The Globe
Rubro-negro is the fastest growing team in the Brazilian league
The club's chance of reaching the Libertadores is 24%. Corinthians has a 68% chance of being relegated.
Although Joel Santana remains cautious, no club has seen its chances of reaching the Libertadores Cup increase as much as Flamengo. According to mathematician Tristão Garcia, Flamengo's chances are currently at 24%.
According to Tristão, Flamengo fans should be aware of four rivals: Santos, Palmeiras, Grêmio, and Cruzeiro, who are battling Flamengo for three spots. In the final stretch, Flamengo's chances have soared. Tristão sees Flamengo as the team most likely to advance. He points out that, in addition to traveling to play relegated América-RN, they will have three home games.
São Paulo could be champions this weekend
According to Tristão, Flamengo depends on itself. The club will also face Cruzeiro and Santos, two direct rivals:
- With 64 points, the spot is guaranteed. With 63, the probability is high.
The mathematician says São Paulo has a 2% chance of winning the championship in the next round, the 33rd—all it needs is a win if Palmeiras, Cruzeiro, and Santos don't win. In the following round, the chance rises to 53%. There's an 82% chance of São Paulo winning the title by the 35th round.
- In other words, there is an 82% chance that São Paulo will break the record and win the title with three games remaining - says Tristão.
Cruzeiro, in 2003, and São Paulo, in 2006, won the title with two rounds to go.
Regarding relegation, Tristão points out that, besides América-RN, already relegated, and Juventude and Paraná, with very high chances of relegation, Corinthians is the only other team with more than a 50% chance of relegation (68%). Goiás, the closest club to the São Paulo team, has only a 17% chance of relegation. For Tristão, the 32nd round was disastrous for Corinthians.
- To make matters worse, the team plays against Goiás, in four rounds, away from home.
For Tristão, only 49 points will prevent relegation. With 48, it's possible to escape, although it will be more difficult for Corinthians, which has few wins and many draws in the Brazilian Championship. He believes the team needs to win two of its next three games.
- Then, I would make a decision with Goiás - says Tristão.
He says there's a 77% chance a major club will be relegated. He includes Corinthians, Vasco, Internacional, and Atlético-MG. The latter three aren't at immediate risk, but they should be cautious. According to him, a potential reaction from Corinthians could also affect Sport. (CEM)
Together, Fla and Joel Santana rediscover pleasure and victories
Coach helps team grow again. In return, he gets motivated and stops stopping.
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
In 2005, Flamengo, facing an 80% chance of relegation, called Joel Santana. Few believed in the team. Few believed in Joel, then fresh from Brasiliense. In nine rounds, Flamengo remained unbeaten, remained in the First Division, and Joel, having gained a lot of recognition, moved to Japan.
In 2007, once again in the relegation zone, Flamengo, then second-to-last, called Joel. He had just completed a short stint at Fluminense, was labeled as outdated, and, disillusioned, considered quitting. Joel, once again, did well for Flamengo, now a contender for a Libertadores spot. Flamengo, once again, did well for Joel. Today, he says he feels reinvigorated.
To win at Flamengo, the coach says there's no recipe. He only knows one fundamental requirement.
"You have to understand and value the fans. They're a club's greatest asset, especially at Flamengo. And doing what they did isn't easy. Buying the hype with the team back is rare," says Joel, who also recommends simplicity. "My day starts when the guy who opens the door says good morning and smiles. Seeing Andrade, Adílio, the fitness team, Babão (wardrobe attendant), all the staff and not talking is a mistake. Flamengo is different; it's a huge universe of things involved. You have to respect it."
Hurt, Joel thought about becoming a supervisor.
In fact, in the last four seasons, Joel's two stints at Flamengo were his best performances. In 2005, he earned 78% of the points with a team doomed to relegation. Now, in 20 games, he's earned 62%, a performance second only to São Paulo.
Those who work at Flamengo saw a different Joel arrive in 2007, more reserved and serious in the early days. Soon, the familiar Joel returned. At Gávea, he rediscovered the joy he'd lost at Fluminense.
"A guy can't let you work for only 50 days, with the squad and coaching staff being assembled, and then fire you. I've been playing soccer for 20 years. I was disgruntled, and I thought about quitting, taking a break, and doing something else. I thought about becoming a supervisor," says Joel.
Flamengo gave Joel more things. He gained back some freedom.
"Flamengo fans are everywhere. Now you can go to the movies, dine out. People are happy to talk to you, they smile. I experience what the people experience. Before, it was just teasing," says the coach, adding that only sleep isn't the same. "The responsibility has grown. There are 80 people every game wanting us to win."
