the Globe

To Flamengo's dismay, the CBF confirms the call-up of Renato Augusto.

The star would love to play in the U-20 World Cup. The board preferred the Copa América.

Photo caption: VINÍCIUS COLOMBIANO, a product of his youth academy, is training with the professionals.

Out of the under-17 squad that competed in the South American Championship, Renato Augusto is a certain name in tomorrow's call-up for the Under-20 World Cup in Canada, from June 30 to July 22. Yesterday, he said he knew nothing, but a phone call from the CBF to Flamengo, to get his passport number, dispelled the mystery.

"Who doesn't want to wear the national team jersey? I can't give it up. I have no reason not to go," says the 19-year-old player, who will have time with the national team to get rid of the constant pain in his left thigh.

For the board, however, the star's call-up is a hindrance. Still upset over Renato Augusto's absence from the Copa América roster, the directors are dismissive of the U-20 World Cup.

"Just look at one detail. Is the World Cup on Globo? No. Is the Copa América on? Yes. That alone shows which competition was most interesting to him," said vice president of football Kleber Leite. "With his criteria, Dunga only reinforces the theory that, to be called up, a player must be outside of Brazil. Afonso from Herenveen can't be called up and Dodô be left out."

To fill Renato Augusto's absence, Flamengo brought forward Kayke up from the youth team to the senior squad. Yesterday, another new signing from the youth team was training alongside the first team: midfielder Vinícius Colombiano.

- I was happy when Adílio told me on Tuesday that today (yesterday) I would introduce myself to Ney - said the player, who is not Colombian and arrived at Gávea at the age of 10.

Another Flamengo player not on Dunga's list, goalkeeper Bruno complained about being criticized by Diego, with whom he was competing for a spot at Atlético-MG:

- He said things he shouldn't have in Minas. When he was on the bench, he kept checking me out...

Sports Journal

To Flamengo's dismay, the CBF confirms the call-up of Renato Augusto.

The star would love to play in the U-20 World Cup. The board preferred the Copa América.

Photo caption: VINÍCIUS COLOMBIANO, a product of his youth academy, is training with the professionals.

Out of the under-17 squad that competed in the South American Championship, Renato Augusto is a certain name in tomorrow's call-up for the Under-20 World Cup in Canada, from June 30 to July 22. Yesterday, he said he knew nothing, but a phone call from the CBF to Flamengo, to get his passport number, dispelled the mystery.

"Who doesn't want to wear the national team jersey? I can't give it up. I have no reason not to go," says the 19-year-old player, who will have time with the national team to get rid of the constant pain in his left thigh.

For the board, however, the star's call-up is a hindrance. Still upset over Renato Augusto's absence from the Copa América roster, the directors are dismissive of the U-20 World Cup.

"Just look at one detail. Is the World Cup on Globo? No. Is the Copa América on? Yes. That alone shows which competition was most interesting to him," said vice president of football Kleber Leite. "With his criteria, Dunga only reinforces the theory that, to be called up, a player must be outside of Brazil. Afonso from Herenveen can't be called up and Dodô be left out."

To fill Renato Augusto's absence, Flamengo brought forward Kayke up from the youth team to the senior squad. Yesterday, another new signing from the youth team was training alongside the first team: midfielder Vinícius Colombiano.

- I was happy when Adílio told me on Tuesday that today (yesterday) I would introduce myself to Ney - said the player, who is not Colombian and arrived at Gávea at the age of 10.

Another Flamengo player not on Dunga's list, goalkeeper Bruno complained about being criticized by Diego, with whom he was competing for a spot at Atlético-MG:

- He said things he shouldn't have in Minas. When he was on the bench, he kept checking me out...

Kleber Leite criticizes Dunga's list

Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, criticized the pre-selection list for the Copa América. He said Brazilian national team coach Dunga isn't valuing players who play in Brazil.

"I'm not here to criticize, but what I think is wrong is that Dunga has a preference for players who play abroad. He's going against the CBF's policy of valuing athletes who play here," he said.

Marcio Braga thanks FIFA's decision

Flamengo's official website

President Marcio Braga thanks FIFA's decision

Flamengo president Marcio Braga released a letter on the club's website thanking both the CBF president and FIFA for their decision to ban international football matches at altitudes above 2500 meters. The full letter follows:

Last week, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo achieved an unprecedented institutional victory, with the ban on holding an international football match at altitudes above 2.500 meters, as determined by FIFA. The measure complies with Flamengo's request, filed after the match against Real Potosi in the Copa Libertadores das Américas.

Our initiative is not intended to harm the competitive interests of Bolivia, Colombia, or Ecuador, or their clubs, whom we respect and admire. Its sole purpose is to defend the lives and physical integrity of professional soccer players.

It was an achievement of fair play and humanity.

