The Globe
Fla x Corinthians: in new clothes on the brink of the abyss
Ney opts for a 4-4-2 formation but is unsure: Roger or Souza
In new clothes, on the brink of the precipice. That's how Flamengo and Corinthians, the teams with the most fans in the country in this Brazilian Championship, are, debuting their uniforms today at 16 pm at Morumbi Stadium. The São Paulo team is slightly ahead of the red-and-black team, which sits in the relegation zone with 11 points: the São Paulo team is in 16th place with 15 points.
Coach Ney Franco is sticking with the 4-4-2 formation, but he's torn between Roger and Souza. If he opts for the former, Ney will move Renato Augusto forward. If he prefers the latter, the attacking duo will be Souza and Obina.
And today could be one of Souza's last matches for Flamengo. Besides having an offer from a foreign club, whose name has been kept secret, the big man will be tried for his expulsion against Grêmio for assaulting Tcheco. The trial is scheduled for August 9th, and Flamengo already has an audiotape in which Tcheco says he forced the situation. Attorney Michel Assef Filho will defend the argument that adverse conduct is not enforceable: that is, the impossibility of taking any action other than that considered a violation of the law.
Corinthians: Felipe, Fabio Ferreira, Zelao and Kadu; Edson, Bruno Octavio, Moradei, William and Wellington; Wilson and Clodoaldo. Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Moses, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian, Jailton, Leo Medeiros and Renato Augusto; Roger (Souza) and Obina. Referee: Carlos Eugênio Simon (RS).
TRANSMISSION: Rede Globo and Rádios Globo and CBN
Sports Journal
Fla enters the field to escape the guillotine
In the relegation zone, Flamengo tries to defeat Corinthians to climb the Brazilian table
Leo Schabbach
Nina Lima/JS
Coach Ney Franco has not decided whether to field midfielder Renato Augusto (C) in midfield or up front alongside Souza in today's match.
In a match where both clubs are fighting to avoid relegation and are under pressure from Brazil's two largest fan bases, Flamengo and Corinthians face off in a classic where only three points are important. Adding spice to the cauldron that Morumbi Stadium will be transformed into, at 16 p.m., there's a duel between two coaches who face serious job losses if they lose.
Flamengo has only 11 points in the Brasileirão, and even if they secure all three points, they won't be able to escape the relegation zone, as Corinthians, the first team outside the relegation zone, has 15 and is therefore unattainable. On the other hand, Flamengo's situation has been hampered by the team's lack of games in the competition. It's no surprise that coach Ney Franco has expressed great concern about this situation.
"When the postponements were announced, we knew this was a potential scenario. Even with a win, we'll still be relegated. Furthermore, there's a midweek matchday, and we won't be playing, which will put us at a further disadvantage in the standings," the coach explained.
Regarding the starting lineup, Ney Franco preferred to be evasive. Despite stating that the names would be chosen at yesterday's training session, the coach preferred not to reveal who the starters would be. This is because forward Obina, a confirmed attacker, was left out of the training session to do muscle work, which led to changes in the team that began training.
Probable team change
With the changes, midfielder Renato Augusto was moved up, partnered with Souza in attack, and Roger replaced him. However, Ney Franco assured that he still doesn't know how he will use his newest addition and stated that he will only name the first team moments before the game.
"Roger was out for a long time, and like Obina, we need to be patient until he returns. We're confident he can last 45 minutes. Therefore, we're still deciding whether he'll play the first or second half. However, the lineup won't be announced until the locker room," he stated.
Roger plays with red and black boots
The supporter will take the field to face Corinthians dressed in red and black down to his toes. This is because he will wear, as he has been doing in training, his sponsor's cleats, which bear the club's colors. The cleat on his left foot is red, and the one on his right foot is black.
Leo Moura wins award in São Paulo
The full-back will receive the Fair Play Trophy from São Paulo's Panathlon Club for his act of good conduct toward Palmeiras forward Osmar. The player kicked the ball out of bounds after noticing his opponent was down and experiencing severe knee pain. He failed to execute a dangerous counterattack for Flamengo, who were losing the game, and was even booed by the fans.
Obina selected with the support of Ney Franco
Obina (R) wants the fans to cheer the team on at Morumbi Stadium to face Corinthians. He says the group needs a lot of support.
After scoring a goal in his first start after recovering from a serious left knee injury, Obina is happy with life and especially with the fans. And, because of his strong connection to the red-and-black nation, he made a point of reaffirming the importance of his support for the team.
