THE GLOBE
After having his career threatened, Kléberson begins a new story
The player is expected to be on the bench and make his Flamengo debut today against Macaé.
KLÉBERSON TRAINS in Gávea, on the eve of the game against Macaé, which could mark his debut for Fla
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
The behind-the-scenes negotiations that brought Kléberson to Flamengo leave no doubt: today, at 19:30 p.m., against Macaé, the red-black team will put on the field, even in the second half, its biggest bet for 2008. The debut of the midfielder, who should start on the bench, marks the end of the anguish of someone who, at 28 years of age, saw his career at risk.
Convicted by FIFA for abandoning Besiktas in Turkey in 2007, he was suspended for four months and ordered to pay the club 3,2 million euros. Money he obviously didn't have. And until he paid, he couldn't play.
"Flamengo knew the risk and took a chance on me. It became important in my life. I experienced moments of anguish, but after seeing the work of Flamengo's lawyers, I didn't fear the worst," said Kléberson.
Club requests ticket price reduction from Ferj
Other clubs closed their doors to him. They feared signing him would lead to their joint debt. To make matters worse, FIFA would only consider Kléberson to be serving his suspension after signing with a club.
- At some point, financially, it might be better for Kléberson to stop - said Eduardo Manhães, Flamengo's executive director.
In September 2007, Flamengo signed a contract with Kléberson until December 2008, with lower fees, so that the player could begin serving his suspension. Eduardo Manhães and legal director Michel Asseff Filho, with the help of an interpreter, spent a week trying to negotiate in Turkey. The Besiktas president never showed up. Sometimes he spoke through the speakerphone of another executive's cell phone. Flamengo argued that, even if a player played for several years, it would be unlikely that a player would earn 3,2 million euros and that he might stop playing without Besiktas ever receiving that amount. It would be better to reduce the debt so that Flamengo would pay.
The debt was reduced to 1,25 million after exhaustive negotiations. The confused Turks refused to document the agreement, which was made verbally and only formalized in December, after payment. Kléberson will sign a new contract with Flamengo, with a higher salary, for five years.
- Ricardinho (ex-Corinthians), who plays for Besiktas, said: "Are you doing well? Then congratulations, because it's complicated here" - said Manhães.
"I'm living a happy moment. It's the beginning of a new story," said Kléberson.
Coach Joel Santana is expected to start the match against Macaé with Kléberson on the bench. He's concerned about the midfielder's lack of rhythm, having last played in May 2007. Joel chose Ibson and Leonardo Moura to take the penalties. Yesterday, assistant coach Andrade led a free kick practice session. Léo Medeiros, currently a substitute, was the best performer.
"Juan and Leonardo Moura hit well, and Bruno is on par. It would be good if Bruno started hitting in already decided matches," said Andrade.
Flamengo issued an official statement asking the Federation to reduce ticket prices for the State Championship, with the exception of the semifinals and finals. The green and yellow stands would be R$20, the white stands R$30, and the blue seats R$10. The reduction will not be valid today.
The club also appealed to fans not to damage Engenhão, Botafogo's stadium, where Flamengo will host its match against América on Saturday. Flamengo is demanding guarantees and threatening not to hand over the stadium.
Yesterday, Suderj reported having sent the Health Surveillance report to the CBF, releasing the stadium for the Libertadores.
Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Jonathan, Ibson and Toro; Marcinho and Souza. Macaé: Cassio, Mario Cesar, André, Wallace and Lima; André Gomes, Steve, Wallacer and Bill; Geraldo and Jones. Referee: Djalma Beltrami.
BROADCAST: Premiere and Rádio Globo
Agreement between Jade and Flamengo is difficult
Gymnast's father says his daughter is being neglected. Club director says club won't do anything crazy
JADE'S future is uncertain due to the impasse at Flamengo
Claudio Nogueira
Ten days before the possible election as best gymnast of 2007 - by the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame - Jade Barbosa does not know if she will continue at Flamengo, despite having been one of Brazil's stars at the Pan American Games last year, and having won the Brazilian Olympic Committee's Brazil Olympic Award.
According to César Barbosa, the athlete's father, Jade—who trains at the Brazilian Gymnastics Confederation Training Center in Curitiba—is overlooked by the club. The day before yesterday, he met with club officials.
"I'm pessimistic about her staying at Flamengo. It seems there's no interest. The club offered us 30% of what we asked for. She never had a contract with the club and has no individual sponsorship," he said, giving the athlete an allowance.
Jade was approached by Pinheiros, a club in São Paulo, who hired Daiane dos Santos to become an athlete and then a coach. According to César, Jade was invited to train at a university in Utah, USA.
Third in the 2007 World Championships in the individual all-around, gold in vault, silver in team, and bronze in floor exercise at the 2007 Pan American Games, Jade is competing alongside Americans Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin, China's Cheng Fei, and Romania's Steliana Nistor. Fans can vote at www.intlgymnast.com/goty2007.
During the negotiations, César presents figures. The club's website received over 18 hits in two weeks, and on Orkut, 1,5 million in two years. Online, Jade beat swimmer Thiago Pereira and will carry the Olympic torch during his visit to Buenos Aires.
Flamengo's vice president of Olympic Sports, Patrícia Amorim, wants to keep Jade, Diego Hypólito, Daniele Hypólito and Victor Rosa on her gymnastics team, but without doing anything crazy.
"I took the matter to president Márcio Braga. The order is to keep everyone at the club, but without overstepping their bounds. I believe Jade will stay."
Fernando Calazans
Pardon the word
Of the so-called small teams, Macaé seems the most organized, along with Cabofriense. For now, this judgment doesn't amount to much, because I've never seen, in my life or career, teams as unprepared, as pitiful, as those competing in this year's state championship. But tonight, Macaé will see the circus go up in flames. Their next opponent is Flamengo.
And Flamengo is one of the teams with a 100 percent record, alongside Botafogo, who in turn face Mesquita.
Joel Santana is eager to change Flamengo's system, the same system that, last year in the Brazilian Championship, lifted the team out of the relegation zone and, after many years, put it back in the Copa Libertadores. It's no small feat.
The only new addition today, it seems, is Kléberson, not in the lineup, but on the bench. And even if Kléberson does join, the same system remains. Most likely, the team would become a bit more technical, but the same system would remain, with the midfield lined up with, for example, Jõnatas, Kléberson, Íbson, and, well, Toró. Even in attack, Joel maintained last year's approach, starting Marcinho in place of Renato Augusto.
But the other day, according to the news, Joel said something scary: he said that Kléberson, Jônatas and Íbson are too technical, and that he might keep Jaílton and Cristian, because they are strong in marking.
