The Globe
FLAMENGO WINS
With a goal from Renato five minutes into the first half, Flamengo won yesterday's training match (1-0) against Vila Nova (MG) at Toca da Raposa. The match allowed coach Ney Franco to confirm the lineup that will face Atlético-MG next Wednesday at Mineirão Stadium. Ney is only waiting for the contract renewal of goalkeeper Bruno, who is recovering from a right knee injury, to be finalized.
Sports Journal
Biancucchi is presented this Monday in Gávea
Flamengo directors are waiting for Argentine Biancucchi (L) in Gávea today to sign a contract until 2009
Argentine striker Maximiliano Biancucchi, cousin of Barcelona star Lionel Messi, is scheduled to be introduced today. The player will undergo medical examinations and arrive to sign a contract with the club. He will also participate in a press conference at 16:30 pm in Gávea, at the Rogério Steinberg auditorium. The contract signed with the player is expected to be for two years with the option of a two-year extension.
Better known as Maxi Biancucchi, the 22-year-old striker arrives in Brazil as the club's great hope to solve the team's attacking problems due to injuries, suspensions, and the poor performance of some players. The best proof of this is that in the game against Atlético-MG on the 4th, midfielder Renato will be used as a makeshift second striker.
Although many are wary of the Argentine player's signing due to his Paraguayan football career, the references available for Maxi are very positive. The board and fans of his Paraguayan team, Sportivo Luqueño, credit him with being a key player in winning the Apertura Tournament, in which the striker scored eight decisive goals to secure the club's third title (the 1951 and 53 national titles, plus the 2007 Apertura title).
For the more superstitious, Sportivo Luqueño is also responsible for revealing great players in world football, such as the goalkeeper and goalscorer José Luis Chilavert and the former Fluminense star, the Paraguayan Romerito, who played for Tricolor in the victorious 80s (from 1984 to 1988).
Renato, Gávea's new goal-scoring man
Fla defeats Villa Nova 1-0 in a training match, with a goal from Renato improvised in the attack
Leo Schabbach and Nathan de Lima
folhapress
Renato was kept in attack alongside young Paulo Sérgio against Villa Nova-MG
Yesterday's training match against Villa Nova, from Nova Lima, Minas Gerais, wasn't a great one for Flamengo. The narrow 1-0 victory over the weak Minas Gerais team at Toca da Raposa 2, Cruzeiro's training center, wasn't exactly encouraging. However, the starting players only played together for 45 minutes, when the red-and-black goal came. Afterward, the reserves came on, and Flamengo created little.
One piece of good news from yesterday's training match was Ney Franco's success in playing Renato further forward, acting as a second striker and, consequently, closer to the goal. It's no surprise that the only goal for the red-and-black team, and also in the training session, was scored by the midfielder. In the fifth minute, in a typical striker move, Renato capitalized on the rebound of a shot by Leonardo, which bounced off the post, to score. Aside from this play, only a free kick that narrowly missed a goal, taken by midfielder Léo Lima, livened up the game.
The starting team was made up of Diego (Bruno was rested), Léo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Toró, Léo Medeiros and Léo Lima; Renato and Leonardo.
At the start of the second half, Paulinho came on for Toró and Thiago replaced Ronaldo Angelim. However, the defender, in a clumsy manner, managed to get himself sent off in the training match, and Irineu, who had already been substituted, came on in his place, as it was not an official match.
After training, supporter Renato warned that Flamengo shouldn't get carried away by its unfavorable position in the Brazilian Championship. He believes the team needs to play calmly if it wants to win again in the competition.
"We've dropped one position in the table and we're aware of the importance of the next match. We can't just focus on our current position, because that can increase anxiety. We need to stay calm so we can perform well and earn as many points as possible," he commented.
Kleber Leite says Bruno renews
Goalkeeper Bruno signed a contract extension with Flamengo yesterday until the end of December. However, for his stay at the club to be confirmed, the MSI representative, Iranian Kia Joorabichian, must give his approval and finally make the long-awaited renewal official.
The new contract involves a considerable salary increase, above the average salary paid to goalkeepers in Brazil, and a clause that will allow the player to leave Flamengo at any time if an offer from a club abroad appears.
