. During the training session, the coach brought Roger into the training area.
- Flamengo needs to win because of its vocation and because the fans are betting on us - said Joel.
Kléber Leite spoke yesterday with Mario Celso Petraglia, president of Atlético-PR's Deliberative Council. The goal is to secure Cristian's presence in Sunday's game. The player is on loan from Atlético-PR, which is demanding compensation to allow him to be included in the squad.
Sports Journal
Cristian believes he can play against Atlético
The saga surrounding the confirmation of midfielder Cristian for the decisive game against Atlético-PR, on Sunday, at Maracanã, for the 37th round of the Brazilian Championship, continues to drag on.
Yesterday, after the training session held in the freezing Teresópolis, where Fla is preparing for the match, the player said that despite trusting his lineup, he hopes the situation will be clarified as quickly as possible, as this is already making him anxious.
"Kleber Leite said I'll play, and I'm counting on it. He told me to stay calm, and I did. The people here say I'll play, but there say nothing's certain. I hope this situation is resolved as quickly as possible, because I'm already getting anxious," said Cristian.
The defensive midfielder arrived at Flamengo in a trade with Furacão for the much-criticized Claiton, but a clause in the player's contract prevents him from playing against his former club. For Cristian to play, Flamengo must pay R$100 to the Paraná club.
Regarding the opponent, Cristian believes that Furacão will come to Rio to defend itself and recalled the games against Corinthians and Santos.
"When our team was down, our opponents would come here and play forward, but now it's different. Corinthians and Santos, for example, played very deep, which shows Flamengo's strength," the defensive midfielder added.
Professor Joel's Experiences
Coach tests the team's best lineup without Toró. Roger and Obina come out on top.
Nathan de Lima and Tiago da Costa
Wallace Teixeira
Roger was one of the highlights of training and could start on Sunday
Far from home, from the 'hustle and bustle' caused by the cans, coach Joel Santana begins to experiment with the different formations he could take to the field in the match against Atlético-PR, next Sunday, in the penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship.
After experimenting with the Argentine Maxi in place of Toró, who was suspended for receiving his third yellow card, yesterday it was Léo Medeiros' turn to get a chance in midfield during the collective training session held at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis. With that, the coach maintained the 5-5 formation he has been using in recent rounds.
The player's introduction was not beneficial for the Rubro-Negro. During the first half of the activity, the starters played poorly and were pressured by the reserves. Joel then decided to change the team's tactical scheme: he replaced striker Obina with Léo Medeiros and Roger with Jaílton. Renato Augusto returned to playing in midfield, his original position. With the new formation, the main team improved and won 2-0, with goals from Obina and Souza.
Despite already having the team's base set up in his head, Joel has not yet confirmed which team will take to the field on Sunday:
"My only change is to Toró. The rest of the team should be the same, but we're still creating some situations for the rest of the week. Especially because it makes it more exciting," said the coach.
Midfielder Léo Medeiros did not hide his excitement at playing against Furacão.
"The expectation of playing is the best possible, but Joel knows what he's doing. If he chooses Maxi or Roger, that's fine. The important thing is that whoever comes in performs as well as possible," he commented.
Obina wants waiters\ After yesterday's activity, the fans' favorite Obina was very pleased with his performance. When asked which formation he prefers to play in, the player was emphatic:\
"For us attackers, it's better to play with two midfielders, because they're players who give the team more creativity," said the Black Angel.
Due to the flu, defender Fábio Luciano was spared from yesterday's training, but he is not in doubt for the game against Atlético-PR.
Red-black martyrdom
Gunshots and confusion mark the exchange of tickets for the Flamengo vs. Atlético-PR game
Thiago Bokel
Jair Motta
The fans struggled to make the exchange
Once again, the fans paid the price. Yesterday, when the exchanges for Nestlé's promotion began at the five designated locations on Tuesday—Maracanã ticket office 5, Gávea, Caio Martins (Niterói), the Kappa store, and the Extra supermarket (both in Barra)—the confusion was immense, and several fans, who had been in line since Monday afternoon, were unable to purchase their tickets.
Some mothers, without any recourse, waited for fans to abandon their tickets before asking for the unreturned cans of Nestón. At Maracanã, the Military Police even had to fire shots into the air to contain the disturbance. The chaos in Gávea was similar. The biggest complaint was the free rein of ticket scalpers, who resold tickets after exchanging them. In less than four hours, there were no more tickets available at any of the stations.
"My father arrived at 6 a.m., there were no cans of milk left, and there was a long line. I saw two vans full of kids getting out with lots of cans from the promotion. I also saw a guy with a calculator in his hand, coordinating four men who were reselling tickets from the promotion near the stadium. However, I never saw anyone trying to stop him," accused Marcelo Luiz Fernandes, 26, a member of a red-and-black fan club.
Assistance\ The case received such widespread attention that Anacont (National Association for Consumer and Worker Assistance) has already stepped up to help fans who felt wronged after waiting hours in vain in line. They can take legal action against Ingresso Fácil and Nestlé, the companies responsible for making and distributing the tickets. Fans don't need lawyers, and if they win their case, they will receive up to R$15.200.\
With the confirmation of the exchange of 32.730 tickets, the record for paying attendance this year has now been officially broken. A total of 82.044 people attended, surpassing the record set by Flamengo and Santos on November 11, when 81.844 people purchased their tickets.
It wasn't always like this
Aílton played this 'decision' for Flamengo
This isn't the first time Flamengo has relied on its fans to achieve a goal. Just like this year, in 1988, Flamengo needed the support of its fans to defeat Nacional de Montevideo by more than three goals to advance to the Copa Libertadores Champions League.
