The Globe
Attack works and Fla wins
With goals from Souza, Obina, Maxi and Juan, the team beats Juventude 4-0 and breathes
Photo caption: SOUZA CELEBRATES his goal, from a penalty, while the goalkeeper searches for the ball in the net
During training in Teresópolis, coach Joel Santana encouraged a competitive attack in search of more goals and speed. Yesterday, the competition paid off for Flamengo. With goals from Souza, Obina, Maxi, and Juan, the team thrashed Juventude 4-0 at Maracanã and moved up to 17th place in the Brasileirão. With 21 points, Flamengo now has two points and two games in hand over Atlético-PR, the first team outside the relegation zone. Despite slight pressure from Rio Grande do Sul, before Obina scored the second goal in the 34st minute of the second half, moments of apprehension came from the stands, where hooligans from rival factions fought even after police intervention.
- I worked hard to come back well and helped Flamengo win once again - said Obina.
Maxi and Ibson still hit the crossbar
Flamengo started the game trying to attack down the flanks, but it was Juventude who came closest to scoring in the 15th minute, when Barão crossed from the right for Rômulo to head just wide of the post and nearly scored an own goal. A game that had been lacking quality until then became even more unsightly when Wescley fouled Maxi from behind and received only a yellow card. The referee finally got it right, awarding a penalty to Flamengo in the 29th minute, when Roger made a great play, Juan crossed from the left, and Régis used his hand to prevent Maxi's header. Souza made it 1-0 with a shot into the middle of the goal in the 31st minute, and he celebrated on the bench with Obina. With the game more open, Ibson had space to advance until he found Juan, who shot weakly from the edge of the box, but Michel Alves saved. Barão struck with more power, with a cross shot that Bruno palmed away in the 42nd minute, the last dangerous play of the first half.
Flamengo returned for the second half determined to win. One minute in, Maxi stole the ball in attack and was only stopped by a foul. In the sixth minute, Rômulo fired a first-time shot that went wide, dangerously. With a change of positions in attack, Souza initiated a play in which Leonardo Moura appeared in the box to head over the bar. Flamengo ended up leaving space, and on a counterattack in the 16th minute, Fábio Baiano sent a cross-shot wide. On the next play, Roger dribbled in but shot off-angle and off-target.
In the 19th minute, Obina came on for Souza, but it was Fábio Baiano who once again threatened with a shot that Bruno put behind a corner in the 24th minute. Juventude surged forward and could have equalized in the 31st minute had it not been for a great save by Bruno after a shot by Luciano. A cross from the right hit the crossbar for Juventude. In the 34th minute, after a great play by Léo Medeiros, Juan crossed from the left and Obina headed in the second. In the 42nd minute, Obina crossed from the right and Maxi, from the penalty spot, turned to make it 3-0. In stoppage time, Maxi and Ibson both hit the crossbar, before Juan sealed the score with a stunning goal in the 47th.
To confirm its recovery, Flamengo plays on Sunday against Goiás at Maracanã.
Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Romulo, Cristian, Ibson and Roger (Leo Medeiros); Maxi and Souza (Obina). Youth: Michel Alves, Baron (Renato), Wescley, Regis and Ze Rodolpho (Marcio); Marcão, Marabá, Marcelo Costa and Fabio Baiano; Michel and Tadeu (Luciano). Referee: Clever Assunção Gonçalves (MG). Yellow cards: Romulo, Bruno, Marabá, Wescley, Michel and Regis. Revenue: R$232.030. Attendance: 23.772 in attendance.
FLAMENGO
BRUNO: Secured the victory by defending at least four dangerous balls. 7.5.
LEONARDO MOURA: He reached the baseline with extreme ease. A great attacking option. 7.
FÁBIO LUCIANO: Dependable, he protected the defense well in the first half. His performance dropped off towards the end, but at least he didn't compromise. 6.
RONALDO ANGELIM: He didn't compromise either, but he dozed off on several counter-attacks. 6.
JUAN: Excellent match. He made the cross for the second goal and also scored a fantastic goal at the Maracanã. 9.
RÔMULO: Almost scored an own goal when trying to cut out a cross. He redeemed himself and could have scored with a beautiful shot from distance. 6.
CRISTIAN: He played his role well, helping to close down the midfield, and he arrived at the attack with ease. 6,5.
IBSON: He tried to set up plays and even helped with marking. He was involved in some counterattacks in the second half. 6.
ROGER: He was heavily hunted. He showed some flashes of brilliance, such as in the great play that resulted in Souza's goal. He nearly scored a great goal in the second half with an individual play. He asked to be taken off and limped off the field. 7,5. He was replaced by LÉO MEDEIROS: who created the play that led to the second goal. 7.