By always including the fans in his Flamengo analysis, Joel shows he knows the club. But his caution doesn't waver, not even after the victory over Grêmio, which put the team in sixth place. When talking about the Libertadores, about plans, about 2008, Joel backtracks:
- It's still early. Let's wait. It's beautiful, yes. But we want more.
Joel says he enjoys watching Flamengo's match tapes, especially the players' dedication. The players, meanwhile, praised their coach after the victory over Grêmio. Ibson commented that Joel "doesn't have favorites" in the group. Souza said he owes his progress to his more focused and family-oriented approach (his son, Lucas, is five months old), as well as Joel's arrival.
"As soon as he arrived, he asked me if I'd forgotten how to play soccer. But he told me to stay calm and good things would happen," says Souza, who harbors a dream when asked about the Brazilian national team. "In 2007, I want to be Flamengo's top scorer. In 2008, who knows?"
STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
In the Men's State Basketball Championship, Flamengo defeated Liga Macaense 97-78 last night at the Gávea gymnasium. Marcelinho was the top scorer with 25 points. Undefeated, the red-and-blacks have five wins in as many matches. Flamengo's next match will be against Vasco da Gama on Sunday.
Ancelmo Gois
Rio scene
Believe it. Sunday, at Bar do Peixe, in Nova Iguaçu, RJ, when Obina was getting the ball against Grêmio, a local drunk, a Flamengo fan, shouted in front of the TV:
- Aaaaaaa... Obina is more handsome than Kakaaaaaaa!
Sports Journal
Hopscotch at Ibson, Dunga!
Great performances in the red and black shirt qualify Ibson for a spot in the Brazilian National Team
Nathan de Lima, Pedro Ivo Almeida and Thiago Bokel
After his return to Gávea, Ibson became Flamengo's main player in this Brazilian Championship and his name is already being considered for a possible call-up to the Brazilian National Team.
Flamengo's incredible comeback in this Brazilian Championship, where they reached second-to-last place and now have a real chance of competing for a spot in next year's Copa Libertadores, is driven by two key figures. While the responsibility falls on coach Joel Santana off the field, one player in particular is considered the heart of the team: Ibson.
Since returning to the Rubro-Negro, the midfielder, who is about to turn 24, has become one of the team's leaders and has shown, in addition to his usual willingness, a keen eye for goal in crucial moments. This was the case in the matches against São Paulo, the derby winners of the Brazilian Championship, Grêmio, their direct rival in the Libertadores Cup, and in the derby against Vasco. In all these matches, Ibson scored the goals that sealed the victory, even though this wasn't his main responsibility on the field. Along with Juan and Leonardo Moura, he is already the team's top scorer in the Brazilian Championship, with five goals.
After winning the hearts of the red-black fans, the goal now, as he himself told JORNAL DOS SPORTS, is to be called up to wear the Brazilian National Team shirt.
"I believe in this dream. I'm young, I'm working hard for it, and I hope that, with the visibility Flamengo has, I can achieve this goal. The national team has very high-quality players, it's difficult to get there, but I think I can have this chance," said Ibson, who was cited by the coach, along with the full-backs Fábio Luciano, Toró, and Souza, as the backbone of the tactical scheme.
Cry
Whether these strong performances in decisive moments will lead him to the national team, only time will tell, but they sparked euphoria among fans at seeing a player wearing the yellow jersey again. The last was Jônatas, last year. Even knowing that coach Dunga rarely calls up players who play in Brazilian football, it has become unanimous in the stands that the midfielder would have a spot among the 22-man squad for the next two qualifying matches, against Peru and Uruguay.
Léo Moura turns 29
As if Flamengo's excellent run of form weren't enough, having won three consecutive matches, a feat never achieved before in this Brazilian Championship, today will be a day of celebration at Gávea. One of the team's key players, right-back Leonardo Moura (pictured), turns 29, two of which have been spent in the red-and-black jersey. Since his debut on June 12, 2005, in a 4-2 defeat to Corinthians at Wilson de Barros Stadium in Mogi Mirim, he has played in 133 matches and scored nine goals.
In that game, the red-and-black squad was quite different from the current one. The coach was Celso Roth, and Fabiano Oliveira and Jean scored for Flamengo. Due to a Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) penalty against the São Paulo team, the match was played behind closed doors. Léo Moura didn't make a strong debut, missing the first goal and leaving in the second half to be replaced by fellow debutant Renato Augusto.