To secure this support, the Red-Blacks ran a major promotion that attracted thousands of fans. However, that time, there were no problems or confusion, as is happening now.
With just two days to go before the game, which took place on May 4th, the board announced a reduction in ticket prices. Grandstand tickets went from C$300 to C$100, and general admission tickets went from C$100 to C$20, which today would be around R$2,00.
During the ticket purchase process, most of which were purchased at the time of the game, there were no disturbances, and there was also peace inside the Maracanã, with more than 67 thousand paying spectators, who did not fail to cheer on the team throughout the 90 minutes.
Even with the support of the fans, Flamengo lost 2-0 and was eliminated from the competition. However, the wonderful support remained etched in the players' minds, and they became emotional. Flamengo's then-player, Renato Gaúcho, even said:
"This is very gratifying. It proves that fans know how to recognize their idols."
Next Sunday, at the same Maracanã, despite all the problems in purchasing tickets, it is expected that the gigantic crowd will continue to believe and support the players' determination and respect the fans who are by their side.
Joel Santana: 'Every player wants to be a starter, but it's good to keep the mystery'
Flamengo coach Joel Santana made several changes during this week's training session in Teresópolis. This Wednesday, in the second half of training, Roger and Obina replaced Jaílton and Léo Medeiros, respectively. However, the coach is unlikely to field this lineup for the start of the match against Atlético-PR. He preferred to keep the lineup that will play Sunday at Maracanã a secret.
"I already know the team, but I'm still testing, and the testing didn't start today (Wednesday) but last week. This way, the players stay alert and alert for potential opportunities. Every player wants to be a starter, but it's good to keep the mystery. Who sits on the bench is just as important as who starts. The confirmation will only be closer to the game," said Joel.
Flamengo should start the match with: Bruno; Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Leo Medeiros, Cristian and Ibson; Renato Augusto and Souza.
Flamengo loses to Botafogo, but is a finalist in the OPG
Flamengo lost 1-0 to Botafogo in the second leg of the OPG Tournament semifinals on Wednesday in Gávea, but secured a spot in the final against Fluminense. The first leg will be next Saturday in Gávea.
Botafogo's goal was scored by striker Júnior in the 8th minute of the second half.
A victory of the heart
Flamengo beat Vasco 81-80 in a violence-free classic in the State Basketball Championship
Lidia Azevedo and Rafael Oliveira
Nina Lima
Point guard Fred steps up to score two points for Flamengo in their win over rivals Vasco
Fear of violence and the departure of the national soccer team meant that few fans showed up at Maracanãzinho to watch the match between Flamengo and Vasco da Gama in the State Basketball Championship. The small crowd that did attend witnessed the Flamengo victory, 81-80 (37-32).
Winger Marcelinho was the top scorer and standout performer, with 37 points scored.
The victory left the Gávea team more isolated than ever at the top. The red-and-blacks have ten wins and only one loss, precisely to their rival Cruzmaltino, who are second in the standings. José Carlos Vidal's team has eight wins and two losses.
New Classic\ Fluminense will be Flamengo's next opponent. The derby will be next Saturday at 17 p.m., with the venue yet to be determined. Vasco will host Municipal tomorrow at São Januário. It will be the first time in this State Championship that Valtinho and company will play at the Vasco stadium.\
After six years, Maracanãzinho once again hosted the "classic of millions." From the last match played at the stadium, only one player was present: Ratto. The Vasco point guard played in the 2001 match between the two teams, but he played for the Red-Black team, which lost.
A star performer\ This time, playing for Clube da Colina, he didn't have much luck. His team struggled on the court, trailing for almost the entire match. Vidal's tactic was clear: with many players missing, he opted to prevent his opponent from getting away from the scoreboard before attacking in the final half.\
But that wasn't what happened. On an inspired night for Marcelinho, who hit almost every three-pointer he attempted, Flamengo opened up a ten-point lead in the fourth quarter.
Vasco still sought a comeback. With less than two seconds remaining, Valtinho had a chance to tie the game. But he missed one of the free throws, much to the delight of the few red-and-black fans watching.
FLAMENGO\ Marcelinho (37), Fred (10), Wagner (8), Amiel (9) and Cascão (4). Entered: Hélio (4), Mineiro (2), Duda (3) and Maicon (4).\ Coach: Paulo Chupeta\
VASCO\ Valtinho (19), Jeferson (10), Estevam (16), Rossi (18) and Cipriano (13). Entered: Ratto (4), Fernando Bala and Eneias.\ Coach: José Carlos Vidal\
Location: Maracanãzinho
Efficient policing ensures peace
The red-and-black fans celebrated in a very safe Maracanãzinho gymnasium
Contrary to what everyone imagined, peace reigned around and in the stands of Maracanãzinho, which once again hosted Flamengo and Vasco after six years. The match, which took place yesterday, ended 81 and 80 for the red-and-black team, which remains in the lead of the State Championship.
There were few people on site at the start of the match. No incidents were reported upon departure. According to Major Marcelo Pessoa of the Stadium Policing Group (GEPE), the operation's success was due to the robust security system in place.
"Fans from both teams had already scheduled matches on Orkut in four locations: Irajá, Bonsucesso, São Januário and Gávea. The police are monitoring everything that is happening to avoid any problems."
He explained that a national registration campaign for organized fan groups will come into effect, so that events like the death of Flamengo fan Germano Soares do not happen again.
"Flamengo fans will be in for a surprise on Sunday, as Jovem Fla will be registered for the match against Atlético-PR. The Ministry of Sports has technology to make this registration quick. This system was used successfully in São Paulo and we want to do the same here."
Arbitration: more questions
Repeating what happened in the classic match played last Friday, the refereeing was heavily questioned by the players at the end of the match. All were unanimous in saying that the game's progress was hampered by the excessive calling of fouls.
