The Globe
Horta will run for president of the Federation
Former president of Flu will compete with Rubens Lopes
Former Fluminense president Francisco Horta registered yesterday an opposition slate to run for president of the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (FERJ). The election is scheduled for August 1st, between noon and 12 p.m., at the FERJ headquarters. The incumbent slate is led by current president Rubens Lopes, who was elected to a temporary term to replace Eduardo Vianna, who died in August 16. Horta has the support of América, Flamengo, and Botafogo.
Horta invited former São Cristóvão Paulo de Almeida and former Flamengo president Gilberto Cardoso Filho to join the vice-presidency of the ticket. The signatures were the same as those collected in February. A portion of the electoral college, comprised of clubs from the First, Second, and Third divisions, plus amateur leagues and clubs, has reportedly already signed with the incumbent ticket, which is expected to attempt to challenge Francisco Horta's candidacy.
- Our chances are remote, but we want to propose alternatives to combat the sameness of Rio football - stated Horta.
Fla wins after eight matches and eases the crisis
The red-and-black team beats América-RN 3-1, leaving them at the bottom of the table, and coach Ney Franco gets a reprieve at Gávea.
Photo caption: OBINA HUGS Ney Franco after scoring Flamengo's third goal
Márcio Tavares
JUIZ DE FORA. After eight games, Flamengo finally won. Yesterday's 3-1 victory over América-RN in Juiz de Fora not only lifted the team out of last place in the Brazilian Championship (it currently sits in 18th place), but also gave coach Ney Franco a new lease on life, having been fired even with a draw. But Flamengo remains in the relegation zone.
"I understand the fans. If I were a fan, I'd be upset if my team finished last. But the important thing was that we won and gained momentum for the game against Corinthians (Sunday, at Morumbi Stadium)," said the relieved coach. He said he gave the board the freedom to remove him.
Under pressure from the fans, Flamengo's management decided to take precautions and brought 25 security guards to the match. When fans arrived at the stadium, two aggressive banners were displayed in the stands: "Out with Irineu," criticizing the defender who scored an own goal in the 1-0 loss to Grêmio on Sunday; and "Out with Ney Fraco," a pun on the coach's name. As the team entered the field, the first surprise arrived. Without further explanation, Moisés replaced the criticized Irineu.
Flamengo started poorly, making a lot of mistakes. When they managed to get close to the northeastern penalty area, they opened the scoring. In the 18th minute, Renato Augusto took a free kick; the ball sailed past everyone and hit the post. Defender Ronaldo Angelin fired a low shot from the rebound: 1-0.
Despite the advantage, Flamengo continued to play poorly. In the 33rd minute, there was a scare: Souza exchanged passes with Arlon and, alone in front of Bruno, shot wide. Four minutes later, Carlos Eduardo headed in a ball lifted into the Flamengo box to equalize. In the final minute of the first half, Obina took his first shot on goal. The ball, however, went wide.
Obina scores and celebrates with Ney Franco
Flamengo came out for the second half with a game-changing attack. Ney Franco disrupted the three-man defense by taking off defender Thiago and sending on striker Paulo Sérgio. And, in the first attack, Obina spun inside the box and nearly broke the deadlock.
With Paulo Sérgio's introduction, Renato Augusto moved into his position, and Flamengo improved. In the 11th minute, Obina laid the ball off, and Cristian nearly scored. In the 14th minute, Obina shot dangerously. Two minutes later, Jaílton took a chance from outside the box and scored a beautiful goal.
With the score at 2-1, Flamengo calmed down. In the 29th minute, Obina headed in to make it 3-1. It was the striker's first goal exactly five months after injuring his knee. He celebrated with the threatened Ney Franco.
- I want to score lots of goals to help Flamengo - celebrated Obina.
Flamengo: Bruno, Moisés, Ronaldo Angelin and Thiago Paulo Sérgio); Leo Moura, Cristian, Jailton, Leo Medeiros and Juan; Renato Augusto and Obina (Leonardo). América-RN: Renê, Thiago Machado (Leandro Sena), Rogélio, Edson Borges and Nei Santos; Carlos Eduardo, Marquinhos, Reinaldo (Adriano) and Souza; Paulo Isidoro and Arlon (Bea). Referee: Wilson Seneme. Yellow cards: Marquinhos, Leo Medeiros, Nei Santos. Revenue: R$125,430. Attendance: 10.854 paying spectators.
Sports Journal
Flamengo wins and gives relief to Ney Franco
Diego Marrul dmarrul@jsports.com.br
Obina battles for the ball in the América-RN penalty area. The striker scored his first goal after returning to the team.
After seeing his position threatened all week, Ney Franco will remain in charge of Flamengo. With a goal from Obina, the Rubro-Negro defeated América-RN 3-1 this Wednesday in Juiz de Fora, giving the coach a boost, as he had a price on his head following the loss to Grêmio last Sunday. Credit to Ney himself, who, after starting the game with a 3-5-2 formation, changed the team at the turn of the second half, making it more attacking, and secured Flamengo's second victory in the Brazilian Championship.