We must thank doctors Serafim Borges and José Luiz Runco, authors of the medical report that supported our thesis, Vice-President of Football Kleber Leite who coordinated our professionals, Dr. Clovis Sahione Fadel, who instructed us in the field of criminal law and lawyer Marcos Mota who took our initial verbal representation to FIFA.

And we must especially thank the President of the CBF, Mr. Ricardo Teixeira, who was responsible for the political articulation that led to the recognition of our arguments.

Flamengo, Flamengo, your glory is to fight.

Rio de Janeiro, May 30, 2007

Marcio Baroukel de Souza Braga

President "

Dinelson's novel nears its end

The Dinelson saga appears to be nearing a conclusion. According to vice president of football Kleber Leite, negotiations for the player's signing should conclude next Monday, when Corinthians president Alberto Dualib returns from England.

The club's executive stated that he spoke with Kia Joorabchian, head of MSI in Brazil, and has already finalized everything with the player's agent, Wagner Ribeiro. Therefore, the only detail remaining for the deal to be finalized is the signature of the São Paulo club's president.

"We've made progress with Dinelson. Everything is on track, all that's missing is Dualib's release. Next Monday, when he returns from his trip, the surgery should be completed, whether it works or not. But I think there's a better chance of everything going well," explained Kleber Leite.

Corinthians football manager, Ílton José da Costa, also expressed optimism regarding the negotiations and revealed that it is very likely that the player will end up going to the Gávea club.

"The tendency is for us to release the player, as we want to participate in other future negotiations. I can't reveal the percentage, but Corinthians will retain part of the rights," he revealed.

Renato Augusto hoping to be called up for the U-20 World Cup

Renato Augusto is training hard at Gávea to be remembered for the U-20 team to compete in the U-XNUMX World Cup in Canada in June.

One of Flamengo's standouts, Renato Augusto is hoping to be considered for the Under-20 World Cup, which will take place in Canada from June 30 to July 22. The preliminary list of 23 names will be announced tomorrow at CBF headquarters by Brazil coach Nélson Rodrigues.

The 19-year-old player stated that since he began playing for Brazil at the youth level, no coach has ever called him to tell him he would be called up. Renato Augusto also said that it would be a dream come true to be able to play in the World Cup, but that it won't affect his performance on the field.

"So far, I haven't heard anything. What I can say is that the coach hasn't called me since the U-17s. But I hope to be remembered; after all, what player wouldn't want to play in a World Cup? I'm no different. But this desire won't hinder my performances at Flamengo. I'll go in with the same determination, and if I have to face a challenge, I'll do it without fear," he stated. The competition promises to be fierce. Renato recalled the example of Arsenal midfielder Denílson, who has not yet been called up. "There are many good players, so much so that many haven't been called up, like Denílson. With the quantity and quality we have, we could even form two national teams," he said.

On the Fla Basketball team, unity is strength

Flamengo team relies on teamwork to beat Franca in the National playoffs

Rafael Oliveira

Nina Lima/JS

Olivinha is one of Flamengo's best players and is desperate to win his first national title.

Flamengo begins its fight for a spot in the semifinals of the National Men's Basketball Championship next Saturday. Against Franca, the red-and-blacks will begin a tough playoff battle. The competition will be a best-of-five series, with the first two games being played in São Paulo. Despite facing a powerful opponent—the São Paulo team had the second-best record in the qualifying phase—Flamengo's players are confident. This is because, in recent days, the team has rallied around victory and cemented the club's unity.

"I'm very confident about a good result in these quarterfinals. I've been watching the team in recent training sessions and I see the desire to win in each of the players' eyes. They're very excited for this game," said assistant coach João Batista, recently hired by the club.

For coach Paulo Chupeta, this newfound enthusiasm came about thanks to a change in mindset he managed to implement within the team. "They understand that defense is also part of the collective. Everyone is coming back to help with the defense, and the team is playing better. The team has developed this awareness."

These improvements have already been felt in the last two games: against Franca and Paulistano. "Our defense wasn't great. But in the last two games, it's started to improve. The team is more focused on defending. Against Franca, we played well, despite the loss. And against Paulistano, the result came. Thanks to our solid defense, we were able to attack the opponent's rim and score," said winger Olivinha, who is banking on a good result against the São Paulo team. "We'll win a game in São Paulo and, that way, we'll turn the advantage back to our side."

The atmosphere of confidence is so strong that the players aren't alarmed by Franca's strong campaign. "The playoffs are a different league. We're on the same level as Franca. There's no favorite," said the experienced Guto.

Pivot Coloneze is enchanted by the red-black fans

Flamengo's squad is made up of experienced players accustomed to decisive matches. But among them, there are still some experiencing unprecedented moments. One of them is Coloneze, the Flamengo center who is about to complete a year with the club. He will compete in his first Nacional playoff match wearing the red and black jersey.

