THE GLOBE
Fla plays its first final of 2008
With their sights set on the semifinals, the team faces América at 16 p.m. at Engenhão Stadium. Tardelli is expected to make his debut.
DIEGO TARDELLI (right) fights for the ball with Léo Medeiros during Fla's training session: the striker was cleared to play
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
There are more than three points at stake in Flamengo vs. América today at 16 p.m. at Engenhão. A victory, which would be the fifth in five state championship matches, virtually secures Flamengo's place in the semifinals of the Guanabara Cup. A good result will also have other consequences. Coach Joel Santana wants to secure a spot early to recover injured players and rest players for the final two qualifying matches against Volta Redonda and Fluminense.
Concern grows when Joel realizes that Flamengo is 11 days away from its debut in the Libertadores, which will require a grueling trip to Peru.
"It's a key game, a decisive one. I hope the players understand that. Soon, we have the Libertadores, and we need time to recover injured players and rest them," Joel warned.
Botafogo releases stadium with Federation document
For the first time, the coach will have Diego Tardelli. That morning, while the team was training, the striker was a doubt. Flamengo had submitted its documentation to the Federation on January 24th, the deadline for registrations for the Guanabara Cup. But the striker's name only appeared in the entity's bulletin the following day. As a precaution, the club requested a written opinion from the Federation. That afternoon, after verbal authorization from the entity, the club decided to make the striker available to Joel.
"I was surprised, I thought I was already cleared. Physically, I'm 100%. Maybe I still lack match fitness," said the striker.
Joel, who also intends to launch Kléberson during the match, should maintain the formation that defeated Macaé last Wednesday.
Yesterday, Botafogo released an official statement clearing the Engenhão stadium for the match. The club stated that it had received assurances that the organization had taken out insurance against damage to the stadium, which will host Flamengo for the first time.
"We know the field is small. Playing in a stadium for the first time always has an impact," Souza said.
"The grass is thin and the ball moves a lot. The most inappropriate thing is the time. It's as if the game were at 15 p.m.," Joel added, referring to the impact of daylight saving time.
Joel said he was also concerned about warning the players about possible excesses during Carnival.
- We are either professionals or we are partygoers - he said.
Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Jonathan, Ibson and Toro; Marcinho and Souza. America: Fabio Carvalho, Bruno Carvalho, Cleberson, Marcio Abraão and Maciel; Valber, Jeffinho, Everton and Elvis; Lourival and Eraldo. Referee: Rodrigo Nunes de Sá.
TRANSMISSION: Rede Globo, Premiere and Rádios Globo and CBN
Ancelmo Gois
Fla's goal
Not everything is a thorn in Flamengo's coffers.
The Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice ordered Grêmio, from Porto Alegre, to pay R$6 million to the club for an old transaction involving the transfer of player Rodrigo Mendes.
Sports Panorama
Keeping an eye on the recipe
Executives from Flamengo, Fluminense, and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) were alarmed by the results of a survey commissioned by the trio on the loss of revenue from major derbies at the Maracanã. Adding up the costs of mobile boards and seats not for sale (e.g., perpetual seats and boxes), the total would reach R$677,9 per derbie at maximum capacity.
The study touches on a controversial point, as it considers the possibility of raising revenue from places that were acquired decades ago.
The revenue from ticket sales for the 2.871 perpetual seats in the upper tier is estimated at R$287,1 (R$100 each). The 3.165 perpetual seats in the lower tier, at R$20, would total R$63,3; and the 225 in the grandstand, at R$100, would total R$22,5.
More recent constructions are also part of the study. If the 1.910 seats in the boxes were offered, they would represent an additional R$191.
Currently, as Suderj has reduced the Maracanã's rental value to R$5, the clubs have given up revenue, which the autarchy uses to cover expenses with lighting, infrastructure and maintenance.
In return, according to the survey carried out by the red-blacks, tricolors and the CBF, in any game at Maracanã, the clubs give 500 special seats to Suderj (which, sold at R$100, would raise R$50 thousand); 400 common seats (at R$20, they would raise R$8 thousand); and 200 grandstands (at R$30, they would mean R$6 thousand).
The mobile frame costs, on average, in a large classic, around R$45 thousand.
