THE GLOBE
The first reunion
Flamengo and Botafogo begin today the re-enactment of the 2007 State final
Photo caption: CUCA GUIDES Renan during a Botafogo training session: tradition of good games against rival Flamengo
Photo caption: JOEL SANTANA: coach in search of the title before saying goodbye to Flamengo and going to South Africa
Carlos Eduardo Mansur and Rogério Daflon
For the second consecutive year, Flamengo and Botafogo will decide the Campeonato Carioca. The first match, today at 16 p.m. at the Maracanã, in front of an estimated crowd of 68, celebrates the two teams' recent dominance in Rio de Janeiro football. In addition to the 2007 State Championship, Flamengo and Botafogo also contested the 2008 Guanabara Cup final. Since last year's final, Flamengo and Botafogo have experienced similar trajectories: they have oscillated between moments of joy and profound crisis.
With the State Championship over, Flamengo was eliminated from the Libertadores and spent much of the first half of the Brazilian Championship in the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Botafogo recovered from the defeat, leading the national competition and being hailed as a major team in the country at the time. Interestingly, the club's incredible run to third place in the Brazilian Championship coincided with Botafogo's agony. Dramatically eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana, they even saw their chance of earning a spot in the Libertadores slip away.
In 2008, the rivals meet again. Together, they enjoy a start to the year that inspires optimism. Flamengo is doing well in the Libertadores. Botafogo remains strong in the Copa do Brasil.
"Since I arrived and found the team in second-to-last place, I've had nothing but joy with this group. A title doesn't come about because of the last week. It's a long process," says Joel Santana, the club's coach, who is expected to field six players who were with the club in the 2007 final as starters.
"The two teams' histories do have some similarities, yes. And there's a bright side to this great rivalry: it's full of great games," says Cuca, who will have four starters who were with Botafogo in 2007.
The black and white team will be without Castillo, Triguinho, Alessandro, and Jorge Henrique. The red and black team will be without Renato Augusto.
Referee: Gutemberg de Paula Fonseca.
TRANSMISSION: Rede Globo, Rádios Globo and CBN
The adventure of the Vulture, the red-black symbol
In 1969, a joke by four friends stirred up the Flamengo fans.
VICTOR AND ROMILSON, in front of Urubu: they believe the symbol brought luck to Flamengo
In 1969, Paulo Henrique chased the vulture launched at Maracanã: Flamengo beat Botafogo
Gabriel Mascarenhas
Four young men and a Flamengo flag. A bizarre idea and a vulture. What had everything to go wrong ended up becoming history. Friends Vitinho, Romildo, Erick, and Luis Otávio went to the Caju landfill to retrieve the bird that became the mascot of the country's largest fan base. On June 1, 1969, minutes before Flamengo and Botafogo took the field, the quartet tied a small black and red flag to the black bird's leg and threw it onto the Maracanã pitch. That Sunday, Flamengo defeated Botafogo 2-1, after a four-year drought, and the vulture took flight to indulge in Flamengo's passion.
- On that day, the vulture killed Popeye, who until then was the mascot, but never had any identification with Flamengo fans - remembers Victor Ellery, now 56 years old.
The prank began at a bar in Leme, where the four lived. The goal was to respond to their rivals, who called the red-and-black fans "vultures," referring to the fact that most of the fans were Black. But between the idea and the action, there were failed attempts and a couple of pecks.
"We wanted to do something different, to tell Botafogo and Vasco fans, especially, that 'this fan base is Black, yes, and proud of it.' And there was no better date. It was one of Doval's (the Argentine striker who also played for Fluminense) first games, and at the time, we were Botafogo regulars," explains Victor.
Adventure with lots of pecks
The day before the derby, the four went in search of the bird at the Caju garbage dump. With the help of a fishing net and an employee—according to them, a Flamengo fan excited by the boys' plan—they caught the vulture. Convinced, they assure that, contrary to the stigma it carries, the vulture doesn't smell bad.
"He doesn't smell. The only problem is his breath. His breath was terrible," recalls Romilson Meirelles, 60.
The animal, friends say, struggled in the back of the truck until it reached Leme, pecking at anyone who tried to restrain it. The solution to protect itself from the blows was to encase the bird's head and beak in an acrylic container.
Romilson was tasked with sheltering the "mascot" until game time and, having no other choice, locked him in the basement of his apartment building, with water and raw steak. He asked his mother—a Tricolor fan, he confesses—to sew a small black and red flag.
On game day, the five of them set off for Maracanã: Vitinho, Romilson, Eric, Luis, and the vulture. Without the rigorous inspections of today, the group climbed the ramp to the stadium stands with the bird hidden inside a flag.
Minutes before the teams took the field, they tied the small flag to the animal's paw and released it into the air. The vulture circled the Flamengo fans and, capriciously, landed on the crossbar of the goal where the team would score its two goals.
"When the vulture landed on the field, there was an uproar. The entire Flamengo fan base chanted, 'It's a vulture, it's a vulture,' and Maracanã staff tried to capture it. The game was delayed by more than ten minutes," Romilson explains.
The day after the victory over their former nemesis and the vulture's consecration as Flamengo's mascot, the four fans gave interviews to major newspapers—still preserved in pristine condition today—and television channels of the time, explaining the behind-the-scenes story of the plan that elevated the animal from trash to Flamengo's symbol. The bird, which barely flew over the Maracanã pitch, died days later. An autopsy—yes, the case received such widespread attention that an autopsy was performed—proved it was female.
In 1995, the year of Flamengo's centennial, Victor received a plaque commemorating him as a "red-and-black citizen," signed by Kleber Leite, then president and now director of football at the club. Romilson says he is not seeking a similar honor.
- I would like to have our names officially recorded in the club's history, but even if that doesn't happen, no one can take away the privilege of having participated in this history from us - he states, with undisguised pride.
A full-back who prepares for achievements and for life
At once explosive and docile, Juan moves away from football clichés
JUAN DURING a training session in Gávea: quiet manner and tastes that set him apart from the standards of other players
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
To understand Juan, you have to live with him. His tastes and quiet demeanor, even when surrounded by teammates, are traits that set him apart from the typical soccer player. He may seem grumpy, especially to those who observe his explosive nature in games and training. But those around him assure us: the full-back, who became a key offensive player for Flamengo in the State Championship finals, hides a gentle temperament and even leadership skills.
When they get together, players tend to form a noisy group. But Juan's voice is rare. He was once nicknamed "Saraiva," and more recently, coach Joel Santana started calling him "Marrentinho."
"It's a pet name. Juan isn't cocky at all. He's not messy, he never stays in the medical department," Joel praises.
Bilingual, lateral likes traveling and new cultures
Always quiet, Juan sometimes changes. He trains as if it were a game, with outbursts that lead him to argue with teammates. Last week, in Teresópolis, angered after a clash with Leonardo Moura, he nearly walked off the field. Earlier, in the Rio Cup semifinal, he criticized the refereeing so harshly that he will be tried by the TJD.