Besides being frightening for those who appreciate the game, the phrase is even threatening to football in general. It could be implied that technique has become a flaw in this once beautiful sport. Just imagine: a sport in which the player's technique becomes an undesirable flaw. Just imagine. Please don't say anything.
Incidentally, Flamengo's midfield technique is already under threat from the man least expected: Toró. Toró blossomed at Fluminense as a talented player. A future star. But even then, he didn't thrive at Laranjeiras. Spurned by Fluminense, he was welcomed by Flamengo, where he seems to have won Joel's favor.
And, contrary to his promise, he's become everything, everything, everything—except a talented player. He fights, fights, fights. He runs, runs, runs. He crashes, crashes, crashes. He commits fouls and tackles all the time. And he creates nothing, nothing, nothing. Just look: he's excelled as a destroyer. And, ironically, he's deployed as the fourth midfielder, the one expected to create the occasional creative move, the one who joins the attack, makes a pass, scores a goal. So far, none of that.
Joel's scheme, so effective last year, will, in my opinion, be sufficient in this bloated state championship of ours. In the Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship, I have a feeling Flamengo will need a more creative touch. They'll need better technique. That's right: technique.
Pardon my language, Joel.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Kleberson debuts at Flamengo
Midfielder was named for the match and should come on during the game
Nathan de Lima
Kléberson (right) hasn't played an official match in 10 months. He's been training at Gávea since October and was suspended by FIFA for breach of contract.
After a long wait, the time has come for Kleberson, a five-time World Cup winner with the Brazilian national team in 2002, to make his Flamengo debut. The fans' first meeting with the player is scheduled for today at 19:30 p.m. against Macaé at the Maracanã stadium in the fourth round of the Campeonato Carioca.
Kleberson has been officially registered with the CBF since Monday and was named in the squad for the match by coach Joel Santana. The defensive midfielder was suspended by FIFA for four months for breaching his contract with Besiktas, his former club.
Despite confirming the athlete among the players training at the Windsor Hotel in Barra da Tijuca for the match, Joel didn't guarantee Kleberson would be in the starting lineup. The coach said this concern came sooner than he expected.
"This headache came sooner than we expected. We were actually waiting for the athlete's release until February. Now is not the time to rush; I'll think long and hard about whether to select him," said the coach.
The defensive midfielder hasn't played since April and so the red-black coaching staff isn't sure if he can handle playing 90 minutes at a high level.
"We'll decide whether or not he'll play in the training camp. I'll talk to the members of our coaching staff, as he hasn't played an official match since April," the coach said.
If Kleberson is included from the start of the match, the player who will be dropped from the team is defensive midfielder Jaílton. However, Joel Santana has assured that the five-time world champion will not play as the first midfielder. To achieve this, the coach must move Jônatas back, who would return to that position, the position he played in for the 2005 team.
"Kleberson likes to play a little further forward, so we won't use him as the first man, but we can always create another situation. The scheme remains the same; we can't change a style of play that's been working for six months," warned Joel.
Another lineup option would be to remove midfielder Marcinho and move young Toró and defensive midfielder Ibson forward. In this formation, unlikely for many, Kleberson could fill Ibson's role. Souza would remain isolated in attack, and former Ipatinga player Jáilton, who has been performing well in this year's Campeonato Carioca, would be retained.
Léo Moura is just joy
The Brazilian national team's new right-back, Léo Moura (pictured), celebrated his first call-up yesterday in Gávea with the Flamengo squad. The player was full of smiles all morning and joked around with his teammates throughout training.
Léo Moura, who is already 29 years old, thanked the great Nação Rubro-Negra once again and remembered that he only reached the National Team thanks to the other athletes of the club.
"I was very happy to arrive here at Gávea and be able to celebrate my call-up with my teammates. If I'm here, it's because of them, who helped me so much," said the full-back.
It is very likely that the player will be named as a starter by coach Dunga on the 6th, against Ireland, in Dublin, as the other athlete for the position called by the coach is the young Rafinha, who was only called up because he is still of Olympic age and should be the starter at the Beijing Olympics, in August of this year.
Ticket prices may drop\ Flamengo's board followed rival Fluminense's lead and intends to lower ticket prices for games at the Maracanã in the Rio de Janeiro State Championship. In an official statement signed by president Márcio Braga, Flamengo is demanding the reduction, primarily thinking about the well-being of the Red-Black Nation, who have been spending a lot of money to support their beloved team at the Maracanã.\ The idea is to set prices as follows: R$30 for the white stands, R$20 for the green and yellow stands, and R$10 for the lower seats. These prices, however, will not apply to classics, finals, and semifinals. It is necessary to await the decision of the FERJ (Federal Electoral Court of Justice) to determine whether the price changes will be approved.\
The red-black board makes an appeal to fans
The change in venue for the match against América is causing headaches for Flamengo's management. Having moved the match to Engenhão Stadium, home of rival Botafogo, and moved to Carnival Saturday, Flamengo fears that some of its fans will misbehave and cause damage to the stadium.
In this case, Flamengo would be held responsible and penalized with the loss of home advantage or having to play matches behind closed doors, in addition to being liable for material damages.
But the worst of all is not being able to count on the presence of the Red-Black Nation at the matches.
Concerned, the board sent a statement through its official website asking its fans to behave, fearing the absence of its twelfth player in the upcoming games.
“We will not give our opponents an advantage,” declared Flamengo’s board.
Free kick taker has already been chosen at Mengão
The official free kick and penalty taker was chosen by Andrade and will be announced at the training camp.
Nathan de Lima
Jair Motta/JS
Goalkeeper Bruno practiced free kicks and penalties yesterday in Gávea and was watched by Andrade
Who will be Flamengo's official free kick and penalty taker? This question has been debated by many of the club's fans and is constantly asked during training sessions at Gávea.
Yesterday, after the traditional morning soccer game at the club's headquarters, some of the players practiced free kicks. Overall, their performance wasn't particularly encouraging, but some players stood out, such as defensive midfielders Cristian and Léo Medeiros; full-backs Juan and Léo Moura; and, to the surprise of many, goalkeeper Bruno.
After training, coach Joel Santana announced that he's already considering who will be the official kicker, but noted that this is the least important thing at the moment. The coach announced that he's chosen assistant coach Andrade to be responsible for observing the kickers.
"Whoever's training best will always be called out. I'll talk to Andrade at the training camp and ask him who's been taking the best free kicks. I don't see a problem with Bruno taking the free kicks tomorrow. But we'll have to see, because Léo Moura has been taking them well throughout the training sessions," said Joel Santana.