"The fans' support is important to me and my teammates. Ultimately, Flamengo is the one who benefits from it," said Obina, whose starting lineup was vehemently defended by coach Ney Franco.
"It's hard not to start Obina. He's back in a good position, and every athlete recovering from an injury wants to prove themselves. It was no different with him, and now there's no way to keep his starting lineup any longer," the coach stated.
In addition to being on his honeymoon with the fans, Obina also seems to be completely confident in his recovery.
"I'm not feeling any pain anymore. My knee is solid, and I hope to never have any kind of injury again. I'm very confident. Sometimes people say I'm limping, but that's unconscious. I'm working hard to get back to my best form and help Flamengo overcome this difficult situation in the Brazilian Championship," the striker stated.
Roger trains among the Fla starters
There's a strong possibility that Roger will make his debut in Flamengo's starting lineup as early as this Sunday's match at Morumbi Stadium against his former club, Corinthians. At the training session held Saturday morning at Gávea Stadium, the midfielder was named in the first team by coach Ney Franco. Despite saying he would wait until the training session to decide whether or not to field the player, the Flamengo manager remains secretive about the lineup he will field.
Marcos de Castro
Bath-in-Cuia
The hug, the Pan
Marcos de Castro castro@jsports.com.br
Obina scored that stunning header (a stunning goal, yes, that was how accurate the header was) and ran to hug coach Ney Franco at the sidelines in Juiz de Fora. That 3-1 victory against América de Natal isn't exactly a feat, but it eased the tension (and the relief will only last if there's another victory today) at a club that lives in a pressure cooker due to having the largest fan base in the country. It's not just anyone who can bring that joyful crowd to the stadium, as happened in Juiz de Fora: it felt like the game was in Rio, but everyone knows Flamengo is like that all over Brazil.
Let's return, however, to Obina's embrace of Ney Franco. Everyone knows that the coach in Brazil is the first to falter—and fall—when the team, even a big club, fails to win three or four games in a row. Obina, scoring again after that unfortunate goal that cost him surgery and months of impatient waiting (for him and for the fans, who have a special affection for him), went to embrace Ney Franco. And he did so with the kind, childlike smile that, along with his beautiful goals, helps make him a fan favorite. Note, reader, that I'm not talking about "darling," as is currently fashionable, but rather an idol. A hug like that serves as a guarantee for the coach—who was faltering—that the whole team supports him. Because a hug from Obina, with his naiveté and goalscoring charisma, no doubt, is worth the entire team's embrace.
Newton Zarani
Obina is back, and like it or not, he's confirming his reputation as a goalscorer. With the arrival of Roger, who's good with the ball and better at passing, the Gávea idol will certainly truly blossom. We'll just have to wait and see.
O Dia
Timão x Fla: The classic of the desperate
In poor positions, Flamengo and Corinthians fight to escape the relegation zone
Rio - Flamengo and Corinthians face off today, starting at 16 p.m., at Morumbi Stadium, in a desperate derby. With 11 points from 11 games, the Rio de Janeiro team is seeking a second consecutive victory to try and escape the relegation zone.
Timão, with 15 points from 13 games, must win today to avoid falling into the relegation zone. A home loss could even mean the dismissal of coach Paulo César Carpegiani.
At Flamengo, the news is the debut of midfielder Roger. The player was confirmed by Ney Franco against his former club. The coach remains secretive about whether he'll start or sit on the bench against his former club.
Yesterday, at the training session held in Gávea, Roger played for the starting lineup in place of Obina, who was working out. Souza and Renato Augusto formed the attack. But Obina is confirmed.
Therefore, the question is whether Neymar will field Souza or Roger. The striker is available after serving a suspension. But the coach and directors are unhappy with him after yet another red card. This time, for assaulting Tcheco in the match against Grêmio.
Coach Ney Franco is undecided because he knows Roger, who hasn't played since April, isn't fit to play the full 90 minutes. But if he opts for the midfielder, Renato Augusto would return to play up front, forming an attack with Obina. The striker, who returned to the starting lineup against América-RN and scored one of the goals in the 3-1 victory, is the coach's main goal-scoring hope.
Ney Franco decided to change the formation, abandoning the 3-5-1 and returning to a 4-4-2, with two center-backs and two forwards. This means Thiago returns to the bench.
Both teams take the field wearing new uniforms. Flamengo's was inspired by the 1981 uniform, when the team, led by Zico, won the Club World Cup.