One of the biggest idols of the red-black fans, Léo Moura has already won three titles with the most popular club in Brazil: champion of last year's Copa do Brasil, the Taça Guanabara and the 2007 Campeonato Carioca. The full-back, in fact, scored the winning goal, converting the decisive penalty in the second leg of the final, against Botafogo.
FIFA — Flamengo's comeback in this Brazilian Championship is even attracting attention on FIFA's website, the world's governing body. In a report on the final round of the competition, the governing body highlighted that Flamengo moved even closer to the Copa Libertadores zone and achieved a record attendance of the competition, with nearly 74 fans at the Maracanã stadium for the match in which they defeated Grêmio 2-0.
Artilheiro Souza enjoys his great moment
Suelen and Lucas are the sources of inspiration for striker Souza
Scorer of the opening goal against Grêmio last Sunday and Flamengo's current top scorer this season with 13 goals, striker Souza spent his day off yesterday at Parque dos Patins in Lagoa, accompanied by his five-month-old son Lucas and his wife Suelen. The Flamengo striker was thrilled to break his goal drought, which had been bothering him, and also spoke about his dream of playing for the national team.
"I hadn't scored in 39 days. Of course, there was a desire to score, but I remained calm, because I had the support of the players and especially coach Joel," said the striker, who took advantage of the moment to ask for a place in coach Dunga's national team:
"If I play well here, I bet I could have a chance with the Brazil jersey. Love is a great player, but I haven't been following his performance. I've never seen Afonso play, but he doesn't impress me."
With good performances in recent games, Souza has been coach Joel Santana's main attacking weapon and credited his improvement to the coach's 5-5 formation.
"Joel's arrival has given the whole team a new lease on life. I've changed positions and started to dedicate myself more to training, and I'm enjoying my time with my family. All of this helps my performance on the field," he added.
Fans help Fla in the Maracanã bidding
Flamengo fans continue to do everything they can to help. Besides packing out the Maracanã stadium, they now want to demonstrate their strength by trying to persuade Governor Sérgio Cabral Filho to facilitate the stadium bidding process for the country's most popular club.
To soften the governor's heart, fans will sign a petition at gates 16 and 18 of the stadium before the match against Corinthians.
In addition to the new chants, Flamengo fans will have another attraction to liven up the beautiful celebration they've been throwing at the stadium. Against Atlético-PR, a new banner is set to debut.
Fla has the highest average attendance in Brasileiros since 1992
In the match against Grêmio, this Sunday, Flamengo reached an average attendance of 32.455 paying spectators per game in this Brazilian Championship, according to the Rubro-Negro's official website.
Since 1999, the year in which Atlético-MG managed an average of 31.832 fans per game, no club has managed to surpass the 30 average mark.
In 1992, when Fla won the Brazilian title, the club had an average of 42.195 fans per game.
Now let Vasco come!
Flamengo crushes Macaé and now faces its biggest rival in the State Championship
Rafael Oliveira
Point guard Hélio had a good performance and scored six points in the match
Flamengo won again in the State Basketball Championship. This time, the victim was Macaé, defeated 97-78 (50-43). The game's top scorer was again forward Marcelinho Machado, with 25 points. Giannechini, with 19, was the top scorer for the team from the North Fluminense region.
With yesterday's victory, Flamengo maintained its lead in the competition, boasting a 100% record, and now has five days to prepare for Sunday's derby against Vasco, whose venue has yet to be determined. The Rubro-Negro's strong performance has left coach Paulo Chupeta confident about the challenge.
Classic\ "It's the most anticipated game of this championship. I'm very calm because we'll have almost a week to train. Furthermore, I believe we'll have an advantage over Vasco because we have a bigger bench than them," said the coach, who credited yesterday's result precisely to the number of athletes that make up the red-black squad.\
"Unlike last season, I have a very large number of talented players. And this is one of the secrets to our success. Every day we have a standout. In last week's game, for example, Hélio finished the game. Today, it was Amiel."
Flamengo's victory was based precisely on this aspect. Early on, Marcelinho stood out, hitting several shots. When the Macaé natives managed to mark the red-and-black winger, it was Alírio's turn to shine on the court. And in the second quarter, Amiel joined the group of game-changing characters. The Cuban is increasingly in the fans' favor.
Team\ Macaé still tried to keep up, playing on equal terms until halftime. But after returning from the locker room, fatigue caught up with the players, who saw their rivals pull away on the scoreboard.\
"Flamengo knew how to take advantage of their strength in the squad. Players came and went, but the quality of their team didn't drop," said Macaense winger Giannechini.