The new head of free kick takers, former player Andrade, evaluated the team's free kick takers and warned that the only outstanding player in the entire group is the defensive midfielder Léo Medeiros.
"The best kickers among the starters are Léo Moura and Juan, but Bruno isn't behind them, which was a big surprise for all of us. In fact, our best kicker, the one who stands out, is Léo Medeiros, but he's not currently being used among the starters," Andrade said.
With that, it's very likely that in today's match against Macaé, at 19:30 p.m., at Maracanã, the kicker will be right-back Léo Moura, when the free kicks are close to the box and the defensive midfielder Jaílton (if he plays) when the kicks are further away.\ Regarding the possibility of Bruno becoming the team's official kicker, Andrade said that although he is training well, it is still too early for the goalkeeper to take this position.\
"Bruno can already take free kicks in games, but I'll talk to Joel about only letting him take them once the game is decided. Even though he's on the same level as Léo Moura and Juan, Bruno still isn't confident, but with a little more training and repetition, he'll get the hang of it," Andrade added.
Bruno, who took his first free kick in last Sunday's match against D. de Caxias, evaluated his shot.
"I haven't taken a free kick in a long time, but I'll keep training to improve. My free kick against D. de Caxias wasn't the best; I got the ball wrong and it went over the bar. I'll give the free kick a five," said Bruno.
Tita, an old acquaintance of Joel Santana
Attentive coach Joel Santana has already done his homework and claims to know the secrets of Macaé, their upcoming opponent.
"They're in third place in our group and playing well. They drew with Volta Redonda and Fluminense away from home. I know Tita, their coach, well. We've worked together before, and I know all the good game situations he usually plans. We have to be patient," warned Joel.
Full-back Leonardo Moura, recently called up by Dunga for the Brazilian national team, stated that he will not change his attacking style of play, even knowing the quality of Cameroonian Steve, Macaé's striker.
"He's a great player. I saw the dribble he pulled on Fluminense's Ygor in the last game. But our team has efficient coverage, so I can move up the attack with ease. That's why I won't sit back and do nothing; I'll continue to play my strengths, which is helping up front. We respect Macaé a lot, but we know the importance of another victory," said Léo Moura.
Leila and Sandra at Mengão
Beach volleyball duo will have Flamengo's support in this season's Brazilian Circuit
Sandra Pires is one of Brazil's top players and won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
The newly formed duo of Leila and Sandra Pires already had the affection of fans for everything they had each done for Brazilian sport. From now on, they will also have the support of the country's largest fan base. This is because the athletes will compete in the Brazilian circuit under the sponsorship of Flamengo.
The information was confirmed yesterday by the duo's coach, Letícia Pessoa. She said that negotiations began in December of last year, when the players decided to team up for the second time.
"I just called Flamengo and they authorized us to announce that Leila and Sandra will be sponsored by the club. We are very happy, because they are both Flamengo fans. After Carnival, there will be an official presentation. Now, they are both athletes of the club," said Letícia, in an interview with the website 'Globoesporte.com'.
Last weekend, during the Rainha da Praia competition on Ipanema Beach, Sandra already announced the sponsorship. She competed in the commemorative tournament held annually on the Rio sands wearing a club armband.
Repetition
This isn't the first time a soccer club has taken its name to the beaches. In 1999, Vasco, the Rio de Janeiro club's archrival, began a partnership with the duo Adriana Behar and Shelda.
Leila has already experienced the taste of having the red-and-black fans on her side. In 2000, the muse, still on the court, joined the Flamengo volleyball team. The athlete stayed with the club for a year, during which time she won the Women's Volleyball Super League, defeating Fernanda Venturini's Vasco in a memorable final at the Maracanãzinho gymnasium.
Full of Mengão
João Areosa areosa@jsports.com.br
And the State Championship is rolling—I prefer to call it the Carioca, because it sounds better. So, the ball is rolling in our beloved championship here, which, independent of the importance of the Brasileirão, can bring us all sorts of excitement.
Once, in a discussion with a São Paulo native (I think it was José Maria de Aquino, from São Paulo, but from Miracema, RJ, where he came from as a boy), I won a friendly argument about which was better at football, Rio or São Paulo, I won with an argument that had no answer, even because it was kind of absurd: "Look, Zé, you have the money, the power, you've been buying stars – that's been going on for a while – and stuff like that, but you'll never experience the excitement of a Fla-Flu.
And, between us and let no one hear us, without Fluminense and Flamengo, the São Paulo fans end up orphaned by themselves. And may my friend Gilberto Maluf (nothing to do with Paulo Salim), a São Paulo fan, forgive me.
Is there anything more charming and fantastic than a Fla-Flu match on the Maracanã pitch?
I feel like my lines are running out, and I'm writing novels without presenting any worthwhile news. I'm just like that, an idiot drowning in words.
I'd do better writing about Flamengo, which seems to be the favorite that's been happening right under my nose with many colds. I leaf through today's newspapers and see praise for Thiago Neves – calm down, Areosa! -, I notice that Botafogo scores goals every five minutes, with the precision of a Swiss watch, that Vasco parades in a new uniform and that they return to talk about old topics, bringing together the characters Baixinho and Animal, and, what a shame (!), our Ameriquinha, with Zé Trajano and Victor Garcia, is slipping downhill.
I see Flamengo not only reinforced with new values, but above all still having in its veins the blood it displayed in the last Brasileirão, where it came from the bottom of the table and ended up as a candidate for the Libertadores.
Fla of the clever Joel Santana, who sets up a strong defense to come out in a block (look at Carnival there), using the flanks argument to open holes in the enemy's trench.
And on top of that, that crowd. Oh, I don't know...
HATES
Mengão wants to keep the momentum going today against Macaé. Kléberson could make his debut.
Rio - Buoyed by a 100% record in the Guanabara Cup, with the second best attack in the State Championship, as well as having full-back Leonardo Moura called up to the National Team, Flamengo faces Macaé today at 19:30 pm at Maracanã, aiming to stay at the top of Group A.
Besides being the favorite, the Gávea team will have another reason to be confident of a good result. Supporter Kléberson could make his debut in the red-and-black jersey. Released from a four-month FIFA suspension, the player, who hasn't played an official match since April of last year, when he left Besiktas in Turkey, was excited about making his return to the field: "I'll feel butterflies in my stomach. I'm desperate to play."
But despite the player's pedigree and determination, having previously played for the mighty Manchester United and starting in Brazil's fifth World Cup victory in 2002, coach Joel Santana is expected to repeat the lineup, initially leaving Kléberson on the bench. "I don't manage an American football or basketball team where one player leaves and another comes in at any moment. The team played well in the last match, and there's no room for change," said Joel.