Regarding the imbroglio involving Atlético-MG, the current holder of the player's federation rights, which could delay his release, leaving the goalkeeper unfit to play in the match on the 4th at Mineirão, vice president of football Kleber Leite was clear. According to him, if the player's renewal is confirmed today, the Minas Gerais club should automatically release him, thus allowing him to be selected:
"The contract was delivered to Bruno to be signed. Now Kia needs to authorize the extension until the end of December. If the renewal with the player is confirmed, Atlético Mineiro will have to release him immediately," said the director.
Last month, Benfica, from Portugal, preferred to sign goalkeeper Cássio, from Grêmio, instead of Bruno.
Olivinha leaves Flamengo for Mexican team
Wallace Teixeira/JS
The second most efficient player in the last National Championship, Olivinha will play in Mexico, but with Europe in mind.
A standout for Flamengo at the last National Men's Basketball Championship, winger Olivinha will be heading off to a new experience. He signed a contract with the Mexican team Barreteros de Zacatecas, bidding farewell to the club that revealed him.
"The Mexicans made an excellent offer, and this opportunity to play abroad will be a very important experience for me," said Olivinha, who left Gávea insisting on keeping the doors open. "I hope I'm just saying 'see you soon,' because I have a lot of affection for Flamengo. I'd like to stay at Gávea, but this is an interesting opportunity for my career."
The winger stated his deep gratitude to Flamengo, the club where he experienced significant moments, such as winning the Rio de Janeiro state championship twice in 05 and 06. "Doors are opening for me in basketball because of Flamengo. I want to grow technically and professionally. I dream of playing in Europe, and I'll fight to make that dream come true. But I'll still play for Flamengo again, in front of our fans," promised the player, who will wear the number one jersey for the Mexican team.
At this year's National Championship, the red-and-black winger was the second-most efficient player in the tournament. Among the top scorers, Olivinha also performed well. At the end of the competition, he was fifth best.
The red-and-black star isn't the only one to head to Mexico. His brother, Olívia, who also played for Flamengo, was another to sign a contract with the Mexican club. Barreteros has been playing in the Mexican Basketball League since 2003. In the last edition of the championship, the club finished in tenth place.
O Dia
Flamengo: Bruno closes the goal until December
Bruno renews until the end of the year, but his presence against Atlético-MG is not certain
Marluci Martins
Rio - Bruno signed a contract extension in Belo Horizonte yesterday, extending his contract until December, which still doesn't guarantee his participation in Wednesday's match against Atlético-MG. For the goalkeeper to be included in Flamengo's squad, the MSI investment group still needs to send a fax to Atlético-MG—which holds his federation rights—authorizing a six-month loan extension.
Due to a slight sprain in his right knee, Bruno was spared from the training match against Villa Nova, which Flamengo won 1-0 yesterday, with a goal from Renato, at Toca da Raposa 2.
Coach Ney Franco named the team with the players expected to face Galo on Wednesday—with the exception of Diego, who will only play if Bruno is not registered. The team: Diego, Leonardo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Léo Medeiros, Léo Lima, and Toró; Renato and Leonardo.
The training match against Villa Nova was marred by a disturbance: since only 50 guests were allowed access, some Flamengo fans threatened to invade Toca da Raposa. The disturbance only ended with the arrival of the police.
MAXI INTRODUCES HIMSELF
Argentine striker Maximiliano Biancucci, Messi's cousin, will be presented this afternoon in Gávea. In the morning, the 'brother' will undergo medical examinations.
Flamengo acquired 50 percent of the economic and federative rights of the young 22-year-old striker, who was playing in Paraguayan football.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo defeats Villa Nova in training match\ Gazeta Press\
Belo Horizonte (RJ) - In a training match marked by riots caused by fans, Flamengo defeated Villa Nova, from Nova Lima, 1-0. The match was played this Sunday morning at CT Toca da Raposa, a training ground provided by Cruzeiro. The only goal came five minutes into the first half. Renato capitalized on a rebound from a Leonardo shot to seal the result. Flamengo played with Diego, Leonardo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim (Thiago) and Juan; Jaílton, Toró (Paulinho), Léo Medeiros and Léo Lima; Renato and Leonardo.
Flamengo fans who were prevented from entering the training ground caused a major disturbance, requiring police intervention to resolve the problem. Since only 50 guests were allowed in, around 80 Flamengo fans, barred from entering, became enraged and caused a disturbance outside the training ground.
Goalkeeper Bruno is expected to renew his contract with Flamengo.