FLAMENGO: Duda(15), Marcelinho(25), Fernando Mineiro(6), Alírio(14) and Coloneze(10). Entered: Hélio(6), Wágner(4), Maicon(4), Marcellus and Amiel(13).\ Coach: Paulo Chupeta.\
MACAÉ: Leandro(13), Ed (12), Casé(7), Kaçamba and Costa(9). Entered: Marcelão(9), Giannechini(19), Barone, Gonzales(7) and Soares(2).\ Coach: Enio Ângelo Vecchio.\
Sergio Du Bocage
Mass helps
Red is the color of the moment. Combined with yellow, it won Formula 1. Combined with black, it inspires a nation's dreams in soccer. In both sports, both Massa and I have decisive influence. And in both cases, the improbable contradicts the experts and supposed experts on the subject.
Who would have bet on Kimi Raikkonen? Lewis Hamilton had a 12-point lead, just like São Paulo. In the last race, he had a seven-point lead over the Finn. And he lost. Fernando Alonso would have won, but Massa did his job and handed the trophy to a driver who doesn't even know how to celebrate.
In soccer, things are changing. São Paulo doesn't seem likely to stumble and even increases its lead. But the fans have been present, and there's no shortage of celebrations. Flamengo, far from being as solid as Raikkonen, is rising, driven by its fans, to sixth place in the standings and dreaming of the Libertadores. What was once impossible has become improbable, and now it's achievable.
Let's go back in time: in 1992, after a reluctant start, with a team of young players trained at home, Flamengo reached the semifinals of that Brazilian Championship. In the final round, they needed to beat Santos at Maracanã and hope that Vasco, who had yet to win at that stage, would defeat São Paulo, then leader and favorite. Vasco was going to help Flamengo! Impossible! But that's what happened: Flamengo 3-1 Santos and Vasco 3-0 São Paulo. Flamengo went on to the final against Botafogo. And the improbable happened: they became Brazilian champions for the fifth time.
Why can't we dream again? It's difficult, very difficult. But who has a fan base like Flamengo's? Who has a fan who wears their club's jersey, win or lose? Which club can break consecutive attendance records in this championship?
Fans don't win games, they don't get on the field. But they play, wearing the number 12 jersey, deservedly immortalized at Flamengo. The players' desire to deliver is palpable. The team wore the jersey. If they don't falter like the English, nor are arrogant like the Spanish, they will have the support of the fans to finish the year as if they were champions again.
O Dia
Souza: Dream is hopscotch
Flamengo striker reveals he hopes to be called up to Dunga's national team, says Afonso doesn't impress him, praises Vágner Lover and suggests calling up Ronaldo Fenômeno
Marluci Martins
Rio - Striker Afonso may even catch the eye of Brazil's national team coach, Dunga, but Souza isn't impressed. Flamengo's top scorer in the 2007 season, with 13 goals—tied with Renato—the Flamengo player still dreams of replacing the much-contested Heerenveen player.
"Afonso doesn't impress me, no. I don't know why... I've never seen him play. Vágner Love, on the other hand, didn't play here for long, but he's a good striker. With good performances for Flamengo, I think I could have a chance with the national team," he said, flashing the smile of a dreamy optimist.
Despite being included in the race for the Brazilian national team's number 9 shirt, Souza still believes that spot will soon have a former owner: "If I were Dunga, I'd call up Ronaldo Fenômeno. I think it's still him."
His goal in the 2-0 victory over Grêmio broke a 39-day goal drought. It was a relief for Souza, who arrived at Flamengo thanks to a résumé that included being the top scorer in last year's Brasileirão, when he scored 17 goals for Goiás.
"I hope I've broken through now. But the important thing is that, even without scoring, I was creating spaces for my teammates," the player recalled.
While Souza hasn't yet repeated his past actions at Flamengo, he also hasn't repeated the provocations he made toward Vasco when he first stepped foot in Gávea. This time, he's on top, and Vasco, the club that launched him and against which he harbors resentment, is falling down the table. But Souza has stopped kicking a dead horse.
"I'm neither sad nor happy about this situation. I'm only worried about Flamengo. They have to resolve their situation, and we have to resolve ours. I've already said what I needed to say about Vasco. Now, I don't need to do that anymore. Let's play football," he emphasized.
From Vasco, Souza maintains the affection he already felt for Joel Santana back then. And today, he considers him the main reason Flamengo is in sixth place in the Brasileirão, so close to qualifying for the Copa Libertadores.
"Joel's arrival was crucial for us. He gave the group a boost and motivated me. When he arrived, he pulled me aside and asked if I'd forgotten how to play soccer. He knew me from my time at Vasco and urged me to work hard," Souza recalled.