Yesterday, Flamengo gained an ally against high-altitude matches in the Libertadores. Some Bolivian clubs are suggesting splitting the Bolivian Championship, claiming it's impossible to play in several cities across the country, such as the capital, La Paz.
Fla wants vandals out of the stadium
The board of directors publishes a statement on the official website asking that Engenhão not be vandalized.
Rodrigo Lima
Rio - Concerns over the potential vandalism of the Engenhão stadium threaten the match between Flamengo and América on Carnival Saturday. Yesterday, even the Flamengo fans admitted they have no control over the 'nation.' The Gávea club issued an official statement appealing to its fans to preserve Botafogo's new home. However, fearing vandalism by their rivals, the Flamengo fans are reluctant to release the stadium, claiming they have no guarantees regarding the safety of their new asset.
President Bebeto de Freitas complained about the lack of information from authorities about the match and said: "Who's going to be responsible for the rental, the mobile board, and the police? Nobody asked Botafogo for anything," the director said.
The game had previously been scheduled for Maracanã Stadium on Carnival Sunday, but the venue and date were changed at the request of the Military Police. The police claimed they were unable to provide effective security for the game and the samba school parade at Marquês de Sapucaí.
A meeting tomorrow will define the game's security arrangements, but Bebeto is concerned about the guarantees for preserving the Engenhão stadium. "We always want to collaborate, but we won't open our stadium unless everything is up to standard and with the necessary guarantees," he threatened.
On the social networking site Orkut, some Flamengo fans are planning acts of vandalism at Botafogo's stadium. In Flamengo's official statement, the club's directors warn their fans that if any vandalism occurs, the club from Gávea will suffer the consequences.
"Flamengo will be held liable for the loss of home-field advantage or the holding of matches behind closed doors, without fans in attendance, in addition to material damages. Therefore, we must be very careful. We will not give our opponents an advantage. We count on your help," the club's statement emphasizes.
Bruno expands controversy and announces that he is training to be the penalty taker
Rio - The controversy over who should take penalties and free kicks for Flamengo promises to have new chapters. Although supporter Íbson assured yesterday that coach Joel Santana has already determined that he will take the penalties and that there was no hard feelings from the argument with Souza during the 5-1 victory over Duque de Caxias, the team has gained another candidate for the official penalty taker position. Goalkeeper Bruno is looking to make history at Flamengo as the top scorer, taking advantage of rival Tiago, who is also writing a new chapter in Vasco's goal.
Bruno stated that the fans' requests were the biggest motivation for him to train to become a penalty and free kick taker. The goalkeeper, who even unsuccessfully took a free kick in the rout of Duque de Caxias, revealed his desire to become the new Rogério Ceni of Gávea. "Goalkeepers in Brazil are all the same. Therefore, I need to have something different, since I have an easy time striking the ball. Maybe that's even an advantage in reaching the national team and European football," said Bruno.
The player said he will dedicate himself to training, as he is not yet qualified to play the role. "I took that free kick very badly. It was a 5. But the fans can wait. I'll train to be in good shape, and when the chance comes, if my teammates and the coach agree, I'll try to score," said Bruno, not wanting to create controversy.
The goalkeeper wouldn't be the first to score a goal wearing Flamengo's No. 1 jersey. Ubirajara Alcântara was the pioneer, scoring from his own goal in Flamengo's 2-0 victory over Madureira in the 1970 State Championship. The game was held at the Luso-Brasileiro Stadium on Governador Island.
In 1997, in the Copa do Brasil, Zé Carlos scored the final goal from the penalty spot in a 6-2 rout of Nacional at Vivaldão Stadium in Manaus. "But none of them went down in history as top scorers. That's my goal," said Bruno. Coach Joel Santana's chosen player, Íbson, also doesn't want to fight and admits to letting the goalkeeper or even Souza take penalties. "My goal is to make Souza a top scorer. Bruno will be able to do so too, depending on the game," he stated.
SPORTS GAZETTE
To remain 100%, Flamengo faces the daring Macaé\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo could move even closer to a spot in the semifinals of the Taça Guanabara, the first round of the Campeonato Carioca. With nine points from three matches in Group A, the Rubro-Negro hosts Macaé this Wednesday at 19:30 pm (Brasília time) at the Maracanã. Another positive result puts Flamengo on the verge of the next round. Macaé, with five points, hopes to make life a little more difficult for its opponent, just as it did against Fluminense last weekend, when it drew 2-2.
Despite riding high on two consecutive routs in the Campeonato Carioca, Flamengo has avoided falling prey to its fans' enthusiasm. One of the team's key players, midfielder Ibson, preaches respect for the opponent to avoid unpleasant surprises.
"Macaé's match against Fluminense serves as an example for our team. We have to be extra careful to avoid any problems during the game. We'll stay focused to avoid dropping points against teams considered smaller," commented the midfielder.
And after the controversy in the last game, when Souza picked up the ball to take the penalty, preventing either Ibson (the official penalty taker) or goalkeeper Bruno (authorized by coach Joel Santana) from taking it, the matter has been resolved in Gávea, should there be another infraction this Wednesday. "Joel has already spoken with us and determined that I will be the penalty taker. So, even if he (Souza) wants it, the next penalty is mine," Ibson assured.
Meanwhile, one player will take the field with special motivation. After being called up to the Brazilian national team for the first time, right-back Leonardo Moura promises to put in a lot of effort to justify his presence in Dunga's squad. "My call-up was the result of a lot of work here at Flamengo, with the help of my teammates and the coaching staff. That's why I have to continue showing the same football I've been showing here at Flamengo," said the full-back, who has already scored two goals in the Campeonato Carioca.
Released after serving a long suspension imposed by FIFA, midfielder Kléberson is expected to start the match on the bench, earning the opportunity to debut in the second half of the match.
In Macaé, coach Tita is confident that his players can emerge from the field with a good result, especially after breaking the ice of playing at Maracanã. "About six players had never played at Maracanã, and I think we handled the match against Fluminense well. Now there's no more anxiety, and I hope my team can perform even better against Flamengo," commented the coach, who played for Flamengo as a player.
For this Wednesday, coach Tita is already counting on striker Luiz Cláudio, who was released after a disciplinary incident. With no suspension issues, Macaé should repeat last Saturday's lineup.