The study does not include the waiver of revenue from the operation of shops, bars and parking at Maracanã and is part of the project, in partnership with marketing giant IMG, to manage the stadium.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Red-black bloc asks for passage
Fla swaps Maracanã for Engenhão and hopes to party against América
Thiago Bokel and Nathan de Lima
'Master' Ibson leads Fla today against América
'Will I be the owner of this party? A "King" among these modest people? I came down the mountain, full of euphoria to parade (...) Today is the day of joy, and sadness, can't even think about arriving (...)', the samba "It's today the day", by composers Didi and Mestrinho, which União da Ilha will return to the avenue this carnival reflects the desire that the red-black fans want to see on the field today, when Flamengo faces América, at 16 pm, at Engenhão.
And to complete the celebration for the fans, who won't be at their favorite venue, Maracanã, Flamengo has the support of 'drum master' Ibson, who will be tasked with keeping the team motivated throughout the 90 minutes. Born in São Gonçalo, he has samba in his veins and the rhythm in his feet.
Another avowed partygoer, coach Joel Santana prefers to adopt a more reserved stance this year. He hasn't yet confirmed his attendance at any special group school and doesn't want to think about partying.
"Leave the partying for Sunday. Tomorrow (today), there's no such thing. We're professionals and we have a commitment to our fans. The game against América is very important. Either we go to the avenue and samba once and for all or we do a good job. We have no excuse, the field is good and the stadium is modern, we have to play well," warned the coach.
Botafogo issued an official statement yesterday confirming the match will be held at Engenhão, as the Federation has guaranteed insurance coverage. With this, the venue for the red-and-black parade is now secure.
The caution surrounding this period is so great that striker Souza has declared he will likely stay home during Carnival. The party is already underway, and even though it won't be at Flamengo's actual stadium, fans are expected to support the team in large numbers, avoiding any incidents that could jeopardize the team in the upcoming rounds of the championship. The board has already done its part, distributing 200 flyers; now the responsibility lies with the fans.
The time has come to transform Engenhão, even if only for one day, into the red-black home.
Souza doesn't think about being a top scorer
The Engenhão stadium will be in full celebration this afternoon. One of the biggest contributors to the Rubro-Negra fans' happiness this season is striker Souza, who has already found the net three times in four matches.
For the match against América, the striker will once again play alone up front, playing as a pivot for the midfielders who come forward. Despite being a goalscorer, Souza knows that this role reduces his chances of scoring more goals, but that doesn't bother him.
"I'm not obligated to be the top scorer, but rather to make Flamengo champions and put this club where it deserves to be," explained the striker.
Regarding the match, Souza warned that it will be a difficult game, mainly because Engenhão is a stadium with a reduced pitch.
"I've never played there, I hope Flamengo plays well and comes away with the win. We have an obligation to win. The Engenhão field is small, I hope we can overcome this difficulty. We're used to Maracanã, but we have to make an effort to come away with the win," warned Souza, who preached respect for the opponent: "Just because América hasn't scored yet doesn't mean we can relax," he warned.
Tardelli confirmed on the bench against América
It's more than confirmed. Striker Diego Tardelli could make his debut today against América at the Engenhão stadium. While it's true that the player will start the match on the bench, he's still exuding joy and said he's ready to play the entire match.
"I'm 100% physically, but I know that because I haven't played for a while, I might not perform as well as before. Training isn't the same as playing," said Tardelli.
The club's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, confirmed the striker's release for the game and explained the situation that almost left the player out of the entire Guanabara Cup.
"I've already received confirmation from the Federation and Tardelli is cleared to play against América. The contract was registered on the 23rd, and on the 24th the transfer from the São Paulo Federation arrived. Even though Tardelli's name was mentioned in BIRA on the 25th, the deadline was met," explained Michel Assef Filho.
Tardelli is in the squad for the match, but he won't start. Joel intends to field the same team that started the match against Macaé last Thursday. During the match, if Flamengo needs it, Tardelli could come in either in place of Marcinho or even in the role of Toró, as he's been playing in that position in training.
Tardelli came to the club to resolve the situation of the red-black attack, but it seems that he will be used more as a supporter, as Joel has been scaling the Flamengo team practically in a 3-6-1.
Joel reveals respect for America
Opened in mid-2007 for the Pan American Games, the Engenhão stadium hosts Flamengo and América this Saturday at 16 p.m. for the fourth round of the Guanabara Cup. In more than six months, Flamengo has never played a single match at the stadium.
In an interview with Rádio Tupi, the coach of the Gávea team, Joel Santana, commented on what the team will be like on the field, since Engenhão has a different grass and width than Maracanã.