"Juan is reserved, but very easy to get along with. He's a sweet guy," says Leonardo Moura, the friend who took Juan in when he returned from England in 2004.
"Right after he explodes, he stops, thinks, and laughs at what he did. Because he's a good person, without any bad feelings. He's very reserved, but capable of leading a movement when he sees someone needs help," says Flamengo psychologist Paulo Ribeiro.
The psychologist, in fact, says he sees in Juan an above-average intelligence and, by players' standards, a much broader view of the world.
"I think about the future, but I see a question mark. I like the world of football, but I want to live life with my family. I want to work, but without such strict obligations. I'd like to maintain a good standard of living that would allow me to experience places and cultures," says Juan.
When he talks about standard of living, Juan seems to be referring to quality of life. He has more than money in mind. He differs from his fellow professionals in his concern, including family planning. He and his wife, Renata, dream of having children. But not yet.
"We're young, she's in college. We're thinking about enjoying life a little more," says Juan, before reflecting on the common sense surrounding the soccer player. "We have a reputation for misinterpreting things because many of us come from humble backgrounds. They say we get rich quickly and then only think about women and nightlife. But many players are aware of that."
Juan truly prepares for life. At 20, he joined Arsenal in England. And he used the experience to enrich himself.
"At first, I was just focused on playing soccer. Then I realized it was a waste and started studying English," says Juan, who is now fluent in the language.
The son of a Spanish father, Juan makes no secret of his interest in travel and culture. His musical tastes aren't limited to pagode, a dominant genre among footballers. He also dabbles in Brazilian Popular Music (MPB), hip hop, pop, and rock. He often listens to Caetano Veloso and Djavan. He recently applauded the play "Os Produtores."
"On my days off, I like to go out. But not for nights out. I like to be with my family," explains the full-back, who reveals his quirks even when discussing his future in football. "Of course I'd like to go back to Europe. But I don't see it as a necessity anymore."
Today, the docile and explosive full-back will face the rival who has been involved in tense classics with Flamengo.
"It's an important and decisive game against our biggest rival in recent years. We have to take it calmly," said Juan. "The teams know each other, it's important to try to create something new."
Rubro-negro secures top spot in the National Championship
BELO HORIZONTE. Flamengo easily defeated Minas Gerais yesterday at their opponent's home ground, 84-71 (36-30 in the first half), securing first place in the first phase of the National Men's Basketball Championship with three games to spare. With this result, Flamengo will face eighth-place Vila Velha in a best-of-five quarterfinal series.
This was Flamengo's second victory over Minas Gerais this season. In the first leg, in Rio, the red-and-black team won 96-89. Yesterday, the Rio team dominated the match from start to finish, exploiting Minas Gerais' mistakes, which rushed the attack and failed to defend effectively.
"In the first half, both teams played well below their potential. In the second, we managed to improve our defense and shooting. It wasn't a pretty game, but we achieved our goal," analyzed forward Marcelinho, who scored 18 points in the match.
Also yesterday, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced the creation of the Club World Cup, which will begin in 2009 with the participation of the eight best clubs from four continents.
Jump ball to bring back the good times
Flamengo's success in the Basketball League and the National Basketball Championship challenges other major teams to invest in the sport.
UP: Flamengo players celebrate the victory that tied the clash for the League title at 2-2
Ary Cunha and Claudio Nogueira
Flamengo basketball faces three challenges. The most immediate is seeking its first South American League title, Wednesday at 23 p.m., against Regatas Corrientes in Argentina. After that, the undisputed leader in the first phase will attempt to lift the trophy in the National Championship as well. The third mission, however, doesn't depend solely on its efforts: it's up to Flamengo, with the success of the team coached by Paulo Chupeta, to revive the sport in Rio and serve as an example for other major clubs to invest in again.
Flamengo's success isn't solely due to the skill of Marcelinho & Co. Behind the efficiency on the court lies an administrative policy that secures resources. Former swimmer Patrícia Amorim, vice president of Olympic sports, explains the division that funds soccer without leaving other sports unattended.
Flu is inspired by its rival and plans a strong team
At Gávea, 80% of the revenue goes to football, 10% to the vice-presidency of rowing, as mandated by the club's statutes, and the remaining 10% to other Olympic sports, such as basketball, gymnastics, swimming, water polo, synchronized swimming, volleyball and judo.
"We prioritize basketball and gymnastics. On average, we invest R$120 per month," estimates Patrícia Amorim.
The director recalls having reduced the staff by 20%, while also investing in facilities for various sports:
"We didn't expect so much success in such a short time. Our basketball team doesn't pay a football player."
Point guard Marcelinho is concerned about the future of basketball in Rio.
"Rio basketball needs encouragement. In 2001, Rio's four big teams were among the top eight in the national championship. Goodwill isn't enough: encouragement is needed," says Marcelinho, who is fighting in court to receive back payments from Fluminense and Botafogo.
The hope for a resurgence in Rio de Janeiro basketball could be reflected in Fluminense's colors. Olympic sports coordinator Renê Machado—father of the red-and-blacks Marcelinho and Duda—says that the success of the Maracanãzinho's attendance during the League has attracted a cable TV channel interested in broadcasting the Carioca Championship starting in September:
- Fluminense wants to form a team that can compete on equal terms with Flamengo. And our fans can share the Maracanãzinho with them.
If there is excitement at Fluminense, at Vasco - champion of two South American Leagues, two South American Championships and two National Championships, between 1998 and 2001 - there is an atmosphere of conformity.
- To form a strong team, you need a strong sponsor - says the vice president of legal and indoor sports, Paulo Reis.
Botafogo's Olympic sports coordinator, Jorge Barros, admits that the club can't field an adult basketball team. Last year, it competed in the Women's National Championship, but with youth players and at a very low cost:
- Funding adult teams these days is very expensive. We invest in the youth teams.
Vice President of the Basketball Federation (FBERJ), Fernando Lima says that Flamengo gained momentum when competing in the last State Championship against Minas and Universo/Brasília, who represented Fluminense and Vasco.
- If Flamengo wins the League and the National Championship, it will be able to attract sponsors for basketball - he says.
Flamengo has the answer to its rivals' decline.
"We lack willpower. Reality forces us to choose certain sports and manage them with our heads, not as fans," Patrícia concludes.
Fernando Calazans
The most beautiful goal celebration I've seen recently was the one for a free kick taken by Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno. Which leads me to conclude that it took a different goal—the goalkeeper's first for the club—an unusual goal, a rare goal, and ultimately, such a beautiful goal—for the players, the entire team, to reenact the most beautiful celebrations at Maracanã, like those of the great teams Botafogo, Pelé's Santos, Fluminense, Tostão's Cruzeiro, Vasco, and Flamengo itself. Why?