One of them was Flamengo winger Marcelinho Machado. Last night's standout player questioned the criteria adopted by referees Rafael Serour and Vander Jr.
"I'm very happy because we won. But, in a classic featuring two of the biggest teams in the country, the criteria used didn't allow for basketball to be played. Every time one touched the other, they called a foul. It can't be like that. Basketball is a contact sport."
Point guard Ratto also complained. The Vasco player thought the referees were harsh.
"The arbitration was very demanding. Although it was not biased, it was very strict in the criteria adopted."
Amidst so many complaints, some saw a silver lining. Paulo Chupeta, the club's coach, echoed Marcelinho and Ratto's statements but believes there has been progress since Friday's game.
"This time, what was in question were the criteria chosen. I was happy to know that there was a pattern, because in last week's match, there wasn't even a criterion."
In every quarter of the match, both teams exceeded the foul limit. For the players, the match ended up being an ugly watch for both those on the court and the spectators.
O Dia
Joel Santana tests Léo Medeiros in Toró's place
Teresópolis - Unable to count on Toró for the match on the 25th at Maracanã against Atlético Paranaense, coach Joel Santana tested midfielder Léo Medeiros in the starting lineup. On Wednesday afternoon, in Teresópolis, the team's training ground for next weekend's match, defender Fábio Luciano did not participate in training due to a cold. However, he is not a problem against Furacão.
In addition to observing Léo Medeiros' performance, the red-black coach also tested Obina and Roger in the places of Léo Medeiros and Jaílton.
It's impossible to stop watching Mengão
Fans face long lines, disregard, and even brutality from the police to get tickets for Sunday's game.
Janir Junior, Leslie Leitão and Martha Esteves
Rio - Early in the morning, the beginning of a nearly impossible mission. Nine hours before exchanging Neston cans for tickets to the Flamengo vs. Atlético-PR game on Sunday, the line begins at ticket booth 5 at the Maracanã stadium, next to the Bellini statue, and wraps around the stadium, reaching the ramp to the UERJ stadium. The line is 20 strong, according to Military Police estimates. Most return home frustrated, after three days of suffering, anger, and pepper spray.
While dreaming of the day when the queue will be respected, some spend another night playing cards and dominoes. Two pick-up games are formed. Those who can't sleep—at gate 17, it's difficult, after all, the loud funk music in a fan's car prevents any attempt—make new friends. There are endless discussions about soccer. When the controversy isn't Joel Santana's starting lineup, it's the study of the schedule from the last two rounds of the Brazilian Championship: "We have to qualify in third place, because being runner-up is a Vasco fan thing," says one fan.
At 52, Ary Jorge Barros lived through the entire Zico Era. But he's never seen anything like it: "This madness has become so because they messed with our egos. Flamengo fans always want to outdo themselves. So now they've decided to form a three-day queue," he opines.
A light rain arrives to worry the crowd. It's 3:20 a.m., and a fan runs for an umbrella: "Now, I want to see who the real Flamengo fans are," he shouts.
It didn't take long for him to realize that everyone there was a true Flamengo fan. No one budged. From one end of the line to the other, hope persisted. Until 6 a.m., when the Military Police finally arrived. Throughout the night, the fans hadn't received a single officer's support. Now, despair began. At the front of the line, where 300 tickets had been distributed, over a thousand people were already crammed together. A police officer fired two shots into the air, but to no avail. Then, pepper spray and baton strikes began: "Are you hurt? Get out of line and go to the hospital!" a soldier yelled at the fan, who was clutching his head after the blow.
SALE IN TWO HOURS
With the arrival of the commander of the Special Stadium Policing Group (Gepe), Major Marcelo Pessoa, at 8:30 am the exchange of Neston cans for tickets begins: “We came to ease the confusion created by Flamengo and Nestlé”, he attacks.
But the scalpers' actions and the lower supply than demand (only 11 tickets available) mean the tickets are gone in two hours. "Arerê, Eurico gave money to Nestlé," chanted some fans, enacting a violent protest, throwing Nestlé into the air and throwing cans into the ticket booths. "I'm not going to hit the fans, who need to be treated with kindness. They're not to blame for this situation," explains Major Marcelo.
In Niterói, password was not respected
Nineteen-year-old student Fernanda Fernandes thought she'd hit the jackpot when she received the 19 number, distributed on Tuesday night in the massive line at Caio Martins. She was theoretically the last person to exchange four cans of Neston for tickets. After 800 hours in line, Fernanda—and about 14 other fans—were left without tickets and protested by cursing and throwing cans in the streets of Niterói.
Otávio Augusto, who had ticket number 689, was the last to secure his tickets. He celebrated his achievement by kneeling. Behind him, Maurício Oliveira, with ticket number 695—proof that the numbers didn't match—wasn't as lucky. He arrived at 21 p.m. on Tuesday and was dissatisfied with the lack of organization on the part of the company promoting the campaign.
"We were cruelly humiliated. No one from Nestlé came to explain or apologize to us. I'm going to keep my receipt and call some people who were also victims of this scam so we can file a lawsuit with the Public Prosecutor's Office against this despicable multinational," he threatened, with the support of friends.
As soon as the end of the exchanges was announced, hundreds of fans began shouting profanities against Nestlé and singing the Victory Theme and the club anthem. André Oliveira, 27, promised to donate his Nestlé cans to a daycare center in the Jardim Catarina community in São Gonçalo. More than 300 ticketless fans promised to go to Maracanã on Sunday to make more noise against the company.
TESTIMONY: “YOU ARE THE ONES WHO SHOULD KILL YOURSELVES!”