"The group will play however they see fit, we can't make excuses. We're at a crucial stage in the Championship, and this is a decisive game. The pitch is good, the stadium is beautiful, and we won't have any problems," said Joel.
América is currently the only club yet to score in the Guanabara Cup. Because of this, they face a serious risk of relegation from the Championship. As they strive to recover, a victory over Flamengo, the Group A leader, would boost the club's morale.
"For América, it's obviously best to try to catch up with the leader. They're a great, traditional team that has won many titles in Rio de Janeiro. We have to have all the respect for the team, but we need to win," commented Joel.
THE DAY
Fla takes on América and can guarantee a place in the semifinals
Janir Junior
Rio - Yesterday morning's training session at Gávea demonstrated the atmosphere and the slogan Flamengo hopes to repeat throughout the season. The team, which faces América today at 16 p.m. at Engenhão, played a lively game, with laughter and dances from a team with a 100% record in the State Championship, leading Group A and potentially securing an early spot in the Guanabara Cup semifinals. At the end of the training session, Souza and company's victorious team celebrated with chants of "runner-up again."
It wasn't a provocation to Vasco. It was proof that the unity and calm atmosphere that surrounds Gávea are reflected on the field. However, this shouldn't be confused with a lack of seriousness. "This unity that began last year is important, has strengthened, and is reflected on the field. We always have fun, but we're aware of when not to mess around. This way, we'll win titles and put Flamengo where it deserves to be," Souza declared.
On his way to taking the team to the top, Souza has already scored three goals. But when he failed to score against Macaé, he was booed by the fans. Nothing that shakes the player's confidence and responsibility. "Wearing Flamengo's number 9 jersey and being a reference always creates great pressure. I'll perform better," the striker guarantees.
Regarding today's game, he says América could be tricky, as they're going through a rough patch and need a win. "We can't let them ruin our weekend," Souza warns.
Flamengo's victory and Boavista and Cardoso Moreira's stumbles against Fluminense and Volta Redonda, respectively, guarantee the Rubro-Negro a place in the semifinals with two rounds to spare. As previously announced, Joel Santana will rest some starters against Volta Redonda and Fluminense, aiming for the match against Coronel Bolognesi on the 13th, the team's Copa Libertadores debut.
Since Carnival puns are inevitable during carnival season, it's worth remembering that Souza never "paraded" on the Engenhão pitch. The striker, who heeded Joel's orders and will let Íbson take penalties, wants to make good progress: score a goal, secure a victory, and qualify. That way, he and his teammates can smile; nothing will stop them.
Engenhão is confirmed
After a week of much discussion, Engenhão was finally confirmed as the venue for today's game. Botafogo president Bebeto de Freitas released an official statement granting the stadium.
Yesterday, the prankster Joel Santana was blunt when he commented on how players should behave during Carnival. "Our celebration is victory." He noted that the team will have tomorrow off. "It wouldn't be wise for an athlete to be worried about Carnival. After all, are we professionals or revelers? Either the guy takes to the streets to samba for good or he wants to be a player," he stated.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Flamengo faces America in a duel of opposites\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo, the sole leader of Group A of the Guanabara Cup, has 12 points and a 100% record. They have everything they need to secure another victory this Saturday at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) in the fifth round. This is because their opponent will be the traditional América, which despite its winning history, is having one of its worst campaigns this year and is at the bottom of the group and in the overall standings without even managing to score a point. Flamengo is in serious danger of relegation and will debut coach Gaúcho, who replaces Amarildo, who was fired after a 2-0 loss to Boavista. The match was surrounded by much controversy regarding its location.
This is because Botafogo, owner of the João Havelange Olympic Stadium (Engenhão), the venue for the match, has created difficulties in clearing the field, as Flamengo fans are threatening to demolish their rival's stadium. Police presence will be increased, and the number of tickets has been reduced.
Flamengo coach Joel Santana doesn't want to see his players underestimate América or assume victory is a given because their opponent is bottom of the table. "I can say the lion is asleep, but that doesn't mean we should assume they'll be defeated easily. Anyone familiar with Rio de Janeiro football knows that América usually reacts when least expected. Furthermore, their team knows this is their best opportunity to bounce back," said Joel, who will maintain the formation used in the 1-0 victory over Macaé.