In addition to Joel's encouragement, the striker assured that the birth of his son Lucas, now 5 months old, has improved his outlook. "I'm closer to my family, and my focus now is solely on football. I've put my problems aside," he said.
IN THE SACRIFICE
Defender Fábio Luciano revealed yesterday that he had to endure a difficult time playing against Grêmio on Sunday. During Saturday's training session, he was injured and advised to rest, but he ignored the club's doctors: "I felt pain in my right thigh, and the doctors thought it best to rule me out. But right now, it's worth the sacrifice."
Fábio Luciano: "Now, Flamengo really dreams of the Libertadores"
Rio - The 2-0 victory over Grêmio last Sunday has once again raised the hopes of Flamengo fans for securing one of the four spots in the 2008 Copa Libertadores. In addition to celebrating the fact that the team managed to stave off the specter of relegation before the final rounds of the Brazilian Championship, defender Fábio Luciano emphasizes that from now on it is time to really think about qualifying for the South American competition.
"Right now, the fight is different. We fought hard to avoid relegation, but now we're mathematically free. We have six more games and we dream of a place in the Libertadores. It's difficult, but we'll fight, at least to scare the other teams," said the defender, who took the opportunity to praise Flamengo's fans.
"I played for Corinthians, a great team. They have two passionate fan bases, and it's obvious that Flamengo's fans support us at any time. Many of the players arrived when the team was in 19th place. At Corinthians, I experienced a title-winning period. It was easy for the fans to support us then. We're grateful for this great support, and the fans can dream," he concluded.
Sports Gazette
Good form leaves medalists in Flamengo's reserves\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - As the Rio de Janeiro team with the best record for the first time in this Brazilian Championship, Flamengo is enjoying a good run of form. Having made good progress since coach Joel Santana arrived at the club, the Rubro-Negro already sits in sixth place in the standings and dreams of qualifying for next year's Copa Libertadores. The team's good form has even led the coach to forgo fielding some of Flamengo's starting players. One of them is midfielder Renato Augusto, considered the club's biggest revelation of late. Despite recovering from a muscle injury, the player has started the last two games as a substitute.
The same happened to Obina, who was cleared to play by the Superior Court of Sports Justice. On Sunday, in the victory over Grêmio, the striker had to come off the bench in the second half to complete his 100th appearance for the Gávea team. Even though he's currently a reserve, Obina prefers to celebrate the milestone.
"Reaching 100 matches is a very important milestone, especially since I faced a lot of criticism during that period. I'm very happy with this victory," said the center forward, a favorite of the red-and-black fans.
While Obina enjoys the affection of Flamengo's supporters, the same cannot be said for midfielder Roger, another who has taken a back seat to Flamengo's good form and the successive injuries he's suffered. With Ibson and Toró playing well in the Flamengo midfield, coach Joel Santana has been little concerned about Roger's absence.
Another player who arrived at Gávea with status was midfielder Colace, who played for Argentina's youth national teams. At Flamengo, however, the player has received little use from Joel, and he even lost points after being sent off against Vasco.
Given his team's rise, Flamengo's coach isn't planning any major changes for the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship. Next Sunday, the match will be against bottom-of-the-table and already relegated América-RN in Natal.
The good news for this match is the return of left-back Juan, who served a suspension against Grêmio. The player, who was replaced by Egídio in the last match, has been one of the Rubro-Negro's main offensive weapons in this Brasileirão. After Monday's day off, the Flamengo squad will return to training on Tuesday, where they will work full-time.
Maracanã of discord – While Flamengo is enjoying a moment of peace on the field, off the field the board continues to fight to win the Maracanã bid. Before the match against Grêmio, president Márcio Braga once again criticized the CBF, which expressed interest in taking over the stadium.
“Before, they wanted to implode this place, and now they’ve changed their minds,” complained the red-black director.
In great form, Ibson praises Joel\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Considered by many to be one of the main reasons for Flamengo's surge in the Brazilian Championship, midfielder Ibson has avoided being labeled a hero for the red-and-black team. The player prefers to credit his good form to his positioning in coach Joel Santana's scheme. "I have to thank Joel for the freedom he's given me on the field. Joel is an excellent coach, and his work is paying off," said Ibson, who has scored goals in the last two games.
In addition to Joel Santana's tactical knowledge, the midfielder also emphasized the atmosphere the coach created at Gávea. "Joel is a great father figure. He talks to everyone, jokes with everyone. He's always happy and joking," he declared.