With the result, the Rio de Janeiro club reached 11 points and left the last position in the league table, but remains in the relegation zone.
rough start
Once again struggling to attack, thanks to a formation with three defenders and three defensive midfielders, Flamengo was unable to create scoring opportunities early in the match. Heavily marked, Renato Augusto, the main playmaker, was sacrificed by Ney Franco's strategy.
But it was a play initiated by the defender himself in the 18th minute that led to the Rubro-Negro opening the scoring. Renato Augusto crossed into the box from a free kick from the left, sending the ball flying past everyone, bouncing, and hitting the crossbar. Ronaldo Angelim appeared to finish low, making it 1-0 to Mengão.
The Rio Grande do Norte team's response came late, but it was very dangerous. In the 33rd minute, Souza played a one-two with Paulo Isidoro, burst into the box, and fired a cross shot to the right of Bruno's goal.
América-RN pressed again and was rewarded minutes later. After a free kick from the left, defender Carlos Eduardo headed the ball into the bottom left corner of the red-and-black goalkeeper's net. The score was level in Juiz de Fora.
In stoppage time of the first half, Flamengo threatened again with the fans' favorite, Obina. The striker received a beautiful pass from Leonardo Moura inside the box and fired a cross, but the ball went wide of the right post.
Flamengo returned to the second half with a more attacking approach, with young Paulo Sérgio replacing defender Thiago Gosling, but the final pass errors continued. It took a long-range shot—and what a shot it was—for Flamengo to regain the lead. Jaílton struck powerfully from outside the box, into René's right corner.
América-RN tried to retaliate, but made numerous errors in finishing plays. Flamengo, who were playing better and moving more after switching to a 4-4-2 formation, extended their lead in the 28th minute with a goal from Obina. After a cross from Juan, the forward headed the ball into the net.
The Rio team continued to search for more goals, but the score remained unchanged from then on: 3-1 and the second victory for the red-and-black team in Juiz de Fora this Brazilian Championship.
Obina celebrates goal after five months out
Defender Ronaldo Angelim battles for the ball with Paulo Isidoro. The Flamengo player was one of the team's standout players and scored the first goal in the 3-1 victory.
After the victory over América-RN, which lifted Flamengo off the bottom of the Brazilian Championship, one player certainly had an extra reason to celebrate. Forward Obina had the satisfaction of finding the net exactly five months after tearing the cruciate ligaments in his left knee.
"I'm happy to have scored in my first game as a starter, that goal that helped the team get out of that situation and achieve victory, after a long time without scoring," celebrated Obina.
Flamengo hadn't won in a long time. Their last positive result had been against Goiás at Serra Dourada on May 20th, a 3-1 victory. The winless streak ultimately dropped the team to last place in the league.
Angelim renews
Another good piece of news was the renewal of defender Ronaldo Angelim's contract, whose contract was due to end at the end of the year and now remains at Gávea until at least December 2008. To crown the new deal, the player scored Flamengo's first goal.
"The victory gives us peace of mind for the three games we have away from home, but we can't get complacent because the situation is still not good," warned the defender.
Supporter Roger says everyone is united by Flamengo
Midfielder Roger, who is still unavailable for the club in Wednesday's match against América-RN in Juiz de Fora, asked whether the team's poor form could affect its performance on the field.
"It certainly influences. If you don't have the peace of mind to face obstacles, it influences," said Roger.
The supporter recalled that the support of the more experienced players in the red-black squad will be important in this phase that the team is going through.
"It's up to the experienced players to help those who are most affected. Football isn't an individual sport; it's a collective one. That's why it's called a group, a team. We're all working together to get out of this difficult situation and do what's best for Flamengo in the Championship," the player explained to Rádio Tupi.
Flamengo is last in the Brazilian Championship, with just eight points from ten matches played.
Maria Helena Braun
By Letter
Red-black soul
When I started watching Flamengo's match against Grêmio over the weekend, I had a strange feeling in the first few minutes. A sense of hopelessness in the football of a club that was once world champion, with Zico & Co. Misplaced passes, lack of organization, Souza's red-and-black ejection, no creativity. I felt discouraged. I considered opting for other, less distressing leisure activities, but my red-and-black soul kept me glued to the game. Not even the power of the remote control, which itches in our hands, made me change the channel. Not that the show was enjoyable. What kept me watching Flamengo was curiosity about where it would lead.
A somewhat masochistic feeling, I confess, but impossible to ignore. You know that relationship that ends without you wanting it to, that love that stays even when rejected, but you can't forget, turn the page, let go? That's more or less what it feels like to watch Flamengo play. We become disillusioned, disbelieving, knowing the abyss is just around the corner, but we pull from the bottom of our hearts a thread of belief in a miracle, a glimmer of the old, eternal love. Or wouldn't a red-and-black comeback in the Brasileirão be a miracle? Ten games in, and only eight points. Just one meager win, four losses, five draws. Leader Botafogo, with or without Dodô, has more than triple the points of its rival. And Ney Franco, whose fault is it? The team has been terrible in recent years, and now that Renato is gone, it's even more vulnerable. But Ney cannot be crucified. After all, it was with a merely average Flamengo that he created a competitive team, won the Copa do Brasil, the State Championship, and got the club back into the Libertadores. Doesn't that weigh on me? Isn't it worth it now? For God's sake!