For a simple reason: all the Flamengo players—ALL of them—thrilled by Bruno's goal, they ran euphorically toward him to hug him. So what did we see? A scene from the past: 11 players wearing identical jerseys hugging each other on the field.
And it was this scene, as old as it is simple, that became unbeatable in terms of beauty, because of the image of solidarity, of unity, of respect, of the unity of a football team.
No provocations, no grotesque dances, no tasteless choreography, no poorly rehearsed and poorly executed movements that would shame George Balanchine, Maurice Béjart, and our Deborah Colker.
By the way: how will Botafogo and Flamengo celebrate in today's big game, which kicks off the Rio Championship final?
And whose goals will they be? Will they be more Botafogo goals? Or will they be more Flamengo goals?
That's what I don't know.
Renato Mauricio Prado
Tie-breaker
Flamengo has only one option: to attack ferociously, seeking a strong victory that will put them in a comfortable position for the second leg, when they'll be returning from Mexico, exhausted from the Libertadores match and the long trip. Botafogo, severely understaffed, is interested in the opposite: defend skillfully and seek goals on the counterattack. This duel between Joel and Cuca promises to be a promising one.
Interestingly, in direct confrontations (for several clubs they have worked for), the coaches are strictly equal - each has beaten the other three times and there have also been six draws.
Joel beat Cuca, coaching Bahia (in two matches, against Avaí) and Fla (in the GB Cup, this year).
The Botafogo coach's triumphs were for São Paulo (against Guarani) and for Glorioso, in the two matches of the last Taça Rio.
Who will take the upper hand now—and win the title? The answer begins to be revealed today at the Maracanã.
Alessandro, Jorge Henrique, Castillo, and Triguinho on one side, Renato Augusto on the other. Botafogo, of course, is at a disadvantage. But the red-and-black midfielder will also be missed. Especially on a team full of defensive midfielders, like Joel's...
From a keen football observer who didn't quite understand what led Carlos Alberto Parreira to nominate Joel as his replacement in charge of the South African national team:
"It would be normal for him to recommend Vanderlei Luxemburgo, Muricy Ramalho, or Abel Braga—highly prestigious coaches, both in Brazil and abroad. Hasn't he considered a trade? Joel there, and Parreira here, in Gávea?"
Kleber Leite, vice president of football at the club, guarantees that he made the invitation, but the coach, who won the World Cup in 94, did not accept, for the same reasons that led him to leave the "Bafana Bafana": he wants to dedicate more time to his family, especially his wife, who is facing health problems.
- But Flamengo is in Rio, where they live... Better wait... - counterattacks the "observer".
To check.
SPORTS JOURNAL
A rivalry with stories and stories
Flamengo and Botafogo: a rare case of unforgettable decisions and titles
Eduardo Lacombe
Although they've played few decisive matches, either in the Carioca or Brazilian Championships, Flamengo and Botafogo are rekindling, at the beginning of this century, a rivalry that fueled Rio de Janeiro's sports news for years. On one side, Brazil's Most Beloved, always drawing crowds to the stadiums. On the other, veritable football machines, like those led by Garrincha and Didi; and Gérson and Jairzinho. The former in the early 60s, fueled by winning their second World Cup in Chile. The latter, forging players who would play a key role in winning their third World Cup in Mexico.
Although the rivalry had been going on since the 50s, it wasn't until 1963 that the two teams truly faced off. The 1958 final also involved Vasco, who went on to become the Rio de Janeiro champions in unforgettable fashion. In 1963, Flamengo and Botafogo played their first final, and Didi & Co. won indisputably. To this day, the scenes of Garrincha in that match move those who have the opportunity to rewatch Joaquim Pedro de Andrade's film "Garrincha, the Joy of the People."
But, curiously, that 3-0 victory was almost lost to history. All because, with the exception of the 1968 Guanabara Cup, then a separate competition from the Campeonato Carioca (and also won by Botafogo 4-1), both teams, when they reached the final, faced a different opponent.
Until, in 1989, Botafogo and Flamengo finally faced off for a Rio title. Botafogo's victory, despite Flamengo's complaints in the first version of the crybaby, ended a 20-year drought. And Maurício, to this day, savors the success of that goal, which, the Flamengo fans say, came after he, Maurício, fouled defender Leonardo, who, in 1994, would go on to win the World Cup in the United States.
Last year, Flamengo would get its revenge, even giving Botafogo the right to complain about the refereeing.
But there were some great matches between the two clubs. The aforementioned 1968 Guanabara Cup final, in which Gerson & Co. mercilessly defeated Flamengo 4-1. There's no football fan who couldn't have watched that game with tears in his eyes. Or the grand final of 1992, this time for the Brazilian Championship, in which all the praise went to Flamengo, led by veteran Júnior, who, after shining on Italian turf, returned to his Flamengo side to lead them to their fifth title, a memorable victory.
There are also two games that both teams will never forget: the 6-0 victory on November 15, 11, in favor of Botafogo. And the 1972-6 victory on November 0, 8, in favor of Flamengo. Both were achieved indisputably, not only because of the score, but also because of the teams representing both clubs.
All of this makes this classic, which is being replayed for the fourth time this year, hold a special place in the memories of football lovers. Besides the parade of great players, there are also the cases of Renato Gaúcho, champion with Flamengo and runner-up with Botafogo; Gerson, champion with Botafogo and runner-up with Flamengo; and, most curiously, Andrade, a Botafogo fan who scored Flamengo's sixth goal that afternoon in 1981. He, of all people, wore the number 6 jersey.
In 2007, reaction and draw in the end
File/JS
Flamengo striker Souza scored in both decisive matches last year
Pedro Chiaverini
Flamengo and Botafogo are deciding the Campeonato Carioca for the second consecutive year. In 2007, the teams played two thrilling matches. Both ended 2-2, and the title was decided on penalties, with a happy ending for the team from Gávea.
In the first game, on April 29th, Botafogo took a 2-0 lead. From the left, Zé Roberto crossed for Dodô to open the scoring. Lucio Flavio then lined up in the Flamengo box and passed the ball past Bruno. Even with this advantage, Botafogo couldn't stop the red-and-blacks from coming back. Renato was awarded a penalty by goalkeeper Júlio César, who was sent off, and he converted to pull one back.
The equalizer came after another goalkeeper's mistake. Max, who came on after the starter's red card, couldn't hold onto a seemingly easy ball, and Souza pushed it into the back of the net.
Another draw\ On May 6th, Flamengo and Botafogo returned to the field for the highly anticipated final. The goals were saved for the second half, and in less than 15 minutes, the score was 2-1 for Botafogo. Juan made a good play and crossed for Souza to score the first. Botafogo equalized with Juninho's header after a free kick taken by Lucio Flavio.\
The black and white fans were quick to celebrate the comeback. In a perfect counterattack, Jorge Henrique sent Dodô through, who chipped the ball over Bruno, scoring a stunning goal. Flamengo equalized with Renato Augusto, who hit a beautiful shot from outside the box. There was no way around it.