Botafogo awaits document to release Engenhão to Fla\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Botafogo is awaiting documentation from the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (Ferj), officially transferring next Saturday's match between Flamengo and América from Maracanã to João Havelange (Engenhão).\ Due to the samba school parade at Marquês de Sapucaí, which is close to Mário Filho stadium, the Military Police declared that they were unable to guarantee security for both events, forcing the transfer of the match.\
So far, however, Botafogo's president claims to have received only a letter from Ferj scheduling a meeting for Thursday. According to the director, it's still unclear who will be responsible for the rental and policing, and the Alvinegro de General Severiano will only hand over its stadium if the necessary guarantees aren't met.
Flamengo, in turn, made an appeal to fans to ensure that the Engenhão does not suffer any type of vandalism on Saturday.
PELENET
With classification underway, Flamengo faces Macaé
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
With momentum, Flamengo can virtually secure its place in the semifinals of the Guanabara Cup, the first round of the State Championship. To do so, a victory is needed in this Wednesday's match against Macaé at Maracanã, in the fourth round of Group A. Considering a combination of results, the Red-Black team could advance to the next stage as early as Carnival Saturday.
Like Botafogo in the other group, the Rubro-Negro team is in first place with nine points. Joel Santana's team boasts the most prolific attack in the competition, with 11 goals. Tita's team, meanwhile, has five and sits in third place.
For this clash, coach Joel Santana is not expected to make any changes to the team that beat Duque de Caxias 5-1 on Sunday at Maracanã, in the third round.
The news is Kléberson's inclusion on the bench. The midfielder was inactive due to a FIFA penalty for unilaterally breaching his contract while playing for Besiktas in Turkey. If he's retained, the defensive midfielder will make his official debut for the Red-Blacks. The player already has a glimpse of how the fans will welcome him.
"I'm really looking forward to the Flamengo fans chanting my name at the Maracanã. Playing with their support will be wonderful. It's a very happy moment in my life," he said.
Coach Joel Santana, however, prefers to praise the qualities of Wednesday's opponent. He points out that a positive result will make Flamengo's life easier later on.
"With the victory, our position in the group will improve. But we have to be careful, as Macaé is one of the good teams in this Campeonato Carioca. They managed two draws playing away from home, one against Fluminense, at Maracanã," he warned.
Former red-blacks will not be able to reinforce Macaé
In third place in the group, Macaé will have three confirmed absences for this match: left-back Andrezinho, defensive midfielder Marcinho, and forward Bruno Mezenga. The three former Flamengo players are out of the match due to an agreement between the clubs that prevents them from participating when Flamengo is the opponent.
The left back will be occupied by the experienced Bill, the midfield will be occupied by Wallacer and Geraldo will be responsible for scoring the goals alongside Jones.
Fla follows Flu's path in reducing ticket prices
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
On Tuesday morning, Fluminense, after a meeting with the State Secretary of Sports and Tourism (Suderj), Eduardo Paes, decided to reduce ticket prices for its State Championship matches. Late in the afternoon, Flamengo, agreeing with its rival, also requested a price increase for its games.
Therefore, in an official note, signed by the president of Flamengo, Márcio Braga, Rubro-Negro expects its fans to pay R$30 for the white stand (previously it was R$40), R$20 in a green/or yellow stand (previously it was R$20) and R$30 in the blue seat (previously it was R$20).
Flamengo, like Fluminense, rules out reducing ticket prices for the semi-finals and finals of the Taça Guanabara (first round) and Taça Rio (second round), the competition's big decision, in addition to the classics.
Flamengo asks fans not to vandalize the Engenhão stadium
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
NO CARNIVAL FOR LÉO MOURA
Leonardo Moura doesn't mind trading the Carnival festivities for the seriousness of the Brazilian national team. The Flamengo right-back will replace Maicon, from Inter Milan, who is injured, in the friendly match against Ireland on the 6th in Dublin.
Flamengo will play its first match at the João Havalenge Olympic Stadium, the Engenhão, home of Botafogo, next Saturday at 16 p.m. (Brasília time). The fierce rivalry between the Flamengo and Botafogo, however, has left the Gávea club's board concerned. In an official statement, they urge fans to behave well during the match.
"As in any other game, if disorder or damage occurs in the stadium, Flamengo will be held responsible, with the loss of home advantage or having to play matches behind closed doors, without fans in attendance, in addition to being responsible for material damages. Therefore, we must be very careful. We will not give our opponents an advantage. We count on your help," the directors requested in an official statement on the club's website.
The match between Flamengo and América was previously scheduled for Maracanã on Carnival Sunday at 18:10 p.m. Claiming they were unable to handle security for the game and the samba school parade, the Military Police requested the match be rescheduled. Because Botafogo and Vasco face off on Saturday at 18:10 p.m. at Maracanã, the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (FERJ) was forced to schedule the match between Flamengo and América at Engenhão.
"Libertadores Factor" Makes Fla-Flu Team Command Rio's Audiences
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Neither the increase in the number of participants from 12 to 16 nor the high ticket prices kept Flamengo and Fluminense fans away from the first three rounds of the Rio State Championship. Excited about their teams' participation in the Copa Libertadores, the club boards maintained the core squads from last season and made key signings at the beginning of the year.
Flamengo fans continue to support the Rio de Janeiro club in the State Championship
The numbers demonstrate the confidence of Flamengo and Tricolor, the leaders in average attendance in the State Championship. A total of 162.708 fans have attended the tournament's 24 matches so far, an average of 6.779 per game. Flamengo's attendance figures aren't as strong as those of the last Brazilian Championship, but they're comparable to the level of their opponents so far (Boavista, Cardoso Moreira, and Duque de Caxias): 58.878 fans have attended the Gávea club's matches, an average of 19.629.
Fluminense was the team that signed the most fans and took 53.556 followers to Maracanã, an average of 17.852. Tricolor has had the biggest crowd so far: 24.811 in the debut against Cardoso Moreira (2-0).
Rivals Botafogo and Vasco are far behind. Still adapting to their new stadium, Engenhão, Botafogo fans have been shy (26.447 in total, with an average of 8.815). Vasco fans, in turn, are very wary of their players (17.264 in total, with an average of 5.754).
The Championship's attendance figures are very low, with matches without the big four. In total, only 6.563 fans watched the 12 matches between the smaller teams, an average of 546 per match. The lowest attendance was recorded for Cabofriense's 4-3 victory over Madureira, at Rua Conselheiro Galvão, in the second round: 192 people.