MAXI: Another player who also struggled with marking, but showed grit. He didn't give up on plays and headed the ball in the penalty kick. He was rewarded with a goal at the end. 8.
SOUZA: Hadn't touched the ball until he scored his first goal. Not bad after being out for four games. 8. He was replaced by OBINA: who scored the second goal and also provided the assist for Argentina's Maxi to score the third. 8.5.
JOEL SANTANA: He was lucky to start with Souza and then bring on Obina, who scored two goals. He was rewarded with a consistent performance for the team. 7.
YOUTH
The team committed excessive fouls. Wescley deserved to be sent off for bringing down Maxi from behind. Fábio Baiano was a standout.
ARBITRATION
Clever Assunção Gonçalves from Minas Gerais was right to take the penalty that resulted in Flamengo's first goal. He could have been more rigorous in issuing the cards.
Sports Journal
Juan thinks it's important to have scored
Flamengo thrashed Juventude this Thursday at Maracanã in a postponed match from the 8th round of the Brazilian Championship. Juan, the star of the match, scored one goal and had a hand in two others. For the full-back, winning by a large goal difference was important for the team's morale, which now sits in 17th place with 21 points.
"Besides the victory, it's always good to win big. It's been a long time since we've won like this, and this could really help in our fight to escape the bottom of the table," explained Juan.
Red-black euphoria to escape relegation
The atmosphere in Flamengo's locker room is as good as it gets. Coach Joel praises the team's strong performance.
Thiago Bokel and Nathan de Lima
Supporter Roger was one of the game's biggest names. He showed off his signature technique for the first time at Flamengo.
The mood in Flamengo's locker room after yesterday's rout of Juventude was one of total euphoria. The team hadn't put in such a convincing performance in a long time, and it's slowly showing that it's regaining its best form and can climb out of the relegation zone. The person largely responsible for the return to form has a name: Joel Santana.
"Joel is a great father. Since he took over the team, we've started playing with more strength and determination. Our squad is very good, as shown by the fact that Souza, who had scored the first goal, was replaced by Obina, who scored another and even contributed to the third. Of course, our team has flaws, but we're making fewer mistakes. We still need to focus on one objective at a time, and the first one is to get out of the relegation zone," explained full-back Juan.
Coach Joel Santana was very happy at the end of the match not only because of the team's high score, but also because it was a six-point game.
"It was very difficult. Their team played a very tight first half, but when we got our marking right the team improved as a whole. After the goal we got a bit confused, but in the second half Flamengo improved and the goals started coming," assessed the red-black manager.
Flamengo struggled during the match, with goalkeeper Bruno making great saves and relying on luck, as when he couldn't reach the balls, they capriciously hit the post.
Joel praises Bruno and Obina
The entry of striker Obina, who has been showing visible physical improvement, was fundamental for the team to get out of a bad moment in the match.
"When we needed him, Bruno performed very well, making crucial saves. Another highlight was Obina, who showed his usual opportunism and even provided the assist for Maxi's goal. He was very important today (yesterday) and has a chance of starting on Sunday against Goiás," the coach assessed.
The fight continues for Fla
With a performance that leaves the fans hopeful, Flamengo thrashes Juventude 4-0
Thiago Bokel
Striker Souza scores Flamengo's first goal in yesterday's 2-0 victory over Juventude at Maracanã. Obina, Maxi, and Juan completed the scoring.
A victory unlike anything Flamengo has seen in a long time. The team made the most of the Maracanã advantage with a crucial 4-0 victory over Juventude yesterday, edging ever closer to escaping the relegation zone in this Brazilian Championship.
Rubro-Negro started pressing, but despite their dominance, coach Joel Santana's team couldn't convert their dominance into a goal. The first opportunity fell to Juventude. Right-back Barão lifted the ball into the box, and Rômulo, trying to clear it, nearly scored a beautiful own goal.
Flamengo's goal didn't take long to arrive. In the 30th minute, Juan crossed from the edge of the box, and Régis, showing the temper of someone in the relegation zone, handled the ball, conceding a childish penalty.
Striker Souza, returning after a four-game suspension, coolly took the opener. From then on, chances were scarce.
The second half began as the first had ended, with Flamengo dominating and Juventude committing a lot of fouls. Rômulo, with a beautiful shot from outside the box, and Leonardo Moura, with a header, both missed good opportunities. Shortly after, Roger, on an inspired night, made a great individual play, bursting into the box and shooting across goal, which went just wide of Michel Alves's goal.
Juventude's response came soon after, with a beautiful shot from outside the box by midfielder Fábio Baiano, which forced Bruno to stretch and make a great save. The Gaucho team had two more great chances, one from striker Luciano, where Bruno performed a miracle, and then from a cross by Michel, which the ball capriciously hit the crossbar.