Sports Gazette
Optimistic, Corinthians and Flamengo duel in search of a reaction
Luiz Ricardo Fini and Gazeta Press
São Paulo (SP) - With the two largest fan bases in the country, Corinthians and Flamengo meet this Sunday afternoon at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) in a match that doesn't have the status of a championship decider, but is very important for both teams, as they are looking to bounce back in the Brasileirão. Corinthians has gone eight games without a win in the Campeonato Brasileiro, while Flamengo is in the relegation zone, despite a positive result in the last round. Coach Paulo César Carpegiani is demanding a victory from his players in Sunday's match at Morumbi Stadium, as Corinthians remains threatened by the relegation zone. Satisfied with the team's performance in the draw with Figueirense, the coach recognizes the importance of a victory, but denies that Corinthians and Flamengo are desperate.
"They are two great teams and have the greatest traditions in Brazilian football. Corinthians and Flamengo are in a better position, as they are currently going through a difficult situation," he analyzed.
The São Paulo club sits 16th in the Brazilian Championship with 15 points, while the Rio de Janeiro club is 18th with 11. Coincidentally, Flamengo's Ney Franco echoes Carpegiani's sentiments and believes the poor form both teams are experiencing is temporary. The Flamengo manager lavished praise on rival Corinthians and his own squad, arguing that clubs with the largest fan bases in Brazil will remain in the top flight next season.
"It's still too early to say that Flamengo and Corinthians are desperate, as the championship isn't even halfway through. They're both big teams, with huge, vibrant fan bases and a wealth of tradition. The teams aren't yet complete, and both squads have quality. That's why I believe that neither Flamengo nor Corinthians will be fighting for much longer at the bottom of the table," Ney assessed.
At Parque São Jorge, Carpegiani has doubts about his starting lineup. The manager's concern is defender Betão, who suffered a thigh muscle injury and was ruled out by doctors. Therefore, Carpegiani is considering two alternatives. One option is to maintain the 3-5-2 formation, placing Kadu in the back three, alongside Fábio Ferreira and Zelão. However, the coach considers the possibility of abandoning this tactic and opting for a 4-4-2, with Dinelson taking a spot in midfield.
The rest of the team will remain unchanged. Clodoaldo and Wilson have earned the coach's trust and will remain in the front two, while Finazzi, once again, was not even included in the manager's list. Everton Santos returns from injury but remains on the bench, as does Marcelo Oliveira, who served a suspension last round.
At Flamengo, the team that will take the field is also a mystery, as Ney Franco is expected to announce it only minutes before the match, as he has been doing recently. Midfielder Roger, who has had his documentation regularized with the CBF, is available to the coach, but he is expected to leave him on the bench initially.
Another player available is striker Souza, who served a suspension against América following his red card against Grêmio, when he assaulted midfielder Tcheco on and off the field. Ney Franco avoided openly criticizing the player, but the board finally lost patience with the striker, who already had other disciplinary issues at the club. Therefore, his performance is starting to be considered difficult, even on the bench.
The one who appears to be starting to regain his place is defender Moisés, who has been overlooked in some games even with the absence of the starters. He had a chance against América and excelled. Since Irineu, who scored an own goal against Grêmio, appears out of the plans for now, Moisés will be kept on Sunday. Coach Ney Franco won't reveal the lineup, but reiterates that the match will be fiercely contested, with grit prevailing at times due to the characteristics of both teams.
"Both teams aren't yet complete, as they're strengthening each other. Therefore, this makes it easier for grit to often overcome technical aspects, something that won't be a problem for two teams with a historic strength. It will be a very competitive game, and whoever can win the midfield will have a good chance of winning," he concluded.
Roger trains and should face Corinthians\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Midfielder Roger was part of Flamengo's starting lineup during training this Saturday morning at Gávea Stadium, and has a strong chance of being selected by coach Ney Franco for this Sunday's match against Corinthians at Pacaembu Stadium in São Paulo. Roger trained in place of Obina, who was working out. Ney Franco prefers to keep the situation a secret and has not yet revealed whether Roger will start. Forward Souza, who served a suspension, could return to the team, despite opposition from some officials who are unhappy with the player's behavior. The starting lineup trained with Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Moisés, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Léo Medeiros, and Roger; and Renato Augusto and Souza.
Goalkeeper Diego is out of the match after injuring the ring finger on his left hand. In his place, goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba will travel to São Paulo to take his place on the bench.