The athlete also highlighted the dedication shown by his teammates in their fight to advance the Red-Black team in the Brazilian Championship. "Unity is this group's strength. Everyone is united in the goal of taking Flamengo to the best possible place," he concluded.
PeléNet
For Souza, the arrival of Joel Santana changed Flamengo
From the Placar Agency\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Souza hadn't scored since September 12, when Flamengo defeated Cruzeiro 3-1 in the Brazilian Championship. However, now feeling good again, the striker highlighted the importance of Joel Santana in his improvement and that of the red-and-black team.
"I was playing well, but the goals weren't coming. But I knew the ball would go in at some point," he said. "Joel Santana's arrival was crucial. It gave the players a boost. He gave me peace of mind," added Souza, who scored Flamengo's first goal in the 2-0 victory over Grêmio.
In this Brazilian Championship, Souza has only scored on four occasions. In addition to the games against the Gaucho team and Cruzeiro, the striker left his mark against Corinthians (2-2) and Juventude (4-0).
Ibson relates good times to personal phase
From the Placar Agency\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Ibson has an explanation for his good form at Flamengo. Considered by many to be the Rubro-Negro's standout performer in the 2-0 victory over Grêmio at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship, the midfielder links his good form to the overcoming challenges he had to overcome to return to the team.
This is because the midfielder was out for four games due to a problem with his right ankle, injured in the 3-0 defeat to Internacional, at Beira Rio.
"I had an injury that kept me out and it was very important to get back into the team in good shape. I hope to continue. I'm happy to be back in the team and experience a special moment," he said, recalling the goal scored against the Gauchos, the second for Rubro-Negro.
Flamengo's right-back demands a spot in the Brazilian national team
From the Placar Agency\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Leonardo Moura has been one of Flamengo's standout players. With goals and solid assists, he's a key player in the red-and-black team's run in the Brazilian Championship. Buoyed by his strong form, the right-back is demanding a chance with the Brazilian national team.
"I'm sure that my work will be recognized now. I'll continue doing my best and I'll get my chance soon. Dunga is smart and knows what to do," he said.
To wear the national team jersey, Leonardo Moura will face two tough opponents. Dunga's current picks are Maicon of Internazionale Italy and Daniel Alves of Sevilla Spain.
"We are putting Flamengo in its rightful place," says Toró
From the Placar Agency\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The 2-0 victory over Grêmio put Flamengo firmly in contention for a spot in the next Copa Libertadores. For midfielder Toró, one of the team's standouts, Flamengo could never have avoided relegation to the Brazilian Championship's Série B.
"We're putting Flamengo in its rightful place. Now we have to keep working to be able to defeat América-RN," the player highlighted in an interview with "Rádio Brasil".
In fact, regarding this Sunday's opponent, at 16 pm (Brasília time), at Machadão, in Natal, for the 33rd round of the Brazilian Championship, Toró asked for a lot of respect for América-RN.
"We know their situation, that they're already relegated. As a result, they'll act irresponsibly. However, regardless of anything, we have an obligation to win," he concluded.
In sixth place, with 49 points, Flamengo is three points behind Santos, the last team to qualify for the Copa Libertadores. But Flamengo also needs to make up the difference in wins: 13 to 16.
BalloonSport
Fla may lose home field advantage
Referee reports that an object was thrown onto the pitch and the team is at risk of losing the Maracanã stadium.
Marcio Iannacca
Flamengo could lose its main weapon in this Brazilian Championship: the Maracanã. Referee Sálvio Spínola reported in the match report for the match between the Gávea team and Grêmio, held last Sunday, that a Flamengo fan threw a beer can at the fourth official's shoulder. The club risks being unable to play at the stadium for up to ten matches.
To make matters worse, the judge also reported that a mortar was thrown onto the pitch by a Flamengo fan. However, the military police arrested the person responsible, who was reportedly identified as a Grêmio fan. Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, has not yet had access to the match report, but he doesn't believe punishment will be imposed.
"I haven't read the summary yet. Flamengo will await the court's ruling before taking its action. It's obviously worrying, and Flamengo will defend itself. More than 73 people attended Maracanã, and the club can't be punished because of one citizen. We'll try to find out who did it," warns Assef Filho.
Flamengo will likely be charged under Article 213 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice—failing to take measures to prevent and suppress disorder at its sports venue—and could lose its home title for one to ten matches. In addition to the punishment, the club could be fined up to R$200.
At Maracanã, Flamengo began its rise in the Brasileirão. In the current season, the team has won ten games, drawn five, and lost only two. The team's average home attendance exceeds 30 paying spectators. Not to mention the loss in technical support, as Joel Santana's team is still fighting for a spot in the 2008 Copa Libertadores.