The coach has already proven his ability, but without players, with a technically limited team, there's little way to turn hard work into results. I won't stop following Flamengo, no matter how bad things are, but in recent years I've increasingly found myself a fan of well-played, beautiful football, with effective plays, and this team lacks that. But we need to wake up: there's still time to turn things around. Not to get to the top, but to escape relegation.
O Dia
With a goal from Obina, Fla defeats América-RN
JUIZ DE FORA (MG) - Flamengo defeated América-RN 3-1 and moved from last place in the Brazilian league, now occupied by Náutico. The Rio de Janeiro team started by pressing, but lacked creativity in midfield.
The first goal came in the 18th minute, after a free kick by Renato Augusto. The ball went past everyone, hit the post, and came back to Renato Angelim, who shot. The goal excited the fans, but the team still couldn't create a play in midfield. Trailing, América-RN began to try to equalize. In the 26th minute, after a one-two with Paulo Isidoro, Souza received the ball ahead of Bruno but shot wide.
In the 36th minute, Moisés committed a foul in the midfield. The ball was crossed into the box, Carlos Eduardo got the ball past Thiago and slotted it into the left corner, leaving Bruno with no chance: 1-1. Flamengo still had a chance to equalize in the 45th minute. Obina received a good pass from Leonardo Moura in the box, but shot to the right of Renê.
In the second half, Ney Franco changed the formation and brought on Paulo Sérgio for Thiago. The team became more offensive and began to push for more goals. In the 16th minute, Jaílton broke the deadlock. He fired a powerful shot over goalkeeper Renê, who was ahead of him. After the goal, Flamengo, driven by sheer determination, created several chances.
In the 28th minute, the third goal came. Juan crossed. Obina rose above the defenders and headed the ball. The ball hit Edson Borges and went in. In the 34th minute, Obina had another chance. He was released, goalkeeper Renê came out of the box, and the striker chipped the ball over, but the ball was weak and the defense saved. In the 45th minute, Obina was substituted to applause. Three minutes later, Flamengo breathed a sigh of relief.
Sports Gazette
Obina admits lack of rhythm, but promises to help Flamengo
Juiz de Fora (MG) - After five months out, striker Obina had the opportunity to return to Flamengo's starting lineup on Wednesday night. He didn't waste the opportunity, scoring one of Flamengo's goals in the 3-1 victory over América-RN. Having recovered from a left knee injury suffered in February, the player had played in the previous two matches and only had the chance to start again this Wednesday. "Of course, I'm not yet in good physical shape, but I'm trying to give my best and dedicate myself to helping Flamengo. The most important thing is that Flamengo came away with the victory," he stated.
Obina sealed the victory on Wednesday with his goal in the 28th minute of the second half. However, he expressed concern that referee Wilson Luiz Seneme might award the goal to the opposing defender, as the ball deflected off the defense before reaching the net.
"I heard he might not give me the goal because the ball hit the defender. But I headed it first and I hope he gives me the goal," the striker hopes.
Flamengo defeats América-RN and eases crisis\ Gazeta Press\
Juiz de Fora (MG) - After several rounds of trouble, Flamengo finally made peace with victory, defeating América-RN 3-1 in a match played this Wednesday at the Mário Helênio Stadium in Juiz de Fora. With the result, the red-and-black team improved its position in the table and, although it didn't leave the relegation zone, it eased the situation of coach Ney Franco, who was facing dismissal if they lost again. Flamengo, with three games in hand, now moves up to 18th place with 11 points, just ahead of Wednesday's losers, who are one point behind. Last place is Náutico, who lost 2-0 to Grêmio this Wednesday.
The Rio de Janeiro club showed more desire to win than América, who were more concerned with holding on to a draw. Striker Obina, who spent about six months recovering from knee surgery, once again made his mark, much to the delight of the fans who flocked to the stadium in Juiz de Fora, the venue chosen by the Gávea team because Maracanã is being used for the Pan American Games. In the next round, Flamengo will face Corinthians in São Paulo, and América will host São Paulo in Natal.
Under pressure from poor results and their current position in the standings, Flamengo started the match on the attack but struggled to penetrate the opposing defense, as Obina was largely isolated. América, on the other hand, was more focused on blocking the opponent's attacks than attacking. Flamengo ended up scoring the first goal with their first real threat. In the 18th minute, Renato Augusto took a free kick, and the ball fell to defender Ronaldo Angelim, who fired a low shot into the net.
América felt the blow and tried to push forward, but couldn't create any dangerous plays for the Rio de Janeiro defense. Flamengo, on the other hand, felt the effects of Obina's isolation, starting a match after several months of inactivity due to a knee injury. Furthermore, the Rio Grande do Sul team was overusing fouls to disrupt the Gávea team's playmaking.
In the 33rd minute, América exchanged passes toward goal, but goalkeeper Bruno came out decisively and ended the scoring. Despite not attacking effectively, the team from Rio Grande do Norte ended up equalizing the match in the 35th minute. Defender Carlos Eduardo capitalized on a lapse by the red-and-black defenders and headed in the equalizer.
The blow was immediately felt by the fans, who began booing coach Ney Franco and the players, who began to miss virtually every play. In the 38th minute, Paulo Isidoro had a chance to break the tie but shot wide. Flamengo only troubled the Natal defense again eight minutes later, when Obina received the ball deep and fired a cross, giving goalkeeper Renê a scare.