Obina enters well
The goal that relieved the red-black fans came in the 34th minute, after a cross from Juan, which Obina, all flustered, managed to score after almost a month of drought.
Nine minutes later, Obina crossed to Maxi, who found the top corner from the penalty spot.
The best part, however, was saved for last: Juan made a beautiful play, invaded the area and touched the ball past the goalkeeper to create another gala night for the red-blacks.
Confusion between Flamengo fans at Maraca
The crisis appears to have left the Flamengo fans heated, resulting in a brawl on Thursday night before the match between Flamengo and Juventude at the Maracanã. Flamengo's two fan groups, Raça and Jovem, fought among themselves before the match began, only to be separated by the arrival of the police.
Throughout the match against, the factions occupied the Mário Filho stadium, separated by a cordon. Despite the end of the fight, the tense atmosphere remained until the end of the match.
O Dia
Flamengo: A victory to get excited about
Flamengo plays well, shows offensive strength and thrashes Juventude 4-0
Rio - Flamengo took an important step in its difficult journey to escape the relegation zone, a position it has occupied for the past 15 rounds. In the first game of a five-game series at the Maracanã, the Red-Black team defeated Juventude 4-0 yesterday, moving up one position to 21 points and 17th.
Flamengo started the game pressing, driven by the roar of the fans. But due to a lack of skill on both sides, which failed to create any effective plays, the game became very tight in the first 15 minutes.
But in the 16th minute, something finally happened: Barão crossed, Rômulo rose with a header, sent the ball just wide of the post and nearly scored an own goal, scaring goalkeeper Bruno. Flamengo responded with a cross from the speedy Maxi, but the ball went wide of the net.
When Flamengo began to attack with more purpose, the game improved. And the crowd erupted in joy in the 29th minute, when Juan crossed and Regis handled the ball. Referee Clever Gonçalves blew the penalty. Souza took the shot and scored in the 30th.
At a disadvantage, Juventude tried to push the ball further. In the 44th minute, the red-and-black defense gave Barão space, who fired a powerful shot, but Bruno saved.
At the start of the second half, Rômulo took advantage of a loose ball and shot hard from outside the box, giving Michel Alves a big scare.
In the 23rd minute, Fábio Baiano only missed the goal because Bruno blocked it. On a quick Juventude counterattack, Renato nearly equalized in the 30th minute. A minute later, Bruno saved Flamengo's goal by blocking a powerful shot from Renato. Michel then hit the crossbar.
And luck was indeed on Flamengo's side. After suffering Juventude's bombardment, the second goal came. Juan crossed, and Obina, who had replaced Souza, headed in the second goal in the 34th minute. In the 42nd, Obina passed to Maxi for the third. After Maxi and Ibson hit the crossbar, Juan, in a beautiful play, scored Flamengo's fourth goal and brought joy to the entire Red-Black Nation.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo: A victory to get excited about
Flamengo plays well, shows offensive strength and thrashes Juventude 4-0
Rio - Flamengo took an important step in its difficult journey to escape the relegation zone, a position it has occupied for the past 15 rounds. In the first game of a five-game series at the Maracanã, the Red-Black team defeated Juventude 4-0 yesterday, moving up one position to 21 points and 17th.
Flamengo started the game pressing, driven by the roar of the fans. But due to a lack of skill on both sides, which failed to create any effective plays, the game became very tight in the first 15 minutes.
But in the 16th minute, something finally happened: Barão crossed, Rômulo rose with a header, sent the ball just wide of the post and nearly scored an own goal, scaring goalkeeper Bruno. Flamengo responded with a cross from the speedy Maxi, but the ball went wide of the net.
When Flamengo began to attack with more purpose, the game improved. And the crowd erupted in joy in the 29th minute, when Juan crossed and Regis handled the ball. Referee Clever Gonçalves blew the penalty. Souza took the shot and scored in the 30th.
At a disadvantage, Juventude tried to push the ball further. In the 44th minute, the red-and-black defense gave Barão space, who fired a powerful shot, but Bruno saved.
At the start of the second half, Rômulo took advantage of a loose ball and shot hard from outside the box, giving Michel Alves a big scare.
In the 23rd minute, Fábio Baiano only missed the goal because Bruno blocked it. On a quick Juventude counterattack, Renato nearly equalized in the 30th minute. A minute later, Bruno saved Flamengo's goal by blocking a powerful shot from Renato. Michel then hit the crossbar.