Belo Horizonte (MG) - The impasse between goalkeeper Bruno and Flamengo's board will be resolved this Sunday. The player is expected to sign a contract extension with the red-and-black team and will remain at Gávea until the end of December. His contract, however, expired this past Saturday, and the ongoing drama has been dragging on all week. According to businessman Nani Gaioli, who is responsible for negotiating with the player's representative, Eduardo Uram, the new contract has already been finalized and only Bruno's final word is needed. The Flamengo squad remains training in Belo Horizonte in preparation for this Wednesday's match against Atlético-MG.
The new contract presents a new twist compared to the previous one. There is now a clause requiring Flamengo to release the goalkeeper upon an offer from any foreign club. The board expects to regularize the player's status with the CBF to make him available to coach Ney Franco.
PeléNet
Bruno signs contract extension until December; Flamengo wins training match
The saga surrounding goalkeeper Bruno's tenure at Flamengo will finally come to an end this Sunday. The player will sign a contract extension with the Gávea club until the end of December, as his initial contract expired last Saturday.
Businessman Nani Gaioli, who has ties to Eduardo Uram, the player's representative, is heading to Minas Gerais with the agreement ready, requiring only the player's final word.
The new contract includes a clause that obligates Flamengo to release Bruno if he receives an offer from abroad. Now, Flamengo officials are racing against time to regularize the player's status with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
The intention of the directors is to validate the goalkeeper's documentation with the entity this Monday, so that he can enter the field next Wednesday, against Atlético-MG, in a match valid for the ninth round of the Brazilian Championship.
Team wins training match
In preparation for the match against the Minas Gerais team, Flamengo defeated Villa Nova-MG 1-0 this Sunday, in a training match held at Toca da Raposa 2, Cruzeiro's training center.
The only goal of the move was scored by Renato, who played as an improvised attacker in the first half. He capitalized on a rebound from a ball that hit the post and slotted it into the net.
Coach Ney Franco used his starting lineup for only the first 45 minutes. Goalkeeper Bruno was a last-minute loss. With a sprained right ankle, the player was rested by the club's medical department.
The team chosen by the Fla coach had: Diego; Léo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Toró, Léo Medeiros and Léo Lima; Renato and Leonardo.
Outside the training center, a small disturbance was caused by fans who were unable to watch the Rio de Janeiro team's training session. Only 50 guests were allowed to watch the training session, which angered the crowd and resulted in their being barred. The disturbance was brought under control after police arrived.
Flamengo presents Argentine reinforcement this Monday
Flamengo's second signing for the Brazilian Championship will arrive at the club this Monday. Following the confirmation of goalkeeper Bruno's continued presence, the club will officially introduce 22-year-old Argentine striker Maximiliano Ariel Biancucchi.
The player won the Paraguayan Apertura Tournament last week with Deportivo Luqueño, scoring eight goals in the competition. He will undergo medical examinations at the Gávea headquarters in Rio de Janeiro this morning. He will then sign his contract and give a press conference at 16:30 p.m. (at the same location).
The Rio de Janeiro club, which acquired 50% of the player's contract, will only be able to field him starting in August, when the international transfer window opens in Brazil. Maxi, as he will likely be called, is the cousin of Lionel Messi, a forward for Barcelona and the Argentine national team.
Coach Ney Franco has been struggling to build Flamengo's attack. For the Brazilian Championship match against Atlético-MG next Wednesday in Belo Horizonte, the coach is expected to move midfielder Renato forward, as Souza is suspended.
BalloonSport
Bruno renews, but may leave soon
Goalkeeper signs six-month contract and only a proposal from Europe can take him away from Gávea\ Eduardo Peixoto Do\
Bruno stays at Fla for a while longer
Goalkeeper Bruno signed his contract extension with Flamengo this Sunday in Belo Horizonte. The club's board will now race against time to regularize the player's situation with the CBF as quickly as possible. The new contract is for six months, with a substantial salary increase and a clause requiring Flamengo to release the goalkeeper if an offer comes in from a foreign club.
For Bruno to be released to face Atlético-MG, this Wednesday afternoon, at Mineirão, for the ninth round of the Brazilian Championship, the board needs a release letter from Galo, as the goalkeeper's economic rights are tied to the MSI Group and the federative rights are linked to the Minas Gerais club.