Flamengo came out with a different approach for the second half. Ney Franco took off defender Thiago and brought on forward Paulo Sérgio. The change made the Rio de Janeiro team more aggressive, while América simply defended, with no room to mount counterattacks. In the 14th and 15th minutes, shots from Jailton and Cristian forced goalkeeper Renê to work, and in the 17th minute, they scored the equalizer. Midfielder Jailton received the ball at the edge of the box, made a run, and shot powerfully into the right corner, leaving goalkeeper Renê with no chance to stop it.
At a disadvantage, América changed players and made the team more offensive in an attempt to reach a new draw, but it was Flamengo who scored the third goal, at 28, through Obina who, showing opportunism, took advantage of a cross to head it in and score his first goal after the injury that kept him off the pitch for a long time.
With victory assured, Flamengo began to manage the result and hold onto the ball, while the northeastern team, completely outmatched, seemed more concerned with avoiding a thrashing than reducing the home team's advantage.
Fair Play pays tribute to Leonardo Moura
São Paulo (SP) - Before the match between Flamengo and Corinthians, scheduled for next Sunday at Morumbi Stadium, Flamengo's Leonardo Moura will receive the "Fair Play Gesture" Award, presented in a partnership between Panathlon Club São Paulo and the São Paulo Football Federation. Leonardo Moura was nominated for the honor because, in the May 13th match, he threw the ball out of play, just as his team was attacking and in a position to score, to treat an opponent suffering from serious injury symptoms. On that occasion, Flamengo was defeated 4-2 by Palmeiras at Maracanã.
Leonardo Moura showed that ethics, solidarity, and fair play, which make sport great, must be above any other interest.
In addition to receiving the trophy and diploma in honor of the event, Leonardo's gesture will be in the running, as proposed by the Panathlon Club São Paulo, for the annual award from the International Fair Play Committee, a global organization based in France.
PeléNet
Flamengo striker Obina fears 'losing' his first goal in BR 07
Striker Obina started a match for Flamengo on Wednesday night after exactly five months out due to injury. He scored the team's third goal in a 3-1 victory over América-RN. However, he fears losing the feat because the ball, before hitting the net, hit defender Edson Bastos.
The incident occurred in the 27th minute of the second half. Renato Augusto sent a short corner kick to Juan, on the left side of the red-and-black attack. The winger lifted the ball, and the forward, between the penalty spot and the six-yard box line, touched the ball, which then glanced off the opposing defender's head before slipping past goalkeeper Renê.
"I heard that maybe he [the game's referee - Wilson Luiz Seneme (Fifa-SP)] won't give me the goal because the ball hit the defender. But I headed first and I hope he gives me the goal," said Obina after the game, held in Juiz de Fora (MG), where Flamengo had home advantage due to the Pan American Games being held in Rio de Janeiro.
The athlete had last scored on February 25th, in the 1-1 draw between the Gávea team and Vasco da Gama in the Guanabara Cup semifinal, the first round of the Rio State Championship. After his goal, he stepped awkwardly on the pitch and ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. In early March, the player underwent surgery and returned to action in the second half of the match against Paraná.
"Of course I'm not in good physical shape yet, but I'm trying to give my best and dedicate myself to helping Flamengo. The most important thing is that Flamengo came out with the victory," said Obina, who was replaced at the end of the second half by Leonardo and left to a standing ovation from the fans who came to the stadium to watch the game.
Ney Franco admits relief with Flamengo's victory
Flamengo's 3-1 victory over América-RN on Wednesday night in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, lifted the red-and-black team out of last place in the Brazilian Championship and gave coach Ney Franco a new lease on life. At the end of the match, the coach admitted to feeling relieved with the result.
"It's a normal situation for a coach of the team with the biggest fan base in the country, who wasn't getting positive results. But I preferred not to predict my future at Flamengo after the game. I focused and managed to motivate the players. If Flamengo didn't play a great game, at least they got the three points. We left feeling relieved," he said.
Due to the club's poor performance in this Brazilian Championship, and the resulting pressure from the fans, Ney Franco would have been unlikely to remain in his position if the team hadn't defeated América-RN this Wednesday. A victory was the only result sufficient to lift the team out of the embarrassing last place in the table.
That's why the coach was under a lot of pressure last Monday. The day after the 1-0 loss to Grêmio, which left the team in last place, about 30 fans went to Gávea to demand Ney Franco's departure and protest Flamengo's poor run.
"I was prepared for any outcome. If we lost and the board decided to change the coaching staff, I would leave with my head held high, because I won three titles and helped develop players like Renato Augusto. I had successes and failures, like any coach," commented the coach, who started the midfielder in last year's Copa do Brasil finals.
Ney Franco arrived at Flamengo in May of last year after leading the modest Ipatinga to the semifinals of the 2006 Copa do Brasil, against the red-and-black team. He then won the national championship.
Still in 2006, the coach participated in a relatively calm campaign in the Brazilian Championship, compared to the team's last participations in Série A - the team only avoided relegation in the last round in 2004, saved itself from relegation in the penultimate game in 2005, but guaranteed its permanence in the elite in 2006 with five games to spare.