Flamengo's players understood their manager's message and realized that maintaining focus throughout the 90 minutes will be crucial to securing the victory. "América is excited because they changed coaches and will do everything they can to start a comeback against Flamengo. But for us, there's a lot at stake in this match. If we win, we'll practically secure qualification and have a few days of peace in the final stretch of the Guanabara Cup," said forward Souza.
For América, coach Gaúcho is excited about the new challenge and believes the Devils have every chance of securing their first three points in the competition this Saturday. "A football coach must always be willing to accept challenges, and that's why I'm at América. But I only accepted because I trust the group here and know they can perform. I know Flamengo well and know we have what it takes to win this match," said Gaúcho.
Without much time to train, Gaúcho will maintain the core squad that was outclassed by Boavista. However, midfielder Maicon, sent off in that match, will be out due to suspension. Léo Maringá will take his place.
Tardelli is available this Saturday\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - A delay in finalizing a contract with Flamengo nearly cost striker Diego Tardelli, formerly of São Paulo, his place in the Taça Guanabara, the first round of the Campeonato Carioca. However, after a maneuver by the club's legal department, the center forward secured his spot among the registered players for the competition. Flamengo, which only managed to regularize the player's documentation this week, was informed that he was only registered in the Daily Information Bulletin (BID) on January 25, one day after the close of registration for the Taça Guanabara. Therefore, Tardelli could only play in the second round of the Campeonato Carioca or wait to represent the club on February 13, the date of the match against Coronel Bolognesi, in Peru, which will mark the team's debut in the Copa Libertadores.
But, late in the afternoon this Friday, Michel Assef Filho, the club's lawyer, obtained written authorization from the Rio de Janeiro State Football Federation (Ferj) that released the player, since Rubro-Negro submitted the documentation within the expected period.
Diego Tardelli had already been training with the other players and coach Joel Santana will have him on the bench for this Saturday afternoon's match against América, at Engenhão, for the Taça Guanabara.
PELENET
Close to the semifinals, Flamengo faces desperate América
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The opponent's weakness doesn't matter. Flamengo promises to give it its all to defeat the limited América team this Carnival Saturday, at 16 p.m. (Brasília time), at Engenhão Stadium, in the fifth round of Group A of the Guanabara Cup, the first round of the State Championship. If they triumph, Flamengo will be very close to a spot in the semifinals of this stage.
After an intense meeting between representatives of Flamengo, América, Botafogo and the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation on Thursday, it was agreed that Alvinegro, the stadium's administrator, would have its demands met to hold the match at its home.
The match between the red-and-blacks and the Americans was previously scheduled for Maracanã Stadium on Carnival Sunday at 18:10 p.m. Claiming they were unable to provide security for the match and the samba school parade, the Military Police requested a change of date and location. Since Botafogo and Vasco face off on Saturday at the same time and venue, the Federation was forced to schedule the match at Engenhão Stadium.
In first place in their group with 12 points, the Rubro-Negro will have no problems in this matchup. Therefore, the team that beat Macaé 1-0 on Wednesday at Maracanã in the fourth round of the competition should remain. Furthermore, striker Diego Tardelli, already registered, will be on the bench.
Despite the team's favorable form, which boasts a 100% record, coach Joel Santana is warning his players. In the coach's view, this match is the most important for Flamengo at the start of the season.
"We can't be fooled by América's position. It's a club with a great tradition in Rio de Janeiro, and we shouldn't let our guard down. I've already told the players that this is the most important match for us right now," he warned.
Another highlight of this match is the debut of many of the red-and-black players at João Havelange Stadium. Of the group, only Toró, Ibson, and Leonardo Moura have had the opportunity to play there.
Debutant striker Souza hopes to help the Gávea team leave Engenhão with the desired result. "I haven't played there yet, but I hope the experience will be positive. We'll certainly encounter difficulties, but we need to overcome them," he said.
Bottom of the table and the only team to fail to earn a point in the competition, América will have Gaúcho's debut as head coach. He will be the team's fourth coach since the start of the tournament. Ademir Fonseca, Jorge Vieira, and Amarildo were unable to withstand the poor performances of Édson Passos' team.
As he hasn't yet gotten to know the group, Gaúcho stated that he doesn't intend to make any major changes to the team. According to the coach, it's necessary to work on the players' psychology.
"Now I'm only thinking about the match against Flamengo. I'll only decide who's in and who's out before the Rio Cup. Football is about results. After four defeats, the team is mentally shaken. That's why I want to work on the players' morale first, and then improve the tactics," he said.