Why do people have to suffer so much to support the team? This question lingered in my mind during the 12 hours and 45 minutes I spent in the mile-long line at Gávea Stadium. My journalistic mission was to endure the ordeal as a simple fan. At 23 p.m., a few minutes after joining the line, I noticed that only one police car, with two men, was providing security. When I asked if a tragedy might occur, one of the officers responded: "You guys should kill yourselves!"
No one there wanted to kill each other, but rather to join hands and show solidarity toward a common goal. Fans rebuked queue jumpers; in the absence of more police until dawn, members of the Torcida Jovem (Young Fans' Club) improvised a cordon; a simple barbecue was shared among everyone; cards were played among new acquaintances; bottled water was passed around; breakfast was shared, and even the cardboard vendor decided to lower the price from 50 cents to 10 cents so everyone could have a mattress. There was also the illegal sharing of joints.
Around 3:5 a.m., the beginnings of a fight were contained through conversation. The line already reached Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. At 50:XNUMX a.m., umbrellas were shared to escape light drizzle and eggs and ice cubes thrown from building windows.
It seems contradictory, but the atmosphere grew tense when the Military Police Riot Squad arrived. At 9 a.m., the ticket office opened. The line moved at a very slow pace. On every face, a mix of anxiety and nervousness. At 11:45 a.m., I overcame the crowd and, crammed into a fence, exchanged the cans for tickets. Only 20 other people behind me managed to get in. I overcame the barrier, but I was right on the border between happiness and disappointment like thousands of fans.
Janir Júnior, reporter who faced the queue at Gávea
Sports Gazette
Joel continues testing Toró's replacements\ Gazeta Press\
Teresópolis (RJ) - Under a light rain in Teresópolis, coach Joel Santana held another test at Flamengo this Wednesday, aiming to determine Toró's replacement for this Sunday's match against Atlético-PR at Maracanã. This time, the chosen one was midfielder Léo Medeiros. During the move, Lé was replaced and Obina also got a chance, as did Roger, who replaced Jailton. "I already know more or less who the team will be, but we're testing game situations," commented the coach.
The day before, Joel had tested Argentine Maximiliano Biancucchi, but this time the player trained with the reserves. Despite being left out on Wednesday, Maxi avoided arguing with the coach and said he would respect Joel's decision.
Defender Fábio Luciano, who has the flu, was spared from training this Wednesday, but is not a concern for Sunday's match.
Flamengo denies interest in Ronaldo. Fan dies.\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Off the field, Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, denied that the club is planning to sign striker Ronaldo for 2008, as reported by the Rio de Janeiro press last Tuesday. According to speculation, the Phenomenon would be coming with the help of a sponsor. "This information is not true, as Flamengo was not consulted about this at any time. Please ignore this matter," the Flamengo director asked, trying to put an end to the speculation.
Ronaldo would be a dream for the 2008 Copa Libertadores. In the Campeonato Carioca, another competition that Flamengo will compete in next year, the Rubro-Negro debuts against Boavista on the 20th, at Maracanã, at 16 pm (Brasília time). The team from Gávea is the current state champion.
Death – Germano Soares da Silva, 44, a Flamengo fan attacked by Vasco fans last Friday night, died this Wednesday morning at Souza Aguiar Hospital, where he was hospitalized.
The brawl between Flamengo and Vasco fans took place before a basketball game between the two clubs in the Campeonato Carioca. In downtown Rio de Janeiro, members of organized fan groups clashed and engaged in violent scenes, only to be contained with the arrival of military police.
Refugee with Fla, Íbson minimizes distance from home\ Gazeta Press\
Teresópolis (RJ) - While Flamengo fans are having trouble buying tickets for the team's final game at Maracanã, the squad is enjoying a few days of peace at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis, where they traveled last Tuesday. The Flamengo players, however, promise to redouble their efforts to thank the fans for their efforts. "We regret the fans' problems with tickets, but I hope that we players, together with this wonderful crowd, can play a good game and get the win," commented midfielder Ibson.
The Flamengo midfielder, who has a newborn son, assured that he wasn't upset by the coaching staff's decision to take the group to Teresópolis. "It's important for us to have a little more privacy to train, as we need to focus on achieving a good result. It's good to rest, and we hope that on Sunday we can reap the rewards."
Considered one of the players responsible for Flamengo's progress in the Brazilian Championship, Ibson will have a new teammate in the playmaking department on Sunday against Atlético-PR. With Toró suspended, coach Joel Santana said he will choose from four players (Obina, Maximiliano Biancucchi, Léo Medeiros, and Roger) who will be the new starter for the red-and-black team.
If one of the first two is chosen, Renato Augusto will move back to midfield. "Toró has been helping us a lot and will be missed on Sunday, but I'm sure whoever Joel picks will step onto the field and give their all," Ibson said.
Flamengo ticket confusion continues in Rio\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - On Wednesday morning, Flamengo fans formed long lines at five locations in Rio de Janeiro seeking tickets for Sunday's game against Atlético-PR at the Maracanã Stadium. Due to the crowds, tickets sold out within hours, and trouble broke out at some locations. At the Maracanã Stadium, for example, police fired shots into the air in an attempt to disperse the fans.
At all the locations where tickets could be exchanged for products from a multinational food company, fans protested heavily after the announcement that there were no more tickets for next weekend's game.
In total, the company made 32.730 tickets available. The remaining tickets had already been sold by Flamengo last week. This means more than 82 Flamengo fans will be at Maracanã on Sunday.
PeléNet
Flamengo fans face chaos and sell out tickets
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The last 32.730 tickets for the Flamengo vs. Atlético-PR match, next Sunday at 18:10 p.m. (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship, sold out quickly this Wednesday morning. The tickets were exchanged for a Nestlé food supplement.