Later this year, Ney Franco won the Rio State Championship and the Guanabara Cup – the first round of the regional competition. "I played in the Brazilian Championship last year, when Flamengo was in no danger after two years of being threatened. I don't know how long I'll stay, but I'll do everything I can to achieve good results while I'm here," Ney concluded.
Ney Franco celebrates Flamengo's first home win
Flamengo had to play five home games to finally secure a home win in the Brazilian Championship. The positive result came with a 3-1 victory over América-RN this Wednesday in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, and encouraged coach Ney Franco.
"The basic principle for a good campaign and finishing among the top teams is not to drop points at home. And we were surprised; we dropped a lot of points at home," commented the coach, who hopes the team will recover after the victory against the team from Rio Grande do Norte.
"We hope the team improves from now on and shows that on Sunday. We're hoping to play well and get the three points against Corinthians. We'll have a string of away games from now on," continued the red-and-black manager.
Since the start of the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Flamengo has been forced to play its Brazilian Championship matches outside the city, as Maracanã and Engenhão stadiums are closed for the international event.
Last Thursday, the team hosted Paraná in Uberlândia-MG, but lost 2-1. When they actually played at home, Flamengo was defeated by Palmeiras 4-2 in their debut, drew 2-2 with Botafogo and by the same score with Inter - all these games were played at Maracanã.
With a poor home record and other poor away results, Flamengo was bottom of the table, but moved out of last place with Wednesday's victory. According to Ney Franco, the introduction of striker Paulo Sérgio in the second half was crucial to the team's positive result.
"We decided to start the game with three defenders because we knew the opponent would come out to play on the counterattack. But the game called for a change of tactics, and we did so at halftime. Paulo Sérgio came on well, and other players stepped up their game with his introduction. Obina, for example, gained a strike partner and was more visible. If we didn't put on a show, at least we got the win," concluded the coach.
With a renewed contract, defender Ronaldo Angelim helps Flamengo
Just days after renewing his contract with Flamengo, defender Ronaldo Angelim helped save the team from a crisis that could have culminated in the departure of coach Ney Franco. On Wednesday, the player scored the goal that paved the way for the Rio de Janeiro team's 3-1 victory over América-RN in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, in the Brazilian Championship.
The contract extension was confirmed through the publication of the athlete's name in the Daily Information Bulletin (BID) on the official website of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The defender's contract with Flamengo was due to end in December of this year, but was extended until the end of 2008.
As he left the field, Ronaldo Angelim celebrated the result that lifted the team out of last place in the league, but issued a warning. "Right now, the win gives us confidence for the next three away games. But we can't assume everything is fine. We have to improve a lot to get out of this situation," the player said, noting that the team is still in the relegation zone.
Ronaldo Angelim was signed by Flamengo to reinforce the team in the 2006 season after standing out for Fortaleza in the 2005 Brazilian Championship. The defender debuted with the red-and-black shirt on February 2nd of last year, scoring a goal in the 4-2 victory over Americano, at Maracanã, in the Rio State Championship.
The player subsequently lost his starting spot, but regained it in the first half of this year. In total, Angelim played 66 games for Flamengo and scored eight goals, including the one scored this Wednesday. He also won the 2006 Copa do Brasil and this year's Rio State Championship.
Fla wins again, leaves the bottom and gives Ney Franco a new lease of life
After eight games and a two-month drought, Flamengo finally returned to winning ways. This Wednesday, in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, the team that had gone the longest without a win in the Brazilian Championship defeated América-RN 3-1. With the victory, the team didn't escape the relegation zone, but it did leave last place and gave coach Ney Franco a new lease on life. The Rio Grande do Norte club remained in the risk group.
In addition to celebrating Flamengo's victory, the red-black fans were also able to celebrate a goal by Obina again after exactly five months.
On Wednesday, the striker returned to the starting lineup for the first time since recovering from a serious injury, scoring his team's third goal with a header in the 27th minute of the second half. The player's last goal came on February 25th, when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
"It's a goal that helps a lot. I'll try to score many more goals to continue helping Flamengo," commented Obina, who was given a standing ovation by the Flamengo fans when he was replaced by Leonardo at the end of the match.
In the first half, Flamengo opened the scoring with defender Ronaldo Angelim in the 18th minute. However, the Rio de Janeiro team began to give their opponents space, and América-RN equalized in the 36th minute with Carlos Eduardo.
In the second half, Flamengo returned with striker Paulo Sérgio in place of defender Thiago, who once again performed poorly. More offensively, Flamengo began to press, while América-RN sought to exploit counterattacks.
After so much persistence, the Gávea team took the lead with a stunning goal from Jaílton, who scored his first goal for the club in the 15th minute. The red-and-blacks then created good chances and closed the scoring with Obina.
With the victory, Flamengo, which has three games in hand, moved up to 11 points from 20th to 18th place, surpassing América-RN, which had ten points in second-to-last place.
Ney Franco gets a reprieve
Wednesday's victory was Flamengo's first at home in this championship—the team couldn't play at Maracanã or Engenhão due to the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro—and its second in the entire competition. The last victory came on May 20th, against Goiás, in Goiânia, in the second round.