For the first time, the Rio de Janeiro champions would be crowned champions after penalty kicks. And the last to celebrate was the Nação Rubro-Negra (Red-Black Nation). Bruno saved the first two penalties, enough to secure the title for the team from Gávea.
Rodrigo's future is written in Kiev
The target of much speculation due to his lack of adaptation to Flamengo and the end of his loan on June 30, defender Rodrigo broke his silence to explain what is happening in his case.
He made only four appearances for the club, starting only once, the very one in which he broke his right arm. As for his future, the player has left it in the hands of his agent, Giuseppe Dioguardi, who is in Ukraine trying to extend his loan at least until the end of the year with a Brazilian club.
"I'm training normally and intend to fulfill my contract with Flamengo until the end. My professional future depends solely on Dynamo Kyiv, the holder of my rights. I believe an agreement will be reached between the clubs soon, and then my future will be decided. I await the agreement being negotiated by my agent," stated Rodrigo.
Ibson Júnior honors his father in Gávea
Supported by his six-month-old son, supporter Ibson was one of the most excited players at yesterday's training session at Gávea, which served as Flamengo's final preparation for today's classic.
Ibson Júnior, despite his short life, has already proven to be a lucky winner. Whenever he shows up on the eve of matches, Flamengo wins. Happiness for his father and his teammates, who know the importance of achieving a good result in this first game of the final.
"My son will be home tomorrow because of the chaos, but I hope he brought us luck. We need a good result to have an advantage in the second game, as it will be a very stressful week," predicted the midfielder, who was doubtful during the week but has already recovered from his right leg injury, even guaranteeing he can play the full 90 minutes.
Libertadores — CONMEBOL announced some changes to the schedule for the Libertadores games. Previously scheduled for 19:30 PM (Brasília time), the match between Flamengo and América-MEX at the Azteca Stadium has been moved to 19:45 PM.
Two Fabios, one goal
In the fight for the title, the experienced Fábio Luciano has the mission of nullifying the momentum of his white namesake
Thiago Bokel
File/JS
Fábio will replace Jorge Henrique and must maintain Botafogo's strong attacking form. His namesake is synonymous with leadership in the red-and-black defense.
Experience on one side, youth on the other. This is how the duel between namesakes Fábio Luciano and Fábio will be defined in today's game. The former has nothing left to prove. He was a Club World Cup winner with Corinthians in 2000 and has been called up several times for the Brazilian national team. The black and white striker, however, is still searching for a place in the spotlight at Botafogo, facing an uphill battle against undisputed starters Jorge Henrique and Welington Paulista.
Fate would have it that Fábio's mission was written last Sunday. The "Ligeirinho"'s red card in the 47th minute of the second half in the Taça Rio final meant the spot in the black and white attack fell into his lap in this first leg of the final. But he'll face a relentless defender determined to add another ribbon to his successful career and win his first title with Flamengo.
Although the black and white team has only recently emerged on the national scene, he commands the utmost respect from the red-and-black captain. Even more so after scoring the goal that secured Botafogo's victory and qualification for the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals last Wednesday against Portuguesa.
Retirement in the plans\ "Fábio has already shown a few times that he is a good player. He uses his height well and even though he doesn't have Jorge Henrique's speed, he is dangerous. He will change Botafogo's style of play a bit, but he will give us a lot of work," warned Fábio Luciano, who is already making plans to hang up his boots at the end of the year.\
"I'm still developing this idea, in fact, I think about it more every day. I want to end my career feeling good, being useful to Flamengo. It won't be for lack of motivation, but because of the extra time I want to spend with my family. Who knows, maybe at the end of the year, playing in the Club World Cup final? That would be the perfect outcome," the defender dreamed.
No excuses\ Another factor highlighted by the experienced player is the concern they are trying to impose on Flamengo to decide this final in the first game due to the wear and tear of the trip to Mexico on Monday and the landing in Rio on Friday morning.\
"I'm 33 years old and I've already played in a few finals. I treat them all as if they were my first and last at the same time. There's no point complaining about the trips, because that's what we wanted at the beginning of the year. It's a magical moment, one that every player dreams of, so there's no point in complaining or making excuses," explained the captain, who was chosen by the group to deliver a letter to coach Joel Santana in honor of everything he did during his last stint at the club.
Juan: The path to victory is tranquility
One of Flamengo's main offensive weapons, Juan epitomized the Flamengo spirit in the final against Botafogo. Commenting on Flamengo's concern about playing the state finals and the Copa Libertadores round of 16 in such a short space of time, he gives the recipe.
"It's complicated. We have to play intelligently, calmly, and aware that we need to open up a good lead in this first game because of the exhausting trip we'll be making to Mexico in the middle of the week. That's why we're very focused on the match against Botafogo. After all, they're our main rival right now. Then we'll think about América from Mexico," he said.
The fact that Botafogo will be without players for the final isn't encouraging. Juan believes that Alessandro and Triguinho's replacements will want to prove themselves.
After publicly complaining about the refereeing in the last match, against Botafogo, Juan was reported to the Superior Court of Justice (STJD). Despite being at risk of missing the second leg of the final, the player remains optimistic.
"At no point did I want to offend the referee. I don't think I will be punished," he concluded.
Rowing: Second regatta shakes up the Lagoon
Public Relations
Vasco celebrated in the first State Regatta and wants to repeat the feat
Rio's most traditional sport, rowing, will once again be livening up the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas Stadium today. Starting at 9 a.m., the second stage of the 2008 State Championship will take place. Vasco won the first stage and is looking to accumulate as many points as possible to escape the lead. But Flamengo will come back even stronger, as will the ever-revived Botafogo.
There will be 13 races in one of the competition's most important regattas. The main expectation, as always, is the Oito Com duel, with Vasco entering its famous boat "Eurico Miranda," which has a reputation for being invincible.
The women's two-team could feature stars like Fabiana Beltrame, who qualified for the Beijing Olympics with Vasco, and twins Kátia and Cláudia Alencar, who play for Flamengo. In the youth category, the favorite is Botafogo.
Today's program: Novice Single Sculls; Under-23 Two-Skiff; Lightweight Four-Skiff; Novice Four-Skiff; Children's Single Sculls; Junior A Women's Double Sculls; Master's Women's Four-Skiff; Senior A Double Sculls; Junior B Single Sculls; Senior A Women's Two-Skiff; Junior Four-Skiff; Women's Under-23 Single Sculls Lightweight and Lightweight Eight.