Flamengo fans have faced queues and a lack of organization to get tickets since last Monday, when they were wrongly informed that exchanges would begin, which actually only happened this Wednesday.
Before the exchanges began at Maracanã Stadium's ticket office, military police had to fire shots into the air to contain fans fighting for places in the line that had formed since Monday. After the confusion, the number of personnel on site was increased, with five Riot Squad cars, three Military Police cars, and a Fire Department ambulance.
In addition to the stadium, four other locations served fans: the club's headquarters in Gávea; Estácio de Sá University in Barra da Tijuca; Caio Martins Stadium in Niterói; and the Extra supermarket, also in Barra. At this location, only 800 tickets were exchanged for fans who had tickets since Monday.
All tickets exchanged this Wednesday were for the grandstand seats in the green and yellow sections. The other 49.314 tickets (special seats, blue seats, and grandstand seats in the white section) sold out last Friday, after two days of sales.
Flamengo thus sets a new record in the competition with 82.044 paying fans. The previous record, 81.844, was set in the Rubro-Negro's 1-0 match against Santos on November 11th.
Joel must confirm Léo Medeiros in place of Toró at Fla
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The mystery surrounding Toró's replacement at Flamengo for the decisive clash with Atlético Paranaense this Sunday at 18:10 pm (Brasília time) at Maracanã, for the 37th and penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship, seems to have come to an end. During Wednesday's training session at Granja Comary in Teresópolis, coach Joel Santana fielded Léo Medeiros in midfield and is expected to confirm the change in the Gávea team.
During the trial period, the coach replaced Léo and Jaílton with playmaker Roger and forward Obina, respectively. Defender Fábio Luciano, who was suffering from the flu, did not train, being replaced by Rodrigo Arroz. The Flamengo captain, however, is not a problem for the weekend.
With the midfield change (due to Toró's third yellow card in the 1-0 win over Santos), Renato Augusto will be moved up to form an attacking partnership with Souza. Argentine Maxi Biancucchi remains on the bench.
Therefore, the Flamengo team should enter the field with the following formation: Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Léo Medeiros, Cristian and Ibson; Renato Augusto and Souza.
Third-placed, with 58 points, Flamengo is very close to securing qualification for the 2008 Copa Libertadores. If they beat Furacão, the Rio de Janeiro team could already stamp their passport to the continental competition. To do so, Cruzeiro (5th, with 57 points) will have to lose to Sport (in Recife) and Grêmio (7th, with 54), or at most draw with last-place América-RN (Saturday, in Natal).
Fla x América, in the State Championship, will be on Carnival Sunday
Bernardo Coimbra\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The 2008 Rio State Championship table was officially released late Wednesday morning. In addition to the greater number of clubs in the tournament (16), the requirement for games between large and small teams to be played in just three stadiums (Maracanã, São Januário and Engenhão) and the finals of the first round (Taça Guanabara) and second (Taça Rio) to be held in just one match, unlike the two in 2007, another new feature will be present in the competition.
Flamengo and América will face each other on February 3, Carnival Sunday, at 18:10 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the fifth round of Group A. Usually, the festive period round has games concentrated on Saturday, with the following day being a day off for all teams.
"We called Major Marcelo (head of police at the stadiums) and he gave us the suggestion for Sunday and said there wouldn't be any problem," revealed Ferj president Rubens Lopes.
The reigning champion, Flamengo, is in Group A of the State Championship, alongside Fluminense, América, Volta Redonda, Boavista, two teams that were promoted from Serie B (Cardoso Moreira and Macaé), and the fifth-best team from the second division, which will come from a four-way tie between Olaria, Duque de Caxias, Independente de Macaé, and Floresta de Cambuci. Flamengo makes its debut in the competition on January 20th against Boavista at the Maracanã stadium at 16 p.m.
Fla and Flu eliminate Botafogo and Vasco and decide the OPG Tournament
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo and Fluminense qualified for the final of the Octavio Pinto Guimarães Junior Tournament this Wednesday. Flamengo qualified despite losing 1-0 to Botafogo at Gávea Stadium, with a goal by Junior, having won 2-0 last Saturday at Caio Martins Stadium.
Fluminense crushed Vasco 5-0 at Vasco-Barra, with goals from Allan (2), Léo, Diego and Robson. Tricolor also won 2-1 on Saturday at CT de Xerém.
The first leg of the final will be played on Saturday in Gávea at 15 p.m. (Brasília time). Next Wednesday, the second leg will take place at the same time in Xerém.
The OPG Tournament is a traditional event for youth teams in Rio de Janeiro. It was held between 1981 and 85; in 1993 and from 1995 onwards, with the exception of 2002. Flamengo holds the record for most titles, having won in 1983, 84, 85, 93, 2005, and 2006. Fluminense won in 1999.
"Expelled" from home, children in Rio receive a "bonus" from Ferj
Bernardo Coimbra\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Due to a ruling by the broadcaster that holds the broadcast rights, the so-called smaller teams will not be able to face the larger teams on their home turf in the 2008 State Championship. These matches will be held only at Maracanã, Engenhão, and São Januário Stadiums. However, according to the Rio de Janeiro Federation, they will not be significantly affected.
When they have home-field advantage, the smaller teams will receive a share of R$45. If the total revenue exceeds the minimum amount (at the time of division), the money will go 50% to each club, regardless of whether they win the game or not.
"In matches where the big teams have home advantage, the normal situation remains. The winner takes 60%, while the loser receives 40%," warned Ferj president Rubens Lopes.
In this group of "excluded", only Volta Redonda (Raulino de Oliveira) and América (Giulite Coutinho) would have stadiums to host games against Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense or Vasco.