Since then, Flamengo has drawn five games and lost three, two of which came in the previous rounds. Therefore, only a victory this Wednesday would keep Ney Franco in charge of the red-and-black team, at least for now.
The day after the 1-0 defeat to Grêmio (which occurred after Souza was sent off and an own goal by Irineu, who was not even on the bench this Wednesday), which sank the team to last place, the coach was heavily harassed by around 30 fans who went to Gávea to ask for his departure and protest against Flamengo's poor form.
Therefore, despite the support of the club's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, Ney Franco's situation would become unsustainable at Gávea if the team did not beat América-RN, under the argument that, without the support of the fans, the team would sink into crisis once and for all.
"It's a normal situation for a coach of the team with the biggest fan base in the country who wasn't getting positive results. But I preferred not to predict my future. If Flamengo didn't play a great game, at least they got the three points. We left feeling relieved," said Ney Franco.
"I was prepared for any outcome. If defeat came and the board decided to change the coaching staff, I would leave with my head held high, because I won three titles and helped develop players like Renato Augusto. I had successes and failures, like any coach," continued the coach, champion of the 2006 Copa do Brasil, the 2007 Taça Guanabara, and the XNUMX Rio State Championship.
However, Ney Franco isn't yet fully secure in his position. As long as the team is in the relegation zone, the coach will likely remain under intense pressure, and a new string of negative results could force him to step down.
On the other hand, the defeat thwarted América-RN's attempt to escape the relegation zone. On Wednesday, the team was seeking its second consecutive victory to move closer to its goal, but the negative result thwarted the team's plans.
Now, América-RN will look to regain its footing next Sunday against São Paulo in Natal. On the same day, Flamengo will try to get back on track by facing Corinthians in São Paulo.
BalloonSport
Obina: 'The fans give me confidence'
Anjo Negro says that the support of the red-blacks makes him feel at ease to try any move
Marcio Iannacca
Obina celebrates one of Flamengo's goals in last Wednesday's match
Confidence is key in any player's career. And it's with this spirit and the support of Flamengo fans that forward Obina has entered matches. After recovering from a left knee injury that sidelined him for five months, the Black Angel revealed to GLOBOESPORTE.COM that his good form is due to the support from the stands.
"Confidence is everything. I know that if I make a mistake, they'll support me and encourage me. In 90 minutes, another chance will come, and I know I'll end up scoring. I'm confident enough to try anything because I know the fans will support me and chant my name. That's very important. The fans have given me confidence," the player reveals.
After five months away from football, Obina returned to start a match for Flamengo. This was his third appearance after fully recovering from his left knee injury. The player, however, says he felt a bit tired during the match in Juiz de Fora.
"I got a little tired at the end. But this is all the result of a lot of work. I'm feeling great," says the Black Angel.
Ney Franco plans to use Roger on Sunday
Coach receives information that midfielder will be cleared to play against Corinthians
Marcio Iannacca
Coach Ney Franco received information on Wednesday that Roger should be cleared to play for Flamengo in this Sunday's match against Corinthians in the Brazilian Championship. The player is just waiting for approval from MSI, which holds 50% of his rights, to be registered with the CBF. This should happen before the end of the week.
Ney Franco's plan, however, isn't to start Roger. The midfielder is expected to be on the bench as an option for the second half.
Obina thanks her guardian angels
Physiotherapists and fitness trainers are praised by the Black Angel after the game
Marcio Iannacca
Happy to be back scoring after nearly five months out due to a knee injury (see the video below), Obina made a point of thanking those who helped him during his recovery. Physiotherapists Gláucio Barbosa and Leonardo Reis, as well as fitness coaches Geraldo Fabian, Marcelo Martorelli, Marcelo Sales, and Alexandre Sanz received a "thank you" from the Black Angel after Flamengo's 3-1 victory over América-RN in Juiz de Fora.
"When I scored that goal, a movie played in my head. The day-to-day physical therapy, everyone who helped me, every day I spent undergoing treatment. The movie of how they held my foot to make me flex my knee more, to have greater movement, all of that played out. I made a point of talking to each and every one of them," says Obina.
Fla celebrates 1st victory as home team
The team's only victory in the Brasileirão had been against Goiás, at Serra Dourada
Marcio Iannacca
After eleven games in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo finally won its first home match in the competition. Coach Ney Franco considers home advantage to be crucial, as they had only won one match before this 3-1 victory over América-RN in Juiz de Fora (see the goals below): another 3-1 victory over Goiás at Serra Dourada.
"The basic principle of a good campaign in a points-based tournament is winning at home. We had our first victory and we're hoping the team improves in the coming games," says Ney.
Flamengo's coach regrets that the team won't have a game in the middle of next week. The team's next three games will be away: against Corinthians, Atlético-PR, and Santos.
Ney admits the team didn't play well
Flamengo coach values the three points from the victory over América-RN more
Marcio Iannacca
Flamengo's performance wasn't stellar, but coach Ney Franco was very pleased with the 3-1 victory over América-RN this Wednesday in Juiz de Fora. The victory moved the Red-Blacks out of last place and eased the pressure on the coach.
"We needed to win at all costs. Playing beautifully wasn't important; what mattered was the three points. We achieved our goal, and I hope the players now have more peace of mind for the upcoming games," the coach analyzes.