And luck was indeed on Flamengo's side. After suffering Juventude's bombardment, the second goal came. Juan crossed, and Obina, who had replaced Souza, headed in the second goal in the 34th minute. In the 42nd, Obina passed to Maxi for the third. After Maxi and Ibson hit the crossbar, Juan, in a beautiful play, scored Flamengo's fourth goal and brought joy to the entire Red-Black Nation.
For Juan, the goal is the Libertadores
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After winning 4-0 for the first time in this Brazilian Championship, the mood at Flamengo is one of confidence. For full-back Juan, things are so good that they're even within reach of the Libertadores qualifying zone. The gap between Flamengo and fourth-place Botafogo is 13 points, with the "Mais Querido" having played two games in hand. "We have a better team than last year. In 2006, we had the peace of mind of already having guaranteed a place in the Libertadores. Unfortunately, we're fighting relegation and are almost out of it. We have to aim for the highest possible goal, maybe even another Libertadores or a South American," said the hopeful left-back.
After the match, Flamengo's number 6 dedicated the goal to the fans, praising the entire team, especially the defense, which didn't concede. "We're in a great moment. It's been a while since we've won by a large margin. The defense also played well, so we have everything we need to get out of this situation quickly."
For striker Obina, who returned to playing well after being sidelined for being overweight, the team's consistency is better than the result. "The most important thing is that the team got it right and performed well. Besides, we scored the goals and came away with the victory," said the number 18.
Happy with Obina and Bruno, Joel sees the game as a 'hard-fought' one
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Despite the 4-0 rout of Juventude, Flamengo coach Joel Santana made a point of emphasizing the game's difficulty. Besides praising goalkeeper Bruno and forward Obina, the coach explained that the end of the match gave the impression of an easy encounter. Flamengo was only leading 1-0 until the 34nd minute. From then on, the Caxias do Sul team left plenty of space behind, conceding three more goals to their opponent. "It was a deserved victory, but hard-fought and difficult. Congratulations to the players and the fans," declared the coach.
Even so, Joel Santana believes Flamengo only achieved a positive result thanks to Bruno's excellent performance. "When they needed the goalkeeper, he stepped up and showed his quality. After the scare in the second half, the goals came naturally," he reflected.
Another player the coach mentioned was Obina, who made his mark and even provided the assist for Maxi Biancucchi's goal. "He trained well this week and is working hard. Obina is very important to us, but we need to be patient so as not to waste an idol," he said. "But I think he can start from now on."
Juan, who also scored in stoppage time, warned that much of this reaction was due to the coach. "Joel is a father figure and brought the group even closer together. It's been working. Sometimes things don't work out, but we have a good team and we've been able to bounce back," he assessed. "We have to aim high. Who knows, maybe we'll secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores."
Despite the optimism, the Rubro-Negro remains in the relegation zone, currently with 21 points. However, the team has two games in hand over its direct rivals in the fight to avoid relegation.
PeléNet
Fábio Luciano is off to a good start in his challenge against Flamengo
Hired to fix Flamengo's problematic defense, the experienced defender, who says he is accustomed to the mission, brings evolution to the sector.
Vinicius Barreto Souto, special for Pelé.Net
RIO DE JANEIRO - At 32, defender Fábio Luciano left the peace of the German second division for Flamengo with a huge responsibility: to fix the problematic defense of a team under pressure from its fans due to its inertia in the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship. Despite this, the experienced player started well at the beginning of his difficult challenge.
Flamengo's defense still ranks fourth worst in terms of average goals conceded. They conceded 30 goals in 17 matches—1,76 per game. That's why, just over two weeks ago, the former Corinthians, Inter, and Brazilian national team defender was hired to address the club's defensive problems.
After the reinforcement's arrival, the team's defense improved. Since his debut, already with the captain's armband and a goal, the team has conceded three goals in three games—an average of one per match—with two wins and one loss.
"Náutico and Fluminense didn't have any chances. Palmeiras didn't create much either, even with the attacking quality of players like Edmundo. The marking has improved a lot," commented the defender.
In this interview with Pelé.Net, Fábio Luciano said that he is already accustomed to the mission of arriving to be a solution and spoke about other subjects.
Pelé.Net - How have you handled the responsibility of being hired to fix Flamengo's problematic defense? Fábio Luciano - Everyone has their responsibility here and knows what they're capable of doing for the team. Football is a team effort. Of course, fixing things up back there makes things easier for the team. But it's a normal responsibility.
Pelé.Net - Is this an unprecedented situation in your career, or have you faced a similar challenge before? Fábio Luciano - This happens everywhere we go, especially us defenders. It's like the forward who plays a lot of the ball and is hired to score goals. At every club I've played for, I've always been hired for this, knowing the responsibility of instilling confidence in the team. The team needs to feel secure back there. But the team is good. We're on the right track.