Fla has the highest average attendance since 92
The club has already attracted over 1,2 million fans to its home games. After 15 years, Flamengo is once again the club with the highest average attendance in the Brazilian Championship. In 1992, when it won the national championship, the club attracted over 42 fans per home game. This year, the average attendance is over 32 fans per match. Last Sunday, against Grêmio, 63.189 Flamengo fans paid for tickets to see the team beat their rival 2-0.
With each game at the stadium, Flamengo fans have also been getting creative with new songs. After a rendition of "Theme of Victory," the Flamengo fans parodied a song sung by Vasco fans and took the opportunity to mock their rival (click and watch the video above).
According to Flamengo's press office, the club has already paid over 1,2 million for its home games. The board will use these figures to try to win the bid to manage the stadium. The process has not yet been scheduled to launch.
Diego Hypolito participates in the World Cup
Brazilian gymnast returns to Stuttgart, the stage where he won the world title on the floor
Diego Hypolito won the gold medal on the floor exercise at the Stuttgart World Championships. Brazilian gymnast Diego Hypolito is back in Stuttgart, Germany, the same place he won the world floor exercise title in September. This time, Hypolito will compete in a World Cup event on November 26th and 27th.
"I've already won medals at the Pan American Games and the World Championships this year. Now I'm going to fight for a World Cup win, because in the only event I competed in this year (March), in Paris, I suffered an injury to my left ankle and finished sixth," says Diego, a Flamengo athlete.
After the competition in Germany, the Brazilian gymnast will head straight to Switzerland to participate in a doubles tournament alongside his sister Daniele.
FIFA highlights Sao Paulo and Flamengo
Football's highest authority praises the red-black team's run and the Tricolor's certain title
Another attendance record. Flamengo fans put on another show at Maracanã.
FIFA's official website highlighted São Paulo's victory over Cruzeiro, which left the Tricolor with one and a half hands on the Brazilian Championship trophy. The organization emphasized the 13-point lead Muricy Ramalho's team holds in the standings, making any comeback virtually impossible, given that only six rounds remain in the competition.
FIFA also mentioned Flamengo's run, which has seen them languish in the relegation zone for several rounds. The Rio de Janeiro team currently sits in sixth place, and their dream of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores is more than possible, as only three points separate Flamengo from the top four.
The news says that, with the support of 74 thousand fans at Maracanã, Flamengo had no difficulty in beating Grêmio 2-0, adding three more points, and getting closer to the continent's elite.
For Toró, Joel has the face of Fla
Midfielder says the team's good form is due to the coach, who arrived in the middle of the tournament
Toró praises coach Joel Santana
One of the people largely responsible for Flamengo's improved performance in this Brazilian Championship is coach Joel Santana. Known as "father figure," the coach arrived at Gávea with the mission of lifting the team out of the relegation zone and has already made them the best team in Rio de Janeiro in the competition, finishing sixth.
Midfielder Toró recognized the coach's work and considers him a winner.
"I'm very happy for the opportunity Joel gave me. He's putting Flamengo on the right path and embodies the club. His spirit is that of a winner, and everyone tries to be like him on the field," Toró said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Already thinking about the game against América-RN, next Sunday, at Machadão, Toró knows that it is time to elevate Flamengo.
"We're happy to climb the table and put Flamengo where it deserves to be. Now it's time to work, see what we need to do this week to beat América at Machadão."
Souza wants a chance on the national team in 2008
Flamengo striker praises Vágner Love and says Afonso doesn't impress him
Marcio Iannacca
Souza enjoys his Monday off with his family, in the south zone of Rio
Striker Souza scored 13 goals for Flamengo in 2007 and hasn't replicated the form that saw him top scorer in the 2006 Brazilian Championship while playing for Goiás. However, he's been crucial for the Flamengo team in its quest for a spot in next year's Copa Libertadores. Knowing he can do even better, the Gávea team's number 9 is already dreaming of a chance on the Brazilian national team and is hounding his opponents for a spot in coach Dunga's squad.
"With good performances for Flamengo, I bet I could get a chance to wear the Brazilian national team jersey. I have the potential to do that, yes. Look, Vágner Love hasn't played much in Brazil, but he's a great player. I haven't been following his performance lately. I've never seen Afonso play, but he doesn't impress me," says Souza, before choosing the national team's number 9.
"Can't I choose myself? Well, then I'll choose Ronaldo Fenômeno. He's ahead of everyone. Adriano has what it takes, but Ronaldo is my number 9," he says.