Gerson Magrão leaves Flamengo for Ipatinga
Ipatinga (MG) - Ipatinga has signed left-back Gerson Magrão for the remainder of the Brazilian Championship's Série B season. The player was previously with Flamengo, but has ties to Feyenoord in the Netherlands and has been loaned until the end of next year's Campeonato Mineiro. After two and a half years with the Dutch team, Magrão arrived at Flamengo at the beginning of the year on the recommendation of coach Ney Franco. He didn't get many opportunities in the starting lineup and was eventually released.
Coach Émerson Ávila has been asking for a left-back for some time. He recently had to improvise with midfielder Leandro Salino in the position because starter Beto was injured. Magrão's presentation is scheduled for next Tuesday, and he should be ready to face Gama in the next round of the Segunda Division.
PeléNet
Traditional teams Corinthians and Flamengo struggle to get out of the "hole"
Marcius Azevedo and Vinícius Barreto Souto\ In São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro\
Corinthians and Flamengo, owners of the two biggest fan bases in the country and with eight Brazilian titles between them (or nine, if the Rio de Janeiro team's triumph in the 1987 Copa União is considered), face each other this Sunday, at 16 pm, at the Morumbi stadium, to improve their position in the National classification table.
Both teams are in a delicate situation. Coach Ney Franco's team sits in the relegation zone with just 11 points, while Paulo César Carpegiani's men, who have 15 points, haven't won in eight rounds and are one place ahead of Juventude, the first team in the bottom four.
And it's precisely tradition that both teams rely on to react. "They're two great teams. The two greatest traditions in Brazilian football. The clubs with the most media coverage, the biggest fan base... Flamengo, like Corinthians, also has the potential to be in a better position. And it's a temporary situation," Carpegiani stated.
"We're not going to fight to avoid relegation. Our place is at the top of the table. The fans can rest assured that we're going to fight at the top," he added.
The Flamengo coach also remains optimistic. "Even with a win, we'll still be behind. But we know that this is also due to the three-game lead we have over the other teams," said Ney.
"We have to adapt to the situation, because after the game against Corinthians, there's a round in the middle of the week and we won't be playing either. So we have to be calm," he added.
Last Wednesday, Flamengo eased its collapse by defeating América-RN, a result that ended a two-month, eight-game winless streak, took Flamengo out of last place and gave coach Ney Franco a new lease of life.
Now Carpegiani is in a similar situation. Corinthians haven't won in eight games, and at Parque São Jorge, there are already signs that he may not be able to withstand the pressure of another negative result this Sunday.
"I repeat what I said after the Náutico game: I'm not attached to the position and I'm here because I want to be. There's no coach who will stay at the club forever. One day I'll leave, one way or another. I know my qualities, I know my flaws, and I strive to be at the forefront with all my potential," he said.
The teams will also wear uniforms that evoke their victorious pasts. Corinthians will wear jerseys honoring their 1977 São Paulo state title, while Flamengo will commemorate the 1981 Club World Cup, won under Carpegiani, now at their rivals, as coach.
"Corinthians and Flamengo shouldn't be in this situation. They are teams with a lot of tradition, who always fight for titles," said the Corinthians coach.
Roger is an attraction at Morumbi
The main attraction of the match will be midfielder Roger. Sidelined by Carpegiani at Corinthians, the player will make his debut for Flamengo. It remains to be seen whether he will start or come on later in the game.
Having not played for more than three months, it is more likely that he will become an option, but, in the last training session before the match, coach Ney Franco put Roger in the starting lineup, leaving Souza out and pushing Renato Augusto to play in attack.
"We're sure he won't last the whole game. That's why I'm still deciding whether he'll come on as a starter or in the second half," said the Flamengo coach.
Roger is confident. "I've done a good job of preparing physically. Of course, my match rhythm isn't ideal yet; I've only played two training sessions. But I'll make up for it with my will. I'm here to help the coach," said the midfielder, who didn't want to clash with his former coach.
"I believe he [Carpegiani] did the right thing, because the right thing is for me to be here at Flamengo. It's no problem for me," he said. "I had some great moments at Corinthians. I have no hard feelings about it. I have nothing to complain about, especially since I'm at Flamengo today thanks to their release," he concluded.
BalloonSport
Dinelson vs. Roger duel at Morumbi
And the matchup could have been between opposing teams. Dinelson almost went to Flamengo.