Federation releases and Diego Tardelli can now debut for Flamengo
Bernardo Coimbra\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Another saga in Rio de Janeiro football has come to an end. Late Friday afternoon, the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (Ferj) sent an official statement to Flamengo informing them that Diego Tardelli has been cleared. The striker will now be able to make his debut for the red-and-black team.
Striker Diego Tardelli could enter the field this Saturday, against América
This Saturday, Flamengo faces América at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at Engenhão Stadium in the fifth round of the Guanabara Cup, the first round of the State Championship. The striker will be an option on the bench.
"The president of the Federation (Rubens Lopes) sent a document to our legal department guaranteeing that everything is in order," said Flamengo's football director, Eduardo Manhães.
Soon after, Ferj press officer Pedro Costa confirmed Diego Tardelli's situation. "Everything is fine, the player is now cleared to play," he stated.
The imbroglio began early in the morning. Flamengo claimed to have registered Tardelli on the 24th, the last day athletes could be registered for the Guanabara Cup. But in the Federation's BIRA (Athlete Registration Bulletin), the registration appeared on the 25th.
According to the competition regulations (article 11 sole paragraph), athletes registered between January 25th and February 28th will only be able to participate in the Rio Cup games, the second round of the competition, and the championship finals.
Flamengo's under-19 team will play in a tournament in Malaysia
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo will compete for the second consecutive year in the Malaysian U-19 tournament, a kind of World Cup for the category. Third-placed in the last edition, Flamengo is one of the 13 already confirmed participants.
In total, there will be 16 teams in the competition, which will be held in the first half of August. The 2007 tournament was won by England's Manchester United, who defeated Italy's Juventus 1-0 in the final.
Botafogo confirms that Ferj will pay rent and insurance for the game at JH
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Botafogo president Bebeto de Freitas confirmed in an official statement that all demands made by the club were met and the game between Flamengo and América will be played normally at the João Havelange Olympic Stadium, the Engenhão, this Carnival Saturday, at 16 pm (Brasília time), for the fifth round of the Guanabara Cup, the first round of the State Championship.
Federation responds to Botafogo's demands regarding Flamengo's game at JH
The match between the red-and-blacks and the Americans was previously scheduled for Maracanã on Carnival Sunday at 18:10 p.m. (Brasília time). Claiming they were unable to provide security for the game and the samba school parade, the Military Police requested a change of date and location. Because Botafogo and Vasco face off on Saturday at 18:10 p.m. at Maracanã, the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation was forced to schedule the match at Engenhão.
GLOBOESPORTE
Souza forgets the fight for artillery
Striker wants to win titles with Flamengo. He doesn't even take penalties anymore.
Souza no longer wants to take penalties
Flamengo's joint top scorer in the state championship, alongside Ibson with three goals, Souza insists that his main focus isn't being the championship's top scorer. The striker, who has yet to top the scorer's table for Flamengo, has other goals in mind.
"I'm not worried about scoring. I want to win titles with Flamengo," says the striker, who was already champion of the 2007 State Championship.
In good humor, Souza also responded to the controversy surrounding Flamengo's official penalty taker. In the match against Caxias, he, Ibson, and Bruno argued over who would take the penalty. The striker won "by force."
- Leave it to Ibson. The boss (Joel Santana) told him to - he jokes.
Fla exaggerates in prevention: 200 thousand pamphlets
Tickets at Engenhão for the game against América this Saturday are 19.900.
Fla makes an effort to maintain order at Botafogo's home this Saturday
Flamengo is indeed concerned about raising awareness among its fans about the need to prevent vandalism at the Engenhão Stadium this Saturday. According to interim vice president of football, Michel Assef Filho, the board has ordered no less than 200 leaflets urging Flamengo fans to behave themselves during the match against América.
Interestingly, 19.900 tickets were put up for sale. In other words, even if all tickets are sold, there will be more than ten flyers per fan.
Despite concerns about potential violence, Flamengo's supporters' groups promise to protect Botafogo's stadium. One of them contacted GLOBOESPORTE.COM and stated that the threats made on Orkut this week were isolated incidents and do not reflect the Flamengo supporters' views. There is a call on the social network for order to be maintained at the stadium.
Fla parades at Engenhão in search of a spot
Outside of Maracanã, its Sapucaí, the red-black team could worsen América's crisis
Eduardo Peixoto
Diego Tardelli in training
Because of Carnival, Flamengo was forced to swap its traditional parade venue, the Maracanã, for a beautiful, but more cramped, catwalk. Away from "its Sapucaí stadium," the Red-Blacks face América at the Engenhão stadium this Saturday at 16 p.m.