Flamengo secures leadership
Rubro-Negro defeats Minas by 84 to 71 and finishes in first place in the first phase of the National Championship
Public Relations
Winger Duda had a great performance in Minas and scored 13 points
Flamengo continues its run at the National Basketball Championship. Coach Paulo Chupeta's team traveled to Belo Horizonte yesterday to face Minas Gerais (second in the standings) and won 84-71. With the victory, the red-and-blacks secured sole first place. Flamengo's Alírio and Minas Gerais' Johnson were the top scorers, both with 23 points.
"The team deserves congratulations. We've faced a string of difficult games, we still have a few more to go, and securing first place early is important so we can have more peace of mind," commented Flamengo winger Marcelinho. Vila Velha will be the team's opponent in the playoffs. But before thinking about that, the team will have to overcome another challenge. The Rubro-Negro will play - away from home - next Wednesday in the grand final of the South American League against Regatas, from Argentina.
Yesterday's match saw Flamengo start intensely, showing great strength and determination. The team from Gávea had no trouble opening up a healthy lead in the first quarter. By the end of the first quarter, they were eight points ahead: 21 to 13.
In the second quarter, both teams made a lot of mistakes, but Minas managed to reduce the opponent's lead to three points. However, the home team faltered on the defense, and Marcelinho, with two three-pointers, regained the red-and-black advantage: 36-30 at the end.
The second half was a busy one. Flamengo dominated most of the offensive plays, and with a strong team performance, the team increased its lead to 53-45.
In the final period, Rubro-Negro secured the victory, with a standout performance from forward/guard Duda, who scored two consecutive three-pointers, putting the team ahead 16 points for most of the half. Flamengo then managed their advantage and easily closed out the game.
Minas: Mauro (2), Mãozão (8), Sucatzky (13), Raul (2), Felipe (21), Soró (16), André (4), Guilherme (2), Wanderson (9), Jonhson (23) and Márcio (4).\ Coach: Flávio Denis\
Flamengo: Marcelinho (18), Helio (3), Fernando (4), Duda (13), Marcellus (1), Amiel (10), Coloneze (12) and Alírio (23).\ Coach: Paulo Chupeta\
Location: Minas Tênis Gymnasium
Marcos de Castro
Bath-in-Cuia
Fla and Flu
Marcos de Castro
Among the 24 clubs (São Paulo, Santos, and Cruzeiro among them) competing in the Copa Libertadores stage, which will conclude midweek starting tomorrow, Fluminense and Flamengo took the top two places. The Rio de Janeiro press treated the event with singular discretion, as is their nature—and that is a gesture of greatness.
It reminds me of a different kind of behavior, that of a São Paulo newspaper specializing in sports whose constant self-aggrandizement even created a term still used in Brazilian common parlance today: "oba-oba." The slogan of this newspaper, which I now know is dead and closed (if it's not dead, it's probably because it simply forgot to go to bed, having disappeared from the scene): "Oba, this is what a newspaper is!" And it extolled not only itself, but all the São Paulo teams, always, even when the feat didn't have much merit, except in the childishly optimistic eyes of those pages.
Well, without any sense of exaltation, let's salute Fla and Flu. Neither club has won anything so far, but victory, in each group and in the overall points tally (in the case of the Tricolor), is worth something: at the very least, the fact that, in the upcoming knockout round, they will always play the first game away from home and the decisive one at home (which, in reality, isn't a huge advantage, as experience shows).
Without leaving aside our discreet way of dealing with things, this good double does not fail to bring joy, for the simple fact that such performance (so far, we add with caution) is a living sign that Fla and Flu showed conditions, more than the others, that both are capable of competing for the title.
There's another compliment to be made in Flamengo's case: goalkeeper Bruno showed, with his usual understated manner (like his club's), that he should be the current team's best free-kick taker, following the departure of the incredibly accurate Renato. If that goal wasn't an isolated incident, he's better than Rogério Ceni in every way: he doesn't eat as many chickens and has never shoved an open hand in an opponent's face, a shameful act by Rogério Ceni that was shown on TV in São Paulo's last game. That's right, Bruno!
THE DAY
A love that never dies
Íbson swears he will never stop liking Flamengo, and asks fans not to boo the team
Janir Junior
Rio - As he takes to the field today to play the first of his last two finals for Flamengo before returning to Porto in June, Íbson will take with him, along with his love for the club where football was born, a lesson learned from the stands: at Gávea, if the fans' passion is great, their memories are short.
"Our fans are just for now, many don't remember what you've done for the club, the love you have for the Flamengo institution," says Íbson, not in a critical tone, but rather as a piece of advice to avoid booing at this afternoon's match, as the final will be played in 180 minutes and will only end next Sunday.
And Íbson, a former fan in the stands, knows exactly what he's talking about. According to him, his desire to return to the club that launched him surpassed millions of dollars. "I've had much better financial offers. But here I feel at home, I have the affection of the board and the fans," the player emphasizes.
Last month, when he gave an interview to the Portuguese press confirming his return to Portugal, Íbson began to face questions, as he had alternated between good and bad times on the field for Porto. "I was upset because they said a lot of bad things about me. When the team was doing badly, it was Íbson's fault," he says.
Nothing could disturb the player's peace. He's even learned to live with the boos. But he has a request for the fans: "Now, we need to be patient. We want the fans' support. Some players get discouraged."
His son, Íbson Júnior, inspires him to strive for great performances; his love for Flamengo gives him the feeling that every final feels like it's his last. "I've always played finals as if it were the last game of my life," Íbson says, emotionally.
This Sunday, against Botafogo, will be no different, but this time the feeling of this being my last match for Flamengo is real. "Winning the state title would be the crowning achievement of my love affair with Flamengo," he adds.
A champion's album
The love for Flamengo has been there since he was little, but it was at Botafogo that Leonardo Moura appeared in football
Ricardo Mota
Rio - In the family album of the boy Leonardo Moura, it was not written that he would be a football player, much less that he would play for Flamengo and wear the Brazilian national team shirt.
But when his mother, Dona Lenice, and father, Seu José, saw a photo of little Léo's foot on October 23, 1978, they became suspicious. Today, the player's reality is to step onto the field to help Flamengo win the State Championship and, later, the Libertadores. "Winning the Championship could give us even more motivation for the Libertadores. We're here to win both competitions," the full-back emphasized.
His passion for Rubro-Negro dates back to when success still eluded his family. As a child, he already posed wearing the club's jersey. His first kicks of a ball were played with friends from school and the neighborhood, on dirt pitches. But it was also Flamengo that set him back in his career. Rejected at a club tryout, he ended up at Botafogo, where he won titles in the youth teams.
His story at Gávea began in 2005, after playing for the big four clubs in Rio, São Paulo, and Europe. Today, his heart will race as he steps onto the field. "Anxiety before decisions is normal. Maracanã will host a great celebration, and we hope to be champions afterward, to crown the work we've been doing since last year," he said.