"Playing for Flamengo is unlike anything else. Wherever you play, there are so many people supporting you," said the player, who has already developed a camaraderie with the fans. "Playing for a big club isn't for everyone. Some players can't handle wearing a heavyweight jersey and feel pressured when they see the size of the crowd. Not me; seeing the fans in the stands motivates me. People cheering for me even gives me an extra boost. I even feel less tired after the game is over," he joked.

Coloneze has been at Gávea since the middle of last year. And he's already off to a great start. In his first semester playing for the red-and-black club, he's already won a state championship. Now he wants more. "We're going there to win. Flamengo can go far in this national championship. I want to be champion."

And the player knows how to get there. "The defense had been a problem. But in recent games, it's been overcome. Now the team just needs to stay focused to play on equal terms with any opponent."

Thiago Parravicini, red and black swimmer, returns with morale

Flamengo swimmer Thiago Parravicini returned this week from Italy, where he competed in the Italian Open and helped his Italian team, Dimensione Dello Sport, DDS, reach the podium.

With dual citizenship, the Italian-Brazilian competed in the 50m (29'50), 100m (1'03'73), and 200m breaststroke (2'18'64) events, as well as the 4x100m medley relay. "It was great to be able to help the team. Everyone swam very well and prevented DDS from being relegated to the 2nd division, which ended up happening to the last two qualifying clubs," explained Thiago.

Now the swimmer turns his attention to the Brazilian Junior Swimming Championships – 24th Tancredo Neves Trophy, which will be held at the Julio de Lamare Aquatic Park starting tomorrow. However, after the competition, Thiago will be out for a while to recover from bursitis.

O Dia

Flamengo: Unforeseen absence

Club could lose Renato Augusto for 40 days: U-20 is keeping an eye on him

Marluci Martins

Rio - Flamengo is at serious risk of losing one of its most important players for 40 days. Renato Augusto is expected to play in the U-20 World Cup in Canada from June 30 to July 22. If he is called up tomorrow by coach Nélson Rodrigues, the Flamengo midfielder will have to report to the national team on the 14th.

"I'm hoping to be called up, yes," the player said. "I wasn't called up for the Copa América, but this World Cup is also very important," he added.

A replacement for Renato Augusto is likely on the way. Yesterday, vice president of football Kléber Leite announced that the signing of Dinélson, who played in the Copa Libertadores for Paraná but whose rights belong to Corinthians, will be finalized on Monday.

“Everything is on track,” said the director, waiting only for the arrival in São Paulo of Corinthians president Alberto Dualib, who is in Europe.

Coach Ney Franco is also rooting for Dinélson's arrival, as he has no doubt that Renato Augusto will be called up. "We've been considering this possibility from the beginning. We're doing our part, looking at players from the youth team. I hope Dinélson makes the right choice or that we have the skills to uncover new talent," the coach emphasized.

Renato Augusto should have swapped Flamengo for the Brazilian national team long ago, during the South American Championship in January. But inflammation in his right knee forced him out of the competition.

“It was actually good that this happened, because I was able to rest,” admitted the midfielder, who, outside of the national team, was able to prepare well in the team’s preseason.

REPEATED LINEUP

Coach Ney Franco announced yesterday that he will likely repeat the formation he used against Botafogo on Sunday against Sport. The team is expected to play with three defenders, with Leonardo as the striker, and Renato Augusto playing further forward.

Paulo Sérgio is expected to be on the bench again. "But I don't want to say anything ahead of time, because I could change my mind," Ney Franco said yesterday afternoon.

Bruno is outraged by the Atlético-MG goalkeeper's statements

Rio - One of Flamengo's best players, goalkeeper Bruno was outraged by statements made by Diego, Atlético-MG's goalkeeper, who was pre-called up by Dunga, and stated in Belo Horizonte that Bruno was only a starter for Galo because he (Diego) was with the U-20 team.

"It's a disappointment. He's on top, he's been playing well and he deserves congratulations, but he can't talk nonsense off the field. He said things I didn't like. On the bench, he was always drying up. He was never in favor of the fans, he was always against them," said the Flamengo goalkeeper.

Sports Gazette

Ney Franco confirms Leonardo as starter\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Despite young Paulo Sérgio's hopes, Leonardo will be Souza's replacement next Sunday against Sport at the Ilha do Retiro Stadium. The confirmation was made this Wednesday by Flamengo coach Ney Franco.\ Under the rain, the Flamengo coach led a training session on Wednesday afternoon, where he emphasized finishing work. Due to the heavy pitch, defender Ronaldo Angelim and midfielder Paulinho were rested, but they are not expected to be out against Sport.\

If there are no surprises, Flamengo will enter the field with the following formation: Bruno, Thiago, Irineu and Ronaldo Angelim; Leonardo Moura, Paulinho, Claiton, Renato and Juan; Renato Augusto and Leonardo

Flamengo President Explains Position Against Altitude\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - FIFA's ban on international matches being played at altitudes exceeding 2.500 meters above sea level has angered some South American countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia. Bolivia, among others, blames Flamengo for the decision taken by the world's top soccer governing body. Recently, after playing against Bolivia's Real Potosí at an altitude of almost 4.000 meters above sea level, the club sent a report to FIFA requesting that matches be held under these conditions be stopped.