Pelé.Net - What's the main advantage you have to offer Flamengo to help improve the team's defense? Fábio Luciano - I'm very eager, and I try to pass on some of my experience to the players. It's not much, but I've been playing football for a while now. So, I'm always helping with work and conversations, too. But the team has the capacity to overcome this situation.
Pelé.Net - After leaving Corinthians, you "disappeared" for three and a half years in Turkey and another six months in Germany. Did the chance to regain your fame in Brazil influence your decision to accept Flamengo's offer? Fábio Luciano - I wanted to return to Brazil because I spent a lot of time abroad. Of course, at Flamengo, for better or worse, you'll show up, whether you like it or not. If you're doing well, you'll be highly praised. If not, you'll be criticized. But I didn't think about that. I just thought about returning to Brazil to play for a big club.
Pelé.Net - Did you have any problems adapting during your time in Turkey and Germany? Fábio Luciano - I didn't. Since I arrived there [in Turkey], I've been very well received. They provide excellent assistance to the players, provide a translator and a driver to help you get to know the places... Later, in Germany, the same thing happened. So, I didn't have any problems. It was smooth sailing for both me and my family.
Name: Fábio Luciano\ Position: Defender\ Date of Birth: 04/29/1975\ Location: Vinhedo-SP\ Height: 1,90m\ Weight: 80kg\ Clubs:\ 1989 to 1999 - Ponte Preta\ 2000 to 2001 - Corinthians\ 2001 - Internacional\ 2002 to 2003 - Corinthians\ 2003 to 2006 - Fenerbahçe (Turkey)\ 2007 - Cologne (Germany)\ 2007 - Flamengo\
Titles: 2000 - FIFA Club World Cup 2001 - São Paulo Championship 2002 - Rio-São Paulo Tournament 2002 - Brazil Cup 2003 - São Paulo Championship 2004 - Turkish Championship
Flamengo thrashes Juventude and is close to leaving the danger zone
In the first of a five-game streak at Maracanã, Flamengo thrashed Juventude 4-0 this Thursday in a postponed match from the eighth round of the Brazilian Championship. The result didn't lift the Rio de Janeiro team out of the relegation zone, but it moved them closer to escaping the relegation zone, while keeping the Rio Grande do Sul team—who debuted coach Beto Almeida with a loss tonight—in second-to-last place.
The Rio team opened the scoring with Souza, who returned to the team this Thursday after four games away, a period in which he served the remainder of the five-match suspension for his expulsion against Grêmio.
"That goal was important. I'm happy I took the penalty well and scored," commented Souza, who found the net in the 30th minute of the first half, after pressure from Flamengo from the start.
In the second half, the home team continued to be the better side early on, but let their opponents grow. The visiting team pressed dangerously in search of an equalizer, but the red-and-blacks extended their lead on a counterattack, with Obina coming on for Souza in the second half. In the end, Maxi and Juan sealed the score.
With the victory, Flamengo reached 21 points in 18 games—two fewer than most of its opponents—overtook Náutico and moved up from 18th to 17th place, the first place inside the relegation zone. Now, the red-and-black team can finally leave the relegation zone this weekend.
To achieve this, the Rio de Janeiro team must first hope that Atlético-PR—16th place with 23 points—fails to beat Internacional in Porto Alegre next Saturday. Then, the following day, they must do their "homework": win their next match, against Goiás, at Maracanã.
"We have to pursue one goal at a time. After we get out of the relegation zone, we have to aim for the Copa Sudamericana. Who knows, maybe we can even fight for the Copa Libertadores. We can't stop dreaming. We have to aim as high as possible to see if, in the end, we can achieve something good," commented left-back Juan.
On the other hand, besides keeping Juventude in second-to-last place, the defeat extended the Caxias do Sul team's long winless streak. The team from the Serra Gaúcha region is now winless in eight matches.
The Gauchos' last victory came on July 27th, against Inter. Since then, the green-and-white team has drawn three games and lost five, including Thursday's. The string of negative results has brought down coach Cláudio Duarte after the 3-0 loss to Sport in the previous round.
After being led by interim coach Valteir Gomes in the last match against Corinthians, the team hired Beto Almeida for the position. Now, Juventude will seek rehabilitation next Sunday against Paraná in Curitiba.
Joel admits that Flamengo's defeat was 'suffering'
Despite a 4-0 victory over Juventude this Thursday at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo had a few scares during the match before securing a positive result. Therefore, after the game, coach Joel Santana admitted that the defeat was "suffering."
"That's how a big team is. They suffer a little, but then they're happy," said the coach, who, when analyzing the match, recalled that goalkeeper Bruno saved Flamengo with a spectacular save in the 31st minute of the second half, when the red-black team was still only winning 1-0.