If this happens by 17pm this Monday, coach Ney Franco will be able to sleep peacefully and field his number 1 for the game in Belo Horizonte.
Fla wins training match at Toca
As a striker, Renato scores the winning goal against Villa Nova
In official matches, Renato hasn't scored since the match against Sport
Flamengo's training match against Villa Nova, from Nova Lima (MG), wasn't as encouraging. On Sunday morning, at CT Toca da Raposa 2, owned by Cruzeiro, in Belo Horizonte, the starting players played together for 45 minutes and only managed a 1-0 victory.
The goal was scored by midfielder Renato, who played in attack and showed opportunism: in the 5th minute, he was in the right place after the ball hit the post after Leonardo's shot.
The starting lineup consisted of Diego (Bruno was rested), Leo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Toró, Leo Medeiros, and Leo Lima; Renato and Leonardo. Early in the second half, Ney Franco replaced Paulinho with Toró and took off Angelim to bring on Thiago Gosling, who, incidentally, managed to get himself sent off. Irineu, who had already been substituted, came on in his place, as it was not an official match.
Leo Lima even hit the post with a free kick before the starters who were still on the field were substituted, 15 minutes into the second half. With the substitutes on the field, Flamengo produced nothing else.
Commotion\ The "semi-open" training match for Flamengo fans caused problems at Toca da Raposa 2, one of Cruzeiro's training centers.\
As only 50 guests were allowed in, the approximately 80 "barred from the dance" were outraged and caused a small disturbance at the entrance to the CT.
The fans, who shouted slogans, threatened to invade the training center, and the situation only calmed down when a Minas Gerais police vehicle arrived. Flamengo will face Atlético-MG this Wednesday at Mineirão Stadium in the ninth round of the Brazilian Championship.
Throw
Flamengo fans cause a commotion at Toca
An invitation-only training match irritates those barred and the confusion ends only with the arrival of the Police\ Rodrigo Benchimol\
The "semi-open" training match for Flamengo fans this Sunday morning, in Belo Horizonte, caused problems at Toca da Raposa 2, one of Cruzeiro's Training Centers.
Since only 50 guests were allowed in, the approximately 80 "barred from the dance" were outraged and caused a small disturbance at the entrance to the training center. Fla faced Vila Nova, from Nova Lima, and won 1-0, with a goal by Renato.
Shouting slogans, the fans threatened to invade the training center, and the situation only calmed down when a Minas Gerais police vehicle arrived. Flamengo will face Atlético-MG this Wednesday at Mineirão Stadium in the ninth round of the Brazilian Championship.
Flamengo scores just 1-0 in a training match at Toca
The starters create little and beat Villa Nova by a minimum score\ Rodrigo Benchimol\
Flamengo's training match against Villa Nova, from Nova Lima (MG), was not at all encouraging. This Sunday morning, at CT Toca da Raposa 2, owned by Cruzeiro, in Belo Horizonte (MG), the starting players played together for 45 minutes and only managed a 1-0 victory.
The goal was scored by Renato, who played in attack and showed opportunism: after five minutes, he was in the right place after the ball hit the post after Leonardo's shot.
The starting lineup consisted of Diego (Bruno was rested), Léo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Toró, Léo Medeiros, and Léo Lima; Renato and Leonardo. Early in the second half, Ney Franco replaced Paulinho with Toró and took off Angelim to bring on Thiago Gosling, who, incidentally, managed to get himself sent off. Irineu, who had already been substituted, came on in his place, as it was not an official match.
Léo Lima even hit the post with a free kick before the starters who were still on the field were substituted in the 15th minute of the second half. With the substitutes on the field, Flamengo produced nothing else.
Bad performance doesn't worry Ney Franco
Coach emphasizes that training match was not worth points\ LANCEPRESS!\
Coach Ney Franco expressed no concern about Flamengo's performance in the narrow 1-0 win over Vila Nova in a friendly match played this Sunday at Toca da Raposa in Belo Horizonte. According to the coach, the team didn't play the friendly with the momentum of a match for three points.
"The team held back a bit because we have a three-point game on Wednesday. But it was a good practice, and we achieved our main goal, which was to get the group active so we wouldn't lose our rhythm," Ney Franco said.
Pleased with the team, Ney has only one question for the match against Atlético-MG next Wednesday: Bruno or Diego. The starter was rested because he's recovering from a right knee injury.