This Wednesday, through an official statement, Flamengo's president, Márcio Braga, sought to explain the reason for the club's initiative.

"Our initiative is not intended to harm the competitive interests of Bolivia, Colombia, or Ecuador, or their clubs, whom we respect and admire. Its sole purpose is to defend the lives and physical integrity of professional soccer players. It was an achievement of fair play and humanity," the president said in part of the official statement.

Well at Flamengo, Juan doesn't think about the national team\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Going through a good moment, Flamengo left-back Juan adopted a different tone than his right-wing teammate Leonardo Moura, who complained about being left out of Dunga's pre-selection list for the Copa América. "This year, looking at the bigger picture, I'm performing well for Flamengo. Of course I'd like to be on the Brazilian national team, but I know there are players ahead of me in this competition and I still need to improve a lot," the player stated, continuing.

"The most important thing to make it to the Brazilian national team is to maintain consistency, helping Flamengo achieve its goals. Only at a very high level can a player dream of making the national team," said the Flamengo full-back.

Besides Juan, midfielder Claiton is also excited. He assured that the muscle problem that has been bothering him won't prevent him from playing against Sport.

"After the Botafogo game, I felt some pain, as I had already played against Goiás with a strained left thigh. But I'll train normally before the match and be available for Ney Franco," Claiton said.

Souza regrets another game away from Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - While keeping himself informed about Flamengo's board's procedures for the rest of the season, Ney Franco's coach has his thoughts focused on next Sunday's game against Sport in Recife. Just like against Botafogo, striker Souza will be out as he is still recovering from a muscle problem. "It's really annoying to be out because I'd like to be playing, competing for the top scorer title. But I think this marathon of games this year, with so many competitions, has taken its toll on me. Anyway, I should be back running this Thursday," said Souza.

Left-back Juan has participated in all three of Flamengo's games in the Brazilian Championship and believes that the red-black team deserves credit, despite having only won four points in the competition.

"The defeat to Palmeiras in the first round is still lingering, but I believe we still deserve a vote of confidence from our fans, as we beat Goiás well away from home and played well against Botafogo," said Juan.

Flamengo postpones decision on Dinélson\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo coach Ney Franco will likely have to wait a little longer to find out if he can count on midfielder Dinélson for the remainder of the Brazilian Championship. This is because the Flamengo board has decided to postpone until next Friday the deadline for Corinthians to respond to the offer for Dinélson to move to Gávea. Everything has already been agreed between the Rio de Janeiro club and the midfielder.

Goalkeeper Bruno, whose loan contract ends on June 20th, is expected to decide his situation this week. The player has already received an official offer from Benfica and has promised to make a decision on his future in the coming days.

Despite expressing his desire to remain at Gávea, the goalkeeper could be traded to European football by MSI, the holder of his economic rights.

PeléNet

Probable call-up doesn't take focus off Renato Augusto at Fla\ Vinícius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\ This Wednesday, the coach of the Brazilian under-20 team, Nelson Rodrigues, drew up a list of 30 players pre-scheduled for the World Championship in the category, between June 30 and July 22, in Canada. The names will only be announced next Friday, but Renato Augusto's is considered a certainty behind the scenes at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).\

Despite this, Flamengo's biggest revelation at the moment said that the likely call-up won't take his focus away from the team. The player assured that he won't "take his foot off the gas" during the tackles during the Brazilian Championship matches to avoid possible injuries.

"This can happen to anyone, like it did to Obina. I'm going to play the same way I always have and forget about it. That's not why I'm going to stop tackling," said the midfielder.

Renato Augusto made no secret of his eagerness to play for the national team, even if it means missing Flamengo's squad. During the World Cup, the red-and-black team will play eight matches in the Brazilian Championship. "Any player my age would like to be in the World Cup, and it's no different for me. I want to too," he confirmed.

Renato had already been called up to the Brazilian squad for the South American Under-20 Championship. However, he was cut from the squad due to injury.

"I had inflammation behind my knee and was out of the South American Championship, but it was good for me to rest. Now, I'm looking forward to participating in the World Cup," he commented.

To fill Renato Augusto's absence, the club's board is negotiating the signing of midfielder Dinélson from Corinthians. Despite this, the club's player assured that he is not worried about losing his starting spot to the reinforcement, should he indeed be signed upon his return from the U-20 World Cup.