Championship Numbers:
Grand total: 162.708 fans\ Grand average: 6.779 fans\ Total number of games for the little ones: 6.563 fans\ Average number of games for the little ones: 546 fans\
Third round:
Total: 48.521 fans\ Average: 6.065 fans\ Total small: 2.751 fans\ Average small: 687 fans\
Flamengo 5 x 1 Duque de Caxias - 19.812 fans\ Flumiense 2 x 2 Macaé - 13.643 fans\ Botafogo 3 x 0 Americano - 7.893 fans\ Vasco 3 x 0 Mesquita - 4.422 fans\ Cardoso Moreira 2 x 1 Boavista - 1.146 fans\ Resende 1 x 0 Madureira - 666 fans\ Cabofriense 0 x 2 Friburguense - 635 fans\ América 2 x 4 Volta Redonda - 304 fans\
Second round:
Total: 40.125 fans\ Average: 5.015 fans\ Total small: 1.279 fans\ Average small: 319 fans\
Flamengo 4 x 1 Cardoso Moreira - 15.287 fans\ Fluminense 3 x 2 Duque de Caxias - 15.102 fans\ Botafogo 4 x 1 Friburguense - 6.286 fans\ Vasco 1 x 0 Americano - 2.171 fans\ Macaé 1 x 0 América - 526 fans\ Boavista 3 x 2 Volta Redonda - 328 fans\ Mesquita 1 x 0 Resende - 233 fans\ Madureira 3 x 4 Cabofriense - 192 fans\
First round:
Total: 74.062 fans\ Average: 9.258 fans\ Total small: 2.533 fans\ Average small: 633 fans\
Fluminense 2 x 0 Cardoso Moreira - 24.811 fans\ Flamengo 2 x 0 Boavista - 23.779 fans\ Botafogo 2 x 0 Resende - 12.268 fans\ Vasco 1 x 2 Madureira - 10.671 fans\ Volta Redonda 0 x 0 Macaé - 1.069 fans\ América 2 x 5 Duque de Caxias - 653 fans\ Cabofriense 3 x 0 Mesquita - 500 fans\ Friburguense 1 x 0 Americano - 311 fans\
GLOBOESPORTE
Fla: 5% of sponsorship goes to Pet
Court orders Petrobras to block part of its payments to the club, says Ancelmo Gois
Petkovic wins court victory
Flamengo, which is fighting to increase its sponsorship payments from Petrobras, will receive 5% less from the state-owned company. Judge Ana Paula de Carvalho ruled that this percentage be frozen on top of the amount Petrobras pays the club—currently R$15 million per year—for the club to settle a debt owed to midfielder Petkovic. This information comes from columnist Ancelmo Gois of the newspaper "O Globo."
Petkovic played for Flamengo from 2000 to 2002 and scored the iconic goal that gave the club its third Rio de Janeiro championship in 2001 in the final against Vasco. According to Gois, Petrobras was reportedly analyzing the club's official proposal to increase the sponsorship amount to R$16,2 million when it learned from the press that Flamengo's board wanted more: R$20 million.
Flamengo fans threaten Engenhão
In an Orkut community, some red-blacks say they are going to break chairs and lamps
Some Flamengo fans plan to vandalize the Engenhão stadium on Saturday
It's far from the majority, but on the social networking site Orkut, some fans are proving that the Flamengo board's statement makes sense. This Tuesday, the red-and-black club requested that there be no vandalism of any kind at the Engenhão stadium during the match against América, on Carnival Saturday.
In an organized fan community, some people with fake profiles promise to break lamps and chairs at Botafogo's stadium.
- We can't do anything on the lawn, but if we break some lamps, some windows and some chairs the STJD can't do anything - says one of them.
Others recall the 1992 episode, when Maracanã was closed and Flamengo played a few times at São Januário. At the time, there was vandalism at the Vasco stadium, with windows broken.
Fla ignores Bebeto's threat
The club remembers that América is the home team and announces that it will be at the stadium.
Fla says it has nothing to do with Engenhão, the venue for Saturday's game
Flamengo was taken by surprise by the statements made by Botafogo president Bebeto de Freitas, warning that he might not release the Engenhão stadium for the match between the Rubro-Negro and América, on Carnival Saturday.
According to the club's president, there has been no agreement to date regarding the club's ability to receive the necessary guarantees to open its stadium. In Gávea, the information was largely ignored.
"I know the game is at Engenhão. It's on the federation's website. I also didn't understand Bebeto's statements. But the home team is América, and Flamengo has nothing to do with it. When I'm the host, I play at Maracanã. Outside of there, I don't interfere in anything," says Flamengo's fundraising coordinator, Flávio Pereira.
The América vs. Flamengo match will not take place at Maracanã at the request of the Military Police. The claim is that there are not enough personnel to work both Carnival and a match at the same time.
In Kléberson's debut, Fla takes on Macaé
Leo Moura celebrates his first call-up, and Rubro-Negro tries to maintain leadership of Group A
Kléberson is ready to make his Flamengo debut this Wednesday
Kléberson is Flamengo's newcomer in Wednesday's game against Macaé at 19:30 p.m., but Leo Moura, who has played 142 times for the Rubro-Negro, will also experience a special thrill when he steps into the Maracanã stadium for the fourth round of the Taça Guanabara. GLOBOESPORTE.COM will broadcast the match in real time starting at 19:15 p.m.. Premiére will also cover the match.
The full-back was called up for the first time and will certainly hear the chant of "it's the national team" from the Flamengo fans congratulating him on his achievement.
"It will be special. I made a point of thanking all my teammates for this. Each one has a little piece of this emotion," says Flamengo's number 2.
Kléberson isn't yet in the gratitude phase. He's in the anxiety stage. Having only trained at Gávea for four months due to a FIFA-imposed suspension, the five-time world champion can't wait to debut.
- The desire to play football again is huge - he declares.
duel of undefeated
With a 100% record, Flamengo leads Group A with nine points. So far, the strategy of avoiding the smaller teams to secure early qualification for the semifinals has worked. But Macaé is a concern.
"They're undefeated and have assembled a very strong team. So much so that they've only conceded two goals in three games," says coach Joel Santana.
Léo Moura celebrates his first call-up to the Brazilian national team
The team from Norte Fluminense is in fourth place in the group, with five points. Coach Tita, however, will be without three players: Marcinho, Andrezinho, and Bruno Mezenga. They belong to Flamengo and, by agreement, cannot play. On the other hand, Cameroonian Steve, who scored two goals in the State Championship, is confirmed.
On the red-and-black side, Joel Santana has only one question: whether or not to start with Kléberson. The rookie hasn't played a match since April 2007 and is expected to sit on the bench.
Flamengo sponsors the duo Leila and Sandra
Athletes will compete with the support of the Rio de Janeiro club during the 2008 Brazilian Circuit
Eduardo Peixoto and Simone Evangelista
Flamengo fans Leila and Sandra Pires celebrate the support of the Rio de Janeiro club
The duo Leila and Sandra Pires, who resumed their partnership this year, have gained an extra incentive to shine on the Brazilian Circuit. The athletes will be sponsored by Flamengo during the 2008 national championship.