If Flamengo maintains the 10-point score it's received so far in the Carioca, it will virtually guarantee a spot in the Guanabara Cup semifinals. So far, Joel's men have won all four matches and lead Group A with 12 points.
To qualify early, Cardoso Moreira simply needs to fail to beat Volta Redonda on Sunday away from home, and Boavista simply needs to fail to defeat Fluminense on Friday night. This, of course, assumes they have three more points in their tally.
"This will be a key game. We have some players with minor issues, and if we can qualify, they'll have a break in the final rounds, as their Copa Libertadores debut is approaching," says coach Joel Santana, who is repeating the lineup for the fourth consecutive time in this State Championship.
Hired to be the standard-bearer for the master of ceremonies and top scorer Souza, striker Diego Tardelli will be on the bench for the first time. The two, who have had disagreements in the not-so-distant past, even promise a joint celebration if a goal is scored.
Red despair
The prospect of Flamengo's successful arrival at the finals this Saturday would spell doom on the other side of the road. Still without a single point, América has accumulated losses, fired coaches—two in four rounds—and melancholy.
Joel believes in America's recovery.
But first, wait for the red-black victory
Already under threat of relegation to the lower divisions, the bet is on the terrifying devil costume. The club's unfriendly mascot is the antidote to the harmless behavior of the early rounds. Joel even believes in the reaction, but expects it to take a while to materialize.
"América will recover soon. They hired a very good coach (Gaúcho) who will resolve this poor start," says the red-and-black coach.
Among the 11 starters for the red team this Sunday, at least one has a reputation as Flamengo's executioner. Supporter Elvis scored one of the goals in Santo André's 2004-2 victory at Maracanã in the Copa do Brasil final in 0.
Caring for other people's homes
Fans who choose to watch soccer on Carnival Saturday will be observed at Engenhão Stadium. Before lending the stadium it manages, Botafogo made sure someone would be responsible in case of damage. There are fears that some of the red-and-black fans may commit acts of vandalism.
However, the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation interceded, provided the necessary guarantees and the game was confirmed.
Ferj releases, and Tardelli stays on the bench
Player celebrates the chance to be selected for the first time
Eduardo Peixoto
Released! Diego Tardelli will be on the bench for the match against América
Practically in injury time, Flamengo regularized the situation of striker Diego Tardelli and he will be included in the squad for this Saturday's game against América, at Engenhão.
On Friday afternoon, the Rubro-Negro club received written permission from the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (FERJ) to field the striker. This morning, the player was surprised to learn that his current status had not been confirmed. Now, Tardelli can't wait to make his debut in the Guanabara Cup.
"I haven't played in almost a month, but just being on the bench is important. It's crucial to be free to play for this wonderful club," he says.
Understand the case
Flamengo submitted the player's documentation to Ferj on January 24th, the last day to register for the Taça Guanabara - the first round of the Campeonato Carioca. However, the striker's name was published in the BID on the 25th. The club's legal department obtained authorization for him to play.
Renato Augusto gets distracted at the mall
Recovering from facial surgery, Flamengo midfielder has lunch with friends and family
Marcio Iannacca
Recovering from facial surgery, midfielder Renato Augusto had lunch this Friday, the day before Carnival began, at a shopping mall in Barra da Tijuca, west of Rio de Janeiro. Accompanied by friends and family, the player took the opportunity to rest and continue his recovery process.
Renato Augusto arrived at the venue wearing sunglasses and accompanied by a friend. The player chose not to remove the sunglasses, as his face was still severely swollen from the impact of Boavista's Helton's headbutt in Flamengo's opening match of the Campeonato Carioca.
"I'm recovering well. The area is still very swollen, but everything is going as planned. I can eat well now. Before, I couldn't," explains Renato.
The player preferred not to be photographed by GLOBOESPORTE.COM because of the swelling on the right side of his face.
THROW
With an eye on the spot, Flamengo faces América
Rubro-Negro can guarantee qualification in its debut at Engenhão
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo faces América this Carnival Saturday at Engenhão, at 16 p.m., in the fifth round of Group A of the Guanabara Cup. The matchup is a so-called duel of contrasts, as Flamengo leads the group with a 100% record and the reds have yet to score a point in the competition.