The fullback hasn't forgotten the work he began in 2007, and he cherishes his first kicks and the importance of family in his career. Now, to complete the album, he still needs to add the 2008 champion photo.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Fla and Bota rekindle rivalry from 2007 and the Guanabara Cup\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Just like last year, Flamengo and Botafogo will also decide the 2008 Campeonato Carioca. And the first game between the two teams will be held this Sunday, when the red-blacks and whites face off at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The second match will take place a week later at the same venue. Flamengo, who won the State Championship in 2007, reached the final by winning the Guanabara Cup, first round. Botafogo, meanwhile, won the Rio Cup, second round, last week. The rivalry between the two teams has returned to a fever pitch in recent months. Not only because Flamengo defeated Botafogo in last year's State Championship final and this year's Guanabara Cup final, but also because of the exchange of provocations. After this last final, the first round, Botafogo players and president Bebeto de Freitas cried in the locker room because of Marcelo de Lima Henrique's controversial refereeing. In the Rubro-Negro's next game, striker Souza, after scoring a goal against Peruvian side Cienciano, imitated the crying gesture, provoking his opponent. Botafogo midfielder Túlio responded, and the two exchanged barbs in the press.
The atmosphere promises to heat up even more this Sunday. This will be the teams' fourth meeting this season, and in 2008, Botafogo has the advantage. After Flamengo won 2-1 in the Guanabara Cup final, Botafogo won 3-2 in the qualifying round and 3-0 in the Rio Cup semifinals. Aside from this last duel, in the other two, the players exchanged blows on the field.
Amid the Campeonato Carioca final, both teams had to focus on other tournaments. Midweek, Flamengo defeated Coronel Bolognesi of Peru 2-0 in the Copa Libertadores, while Botafogo defeated Portuguesa 2-1 and advanced to the round of XNUMX of the Copa do Brasil. Flamengo will also have to worry about the round of XNUMX of the Copa Libertadores.
Having trouble obtaining a visa for Mexico, where they face América next Wednesday, the Rubro-Negro team canceled their trip to Teresópolis, in the state's mountainous region, where they were supposed to prepare for this Sunday's match. Thus, the squad remained in Rio de Janeiro before the first match against Botafogo. The match in Mexico, against local side América, will be next Wednesday. Better for Botafogo, who has the middle of the following week off.
"Of course, Botafogo has a very strong squad, but they also have top-level players on the bench, and whoever comes in will want to give it their all, because it's a final and everyone wants to win," analyzed striker Souza.
For this first game, Flamengo will have the return of midfielder Ibson, who was rested against Coronel Bolognesi-PER. Attacking midfielder Renato Augusto, however, has not fully recovered from a muscle problem in his right thigh and is expected to remain out, replaced once again by Marcinho.
Botafogo arrives for this match severely weakened. Cuca will be without goalkeeper Castillo and left-back Triguinho, both of whom have muscle injuries and have been ruled out by the medical department. Additionally, right-back Alessandro and forward Jorge Henrique are serving suspensions following their red cards in the 1-0 loss to Fluminense in the Taça Rio final.
Youngster Renan will remain in goal, despite missing a save against Portuguesa in the Copa do Brasil. The other positions are highly uncertain. Leandro Guerreiro is expected to take the midfield spot, with Túlio moving to the right wing. Defender Eduardo would join André Luis and Renato Silva in a trio. This would force Zé Carlos to move back to the left wing. Fábio is expected to be confirmed in attack alongside Wellington Paulista.
Rodrigo wants to stay in Brazil and defines his future after Carioca
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - May 5th. The future of defender Rodrigo should be known as of this date. Even though he's a Flamengo reserve, the defender prefers to comment on São Paulo's interest in his return only after the second Carioca Championship final between Flamengo and Botafogo. At the moment, Rodrigo has only confirmed that he wants to remain in Brazil after his loan spell at Gávea ends on June 30th. To this end, his representative traveled to Ukraine to convince the board of Dynamo Kyiv, which holds the player's federation rights.
"I'm training normally and intend to fulfill my contract with Flamengo until the end. My professional future depends exclusively on Dynamo Kyiv. I'm awaiting the agreement being negotiated by my agent in Kyiv," the defender confirmed.
Despite the athlete's caution when talking about his situation, rumors suggest that his departure from Flamengo is certain, as the defender lost his place after seriously fracturing his arm and it is said that the Rio de Janeiro club owes him wages.
São Paulo, the club Rodrigo played for in 2004, hopes his return will be confirmed this week to bolster the Tricolor's defense. Since he didn't play for Flamengo in this edition of the Libertadores, the defender would be free to play at Morumbi Stadium in both the South American competition and the Brazilian Championship.
The cautious player is just waiting for the negotiations between his agent and Dynamo Kyiv to be finalized. "I believe there will be an agreement between the clubs soon, and then my future will be decided," he concluded.
São Paulo denies talks with La Coruña and waits for Rodrigo\ William Correia, special for GE.Net\
São Paulo (SP) - São Paulo fans shouldn't expect to sign a defender from abroad in the middle of the year. At least not from La Coruña. São Paulo's board denies that negotiations for any player were the content of the conversation between Deportivo's football superintendent, Marco Aurélio Cunha, and La Coruña's president, Augusto César Lendoiro, in the stands at the Riazor Stadium this Saturday. Marco Aurélio's presence in Deportivo's 2-0 victory over La Coruña this Saturday sparked speculation about a possible interest from Deportivo in the only Brazilian on the Galician team's roster: 22-year-old defender Filipe, who was discovered in 2004 by Figueirense, a club where the São Paulo superintendent previously worked.
"Marco Aurélio's trip to La Coruña has nothing to do with any player negotiations. We certainly have no interest in this Filipe. It has nothing to do with it," assured São Paulo's vice president of football, Carlos Augusto de Barros e Silva, known as Leco, in an interview with Gazeta Esportiva.Net.
According to the director, attention is currently focused on the return of defender Rodrigo, who lost his place with an arm injury at Flamengo and is very close to becoming the new tricolor reinforcement for the Libertadores.
"We're in negotiations with Rodrigo, and a deal is just a matter of time. We hope to close with him this week. We're in talks with Dynamo Kyiv (the Ukrainian club that holds the defender's federation rights) about a loan deal until the end of the year. These details are still pending," Leco commented.
Rodrigo was at São Paulo in 2004 and his performance caught the interest of Dynamo Kyiv, who took the player in February 2005. The defender returned to Brazil this year on loan to play for Flamengo, but after four losses his arm was injured and he lost his place.
His departure from Gávea is considered a given by many. Leco, however, prefers to remain cautious on the matter. "This is all part of the negotiations to bring Rodrigo to São Paulo," he said evasively.
At Flamengo, the defender's possible departure is being postponed until after the Campeonato Carioca final against Botafogo. "We don't want to change anything before the Campeonato Carioca final. We wouldn't even like to talk about it," commented Flamengo vice president of football, Kleber Leite, in an interview with GE.Net this Friday.