"He has to do well. I have to think about the group. I want Flamengo to always be at the top. If he leaves [for the national team], I hope whoever comes in does very well," concluded Renato Augusto.

Flamengo coach says he's counting on Léo Lima\ Vinícius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\ Despite Léo Lima's poor performances since joining Flamengo, coach Ney Franco said he's counting on him for the rest of the season. On Wednesday, the coach revealed that, if it were up to him, the midfielder would stay at Gávea until the end of the year.\

"The tendency is for him to stay. From my side, as coach, he's a player I want to stay in the group. At no point was it said that Léo Lima would be released. So, he's a player who is in our plans until the end of the season," said Ney Franco.

After a turbulent stint at Grêmio, where he struggled off the field, Léo Lima signed a risky contract with Flamengo in February. Initially, the contract runs until June 30th, and will only be renewed until the end of 2007 if the player performs well both on and off the field.

However, in seven games for Flamengo, Léo Lima only scored one goal and had subpar performances. However, the likely call-up of midfielder Renato Augusto to the Brazilian U-20 national team, which will leave the team without its main attacking midfielder for about a month, and the ongoing saga surrounding the signing of midfielder Dinélson have given the player a new lease on life at Gávea.

Flamengo releases four to Tupi-MG\ While Léo Lima is expected to stay at Flamengo, four players are leaving the club for Tupi-MG, in Juiz de Fora.\

On Wednesday, the club's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, announced that the club had released defender Hélder and left-back Igor Nakamura, both of whom came through the youth ranks, on loan. The names of the other two players will be announced this Thursday.

On the other hand, coach Ney Franco could add two more players from the academy to the professional squad. This Wednesday, midfielder Vinícius Colombiano and forward Kayke, who are under observation, trained with the main group for the first time.

"We have to create some opportunities to use players from the youth teams. Everyone I've used so far has met my expectations. I've seen two more players now, Vinícius Colombiano and Kayke, working with the youth team. We're bringing them in to train with us to evaluate their technical and tactical work and use them at the right time," said the coach.

Flamengo expects to announce Dinélson on Monday\ Vinícius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\ The signing of midfielder Dinélson, a standout for Paraná in this Copa Libertadores, which seemed certain for Flamengo, has taken on the air of a soap opera. However, this Wednesday, the club's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, said he expects to announce the reinforcement next Monday.\

"Everything is on track. We'll wait for Alberto Dualib [Corinthians president] to arrive on Monday so he can finalize the negotiations. They could be concluded positively or negatively, but I have the impression that they will be positive," said the club director.

Dinélson was on loan to Paraná until the end of this year, but terminated his contract with the Tricolor team and returned to Corinthians, the club that holds 50% of the player's economic rights - which owns the other half.

Flamengo's intention is to acquire this percentage of the São Paulo team through the payment of a debt that the black and white club has with the athlete, but president Alberto Dualib has not yet been convinced of this.

Therefore, although Flamengo has already agreed everything with Dinélson, the red-black board still depends on Corinthians' authorization to announce the reinforcement.

"There is no need for us to go to São Paulo, because everything has already been sorted out with Wagner Ribeiro [the player's agent] and he will defend the interests of Flamengo and his player," commented Kleber Leite.

Even though he was 'forgotten' by Dunga, Bruno says he wants to stay at Fla\ Vinícius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\ Coach Dunga's preliminary call-up to the Brazilian national team that will compete in the Copa América, between June 26th and July 15th, in Venezuela, has called into question the argument used by Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, to try to keep goalkeeper Bruno at Flamengo.\

Even so, the player assured that he still wants to stay at Gávea. "I intend to stay here for a long time. I've already made it very clear that it will be very difficult to get me out of Gávea, unless the board decides to sign another goalkeeper tomorrow," he stated.

Bruno's contract with Flamengo runs until the end of June. Investors at MSI—the investment fund that holds the player's economic rights—want to recoup the money they paid for the goalkeeper by transferring him to a European club mid-year, when the new season begins on the continent.

However, Kleber Leite claims that, at Flamengo, Bruno would have a better chance of making the Brazilian national team, which would increase his value even further. However, two of the three goalkeepers pre-scheduled for the Copa América—Doni, from Roma-ITA, Helton, from Porto-POR, and Diego, from Atlético-MG—play in Europe.

"The coach has every right to call up whoever he wants. But the president of the CBF has already told me that, for him, it is very important to strengthen Brazilian football. He considers it a victory every time there is a chance for a player to stay in Brazil," commented Kleber Leite, who sees Dunga's call-up as a violation of the policy of Ricardo Teixeira, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation.

"When the coach emphasizes calling up players who play outside of Brazil, I understand this as an attack on the policy adopted by the CBF president himself, which is correct. We have to value Brazilian football," he stated.

At the center of the controversy, Bruno admits he was frustrated at not being called up by Dunga, but promises to continue seeking his place in the Brazilian national team.