"It was a tough game. The first half was very tight, Juventude played on our mistakes, but the marking was good. In the second half, we came back well and then had a scare. When we needed our goalkeeper, he was excellent. They opened up the game more and the goals started coming naturally. It was a bit of a stretch, but we created scoring chances in the second half," he commented.
According to the coach, Flamengo overcame the obstacles Juventude presented in the match. Joel Santana praised the red-and-black team's marking, but complained about the team's drop in performance after Souza's 1-0 lead.
"We played well until we scored. After that, I don't know why, the team got a little confused," said Joel.
This Sunday, Flamengo faces Goiás at 18:10 PM, once again at Maracanã Stadium. In the first round, the red-and-black team achieved its only away win against this weekend's opponent: a 3-1 victory in Goiânia.
BalloonSport
Attackers work, and Fla thrashes Ju
Souza, Obina and Biancucchi guarantee a comfortable victory at Maracanã. Juan scores a great goal
Eduardo Peixoto
The forwards performed well, lifting Flamengo to a higher position in the Brazilian Championship standings. This Thursday, Souza, Obina, and Maxi Biancucchi each scored in Flamengo's 4-0 victory over Juventude. Juan, with a stunning goal, rounded off the scoring.
The three points earned at home keep Flamengo in the relegation zone, but they surpass Náutico and move into 17th place, with 21 points and two games in hand. Not even the debut of coach Beto Almeida spurred Juventude to react. The Caxias do Sul team sits in second-to-last place with 18 points. Flamengo returns to action next Sunday, again at the Maraca, against Goiás.
Helping hand
Flamengo, just as Joel Santana had hoped, accelerated the game early on. Especially on the right, with Argentine Maxi Biancucchi. But there was no finishing, which was good. Juventude counterattacked with Fábio Baiano, a longtime Flamengo fan favorite. Amid boos, he made a few plays, and in one of them, in the 15th minute, Rômulo nearly scored an own goal.
Roger was very marked by the green and whites
If the red-and-black team wasn't looking to score, opposing defender Régis literally gave them a helping hand in the 30th minute. He deflected the ball with his arm inside the box, and referee Clever Assunção Gonçalves awarded a penalty.
Souza fired the ball into the right corner and opened the scoring. In celebration, he made a point of running to the bench and hugging Obina, with whom he had been competing for position throughout the week.
Not even the goal encouraged Flamengo to take a shot on goal. Juventude nearly equalized on a Barão attempt that Bruno punched wide of the box.
The second half began, and the Red-Blacks were convinced they needed to shoot. Ibson took a weak shot from outside the box, but Rômulo tried hard and nearly found the right corner.
Meanwhile, Juventude's Tadeu was struggling to find a way to get the ball in midfield. Roger's over-precision in the 18th minute prevented Flamengo from scoring a second goal. He made a beautiful run down the right, but instead of passing it to Maxi, he shot wide from an angle.
Obina celebrates with Leo Moura Flamengo's second goal at Maracanã
"Obina is better than Eto'o"
From then on, the visitors took control of the game. Fábio Baiano, in the 24th minute, forced Bruno into a fine save. In the 32nd, the Flamengo goalkeeper made an extraordinary save. Luciano headed the ball from close range, and the number 1 managed to put it out for a corner.
Just as the game was starting to get complicated, Juan crossed from the left and Obina headed the ball down to score. It was the signal for the red-and-black fans to revive the traditional chant "Obina is better than Eto'o."
As the match drew to a close in the 43rd minute, Obina passed low and Biancucchi turned to score the third. It was too easy. In the 44th minute, Obina launched a pass, Biancucchi shot against the post, and the rebound was headed by Ibson. In the 47th minute, Juan dribbled past the entire Juventude defense and scored the fourth. A stunning goal.
'Oh, Maxi is better than Messi'
Second goal for Flamengo makes the Argentine a star for the fans at Maracanã
Eduardo Peixoto
Maxi was far from brilliant against Juventude. But the Argentine's commitment, drive, and joy won over the Flamengo fans. Obina scored, Juan scored a stunning goal, but on the Maracanã stadium, the star of the rout was the short man.
Scorer of the third goal (watch the video below), he won a song comparing him to his cousin Lionel Messi, from Barcelona: "Oh, Maxi is better than Messi", sang the excited Flamengo fans.
In five games (three of them as a starter), he scored two goals and assisted another. In every interview, Maxi expresses his excitement about being at Flamengo. When he scored against Juventude, he kissed the crest and hugged his teammates.
"Flamengo is very strong here at Maracanã. I'm very happy to be here," declares the Messi family's soccer great.