Ney also celebrated the stumble of Náutico, a club that is in the relegation zone (it is the new bottom team).
"Our team leaves here with a sense of accomplishment. We've improved a few positions in the table (we're now in 18th place), and the teams above us haven't scored either," he concludes.
Irineu is barred at the last minute
Ney Franco surprises and removes the defender minutes before the match. Moisés becomes the starter.
Marcio Iannacca
Flamengo fans protest banner in Juiz de Fora demanding Irineu's departure. In addition to the boos from Flamengo fans and the protest banner at Mário Helênio Stadium in Juiz de Fora, defender Irineu suffered another severe blow. The player was barred from Wednesday's match in Juiz de Fora, in the locker room, minutes before kickoff. Moisés was selected.
Irineu was one of the players most targeted during the protest held in Gávea last Monday and one of the only ones harassed by the Juiz de Fora fans. The player is expected to be rested from the club's upcoming matches.
The player wasn't even named on the bench. Without Irineu, Moisés, the birthday boy, got a chance in the red-and-black defense.
Timão waits for MSI to release Roger
The club says the company, still a partner, must release him. Flamengo wants to sign him up soon.
Marcel Rizzo
Corinthians says it is awaiting approval from its current partner MSI to send Roger's documentation to the CBF. For now, Flamengo's new signing cannot make his debut because he is not registered with the CBF.
"We're pressing MSI again. Since they own 50% of the player, they need to approve the negotiation. This was the case with Carlos Alberto (loaned to Fluminense and later sold to Werder Bremen). Once we receive this approval, we'll send the documentation to the CBF. Everything should be finalized by Friday," says Rubens Gomes, Corinthians' vice president of football.
On Tuesday night, Corinthians' Deliberative Council unanimously approved the end of the partnership with MSI, but the termination still needs to be finalized. A group of lawyers is studying the best way to terminate the agreement, and president Alberto Dualib needs to inform MSI in writing of the board's intentions. So, for now, Corinthians still owes the company an explanation.
Rubão, as Gomes is known, said the club has no interest in preventing Roger from playing against Corinthians on Sunday at Morumbi Stadium. Roger stated that Corinthians would delay submitting the documents so he wouldn't play against his former team.
"If we wanted him not to play against us, we would have included that in the contract. I'd even like him to play on Sunday," says Rubão.
Flamengo is waiting for Corinthians' release, otherwise, Roger will likely go to court to get his release as soon as possible.
Angelim renews contract until 2008
Defender signs new contract with Fla and will remain in the squad next season\ Márcio Iannacca\
Defender Ronaldo Angelim has agreed to renew his contract with Flamengo until the end of 2008. The player had a contract with the club until December and has secured another year with the club. The player's name and the extension of his stay at Gávea have already been published in the CBF's Daily Internal Bulletin (BID).
Angelim has been a starter for coach Ney Franco in this Brazilian Championship. He has formed a defense with Thiago and Irineu, as Flamengo has played in a 3-5-2 formation.
The defender made his Flamengo debut on February 2, 2006. Flamengo defeated Americano 4-2 in a Campeonato Carioca match. Angelim has made 65 appearances for the Rio de Janeiro club and scored seven goals.
Fla gives official shirt to US goalkeeper
Player, who had bought a pirated car, is surprised by the red-black fans
Gabriele Lomba
American Jason Wellings receives an official Flamengo jersey as a gift\ American Jason Wellings can now return to California with a genuine Flamengo jersey. After purchasing a counterfeit and being caught by GLOBOESPORTE.COM at the Pan-American Village, he received a gift this Wednesday. A club representative went to the Deodoro Complex and presented the official "sacred jersey" after the United States' 13-0 victory over Brazil in the seventh-place match.\
Jason immediately tore off the plastic and donned Renato Augusto's number 10 jersey. The team's backup goalkeeper was surprised to learn that the club has around 35 million fans.
"All that? It's incredible. And how many people can fit in the stadium?" he asked, only to be informed that the club usually plays at Maracanã.
Throw
Flamengo defeats América-RN and ends drought
Despite playing poorly again, Rubro-Negro manages to win 3-1 in Juiz de Fora
Juan, who admitted he didn't do well, fights for the ball (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)
Hugo Perruso\ Under heavy pressure before and during the match, Flamengo managed to end its eight-game winless streak on Wednesday by defeating América-RN 3-1 in Juiz de Fora, and, in addition, moving up from last place in the Brazilian Championship. Ronaldo Angelim, Jaílton and Obina scored the goals, with Carlos Eduardo pulling one back.\
Needing a win to keep his job, Ney Franco fielded Obina and Moisés, leaving out Irineu. The team continued to play poorly and only improved when the coach added a striker alongside Obina. On the other hand, América's performance showed that it is a strong candidate for relegation.
In the first half, Flamengo and América showed why they're in last place in the Brazilian Championship. What we saw was a technically weak game, with many long balls, rebounds, and misplaced passes. If the uniforms and stadium were replaced by vests and a soccer field, the difference wouldn't be noticeable.
Based on the predictions, a set piece goal would have been the most fair. With the first chance of the game, in the 18th minute, the Rubro-Negro opened the scoring. Renato Augusto took a free kick into the box, the ball went past everyone and hit the post. On the rebound, there was confusion in the box, everyone searching for the ball, which fell to Ronaldo Angelim to shoot. Renê couldn't keep it. The confusing goal was the tone of the match.