"I'm upset about not being called up. Given the amount of time I've worked for and the help Flamengo has given me, I think I could be in this squad. But I'm not, so I'll keep my head at ease and keep working, finding my place, and things will happen at the right time," said the Flamengo goalkeeper.

Flamengo goalkeeper Vinícius Barreto Souto, who was not selected for the national team, lashes out at his pre-selection rival, in Rio de Janeiro. Dunga's pre-selection for the Brazilian national team that will compete in the Copa América, from June 26 to July 15 in Venezuela, has sparked controversy between two contenders for a spot. On Wednesday, Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno, who was left out of the squad, scathingly criticized his Atlético-MG rival Diego, who was called up.

Bruno defends for Flamengo and attacks his former Atlético-MG teammate, Diego. Bruno says he wants to stay at Flamengo. Read more Flamengo news. According to the Flamengo player, after the list of pre-selected players was released, the black and white team made statements to the Minas Gerais press that displeased him.

"He said a lot of bad things there in Belo Horizonte. If you [journalists] don't know, then it's better not to know. He said some things that shouldn't have been said now. He shouldn't have even mentioned my name. He should have shared his joy with his friends, and not caused intrigue with other professionals," said the Flamengo goalkeeper.

Despite complaints regarding Diego's alleged statements, Bruno did not want to tell the journalists present at Gávea what the Atlético-MG goalkeeper said that was so serious, even with the reporters' insistence.

However, the UOL Esporte report found that the red-black fan's revolt was motivated by an alleged interview in which Diego said that he only lost his starting spot to Bruno at Atlético-MG because of his call-up to the last U-20 World Championship, held in 2005.

"I was in Belo Horizonte and saw that he mentioned my name. I was happy that he had been called up, but I was upset that he had spoken about me and mentioned my name in that way. I didn't like the words he used," he said.

The feud is long-standing. The feud between Bruno and Diego dates back to their time together at Atlético-MG. Upon returning from the U-20 World Cup, the Minas Gerais goalkeeper, who was a starter for the team, became the backup for the current Flamengo player. This Wednesday, the Flamengo player revealed details of the troubled relationship between the two within the club.

UNDERSTAND THE GOALKEEPERS' "FIGHT"

Diego defends for Atlético-MG and is criticized by his former teammate Bruno, from Flamengo. The disagreements between Bruno and Diego began the week before a match between Atlético-MG and URT in the 2005 Mineiro championship. At the time, then-coach Procópio Cardoso was torn between the two for the starting spot for Danrlei, who was suspended. But after a conversation with a director of the club's youth academy, the coach selected Diego, angering Bruno. Since then, the two have been at odds.

So much so that when Bruno left Atlético-MG, he taunted his rival. At the time, he said the team was strong in goalkeeping because it had Edson and Jefferson, Diego's backups.

READ MORE ATLÉTICO-MG NEWS\ "The guy would sit on the bench and be a jerk to my side. He was always rooting against me. We were never friends, just colleagues. Besides, soccer players don't have friends. But today I'm here among great professionals who root for me. I feel that difference here at Flamengo," he said.\

Therefore, Bruno believes Diego wanted to take advantage of the pre-call-up to promote himself and provoke him. "It's a personal thing. We had a rough time there [at Atlético-MG] and now he wanted to appear in front of the cameras. He should have spoken to me, not to the press," he declared.

Finally, Bruno praised his rival for the good professional moment he is going through, but again criticized his rival for the alleged statements made to the Minas Gerais press.

"The opportunity was given. Today he's on top, but he used his words at the wrong time. He shouldn't have done that. He's been playing very well, he's closing down Atlético-MG's goal, he deserves congratulations for what he's been doing on the field, but off the field, he can't use the same words he said when I was in Belo Horizonte, talking about me personally. I didn't like it, I'm sad about it, but I know it's a personal thing," Bruno concluded.

BalloonSport

GloboEsporte\ FIFA measure approved for the national team\ Ban on high-altitude games is praised by players and assistant coach Jorginho\ Márcio Iannacca\ The Brazilian national team players and assistant coach Jorginho approved the measure adopted by FIFA, which prohibits games at altitudes above 2.500 meters. The decision by soccer's governing body came after numerous complaints and a video sent by Flamengo, showing images of the suffering of the athletes in Potosí, which is 4 meters above sea level.\

"The most important thing is to comply with FIFA's regulations. I've played seven times at altitude, and it's very difficult. I trained for the 1983 South American Championship in Sucre, Bolivia, and it was very difficult. The altitude there isn't one of the worst. Everyone must abide by the decision," says assistant coach Jorginho.

Defender Juan, who came through Flamengo and is currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen-ALE, recalled that the measure was only taken following complaints from the Gávea team.