Marcel Rizzo
Dinelson could return to the starting lineup
Dinelson in a Corinthians jersey, Roger in a Flamengo jersey. Interestingly, this matchup could even be reversed this Sunday at Morumbi Stadium. This is because Flamengo attempted to sign Dinelson, a deal vetoed by the Corinthians board. And Roger, had he not upset coach Paulo César Carpegiani by commenting on the dismissal of other players, could even have been used by the Corinthians coach.
"Roger is a great player; I became friends with him during our time together. It'll be an interesting matchup if they both play. I hope to give Corinthians the advantage, as they're playing at home and need a win," says Dinelson.
The midfielder is not confirmed in the starting lineup. He could replace the injured Betão, with the team's formation shifting to a 4-4-2. Dinelson received an offer from Flamengo upon his return from Paraná and was not used by Carpegiani. He publicly complained that he was not released for Rio, was nearly fined, and ended up getting a chance at Corinthians.
"My initial intention was always to stay and do well at Corinthians. But at that time, I wasn't playing and needed to play. Now I know I can have a chance here," says Dinelson. If he doesn't play, Kadu will come in, and Carpa will maintain the 3-5-2.
Argentine Kaká becomes Flamengo fan
Leonardo Niveiro, from canoeing, wins red and black jumpsuit
Gabriele Lomba
Canoeist Leonardo Niveiro, the Argentine Kaká, shows off his Flamengo jumpsuit
Argentine Leonardo Niveiro, who became famous in Rio for his resemblance to soccer player Kaká, became a Flamengo fan this Saturday. A Boca Juniors fan, the canoeist received a jumpsuit from a Flamengo rowing coach.
- Now I'm a Flamengo fan - he said, showing off his jumpsuit.
Ney admits: Fla is Obina and ten more
Coach says that Anjo Negro is charismatic and that he infects the red-black squad
Marcio Iannacca
Obina celebrates his first goal after returning to the pitch for Flamengo
Obina's good form and his stylish return to Flamengo have excited coach Ney Franco. The coach admitted this Saturday, after training at Gávea, that it's difficult not to include the player due to his strong performances and the affection he's been receiving from the fans.
"It's hard not to play Obina. He's back in a good position, and every player who returns from injury wants to prove themselves. Obina was no different, and there's no way to keep his starting lineup any longer."
Ney Franco revealed that the fans' affection for Obina has rubbed off on the rest of the Flamengo squad. For the coach, the player's style has been crucial in Flamengo's recovery in the Brazilian Championship.
"Obina is a charismatic player. There's a great atmosphere among the players. The players sing the same songs in the training camp and in the locker room that the fans sing in the stands," says Ney Franco.
Souza says he is not undisciplined
Striker has a chance of being selected by Ney Franco in the game against Corinthians
Marcio Iannacca
Forward Souza has a good chance of returning to the Flamengo squad for this Sunday's match against Corinthians at Morumbi Stadium at 16 p.m. The player admits he can still deliver much more for Flamengo and hopes to play alongside Obina in the match against Corinthians.
"I've done very little for Flamengo, but whenever the club needed me, I gave my all on the field. This partnership with Obina has always worked well. Let's hope it happens again," says Souza.
The Flamengo striker admitted he lost his temper in the match against Grêmio, when he was sent off. During the incident, he elbowed Tcheco and also assaulted him as he left the field (watch the video of the incident in the box above).
"I lost my temper, but I hope to get the minimum sentence. Tcheco disrupted the game and admitted to faking the play that led to his expulsion on a website. I've always kept a cool head and never had any problems at Flamengo. I'm not undisciplined, as the press has been saying. I've never had any arguments with a teammate or the coaching staff," the striker states.
Messi's cousin likes to play on the wing
Maxi Biancucchi says he plays on the wings and likes to serve his teammates
Marcio Iannacca
Maxi Biancucchi arrives in Gávea for another day of training at the club
Continuing our conversation with Maxi Biancucchi, GLOBOESPORTE.COM reveals this Saturday the Argentine striker's preferred positioning on the pitch. Barcelona's Messi's cousin enjoys playing on the wings, making the most of his skill. He says scoring goals is his priority, but accurate passes to teammates are his main weapon.
"I like scoring goals and I hope to score a lot here. But my main characteristic is getting to the byline and passing to my teammates to score goals," reveals Maxi.