PELENET
Fábio Luciano considers the final a "magical moment"
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Fábio Luciano, signed from Colônia-ALE, arrived at Flamengo in mid-2007. Right on his debut (Náutico, on August 11, for the Brazilian Championship), the defender scored one of the goals in the 2-1 victory. In this way, the player fell into the graces of the red-black fans and became one of the club's main idols.
Fábio Luciano, one of Flamengo's idols, is ready for the final against Botafogo
Now, the defender intends to reward all the affection he's received with the State Championship title. The final against Botafogo begins this Sunday at 16 p.m. at the Maracanã stadium.
"I'm 33 years old and I've already won a few titles in my career. However, I'm approaching this final as if it were the first of my life. It's a magical moment for any athlete," he said, adding.
"This isn't the time to think about problems, like our trip to Mexico. We need to go out on the field, fight all the time, and deserve the victory," added Fábio Luciano, in an interview with Flamengo's official website.
The trip in question takes place on Monday night. On Wednesday, Flamengo faces América-MEX at 19:45 pm (Brasília time) in the round of 04 of the Copa Libertadores. The Flamengo delegation arrives in Brazil on Friday, two days before the second and decisive match against Botafogo (May 05th).
However, the focus is solely on this Sunday's derby. Even with Botafogo's four absences (goalkeeper Castillo, left-back Triguinho, right-back Alessandro, and forward Jorge Henrique), Fábio Luciano doesn't see an advantage for Flamengo.
"These are two evenly matched teams, characterized by their collective strength. I'm not thinking about guaranteeing a significant advantage for the next game. I think that will be difficult to achieve. The important thing is to win," he concluded.
A native of Vinhedo, São Paulo, Fábio Luciano played 39 matches for Flamengo and scored four goals. This season, he scored two for Boavista and Vasco.
Flamengo and Fluminense begin to decide the Junior State Championship
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo and Fluminense will play the first leg of the State Junior Championship final this Sunday at 13:15 p.m. at Maracanã Stadium. The second leg, on May 4th at 13 p.m., will also be held at Mário Filho Stadium.
Flamengo, the current three-time state champion (2005, 2006 and 2007), won the Taça Rio, the second round of the competition, by beating Macaé. Fluminense, which has not won the competition since 2004, won the Taça Guanabara, the first round, by beating Cabofriense.
The two teams are not yet defined, but they should be "reinforced" by players already playing for the main teams. Fluminense is managed by Edgar Pereira, while Adílio is the coach of Flamengo.
Check out the likely lineups
Flamengo: Marcelo, Davidson, Anderson Bamba, Wellinton and Leo; Vinicius Colombiano, Antonio, Erick Flores and Renan; Paulo Sergio and Pedro Beda.
Fluminense: Leo, Anderson, Bryan, Arthur and Matheus; Isaiah, Augusto, Ferreira and Anderson Gaucho; Alan and Dori.
Equal, Flamengo and Botafogo begin to decide the State Championship
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Rio de Janeiro will have a different Sunday, especially starting at 16 p.m., when Flamengo and Botafogo square off at the Maracanã stadium for the first leg of the State Championship final. The second leg will be played on May 4, also at Mário Filho Stadium.
Souza is one of Flamengo's hopes for Sunday's classic at Maracanã
Flamengo arrives as the big winner of the Guanabara Cup, the first round of the competition. Botafogo, meanwhile, won the Rio Cup, the second round of the competition.
Although the title will be decided solely on the pitch, the psychological aspect will also play a role in the final. Both at Gávea and General Severiano, no one will admit favoritism and push the advantage to the other side.
For Alvinegro, Flamengo "is in good shape" as they will face a team with four important absences: goalkeeper Castillo and left-back Triguinho, who are injured, as well as right-back Alessandro and striker Jorge Henrique, who are suspended.
"Flamengo is the favorite for this match because of our absences. But we'll go with the full strength that will be available to coach Cuca. We promise to fight until the end to give this title to the Botafogo fans," said midfielder Leandro Guerreiro.
As for the red-black side, the fact that the team travels to Mexico next Monday (they will face América, in the Libertadores, on Wednesday), has been seen as an advantage for Botafogo, especially if Flamengo does not win this Sunday.
State top scorer, striker Wellington Paulista is one of Botafogo's weapons
"We don't have any kind of advantage. That's unlikely to happen. We need to win, regardless of the score. 1-0 will be good enough. The important thing is to get a result in the first match," warned striker Souza.
Although not in the same number, Flamengo will also be without Renato Augusto. With a right knee injury, the Flamengo midfielder will be replaced by Marcinho.
Only standard seat tickets remain
Maracanã is expected to be sold out for this first final. By the end of Saturday afternoon, 56.073 tickets had been sold, out of the 68.030 available.
This Sunday, the red-black and white fans will only find standard seat tickets (11.957) priced at R$30 (R$15 half-price). Grandstand and special seat tickets are already sold out.
Starting at 11 a.m., fans can only visit ticket booths 5, 8, and 9 at Maracanã. Tickets will not be sold at Laranjeiras, Gávea, General Severiano, Caio Martins, and Engenhão.
Jorginho denies having been approached by Flamengo's board
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Last Monday, news broke that Joel Santana would replace Carlos Alberto Parreira on the South African national team. Since then, many names have been speculated as Flamengo's new coach, including the national team's assistant coach, Jorginho. However, this Saturday, Dunga's "faithful squire" denied any negotiations.
Jorginho, assistant coach of the national team, denies any type of negotiation with Fla
"At no point did Flamengo's board contact me. I learned of the possible interest through the press. In any case, I don't intend to leave the national team at this time. I already called Dunga and made sure to reassure him. We're together until the end of the contract," he stated.
Even though he is "rejecting" Rubro-Negro at this moment, Jorginho, who made history at Flamengo as a player, did not rule out the possibility of accepting the invitation at another opportunity.
"I have a special affection for the club. I wasn't approached, but I'm happy about the interest. It shows that I'm respected at Gávea. Maybe another time that happens. After all, I'm a coach. I won't be an assistant coach forever," he said in an interview with Rádio Globo.
Flamengo's board, through its vice president of football, Kleber Leite, announced that the new coach will only be announced on May 5th. However, there is a possibility that Joel Santana will remain in the position until the 7th, when Flamengo faces América-MEX at Maracanã in the second leg of the Libertadores.
GLOBOESPORTE
Fla and Botafogo begin the decision in a 'light' atmosphere
Teams forget past clashes in the first match of the Carioca final
Eduardo Peixoto and Fred Huber
Goalkeeper Bruno and top scorer Wellington Paulista are in great form and will face off in a private duel in Sunday's classic at Maracanã
The whining and the like are, until further notice, retired. Botafogo and Flamengo begin the Campeonato Carioca final this Sunday in an atmosphere that doesn't even remotely resemble the warlike atmosphere of yesteryear. The classic at Maracanã will begin at 16 p.m., with live coverage on Rede Globo and live coverage on GLOBOESPORTE.COM.