It's worth remembering that this isn't the first time the Flamengo fans have compared one of their players to Barcelona stars. Obina, as everyone knows, is "better" than Cameroon's Eto'o.
Joel asks for patience with idol Obina
Coach says striker is getting into shape and asks Flamengo fans for support
Eduardo Peixoto
The chant "Obina is better than Eto'o" echoed loudly again at Maracanã this Thursday. The recognition was justified. After poor performances and balance issues, the center forward came on in the second half, scored a goal, and set up another in Flamengo's rout of Juventude. (Watch the Black Angel's goal below).
Coach Joel Santana celebrated the good performance of Anjo Negro and said that there was excessive pressure
- With a little patience, an idol like Obina will find his way again - explains the red-black commander.
Souza, who started on Thursday, left the team with pain in his right leg and will be re-evaluated on Friday. Regardless of the result, Obina is expected to start on Sunday against Goiás.
Bruno's defense impresses colleagues
Juan says he saw the ball 'inside the goal.' Joel praises the Brazilian national team's goalkeeper.
Eduardo Peixoto
Bruno's status at Flamengo has been low lately. But this Thursday, the goalkeeper returned to the spotlight. With the score still 1-0 against Juventude, Luciano deflected a cross in the 31th minute, and the number 1 jumped to save with his right hand. (Watch the video below).
"Bruno made a miraculous save. From where I was, I thought the ball had gone in," says Juan.
In his analysis of the game, Joel Santana also didn't forget Bruno's defense.
"Our goalkeeper showed up at the right time, like the national team goalkeeper he is. That woke our team up and we won with some ease," says Joel Santana.
Maracanã Factor works again
Players are surprised by the fans' support, despite their poor position in the table
Eduardo Peixoto
With each game at Maracanã, Flamengo climbs a step out of the Brasileirão relegation zone. This Thursday, against Juventude, the stadium's power prevailed once again, and Flamengo secured its third consecutive home victory (previously, it had beaten Náutico and Fluminense). (Watch the video of the goals from the Flamengo spectacle).
With the support of 23 red-and-black fans, the team won big and reached 21 points. The players recognized the home team's strength.
- At Maracanã, we are very strong - says Argentine Maxi Biancucchi.
In the last three games, the combined attendance has surpassed 120. The stadium is expected to be full again on Sunday against Goiás.
- The fans are surprising us every day, especially considering the situation we're in - says Ibson.
Flamengo fans provoke each other again
Even though it's banned, one of the organized groups enters the stadium 'in plain clothes' and creates a disturbance
Eduardo Peixoto
Just as happened last Sunday in São Paulo, Flamengo's two main fan groups faced off again this Thursday night at the Maracanã stadium. During the first half of the match against Juventude, there was provocation from both sides, and the Military Police had to intervene.
Interestingly, one of the organized groups was prohibited from entering the stadium this Thursday and, even in civilian clothes (without banners, flags and instruments) they positioned themselves in their reserved place and created confusion.
Some people who were between the two crowds preferred to change places.
- I was close and when I saw that the two started to provoke each other, I left the green stand and went to the yellow one - says student Ricardo Souto.
Vampeta and Roger will be tried on Tuesday
Corinthians and Flamengo players respond to accusations of simulation on the field
Corinthians midfielder Vampeta and Flamengo midfielder Roger will be tried by the Second Disciplinary Committee of the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) next Tuesday, the 28th. The red-black player will answer for his expulsion and simulation of aggression in the game against Fluminense (watch the video below).
Vampeta fell on the field after being substituted during the Brasileirão match against Botafogo on the 15th at the Maracanã. The players will be charged under articles 258 (assuming an attitude contrary to discipline or sporting morals, in relation to a member of their team, opponents or spectators) and 250 (committing an unfair or inappropriate act during a match, competition or equivalent), both of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD).
If convicted, Vampeta and Roger could be sidelined for up to 13 games.
Throw
Flamengo thrashes Juventude at Maracanã
With goals from Souza, Obina, Maxi and Juan, the team achieves its third victory in 4 games
Flamengo players celebrate the penalty goal scored by Souza (Credit: Julio Cesar Guimarães)
Edgard Maciel de Sá
Flamengo capitalized on the strength of its fans and the weakness of its opponent to earn three more points in its fight to escape the relegation zone in the Brasileirão. Playing as it should, the red-and-black team defeated Juventude 4-0 on Thursday night at Maracanã. Souza, from the penalty spot, Obina, Maxi, and Juan scored the goals for Joel Santana's team.
With this result, Flamengo reached 21 points in 18 matches, just two behind Atlético Paranaense, the first team outside the relegation zone. The Rio Grande do Sul team remained in second-to-last place with 17 points.