"I just called Flamengo, and they authorized us to announce that Leila and Sandra will be sponsored by the club. We're very happy because they're both Flamengo fans. After Carnival, there will be an official presentation. Now, they're both athletes for the club," reveals Letícia Pessoa, the duo's coach.
According to the coach, the duo's relationship with Flamengo began in December, when Leila and Sandra decided to team up. Sandra even debuted the new sponsorship at Rainha da Praia, competing wearing the club's armband.
Leila didn't play for Rainha da Praia, but her relationship with Flamengo goes way back. In 2000, while still playing on the court, she spent a year with the club, helping the volleyball team win the 2000/01 Superliga after defeating arch-rival Vasco in the final.
Fla is willing to reduce ticket prices
Club requests Federation to review ticket prices for the Rio de Janeiro Championship
Fla wants to reduce ticket prices for the State Championship to benefit its fans
In an official statement signed by president Marcio Braga, Flamengo announced this Tuesday that it intends to reduce ticket prices for the Campeonato Carioca.
The club followed Fluminense's suggestion and requested that tickets be sold at: R$30 for the white stands, R$20 for the green and yellow stands and R$10 for the lower seats.
However, as the current prices were decided in arbitration at the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (FERJ) with the agreement of all clubs, FERJ's approval is required for the changes to be approved.
"We can't simply reduce prices because the revenue isn't just ours. There's always another club interested in that," explains Marilene Dabus, Flamengo's presidential advisor.
For now, there is still no forecast regarding the Federation's response to the request.
Fla holds recreational activities the day before the game
Rodrigo Arroz takes Ibson's spot as goalkeeper in the training camp. Fábio Luciano is spared.
On the eve of the match against Macaé, Flamengo's players held a recreational training session in Gávea. Fábio Luciano and Rodrigo were rested. Obina, who felt pain in his right ankle on Monday, trained without any problems.
For Wednesday's match at Maracanã, Joel Santana will be able to count on Kléberson, who has already been cleared to play. However, since there was no training session this week, the player will likely start on the bench.
Unlike previous rachões, Ibson wasn't in goal this time. He was replaced by Rodrigo Arroz, who showed little skill between the posts. The other goalkeeper was Juan, while Bruno, Marcelo Lomba, and Diego played on the wing.
Fla asks fans to preserve Engenhão
The red-and-black club will play at Botafogo's home next Saturday and fears vandalism.
Engenhão is Botafogo's home ground, but Flamengo will be using it next Saturday. Flamengo issued an official statement this Tuesday making an appeal to its fans. The Flamengo board is concerned about the Flamengo's behavior in next Saturday's match against América at Engenhão.
At the request of the Military Police, the game was moved from Carnival Sunday at Maracanã to Saturday at Botafogo's stadium. And this visit to the rival's home ground is the cause for concern.
There are fears that some fans may want to vandalize the Engenhão stadium. The statement states that if "disorder or damage occurs at the stadium, Flamengo will be held liable, with the loss of home-field advantage or the possibility of matches being held behind closed doors, without fans in attendance, in addition to being liable for any material damages."
Bruno seeks the 'difference' in fouls
Flamengo goalkeeper receives support to become an option for set pieces
Eduardo Peixoto
Bruno's first attempt as a free kick taker wasn't the best. His shot went high and inaccurate in the second half of the match against Duque de Caxias (watch the video of the incident below). But the same scenario could happen again for Flamengo.
The goalkeeper frequently talks with coach Joel Santana about the subject and began constant training this Tuesday to, who knows, become one of the team's goalkeepers.
The shortage has existed since Renato's departure in July of last year. Leo Medeiros, according to the coaching staff, is performing at a great level, but he's a reserve. Among the starters, Bruno, Leo Moura, and Juan are the favorites.
"Leo Moura and Juan were the best, but Bruno was a pleasant surprise. He's on par with both of them, and if he keeps training, he could be our taker," says assistant coach Andrade, who oversees set-piece training.
Starting this week, goalkeeping coach Roberto Barbosa will include free kicks in Bruno's routine training. This is the request from the number 1 himself.
"Goalkeepers need something different because everyone is on the same level when it comes to defense. Rogério Ceni and Tiago are examples. I want to be one too, but I need to have quality and improve in training," says Bruno.
About the first experience as a collector, a realistic analysis.
- I didn't hit it well, because I didn't catch the ball well. I give it a five.
THROW
Fla asks for respect from its fans at Engenhão
Club issues official statement warning about possible punishments for fans for vandalism\ LANCEPRESS!\
With the transfer of the game between Flamengo and América, which will be played on the 2nd, from Maracanã to Engenhão, the red-black board issued an official statement, asking for good behavior from its fans at the rival Botafogo's stadium.
The concern isn't limited to the Gávea club's management. The club's president, Bebeto de Freitas, spoke out on Tuesday, questioning who would be responsible for renting the Engenhão stadium, the mobile phone system, and policing.
One of the targets of Flamengo and Botafogo's caution could be demonstrations by Flamengo and Botafogo fans on the social networking site "Orkut", where they planned acts of vandalism at the rival club's stadium.
Leader of Group A, Flamengo faces Macaé
Joel believes that victory will leave Rubro-Negro in an enviable situation
LANCEPRESS!
With the best attack in the State Championship, a 100% success rate, and starting right-back Léo Moura called up to the Brazilian national team: these are Flamengo's credentials, which hosts Macaé at Maracanã Stadium this Wednesday. The match, part of the fourth round of Group A, will be played at 19:30 p.m.
Despite the red-blacks' favoritism, coach Joel Santana tried to avoid fuss, listing the qualities of this Wednesday's opponent:
"Macaé is in third place—with five points—and has drawn two away games, one of them against Fluminense, and is playing well. They have a coach (Tita) whose work philosophy I more or less understand. If we get past them, we'll be in an enviable position. It's a decisive game. If we win, we'll have one foot in the standings," explains the Clipboard Man.
For Macaé, left-back Andrezinho, defensive midfielder Marcinho, and forward Bruno Mezenga, all of whom played in the 2-2 draw with Fluminense, are out of the match against Flamengo. Gustavo Mendes, the club's football manager, has confirmed this.
Revealed at Gávea and loaned by Rubro-Negro to Macaé, the three will not be able to play due to a clause in their contracts.
Attacking midfielder William Amendoin, still unfit to play, if he were already cleared to play, would also not play for the same reason as the other three.