"It was about time. There was no reason for us to play at that altitude. FIFA deserves congratulations. Look at Flamengo. You can't play at the same level you normally do under normal conditions. Football has to be the same," he says.

In the cold and rain, Flamengo aims for new directions\ Coach Ney Franco intends to use more youngsters from the youth academy. Paulo Sergio remains on the bench\ Eduardo Peixoto\

AGÊNCIA O GLOBO\ Vinícius (left) and Kayke are the new additions to Flamengo's youth academy. It didn't even feel like the Gávea of ​​old. No anticipation of decisions or the typical Rio heat. The grayish sky, the light rain, and the biting cold wind this Wednesday set the tone for a team awaiting a new direction. With the Brazilian Championship in its infancy, Flamengo is focused on resolving its problems and making adjustments for the rest of the year.\

The word "reinforcements" isn't in vogue in the executives' vocabulary. The exception is the public negotiations for Dinelson. The international transfer window, which only reopens in August, is another blow to the hopes of improving the squad.

Without the big-name players he wanted, coach Ney Franco is observing the youngsters from the youth teams. Currently, midfielder Vinícius Colombiano and forward Kayke are participating in the professional team's training sessions.

"We have to find ways to take advantage of the youth teams. They're both training with us, and I'll be watching them," declares the red-and-black coach.

In contrast to its internal reinforcements, the club is preparing a small partnership with Tupi-MG. Kléber Leite, a friend of the mayor of Juiz de Fora, has promised to loan two or three players.

Paulo Sergio on the bench

In training, Ney emphasized finishing. Kayke and Paulo Sergio performed well. However, the attack against Sport on Sunday is expected to consist of Renato Augusto and Leonardo. Souza, injured, will not play.

- I must repeat the lineup from the game against Botafogo, but I prefer not to reveal anything - says the Flamengo coach.

Timão puts Dinelson close to Fla\ São Paulo board admits that negotiations between the clubs are close to being concluded\ Carlos Augusto Ferrari\

Lancepress\ Dinelson has a good chance of playing for Flamengo in the Brasileirão\ Midfielder Dinelson is expected to be announced by the beginning of next week as a Flamengo reinforcement. Corinthians, which owns 50% of the player's rights, admitted this Wednesday that negotiations with the Rubro-Negro are close to being finalized.\

"Talks are well advanced. Dinelson is in the process of leaving Paraná and adjusting his contract with Flamengo. I believe we'll resolve this by the beginning of next week," reveals Corinthians' football manager, Ílton José da Costa.

Dinelson was on loan to Paraná, but Corinthians requested his return so they could negotiate a deal with Flamengo. The Rio de Janeiro club is expected to retain half of the player's federation rights.

"We're releasing him because we want to participate in other future negotiations. I can't reveal the percentage, but Corinthians will retain part of the rights," he adds.

Dinelson, who has a contract with Corinthians until the end of 2009, was discovered at Guarani and has also played for Bragantino, São Caetano and Atlético-MG.

Leo Lima will stay in Gávea\ The supporter's contract ends in June, but will be extended until the end of the year\ From news agencies in Rio de Janeiro\ CHANGE THE\ FONT SIZE\ A-\ A+\

O Globo\ Ney Franco has no intention of parting with midfielder Leo Lima\ Despite not having played well for Flamengo yet, midfielder Leo Lima has a defender at the club. It's coach Ney Franco, who is asking for a renewal of the player's contract, which ends in a month.\

"The tendency is for him to stay, I'll ask him to stay at the club. At no point did I say I didn't want to count on him," assures the coach, who hopes Leo Lima regains his good form.

The midfielder will remain on the bench for the next match. Paulinho, Claiton, Renato, and Renato Augusto, along with wingers Léo Moura and Juan, are expected to play in midfield.

Playing in the under-20s pleases Renato Augusto\ The player will not feel disrespected if he plays in the World Cup in the lower category\ Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro, get in touch\

CHANGE THE\ FONT SIZE\ A-\ A+\

Renato Augusto (right) sees no problem in defending the Brazilian U-20 team\ U-20 team schedule\ Presentation 14/6\ World Cup 30/6 to 22/7\ Athletes released 24/7\ Flamengo games in the period: 8\ The list of players called up for the Brazilian team that will compete in the U-20 World Cup, in Canada, will be released next Friday and the presence of midfielder Renato Augusto is almost certain. While Flamengo plans to lose him for more than a month (see table below), the player is waiting for the call.\

"Who doesn't want to wear the national team jersey? There's no way I can give it up," he says.

On Wednesday, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, said he expected to see Renato Augusto on the senior squad for the Copa América. However, coach Dunga didn't include the Flamengo player on the preliminary list of 34 players.

- I'm old enough for the under-20 team and there's no reason why I shouldn't play - declares the 10-year-old number 19 from Gávea.