"América considers these matches to be classics. In last year's State Championship, we faced Vasco at Maracanã and won (2-1). But, of course, we would like to use our stadium. However, whoever pays for the banquet decides what dish will be served," said president Reginaldo Mathias, admitting that the club's chaotic financial situation ended up being a determining factor in accepting the television proposal.
"We need the Federation in the Third Phase of Series C (América was eliminated), the last one before the final octagonal. To give you an idea, we spent 25 thousand reais to face Crac-GO, in Catalão, and 22 thousand reais for the game against Ulbra-RS, in Canoas", added the director.
For the 2009 State Championship, the expectation is that Raulino de Oliveira and Giulite Coutinho, in addition to other stadiums, will be used without any problems to face a big team.
"There will be a specification book so they can adapt and not be surprised," warned Rubens Lopes.
In addition to América and Volta Redonda, the 2008 State Championship will feature the following smaller teams: Boavista, Cardoso Moreira, Macaé, Madureira, Resende, Cabofriense, Mesquita, Friburguense, and Americano. Another team, fifth in Rio's Série B, will also appear in this group: Floresta de Cambuci, Olaria, Independente de Macaé, and Duque de Caxias.
Ibson praises the power of Flamengo's fans
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Midfielder Ibson acknowledged the importance of Flamengo's fans, who despite the confusion surrounding ticket exchanges, have been giving their all and have already set a new attendance record for the match against Atlético-PR, on Sunday at 18:10 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the 37th and penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship. A total of 82.044 paying fans will be in attendance.
"It's not just the biggest fan base in Brazil, but in the world. They are playing a fundamental role in our recovery in the Brazilian Championship," he said.
After praising the off-field support, the midfielder acknowledged the opponent's strength. In Ibson's view, Ney Franco's team could be competing for something bigger in the national competition. Atlético-PR is in tenth place with 51 points.
"They (Atlético) could be fighting with us for a place in the Libertadores. That's not happening, but respect needs to exist all the same," he said.
BalloonSport
Flamengo defeats Vasco at Maracanãzinho
The team returns from last Friday's defeat and takes the lead in the men's state championship
Raphael Andriolo From GLOBOESPORTE.COM,
Winger Marcelinho goes to the basket marked by two Vasco athletes
Flamengo defeated Vasco da Gama this Wednesday, 81-80 (37-32 at halftime), in the first match between the two teams since last Friday, when a pre-match clash between fans resulted in the death of 44-year-old Germano Soares da Silva. Furthermore, on the court, fights between players from both teams caused a lot of chaos at the Caio Martins gymnasium in Niterói. The highlight on Wednesday, besides Marcelinho's 37 points and Valtinho's 19 points - the top scorers of the match -, was the absence of organized fans, which, while contributing to the low attendance, also contributed to the calm atmosphere in the gymnasium.
Before the game, a minute of silence was observed in honor of Germano and also of American Tony Harris, a player from Universo, Brasília, who was found dead in Goiás. Some Vasco fans disregarded the tribute and were booed by other fans.
Flamengo dominated the match from the start of the first quarter. With a strong performance from Marcelinho (who scored 15 points in the first quarter), the team from Gávea finished the period leading 23-20. The score could have been higher had Flamengo center Coloneze not missed four of his six free throws. In the second quarter, Flamengo's performance declined, but this decline didn't threaten their lead. Vasco even attempted a comeback after a beautiful dunk by Estevam. With the score at 31-22, Vasco took control of the match and closed the deficit to just five points. The first half score was 37-32 for Flamengo.
In the second half, Flamengo maintained its dominance, winning the period 26-22 and once again opening up a nine-point lead. In the fourth quarter, a three-pointer by Vasco, scored by Rossi, caused a bit of confusion, as the scoreboard incorrectly counted the three points for Flamengo. After much protest from Vasco's players, the score was corrected. Despite the Flamengo players' request for a technical foul on the Vasco players, the referee decided to continue the match without penalizing the Vasco players.
With 2:50 remaining in the game, Vasco's Márcio Cipriano committed a foul and complained, throwing the ball hard on the ground. The referee called a technical foul, and since Cipriano persisted in complaining, he was eliminated from the game. Soon after, Marcelinho committed an attacking foul, and since it was his fifth, he was also forced out of the game. With 31 seconds remaining, a minor disagreement between Estevam and Amiel resulted in a technical foul each, and both were eliminated with five fouls.
The match, which seemed decided for Flamengo, took a dramatic turn when, with 1,6 seconds remaining in regulation, and the score 81-79 for the team from Gávea, the referee called a foul on Vasco's experienced point guard Valtinho. The player made the first free throw but missed the second. On the rebound, Flamengo cleared the ball from their own paint, securing the victory and celebrating wildly at midcourt.
Other matches of the round
In the other matches of the round, Liga Macaense beat Club Municipal 96-64 and, in Laranjeiras, Fluminense beat Volta Redonda 105-65. The top scorer of the match was tricolor winger Soró, with 27 points.
Joel Santana: 'I already know who the team will be'
But Flamengo's coach says he won't disclose it to keep players alert.
Eduardo Peixoto
Joel Santana already knows who he will line up for the next red-black match
Maxi put in a lot of effort during Wednesday's training session in Teresópolis. He ran, dribbled, hit the crossbar, and received loud praise from Joel Santana. Even so, the Argentine never left Flamengo's reserve team.
Suspended, Toró was replaced by Leo Medeiros. In the final part of the session, Roger and Obina came on for Jaílton and Leo Medeiros, respectively. However, Joel is unlikely to use this formation at the start of the match against Atlético-PR on Sunday.
The red-and-black coach usually tests possible changes to his formation during matches during the second half of training sessions. On Wednesday, the goals only came late. Obina and Souza (a stunning goal) secured a 2-0 victory for the starters.