América barely threatened. None of their three shots came close to the crossbar. When they finally managed to create a good play, Souza missed a goal one-on-one with Bruno. The team from Rio Grande do Norte only managed to equalize on another set piece. Thiago Machado took a free kick, and Carlos Eduardo deflected it. Bruno just watched as the ball went in: 1-1.
América grew, but no longer threatened Bruno. In the final play, Obina finally had a chance to score. The forward received a good pass from Léo Moura and shot first time. The ball went close to Renê's goal.
In the second half, Flamengo came back with more energy and began pressing. With Paulo Sérgio's introduction and Renato Augusto's retreat, Flamengo began to create more chances, especially through Obina. The striker nearly scored in the first minute: he spun inside the box but shot straight at the goalkeeper. On another occasion, Obina entered the box but ended up shooting wide.
Just as América was leveling the score, Flamengo scored their second goal. In the 15th minute, Jaílton took a shot from outside the box, and Renê accepted another easy pass. It was the goal the team needed to regain some composure. América felt the blow, and if they were already playing poorly, they only got worse.
Flamengo surged to a third goal with Obina. The fans' favorite scored his first since returning from left knee surgery. His last goal was five months ago against Vasco in the Guanabara Cup semifinal. The striker had two other chances but ultimately missed.
In the duel between Flamengo, the team with the fewest wins in the Brazilian Championship, and América, the team with the most losses, Flamengo prevailed, achieving their second victory in 11 matches, reaching 11 points. Meanwhile, the Northeastern team accumulated their tenth loss in 14 games and remains at the bottom of the table with just ten points.
Published on 25/7/2007 at 23:21
Juan, from Fla, admits he didn't play well
But the full-back celebrates the pass for Obina's goal and the victory
LANCEPRESS!
Juan didn't have a good game in the 3-1 victory over América-RN, but he provided the assist for Obina's third goal. The full-back celebrated the assist but admitted he wasn't at his best.
- My pass was important, I helped the team, but I didn't have a good performance - said the full-back.
Another reason for Juan to celebrate was the victory, which relieved some of the pressure on the players and coaching staff and lifted the Red-Blacks out of last place in the Brazilian Championship. The least important thing for Juan, according to him, was the score.
- Regardless of the result, Flamengo needed to win and we did - he said.
Obina praises the spirit of the Flamengo team
The striker also gives the recipe for Rubro-Negro to recover in the Brasileirão
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo's key player in the 3-1 victory over América-RN was Obina, who scored one goal and had chances to score two more. The striker praised the team's spirit, saying it was essential to the victory.
"The team came out wanting to win. That's why we got this good result," said the striker, who also gave the recipe for the team to recover and quickly escape the relegation zone:
- With more dedication each day, we will get the team out of this situation - he added.
With the victory, Flamengo reached 11 points and left the bottom of the Brazilian Championship.
Angelim highlights the importance of Fla's victory
For the defender, the team needed three points to avoid relegation
LANCEPRESS!
Ronaldo Angelim, who scored Flamengo's first goal in their 3-1 victory over América-RN, emphasized the importance of securing all three points. The defender noted that, with both teams in the relegation zone, it was a direct clash and that the team was under pressure.
"Winning is always important, but we were on the ropes and playing a direct opponent. We really needed the three points," he said.
Angelim also highlighted his concern about the next three games, all away from home (against Corinthians, Santos and Atlético-PR).
- Now it's time to work to prepare ourselves for the next games, which will be very difficult - he said.
Flamengo's Jaílton dedicates goal to newborn son
Flamengo midfielder scored for the first time wearing the red and black shirt
LANCEPRESS!
Besides the victory after an eight-game drought, Jaílton had another reason to celebrate. The Flamengo midfielder scored his first goal for the Red-Blacks (the second in a 3-1 victory over América-RN) and dedicated it to his son Rodrigo, born last Monday, and his wife Artemis.
"It was a very emotional moment. I was already happy before the game even started," said the midfielder.
Jaílton arrived at Flamengo at the beginning of the year and has played 18 games so far.
Obina scores a goal after five months
In his first match as a starter, the striker scores against Flamengo
LANCEPRESS!
After five months, Obina finally scored again. Wearing the number 7 jersey, the striker made his first start since returning from left knee surgery and expressed his satisfaction with his important performance.
"It was an important game for me. I'm trying to do my best to help Flamengo," said the striker, who debuted a new pair of boots.
Obina's last goal had been against Vasco, on February 25, in the semi-final of the Guanabara Cup.
Flamengo is in the semifinals of the Belo Horizonte Cup
Rubro-Negro will face Atlético-PR in the next phase of the competition
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo's youth team beat São Bento 4-1 on Tuesday night and qualified for the semi-finals of the Belo Horizonte Cup.
The Rio de Janeiro team's goals were scored by Pedro Beda, Vander, Erick Flores, and Vinicius Colombiano. Their next opponent is Atlético-PR, this Thursday at 20 p.m., for a spot in the tournament final.
In the other semifinal, Cruzeiro and Juventude face off. The final will be next Sunday.