X-ray: Check out the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. Concerned about not offending or motivating their opponents with clumsy statements, the players on both teams adopted a more measured tone in the week leading up to the match. Protagonists of a verbal duel after the Guanabara Cup final, Túlio and Souza forget the warlike atmosphere.
"There's no sense of revenge. We lost last year and we have to think about being champions now," says the black and white team.
The Fla striker completes the "white flag" mood:
- That's over. I'm calm and ready for this final.
X-ray: know the strengths and weaknesses of both teams
The two starting lineups met twice in the 2008 State Championship, with each team winning once. Flamengo won the Guanabara Cup final 2-1, a match marked by controversy and debate (see the video below). The black-and-white team's revenge came in the Rio Cup semifinal: 3-0 to Botafogo. The black-and-white team also faced a mixed team from their rivals in the Rio Cup, which Cuca's men won 3-2.
In all three matches, Wellington Paulista left his mark. The tournament's top scorer (14 goals) smiles and says he's lucky against Flamengo. Modesty. The new executioner is causing concern in Gávea.
- Their center forward is in good form and scores a lot of goals - says Marcinho.
Speaking of good times, Bruno is also enjoying one. The goalkeeper scored a free kick last Wednesday against Coronel Bolognesi, confirming his status as an idol among the red-and-black fans.
"I can say that I feel very safe at Flamengo, as if I were at home. I notice every day that the fans have a lot of trust in me," says the number 1.
Renato Augusto leaves Flamengo training. The player is banned.
The final hasn't even begun, and the outlook for the second leg favors Botafogo. After all, their opponents leave for Mexico City on Monday, where they'll play the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 two days later. Because of the long trip, there's a consensus in Gávea that the team will enter at a disadvantage.
"It would be great to get a good lead right away because of this trip to Mexico. That's what we want, but that doesn't mean we'll succeed. It's very difficult," says left-back Juan.
Even with the expected wear and tear on the opponent, Cuca is favoring the red-black side.
"Flamengo is the favorite, there's no denying it. We have some players missing for this match, and they'll be practically full," says Botafogo's coach.
A loss at Fla
Coach Joel Santana's only problem for the final is Renato Augusto. The player is experiencing pain in his right knee and has been ruled out by the medical department. Marcinho replaces him. Heading off to the South African national team, the red-and-black coach is once again relying on his "elite troop" in midfield, featuring Cristian, Toró, Kleberson, and Ibson.
....and many in Bota
At Botafogo, coach Cuca has no shortage of problems when it comes to selecting his team. He will be without goalkeeper Castillo and left-back Triguinho, who both have serious muscle injuries in their right thigh. Alessandro and Jorge Henrique, both suspended, will also miss the field. This Friday, the coach led a training session and outlined the team, but preferred not to reveal the full lineup. He did confirm the presence of Renan in goal and Fábio in attack. The goalkeeper's starting lineup was hotly debated, as the 18-year-old missed a game in Wednesday's Copa do Brasil match against Portuguesa.
Renan, 18, has the responsibility of replacing Uruguayan Castillo
Cuca assured that Bota, despite not being complete, will not close in on the defensive field, and spoke of the expectations for this duel against the red-blacks.
"It's not our nature to play defensively; we'll go after Flamengo too. They're two teams that consistently reach the finals. Botafogo respects Flamengo a lot, but we know they respect us a lot too. I love playing classics; if I could, every game would be like that."
Midfielder Lucio Flavio, however, stressed the importance of the team not exposing itself too much and running the risk of letting Flamengo open up an advantage for the second game.
"We have four important absences, unlike Flamengo. We have to be careful not to let them open up a big lead going into the final. We trust the players who will play and we're going in with the goal of getting the win," he says.
Flamengo defeats Minas in Belo Horizonte
Rio de Janeiro's red-and-black team secures first place in the qualifying phase in advance
Flamengo defeated Minas Gerais this Saturday in Belo Horizonte, 84-71 (36-30 at halftime), securing first place in the qualifying round of the National Men's Basketball Championship with three games remaining. The result gave the Rio de Janeiro team its 19th win in 20 games in the competition. Minas Gerais, meanwhile, suffered its fifth loss in 21 matches and is still fighting for second place. The standout performers of the match were Flamengo's centers Alírio, with 23 points and nine rebounds, and Minas Gerais' Johnson, with 23 points and seven steals. Flamengo's first playoff opponent is Vila Velha (ES), which qualified in eighth place.
Flamengo's pivot Alírio is the star of the match
"The first half wasn't good for either team. Both teams played below their potential. In the second half, Flamengo improved their defense and secured a very important victory, as it secured us first place in the qualifying phase of the National Championship. I think we deserve congratulations for achieving this goal early, and even more so for competing in two important competitions, the National Championship and the South American League," said winger Marcelinho, who scored 18 points in the match.
In the first quarter, Flamengo took advantage of Marcelinho's tight marking to score points with their other players. A standout was center Alírio, who scored some good baskets and also drew fouls from his defenders. The Rio de Janeiro team also capitalized on the Minas Gerais team's poor mid-range shooting, winning the period 23-16.
In the second quarter, Minas improved its shooting, particularly with Johnson, and closed the gap on the scoreboard. Flamengo stuck to its game plan, with Marcelinho drawing the defense and distributing assists to his teammates. At the end of the first half, despite a 14-13 second-quarter deficit, Flamengo went into halftime with a 36-30 lead. The top scorers were Flamengo's Alírio, with 14 points, and Minas' Johnson, with 12 points. Marcelinho stood out with four assists.
Minas makes a lot of mistakes and allows Flamengo to have a 20-point advantage
In the second half, Flamengo maintained its dominance and, fueled by strong performances from Duda and Alírio, increased the lead to 15 points (48-33) with five minutes remaining in the third quarter. From then on, both teams committed numerous attacking errors, but Minas relied on Johnson and Soró to bring the score back closer. At the end of the third half, which saw Flamengo win 17-15, the score was 53-45.
In the last quarter, with Minas anxious and missing shots in succession, Flamengo had the calm to control the match and take advantage of the opponent's mistakes to win the match, opening up the team's biggest lead in the match - 82 to 62 with 2:30 left in the game.
Fla faces prank from the holy father
Club sends note warning against forger on the eve of Carioca final
Flamengo has hired a well-known fortune teller to beat Botafogo this Sunday. This is what a man who identifies himself as Paulinho claims in calls to Rio media outlets. But it's all just a cheap prank on the eve of the Campeonato Carioca final.
The unusual fact came to the attention of the press officer of the Rubro-Negro presidency, Marilene Da