Given such a large margin, Flamengo is the clear favorite for the match. América is in a terrible run of form and already has its third coach in the Carioca Championship. Gaúcho will be making his debut at the helm.
A victory could guarantee Flamengo a spot in the semifinals of this round. If this spot is secured, coach Joel Santana plans to rest his starters for the remaining two rounds, against Volta Redonda and Fluminense.
The team that started the last three games is being retained by Joel. The coach, however, respects the opponent and doesn't believe he'll have an easy time against the club he coached in 1991.
"It's a key game for our ambitions. If we win and qualify, it will give us peace of mind for our last two games. América is big, has a beautiful history. It's every fan's second club. They're going through a difficult period, but it will pass," Joel declared.
Striker Souza also doesn't expect an easy ride against América. The number 9 doesn't hide his concern about playing against teams that are lower in the standings.
"The game is getting complicated. América hasn't won yet, and we have an obligation to win, and that could be a problem on the field. They'll want to give something more. They'll close up at the back. They're a treacherous team that will try to ruin our week," he admitted.
América, for its part, is betting its chips on this match. The team will count on midfielder Elvis, who was once a Flamengo tormentor when he played for Santo André. Striker Eraldo is also a hopeful, having been the club's standout performer in last year's Série C and having recovered from injury.
This will be the first American match against a major club in this Carioca Championship. Last year, Mecão beat Vasco, Fluminense, and Botafogo, losing only to Flamengo (4-1).
Fla hopes for a better Carnival Saturday
In 2007, at the same time, Rubro-Negro was beaten by Madureira
Cassius Leitão IN RIO
Flamengo will try to avoid reliving the nightmare they endured on Carnival Saturday last year against América. In 2007, during the same festive season, Flamengo was thrashed 4-1 by Madureira and narrowly avoided elimination from the Guanabara Cup.
The Gávea club was lucky that Botafogo lost to Boavista (3-2), in Bacaxá, a result that guaranteed them qualification for the semifinals of the first round.
In the defeat to the Tricolor suburbano in Moça Bonita, Flamengo conceded four goals to striker Marcelo, currently with Ipatinga. With this feat, the player equaled the legendary Pelé and Puskas, who also scored four goals in the same match, in 1961 and 1957, respectively.
The red-and-blacks' hope is to beat América so they can have a headache-free rest of Carnival. This potential victory could guarantee them a spot in the 2008 Guanabara Cup semifinals.
Diego Tardelli is cleared to make his debut
Striker is another option for Joel Santana for the game against América
Diego Tardelli is expected to make his debut for Fla (Credit: Gilvan de Souza)
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo has received approval from the Federation, and Diego Tardelli, who is listed for the match, will be able to make his debut this Saturday. The striker's name had been published in the Athlete Registration Bulletin (Bira) on the 25th. However, registration for the Guanabara Cup ended on the 24th.
Because of this, the board had to take action to allow Tardelli to play against América. They argued that Flamengo registered the player on the 24th, not the 25th.
"I've already received confirmation about Diego Tardelli. And the Rio de Janeiro State Football Federation (FERJ) has already announced that he will be able to play in the Guanabara Cup," stated Michel Asseff Filho, legal director of the football department.
Unaware of this, Tardelli (who according to Joel will be on the bench) is looking forward to his debut and dreaming of being recognized by the fans.
"I've already signed my termination with São Paulo and thought everything was set for my debut. I was surprised. But I'm happy just to be concentrating with the group. I've been out for over a month and I have to come in slowly to get back into the swing of things. I watched three Flamengo games at Maracanã, and the fans moved me. I want to follow in the footsteps of Souza and Obina," the forward stated.
Fluminense's draw helps Flamengo
Rubro-Negro can open up a four-point lead over its rival if it beats América.
LANCEPRESS!\ The fifth round of Group A of the Guanabara Cup started well for Flamengo. Fluminense hosted Boavista at Maracanã and drew 1-1. The result took the Tricolor to 11 points, one less than the Rubro-Negro, who this Saturday face last-placed América.\
With a win against Mecão, Flamengo will open up a four-point lead over rival Fluminense. This means Flamengo—if they maintain their winning streak in the next game against Volta Redonda—could head into the final round against Fluminense with first place in the group already secured.
Qualification for the first-round semifinals could happen as early as this Sunday. All it takes is a simple victory against América on Saturday at Engenhão, and a slip-up for Cardoso Moreira the following day in Volta Redonda against Voltaço.