THE GLOBE
Fla leaves trial without absences for semifinal
Joel switches to game in Cuzco
Photo caption: BRUNO, TORÓ and Obina after the trial: relief for Fla
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
For those fearing serious absences for the final stretch of the State Championship, Flamengo emerged relieved from the trial of four players yesterday at the Rio de Janeiro Federation's Sports Justice Court (TJD). Like goalkeeper Bruno, who was acquitted, Jônatas will be able to play against Vasco on Sunday. He was suspended for one game, a sentence already served. Obina and Toró, although out of the derby, could return to the team for the Taça Rio semifinal.
The four had been involved in incidents during the defeat to Botafogo on March 16. Errors by the referee in the match report and by prosecutor André Valentim (a Flamengo fan) when filing a complaint facilitated the defense.
In Jônatas' case, referee Marcelo de Souza Pinto reported that, after receiving a yellow card, the midfielder complained and was shown a red card. Footage from the game proved that the complaint could not have occurred, as the two cards were shown in succession. The player's defense claimed that the referee, when giving Jônatas the yellow card, thought it was his second and, therefore, immediately showed him the red. Upon realizing the error, the referee allegedly recorded the alleged complaint in the match report to justify the expulsion. Subpoenaed as a witness, the referee failed to appear. Accused of attempting to assault Jorge Henrique, Jônatas was also suspended for hostile conduct.
The other error occurred in the complaint against Bruno. The prosecutor's office didn't even mention the incident. The goalkeeper, who the day before had said he didn't want to go to the TJD "because he's not a criminal," appeared in court alongside Toró and Obina. Reprimanded for his statements, he was acquitted.
Regarding Obina, the TJD accepted the defense's argument that the alleged punch to goalkeeper Castillo was an attempt to hit the ball from the black and white team's hands to restart the game. The striker was punished with two games for the foul on Lúcio Flávio, which resulted in his ejection. One game has already been served.
Toró, accused of kicking Castillo, also had his charges dismissed by the TJD, which ruled that it was a hostile act. He will serve a one-game suspension on Sunday.
Coach Joel Santana is expected to field reserves on Sunday against Vasco. For Wednesday's Libertadores match against Cienciano, he will reinforce the midfield. Yesterday, he trained Jaílton and Toró as starters, replacing Marcinho and Kleberson. The Peruvian club is threatening to withdraw from the Libertadores if CONMEBOL decides, in today's meeting to analyze the altitude issue, to change the venue for the match against Flamengo.
Still in the Libertadores, Nacional hosts Coronel Bolognesi in Montevideo today at 18:40 p.m. A slip-up by the Uruguayans would benefit Flamengo.
Basketball
Fla begins fight for place in final
The red-and-black team faces Boca Juniors to decide the South American League
Photo caption: MARCELINHO GOES UP to throw in a Flamengo victory in the National: ready for a big game
Claudio Nogueira
Flamengo and Boca Juniors, the clubs with the largest fan bases in Brazil and Argentina, will play today at La Bombonerita in Buenos Aires to decide who will be in the final of the South American Basketball League. The match begins at 19 p.m. (Brasília time).
Today's match will be the first in a best-of-three series. The red-and-blacks have never reached the final, while Boca Juniors, in turn, reached the final in 2000 but lost to Vasco. The second Flamengo vs. Boca Juniors match will be on the 8th, in Tijuca, and the third, if necessary, on the 9th, at the same venue.
Flamengo, currently in top form, leads the National Championship and will have the advantage of playing at home, having the best record in the league, undefeated with five wins. Flamengo coach Paulo Chupeta hopes to inflict despair on his rival.
"Our goal is to win. Our team is strong and focused. If we start pressing hard, Boca Juniors' fans will turn against them, knowing they're unlikely to beat us twice in Rio. We want to pass the blame onto them," Chupeta analyzed over the phone.
The Brasilia team also plays today for the League
According to the coach, despite Argentina being in a political crisis, Boca Juniors fans are as passionate as Flamengo's and will fill the gym.
"We've seen a lot of people on the street wearing Boca Juniors shirts. They want to know about the match. It'll be a packed house, but we'll have our fans here too. We know the red-and-black fans are coming," said the coach, who will start today's match with Hélio, Duda, Marcelinho, Alírio, and Coloneze.