Souza knows things weren't going well, and that 2007 wasn't among the best years of his career. Besides scoring a few goals, the season was marked by a seven-game suspension imposed by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD). In the match against Grêmio in the first round of the Brasileirão, the player was sent off and, as he left the field, assaulted midfielder Tcheco. For the player, the worst is over.
"I was playing well, but I wasn't scoring goals. The coach always gave me confidence, and I'm happy to have scored that goal at the Maracanã, in front of our fans," says Souza.
Ibson connects good times to personal life
About to become a father, the player says he is very happy at Flamengo
Ibson celebrates Flamengo's second goal against Grêmio
Man of the match in Flamengo's 2-0 victory over Grêmio, Ibson is looking to build on his good form. The midfielder highlighted his personal situation as a key factor in the recovery of his right ankle, injured in the 3-0 loss to Internacional.
"I was coming back from an injury and missed four games. Coming back in good shape was crucial, but it has everything to do with my personal life. I'm very happy to be back at Flamengo and to be able to experience this special moment," he says.
In the coming days, the scorer of Flamengo's second goal against Grêmio will be a father. In the meantime, he wants to rest and focus on Flamengo's next match.
"We need to rest, even though the team is doing well physically. Now our focus is on America," he analyzes.
Ibson's contract with Flamengo ends on June 30th. He is on loan from Porto, Portugal.
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FIFA website highlights Flamengo's rise
Victory over Grêmio and red-black fans are exalted
The Flamengo's big victories in the Brasileirão aren't just being highlighted by the Brazilian press. Proof of this is that the FIFA website, the governing body of world football, reports that Flamengo's 2-0 victory over Grêmio is part of a surprising rise.
The website of the highest football authority highlights the fact that Fla has gone from second-to-last place to just three points from the zone that qualifies teams for the next Copa Libertadores.
Check out what the FIFA website says about Flamengo or click here:
"In a round that saw the defeats of favorites Cruzeiro and Santos, Flamengo maintained its surprising rise, leaving second-to-last place and closing in on the top four, teams that will advance to the next Libertadores. In front of 74 fans, the Rubro-Negro defeated Grêmio 2-0, also aspiring to a Libertadores spot, and was just three points away from the coveted South American elite."
Ibson thanks Joel Santana for the good phase
Midfielder credits surprising red-black reaction to the coach's arrival
Considered by a large part of the red-black fans as the leader of Flamengo's comeback in the Brasileirão, midfielder Ibson rejects the label of savior of the nation and highlights the commitment of the entire team.
The player, who has been scoring decisive goals in the team's recent games, credits the good form to the positioning and freedom given by coach Joel Santana, whom he thanks and praises.
"I have to thank Joel for the freedom he's given me on the field. He's an excellent coach, and his work is paying off," Ibson said.
Joel, in turn, praises his coach's dedication during training and considers him among the best players in the league at his position. For the coach, Ibson is the lungs of the red-and-black team.
"He's a key player. During training, he's one of the last to leave. He runs from start to finish with the same enthusiasm. If he gets tired, the team slows down as well. He plays passes, runs passes, receives passes, and plays passes. He's in every position on the field. In this championship, he's one of the best in his position."
Joel considers Christmas America dangerous
Coach believes relegation will make rivals play carefree
Unaware of the euphoria that was seen at Maracanã after Flamengo's 2-0 victory over Grêmio, coach Joel Santana was already worried about the Rubro-Negro's next opponent, América-RN, next Sunday, in Natal.
The fact that the northeastern team is already mathematically relegated is seen by Joel as a complicating factor for the Gávea team.
"That's where the danger lies. They no longer have any ambition and will want to beat us. These are points we can't afford to waste," he warned.
For the match against América-RN, Flamengo will have the return of Juan, who did not face Tricolor Gaúcho due to receiving his third yellow card in the 2-1 victory over Vasco.
Souza turns things around for Flamengo
Player has already suffered from the fans' distrust and now he is applauded
His remarkable stint at Vasco—where he even scored a goal in the 2003 state championship—made life very difficult for Souza upon his arrival at Flamengo. Today, after just over eight months at the club, he's already starting to overcome the fans' distrust with his sheer dedication to the games.
Not long ago, Souza was having subpar performances and behaving inappropriately for a professional athlete (he even received a seven-match suspension for assaulting Grêmio's Tcheco). The striker admitted that even his coach questioned his poor form.
"Joel even asked me if I'd forgotten how to play soccer. But he was a great father figure to us, and the other players and I turned things around and are now in a much better situation," he revealed.