"I already know the team, but I'm still testing, and the testing didn't start today (Wednesday) but last week. This way, the players stay alert and alert for potential opportunities. Every player wants to be a starter, but it's good to keep the mystery. Who sits on the bench is just as important as who starts. Confirmation will only come closer to the game."
Flamengo should enter the field on Sunday with: Bruno; Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Leo Medeiros, Cristian and Ibson; Renato Augusto and Souza.
Jaílton regains confidence without Ney
Player says he felt when former coach left Flamengo
Eduardo Peixoto
Jaílton did not lose heart with the departure of coach Ney Franco
Jaílton arrived at Flamengo earlier this year on a recommendation from Ney Franco. Just as the coach was giving him opportunities at Gávea, he was fired.
As soon as Joel Santana took over, the midfielder's name was put on several Rio de Janeiro press release lists. But little by little, he regained his prestige and became an important part of the team's strategy, functioning as a sort of third center-back.
With a contract until the end of 2009, Jaílton answered three questions from GLOBOESPORTE.COM in Teresópolis.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM: On Sunday, you'll face Ney Franco, the man responsible for your signing. What will the rematch be like?
Jaílton: I'm calm. It's good to see someone so important to me again, someone who brought me from Ipatinga to here. He's a human being like no other. But now we're on different sides.
Faced with so much admiration, how did you feel when Ney was fired?
A bit discouraged. They started saying it would be the end of the "cheese bread republic," referring to all the players who came from Minas Gerais. But I'm not even from Minas Gerais! (Jaílton is from Sergipe) I found it a bit annoying, but I wasn't discouraged.
When they talk about Flamengo's performance in the Brazilian Championship, they mention Ibson, Leonardo Moura, and Cristian, but they rarely mention Jaílton. What's it like playing this "invisible" role of protecting the defense?
The important thing is that the whole group here knows my importance. I try to be disciplined and obey Joel's instructions. I don't show off so much to the fans, but I play my role.
OPG Cup has Fla-Flu in the final
Tricolor das Laranjeiras thrashes Vasco and takes on Rubro-Negro, who eliminated Botafogo
With a convincing performance, Fluminense is in the final of the Octávio Pinto Guimarães Junior Football Tournament. Tricolor defeated Vasco 5-0 this Wednesday at Vasco-Barra Stadium and will face Flamengo, who eliminated Botafogo, in the final. In the first match, Fluminense had already defeated the team from São Januário 2-1.
The goals in the derby were scored by Léo Itaperuna, Alan (twice), Diego Evangelista, and Róbson. Even though he didn't make his mark, the star of the match was Tartá. The player, who shone for the professional team against Figueirense in this year's Brazilian Championship, provided two assists and tormented the Vasco defense.
The home defeat angered Vasco fans. A fight broke out between a fan and Bruno Gallo's family and friends, who were outraged by the insults the Vasco player was receiving.
It was up to Paulo Angioni, football superintendent, Nilson Gonçalves, football supervisor, and Alvaro Miranda, son of interim president Eurico Miranda and coach of the youth B team, to calm things down.
The first match of the final between Fluminense and Flamengo will be played on Saturday, in Gávea and the second, on the 28th, in Xerém.
Ney remembers his time at Flamengo
Coach says he had a good time in Rio, but now he wants to defeat the Rio team
Ney Franco, when he was still coaching Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro
After a year and two months, coach Ney Franco left Flamengo to make way for Joel Santana, who arrived with the mission of lifting the team out of the relegation zone to Série B, having played three games in hand due to the Pan American Games. Despite this, the current Atlético-PR coach made no secret of his involvement in Flamengo's impressive run in this Brasileirão.
"Joel is doing a wonderful job, but there's definitely some of our work still there. I had a great time with my coaching staff there and participated in putting together this group. Some important players like Fábio Luciano and Ibson arrived, and that helped the Flamengo group even more," he says.
Ney Franco believes in a victory in a packed Maracanã.
"Regardless of the venue, we're going in with the goal of winning. Facing Flamengo is always difficult, but we have everything we need to put in a good performance and secure our place in the South American Cup, which is crucial for our team," he concluded.
Toró: purple nail to become a favorite
The red-and-black fans regret the absence of the spirited supporter against Atlético-PR
Eduardo Peixoto
Because of his charisma, Obina is the number one favorite among Flamengo fans. But there are strong competitors in the squad, as Toró can attest.
The player has been at Gávea since early 2006. For most of that time, he alternated between the bench and complete obscurity. The exception was his participation in the two final matches of last year's Copa do Brasil.
But this year, the former Tricolor player began to gain favor. Not because of goals or precise passes. Toró wins over fans daily because of an ingredient that the red-and-blacks idolize: grit.
"That's Flamengo. You have to take a beating, run, sweat, bleed. Anything goes to help the team."\ Toró, the new favorite of Flamengo\ In the last match, against Santos, he was named man of the match because of his precise tackles and excessive determination (check out his spirit in the video above). The excitement was so great that he received his third yellow card and is out of the match against Atlético-PR on Sunday.\
Toró and the purple nail: everything for Flamengo
"We make fun of Toró all the time. We say he's excitable, reckless, and loves to beat people up. But it's just a joke. He'll be sorely missed in the next game," says Ibson.
Total dedication takes its toll physically at the end of each game. The toenail on his right foot, for example, is purple and ready to fall off. His shins and thighs also feel sore. But the blows are worth it.
"That's Flamengo. You have to take a beating, run, sweat, bleed. Anything goes to help the team," says the new Flamengo darling.
Tickets for Fla x Atlético-PR are sold out
Caio Martins, in Niterói, was the only place where tickets for the game were still on sale.