Kleberson looking forward to debuting for Fla
Joel did not want to say whether the player will start among the starters or as a reserve\ LANCEPRESS!\
Regularized with the CBF after serving a four-month FIFA ban, Kleberson is finally expected to play for Flamengo. Joel Santana declined to say whether he will start or come on as a substitute in the match against Macaé this Wednesday at the Maracanã.
The coach's intention is to avoid a large number of changes to the team as much as possible.
"We have to give it time. It's not like American football, where you take five players out and put five in. This isn't the time to change the team's structure. We'll only decide on his lineup during the training camp. But Kleberson will definitely be among the 18 players who will play. He's dynamic and scores, but he has one small problem: he hasn't played since April," explained Joel Santana, who expressed concern about defender Rodrigo, who took a knock to his thigh and will be evaluated this Wednesday.
Unaware of the coach's decision, Kleberson sees this game as his return to football.
"I've trained hard these past four months and prepared well. Now I just have to wait for the opportunity. I'm in good physical shape. Of course, I'll feel the rhythm of the game a bit. But the desire will be strong and it will be worth it. That moment of waiting and doubt is over. Now it's time to live in the present, playing at Maracanã, with the red-and-black fans cheering me on," he stated.
Experts: Fla's scheme favors Léo
Roberto Assaf, Júnior and PVC praise the fact that the full-back has freedom
Léo Moura and the new shirt in his closet, the Amarelinha (Credit: Julio Cesar Guimarães)
LANCEPRESS!
Léo Moura's positive form at Flamengo prompted LANCENET! to seek out experts Júnior, a former Flamengo player who also played as a full-back, Paulo Vinícius Coelho, and Roberto Assaf—both LNET! columnists—for an explanation of what made the 29-year-old so successful at Gávea. The fact that the right-back didn't achieve as much prominence during his time at the other three major Rio de Janeiro clubs was also discussed.
All three argue that Joel Santana's system better exploits Léo's attacking characteristics. Júnior enumerates the player's qualities, highlighting the fact that he doesn't hold back. Assaf points to maturity as another key factor in the player's remarkable rise in production. PVC warns that playing him as a full-back, restricted to defensive duties, could be detrimental.
Júnior, former Flamengo player, is known for his quick exit, speed, skill, vision, and never shying away from the game. I highlight his role during Flamengo's difficult period, when he never hid, often receiving considerable criticism for it. Although he wasn't brilliant at other Rio clubs, he always showed quality. Now, he's enjoying a system where he can unleash his full potential. His call-up to the national team came somewhat late.
Roberto Assaf, columnist for LNET!\ He matured, not only as a player but also as a human being. Among the other three, at Botafogo, he was perhaps the best. At Vasco, he didn't get much of a chance, something that also happened at Flu, on a team full of big names (Romário, Edmundo, Roger, and Ramon). However, on none of these teams did he come close to the player he is at Fla. I don't know if he'll have that freedom with the national team. If the guy (Dunga) tells him to stay back and mark the whole time, then I don't know if he'll show up as much, and they'll say he only plays for Flamengo.\
PVC, LNET columnist!\ The protection provided by three defenders allows Flamengo to have attacking and decisive wingers like Leonardo Moura and Juan. Leonardo has had his career setbacks for various reasons. His youth hindered his stints at Vasco, Botafogo, São Paulo, and Palmeiras, but it also hindered his ability to play in positions where he was required to be a full-back, forming part of a four-man defense. This is the role he will play in Dunga's national team.\
Ibson is the favorite of Flamengo fans
Internet users want the supporter to be the team's official penalty taker
Red-black fans want Ibson as penalty taker
LANCEPRESS!
Who should be Flamengo's official penalty taker? Souza, Ibson, and even goalkeeper Bruno fought for the spot in the match against Duque de Caxias last Sunday. After much debate, Souza won the arm wrestling match and ended up converting the goal. But for the fans, it's Ibson who should be the one to put the ball in the net.
In a survey conducted by LANCENET!, 47,42% (2.767) of the fans who voted asked for Ibson to be Flamengo's official penalty taker. In second place, surprisingly, was goalkeeper Bruno, with 33,93% (1.980) of the preference.
Souza's behavior, which appeared to prevent his teammates from attempting to convert the penalty, did not go down well with internet users. He received the least votes, with 18,65% (1.088). In total, 5.835 people voted in the poll.
Fla agrees with prices suggested by Flu
Tricolor wants a R$10 reduction for tickets for games at Maracanã
LANCEPRESS!
In order to make public its dissatisfaction with the price of tickets for Flamengo's games in the 2008 State Championship, the red-black board issued an official statement expressing its opposition to the high costs, explaining that the price reduction can only be made with the consent of the Rio de Janeiro State Football Federation (FERJ).
In the statement, the club also expresses its support for the prices suggested by Fluminense and asks for respect for the red-black fans, referring to them as a Cultural Heritage of the City of Rio de Janeiro, a tribute made by the city of Rio last year.
Tita predicts difficulties against Flamengo
Macaé coach regretted the departure of three players from his team
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
Macaé coach Tita predicts difficulties for the game against Flamengo, which will be played this Wednesday at Maracanã, at 19:30 pm. The fact that the Rubro-Negro vetoed the participation of left-back Andrézinho, as well as midfielder Marcinho and forward Bruno Mezenga - all loaned by Flamengo to the club from the North Fluminense region - was regretted by the coach.
"Unfortunately, we lost them. Andrézinho, for example, did very well in his first two games. Besides, we watched Flamengo's matches against Boavista and Duque de Caxias, and their team's progress is remarkable. But we want good things, especially because our self-esteem is sky-high," he explained in a statement to LANCENET!.
The Macaé coach also warned about the progress of Leonardo Moura, called up to the Brazilian National Team:
– He has been a weapon for Flamengo, he is very supportive, he has been unbalancing and of course he worries us.
Group celebrates Léo Moura's call-up
For Joel and Kleberson, the full-back opens the door for other Fla players
LANCEPRESS!
One day after Léo Moura was called up for the national team's friendly against Ireland on the 6th, the players and coach congratulated the full-back and also commented on the opportunity. The hope at Gávea is that Léo Moura will open the door for other red-and-black players on the national team.
Joel Santana even suggested possible players to be selected for Flamengo's squad.
"I was very happy about his call-up. Now I just have to hope that others like Ibson, Bruno, and Souza are remembered," he said.
2002 World Cup champion Kleberson also celebrated his teammate's call-up. The midfielder still believes he can wear the yellow jersey again.
"Léo Moura made it to the national team on merit. It shows that Flamengo has great strength. I hope he represents the national team well and that others of us will be remembered that way," he said.