Coach Ney Franco is planning to play Flamengo without Renato Augusto. But to achieve this, he's counting on the signing of Dinelson, whose saga will end next Monday.

"I can already imagine him being called up. But Dinelson is coming to fill that absence," says the Flamengo coach.

Throw

Ney Franco is counting on Dinelson at Flamengo\ The Flamengo coach intends to use the midfielder in the event of Renato Augusto being called up for the Under-20s\ LANCEPRESS!\

Flamengo coach Ney Franco isn't worried about losing midfielder Renato Augusto for about a month if he's called up to the Brazilian U-20 national team. The coach believes Dinelson's arrival should solve the problem.

"We're counting on Dinelson to possibly call up Renato Augusto. We're also bringing up young players to make up for the losses," he said, referring to striker Kayke and midfielder Vinicius Colombiano.

Renato Augusto isn't worried about Dinelson's arrival either. For him, anything that makes Flamengo stronger is important.

"I'm not worried about losing my starting spot if Dinelson comes. I hope he plays well, because the important thing is that the group is strong," added Renato Augusto.

Ney Franco asks for Léo Lima's renewal\ Coach believes the player can still perform for Rubro-Negro\

LANCEPRESS!

Despite not yet having shown his best football for Flamengo, midfielder Léo Lima has a defender at the club. It's coach Ney Franco, who is requesting a renewal of the player's contract, which expires in a month.

"The tendency is for him to stay, I'll ask him to stay at the club. At no point did I say I didn't want to count on him," assured the coach, who hopes Léo Lima regains his good form.

The midfielder will remain on the bench for the next match. Paulinho, Claiton, Renato, and Renato Augusto, along with wingers Léo Moura and Juan, are expected to play in midfield.

Ney Franco does not confirm the starting attack for Fla\ Coach aims for four points in the next two matches\ LANCEPRESS!\

Without center forward Souza, who has a left thigh injury, coach Ney Franco has two options for Flamengo's attack against Sport next Sunday. Leonardo and Paulo Sérgio are competing for the spot, but Ney hasn't yet revealed who will play.

"It's likely we'll repeat the lineup from the derby against Botafogo. So, Leonardo is likely to start, but I'd rather not say anything because I might change my mind as training progresses," said the coach, who doesn't think the team will change much.

"I disagree that I should make too many changes to the team; several players have played many times. Flamengo has a standard of play, despite the changes. The main change is to play with two or three defenders," he commented.

Ney Franco also said that he aims to win four points in the next two matches, which will be against Sport and Figueirense, away from home.

Tupi signs partnership with Flamengo\ The red-and-black team has already released Helder and Igor Nakamura to play in Série C\ Felipe Mendes\ Tupi signed a partnership with Flamengo this Wednesday. The Rio de Janeiro team will loan four players to Galo Carijó for the Brazilian Série C. The red-and-black team's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, announced the first two names: defender Hélder and left-back Igor Nakamura, both of whom came through Flamengo's youth academy. The other two players had not yet been named as of early evening.\

"These two very good players will go to Tupi. The others will be announced by tomorrow (Thursday) by Isaías (Tinoco, club supervisor)," explained Kléber Leite.

Hélder is 21 years old and made a few appearances for Flamengo's senior team last year. In the last round of the Brazilian Championship, he even came on at halftime and scored twice in a 4-1 victory over São Caetano in Volta Redonda. Nakamura, 20, was one of the team's standout performers in their third-ever Rio de Janeiro junior championship.

Kléber Leite said he feels a special affection for the city of Juiz de Fora, which will host Flamengo's match against América-RN on July 25, when Maracanã will be closed due to the Pan American Games.

"I was contacted by the mayor of Juiz de Fora, Alberto Bejani (PTB), and I promised to help. I hope Tupi has a good run in Série C, and Flamengo will help."

Dinelson saga should end on Monday\ Corinthians president will only reach an agreement with the player when he returns to Brazil\ LANCEPRESS!\ Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, practically confirmed that Dinelson will come to Flamengo. The director spoke with Kia Joorabchian, from MSI, and with Corinthians president, Alberto Dualib, who said he does not oppose negotiations with Flamengo, but that he will only reach an agreement with the player when he returns from England, next Monday.\

- We will only have an outcome on Monday, but I am very optimistic - said Kleber Leite.

Dinelson has excelled this season playing for Paraná. Flamengo is trying to sign the player, but is hampered by the fact that his federation rights are tied to Corinthians. At Rubro-Negro, Dinélson's signing remains awaited.

Flamengo players practice finishing\ Paulinho and Ronaldo Angelim were rested\ LANCEPRESS!\ Flamengo coach Ney Franco led a technical training session this Wednesday, with an emphasis on finishing. Only two players did not participate. Paulinho and Ronaldo Angelim were rested and only ran around the field.\

Obina continues recovering from left knee surgery and is already training with the ball, but he's still separated from the other players.