Fred Huber
Fans squeeze in to get their tickets in the kilometer-long line at Maracanã
Around 13 p.m., with the closing of the exchange at Caio Martins Stadium, tickets for Flamengo vs. Atlético-PR in the Brazilian Championship sold out. On Wednesday, Maracanã was the first place to sell out, followed by Gávea. Sales at Kappa stores and Extra supermarkets, both in Barra da Tijuca, also ended.
At Botafogo's stadium in Niterói, the red-and-black fans' revolt was also huge, but the Military Police managed to control the crowd.
Formula Superleague announces calendar
The inaugural season will have six races in the second half of the year, all in European countries.
Formula Superleague announces calendar
Formula Superleague, a category that combines motorsports and soccer, has announced its calendar for its inaugural season. There will be six races on European circuits, all in the second half of 2008. The first will be at the traditional Donington Park track in England on August 31.
In addition to the English circuit, Zolder (Belgium), Estoril (Portugal), and Jerez (Spain) are confirmed. The Italian race is also confirmed, but the circuit where it will be held needs confirmation from the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
The calendar will be approved at the FIA World Motorsport Council meeting on December 6th. The Spanish Automobile Federation has already given its approval for the start of the new category. Nine of the 20 clubs have already confirmed their participation: Flamengo (Brazil), Milan (Italy), PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands), Porto (Portugal), Olympiacos (Greece), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Anderlecht (Belgium), Basel (Switzerland) and Galatasaray (Turkey).
Check out the calendar for the 2008 Formula Superleague season:\ August 31 - Donington Park, England\ September 21 - Nürburgring, Germany\ October 5 - Zolder, Belgium\ October 19 - Italy (to be confirmed)\ November 2 - Estoril, Portugal\ November 23 - Jerez de la Frontera, Spain\
Throw
Rubro-Negro will hold a peace act in downtown Rio
The demonstration will take place at Largo da Carioca this Thursday. The aim is to promote Red-Black Pride Day.
Movement wants the Nation to decorate the country in red and black next Sunday (Credit: Paulo Wrencher)
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
To promote Flamengo Pride Day—which will be celebrated on the day of the match between Flamengo and Atlético Paranaense—several artists supporting the Gávea club will participate in a demonstration at Largo da Carioca this Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 13 p.m. According to Marcello Tijolo, one of the event organizers, in addition to spreading the "red-and-black wave" and demanding Flamengo's fifth title, the demonstration aims to call for peace:
"Let's bring these artists together to ask the press and fans that every Flamengo fan put up a Flamengo flag on the 25th, in addition to wearing their jersey. The call for recognition of the fifth title is also part of it, but one of our main goals is to preach peace. If we talk about violence, it just keeps coming up. We want peace," says Tijolo, excited about the celebration.
Tijolo, who, alongside Evandro Bocão, organizes the movement, recalled a call for peace made in 1999.
"In 1999, we worked with Rede Globo on a project in which we asked that, for the 99 State Championship final, Flamengo and Vasco would walk together onto the Maracanã pitch. The week of the game, Flamengo and Vasco artists called for peace. I convinced the president—Edmundo Santos Silva, at the time—and he reached an agreement with Eurico. On the day of the game, Vasco didn't honor the contract, but the fact that the artists called for peace was worth it. It was the most peaceful game that year," he boasts.
Check out some of the artists who confirmed their presence at the event:\ Sandra de Sá\ Bateria do Salgueiro (Mestre Marcão)\ Anderson do Molejo\ Xande do Revelação\ Latino\ Mc Frank\ Mc Sapão\ Mc Ticão\ Andréia Gasparetti\ Tinga (Vila Isabel performer)\ "Taça do Penta"\ Charanga do Jaime\ Other attractions\
Fla x Atlético-PR: tickets sold out
At Maracanã, red-and-black fans protest against Nestlé
Fans struggled to secure their tickets (Credit: Cléber Mendes)
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
After much confusion, the suffering is over. According to information from Major Marcelo of the Military Police, tickets for the Flamengo vs. Atlético-PR match, which will be held this Sunday at Maracanã, are sold out at all ticket exchange offices.
Angry fans are still protesting at Maracanã Stadium. Chanting "Tickets, tickets!" and insulting Nestlé, the company behind the "Fans are good for you" promotion, the red-and-black fans are still gathered in front of Mário Filho Stadium.
Violence and revolt mark ticket exchange
Fans get beaten up while exchanging tickets at the Kappa Store
Hanrrikson de Andrade RIO DE JANEIRO
The Nestlé "Torcer Faz Bem" ticket exchange saga saw another violent episode this Tuesday. After chaos at the Maracanã and Extra Supermarket ticket exchange booths in Tijuca, approximately six thousand fans formed an endless line on Wednesday at the Kappa Store, located at Estácio de Sá University in Barra da Tijuca.
Many of them arrived the afternoon before, and despite the precarious conditions of their accommodations, they did everything they could to make the early morning less stressful. This was the case with 50-year-old housewife Sheila Corrêa, who, in the name of her passion for Flamengo, brought almost her entire family. The fan, who arrived in line around 5:30 a.m., showed visible signs of fatigue, but never lost hope of securing her ticket.
"I'm a Flamengo fan above all else and I hope to attend the game. The effort will be worth it, especially if Mengão wins," he said.
However, she believes that the rampant action of ticket scalpers is causing great harm to the promotion and, consequently, fan outrage. She reveals that ticket scalpers were operating freely at the Sendas Supermarket in Méier.
"A scalper inside the supermarket offered me a ticket for the blue seats for R$30. I was there from 5:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and couldn't exchange the can of Neston for the ticket," he said.
The red-blacks prepared for a real camp: mattresses, beach chairs, tents, etc. So much demand made the fans themselves start