Flamengo started the match with much more possession, demonstrating that at home, victory was all they cared about. The first dangerous move came in the seventh minute, when Léo Moura received the ball from Roger on the right, dribbled past Zé Rodolpho, and sent in a low cross. Michel Alves managed to intercept the ball before it reached the Flamengo attackers.
Despite their dominance, Flamengo suffered from poor passing from their playmakers, such as Roger and Ibson. Juventude capitalized on the counterattack. In their best opportunity, the team from the Serra Gaúcha region nearly opened the scoring after a cross from Barão and a header from Rômulo into their own net. The ball flew just wide of goalkeeper Bruno's right post, and he was left watching.
From then on, the game slowed down and only became interesting again when Flamengo was awarded a penalty in the 30th minute. Juan crossed from the left and defender Régis blocked it with his arm. Souza fired the ball almost to the center of the goal to make it 1-0 for the Rio de Janeiro team. The advantage woke up the fans, who had been somewhat drowsy at Maracanã, and Joel Santana's team began to move the ball better. Except for a late shot from Fábio Baiano, the Rio de Janeiro team's lead was never threatened again in the first half.
Both teams returned with the same lineup for the second half, and the red-and-black team's already strong dominance increased. The Rio Grande do Sul team showed why they're second-to-last in the standings and created little. For Flamengo, Rômulo nearly scored a stunning goal from outside the box in the sixth minute. A minute later, Léo Moura headed in a miss after a cross from Ibson.
As time passed, Joel Santana's team seemed to be on the mend for a second goal. Aside from a few chances that Fábio Baiano tried to solve on his own, Flamengo was all hands on deck. Roger nearly scored a stunning goal in the 18th minute, easily getting past Zé Rodolpho and unleashing a powerful shot. Unable to kill the game, Flamengo began to suffer the consequences. In the 30th minute, Juventude lost a counterattack with four players to the home team's two. Two more chances followed, one saved by Bruno and another that hit the crossbar, showing that victory would be more difficult than it seemed.
That's when Obina, the fans' favorite, stepped in to settle the match. Ten minutes after replacing Souza, the striker headed in Juan's cross from the left to extend his lead. The striker also made the play that resulted in Argentina's Maxi scoring in the 42nd minute.
And there was time for the fourth. A minute after Maxi and Ibson hit the post in the same move, Juan dribbled past four men and slotted the ball under goalkeeper Michel Alves in the 46th minute. It was the club's third victory in the last four games.
For Juan, the landslide victory was important.
Player remembers that Flamengo hadn't won like this for a while\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo hadn't beaten an opponent by three or more goals since April 8th of this year, when they defeated América 4-1 in the Campeonato Carioca. For left-back Juan, Thursday's rout of Juventude is crucial for the team to escape the relegation zone as quickly as possible.
"Besides the victory, it's always good to win big. It's been a long time since we've won like this, and it could really help in our fight to escape the bottom of the table," he explained.
Juan dedicates his great goal to the red-black fans
Full-back scored Flamengo's fourth goal in the rout over Juventude\ LANCEPRESS!\
The most beautiful of Flamengo's four goals in their victory over Juventude on Thursday night at Maracanã was the last, scored by left-back Juan. In the play, he dribbled past four defenders from the Rio Grande do Sul team and slotted the ball under goalkeeper Michel Alves. A stunning goal.
"I dedicate this goal to these wonderful fans. They deserve it. I'm in great form and I always managed to get an assist or a goal. This great goal is important to solidify my momentum," he said after the victory.
Obina: 'I'm happy to have helped Flamengo'
Striker recalls the importance of getting back into shape\ LANCEPRESS!\
Just ten minutes after entering the field this Thursday, striker Obina found the net for Juventude, helping Flamengo overcome a difficult moment in the match, as the Rio Grande do Sul club pressed for an equalizer. After the game, the striker emphasized that he made the right decision by sitting out the team to regain fitness.
- I'm very happy to have helped the team achieve another victory in the Brazilian Championship - he said.
Flamengo beats Timão in Nike poll
Sponsor wants to know which of the two fan bases is the most passionate\ LANCEPRESS!\
On the 15th, Nike launched a poll on its official website that is mobilizing two of the largest soccer communities on Orkut, an online social networking site. Members of the Flamengo and Corinthians communities are striving to win the election. Nike wants to know which of the two fan bases is more passionate (http://blog.nikefutebol.com).
In the partial results of this Thursday, more than 260 thousand votes had already been counted and the Rio de Janeiro team was ahead with 57%, against 43% of the São Paulo team.
"It might be just another silly poll, but remember it's from our sponsor's website! It might make a difference!" said Flamengo fan Gustavo Neves in his club's community.