At Flamengo, the Argentine still doesn't know which jersey he'll wear. Ibson will wear number 7, Roger is likely to opt for number 8, and Obina is likely to be number 9. And what about Biancucchi? Aware that the numbers 1 through 11 at Gávea are starting to change hands, Maxi has already made his preference known.
- I played for a long time with the number 11 shirt. I don't know if it has an owner, but I would like to wear it - says Maxi, aware that in Rio de Janeiro a certain Baixinho immortalized the number.
- I know that Romário plays with the number 11 shirt. But he's from Vasco, right?
Throw
Timão x Mengão: fight against relegation
Full of titles, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro teams face off to escape the suffocation
Roger could come on in the second half against his former team (Credit: Paulo Wrencher)
Carlos Petrocilo and Rafael Ximenes
They have two World Cups, one Libertadores, nine Brazilian titles, four Copa do Brasil titles, and numerous other achievements. But this Sunday, at 16 p.m. (Brasília time), at Morumbi Stadium, Corinthians and Flamengo will face off in search of something far less glorious: escaping the bottom of the National Championship.
The Gávea team, with three games in hand over most of its rivals, is in the relegation zone: 18th place with 11 points. The Parque São Jorge team, meanwhile, is just one place above the group of death: 16th with 15 points.
Flamengo coach Ney Franco hasn't yet revealed the team's formation. However, it's likely he'll play with two strikers in a 3-5-2 formation. Souza, who is returning from suspension, is expected to partner with Obina. If he repeats the 3-6-1 formation used in the 3-1 victory over América-RN last Wednesday, Souza could be the one to lose his spot up front.
Midfielder Roger, formerly of Corinthians, has had his documentation sorted and will be able to make his debut. Having been out of action for three months, he's expected to come on only in the second half. Eager to play, he dismissed any hard feelings toward his former team.
- I was happy there, I won titles (I only won the 2005 Brasileirão) and I have a lot of respect for the entity - said Roger, who has not played since April 11, in the 1-1 draw with Santo André, for Paulistão.
The last meeting between the two teams in São Paulo brings back fond memories for Flamengo. On June 4th of last year, the Red-Black team won 2-0, with goals from Peralta and Obina.
Timão's situation hasn't improved much since the midfielder's departure. The team hasn't won in eight games and—along with América-RN and Náutico—is the team with the fewest wins: just three.
Like Ney Franco, Corinthians coach Paulo César Carpegiani hasn't announced the starting lineup. He's waiting for Betão to recover. If the defender doesn't play, he'll be replaced by Kadu. Another bolder option is to include midfielder Dinelson, swapping the 3-5-2 for a 4-4-2.
Striker Clodoaldo, who scored his first goal for Corinthians after five games in a 2-2 draw against Figueirense last Wednesday in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, is a certainty. He's expected to partner Wilson again. Finazzi remains undervalued by Carpa.
Obina takes care to catch Timão\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo forward Obina is slowly gaining match fitness. To avoid the risk of further injury, the Flamengo favorite is taking special care of his knee. During training this Saturday, Obina left the field specifically to do weight training and strengthen his knee so he can show once and for all that the Black Angel is back against Corinthians this Sunday in São Paulo.
Fla: Maxi is on the rise with the red-black fans
Messi's cousin is named in a LANCE! poll as Obina's ideal partner for attack\ LANCEPRESS!\
Even without having played a single match for Flamengo, Argentine Maxi Biancucchi is enjoying high praise from the Flamengo fans. In a poll conducted on Lancenet, which asked who would be Obina's ideal teammate, he received 2084 votes (62,08% of the total).
The other forwards aren't being well-received. The proof is that the option for Obina to play alone up front received 316 votes. The red-and-blacks' favorite just returned from a left knee injury and has already scored a goal against América-RN.
Souza was voted for 309 times; Leonardo, 279; Paulo Sérgio, 205; and Renato Augusto, improvised as a striker, only 164.
Obina and Roger are Fla's hope\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo appears ready to shake off its slump once and for all. Obina's return and Roger's potential debut are improving the atmosphere at Gávea.
Despite being almost guaranteed to be present in the game against Corinthians this Sunday, in São Paulo, midfielder Roger still leaves coach Ney Franco cautious about his entry.
- Roger can't play the full 90 minutes yet, I intend to use him in one of the halves, but I haven't decided yet whether he starts the match or comes on in the second half - he says.
Obina is also eager to play. The striker has been working out to ensure his knee has the necessary strength to guarantee the chance to do what he does best: bring joy to Flamengo fans.