In December, in the Liga de las Américas group stage (another tournament), the Argentines won. Regarding their opponent, Paulo Chupeta and the squad will watch a video today. He's concerned about power forward Gutierrez:
"He's an Olympic and world champion athlete and will receive special attention. It remains to be decided who will accompany him."
For Flamengo star point guard Marcelinho, the team is ready for a battle on the court today.
"We can't let them dictate the pace. It's going to be our toughest game in the league so far, and we're facing Boca Juniors in a packed stadium. We're going to play upfront, at full speed, as is our team's hallmark, fighting and doing everything we can to return to Brazil with a victory," said the captain, the team's top scorer in the National Championship (394 points and an average of 24,7 per game).
In the quarterfinals, also in a best-of-three format, Flamengo defeated Paraguay's Sol de América twice, reaching the semifinals for the first time. Boca Juniors, meanwhile, eliminated fellow Argentine side Libertad Sunchales 2-1, winning the decisive match away from home.
Also today, in the other semifinal, Universo/BRB/Brasília hosts Regatas Corrientes of Argentina at 21 p.m. in Brasília in the first leg. Both teams are also fighting to win the League title for the first time.
BROADCAST: ESPN Brazil
SPORTS JOURNAL
Just a slap on the wrist
TJD applies lenient penalties and Joel will have all the players for the semifinals of the Rio Cup
Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
Wallace Teixeira/JS
At the end of the trial, Bruno, Toró, and Obina's smiles of relief. The three will play in the Rio Cup semifinals and the Carioca Championship finals.
Between the dead and injured, everyone survived. Or rather, almost everyone. But the situation could have been much worse. In a trial held early last night at the Sports Justice Court (TJD), Flamengo lawyer Michel Assef Filho managed to ensure that coach Joel Santana would not have any players missing for the Rio Cup semifinals.
This is because there is still one round remaining in the group stage of this second round, and the players who were punished, such as Toró and Obina, will only be unable to play in the derby against Vasco on Sunday. The former received a one-game suspension, as the club's lawyer managed to change Article 253 (committing a violent play) to Article 255 (committing a hostile act). The striker received a two-game suspension for violating Article 254 (committing a violent play). Since he was sent off in the match against Botafogo, he has already served his automatic suspension and will only miss one more match.
Jõnatas's case is similar. He also received a red card in the same match, but only served a one-match penalty, which he has already served. The best news of all, however, was goalkeeper Bruno's acquittal. With the mistakes made by reserve Diego in the Fla-Flu match, the Flamengo fans feared they would be without him for the finals of the Campeonato Carioca.
The goalkeeper, in fact, became embroiled in controversy last Tuesday when he stated that he would not appear in court because he was not a criminal. Because of this statement, he was criticized by one of the auditors, which increased the evidence that he could be punished.
Of the four indicted, Jônatas was the only one who did not appear at the trial because he was undergoing treatment for a right thigh injury sustained last week against Friburguense. However, in the case of Bruno and Toró, attending the court would not have made any difference, as only Obina was interviewed by the Audit Committee.
One of the ghosts has already been exterminated. Now, we can focus exclusively on another haunting: the one at Cusco's altitude.
Europeans eye Erick Flores
Nathan de Lima
One of the biggest revelations from Flamengo's youth academy in recent years, midfielder Erick Flores has already begun to attract the interest of European football executives. The player has been scouted by a club from Europe, likely Spain, but in Gávea, no one has confirmed the name of the club, which is beginning to invest in the young player.
Compared to the star of the 80s and current coach of the juniors, Adílio, Erick Flores has been standing out since the Malaysia International Tournament last year.
The player himself admits that a European club is keeping a close eye on him. "There really is a club keeping an eye on me, but I don't know the details; it has to be discussed with my agent," the player from the Flamengo youth team warned.
Reinaldo Pitta, Flores's businessman, was contacted by the JORNAL DOS SPORTS team, but was not found.
Big Game: Mengão x Boca Juniors
The match opens the semifinals of the South American Basketball League, at 19 pm, at Bombonerita
Pedro Ivo Almeida
Jair Motta/JS
Cuban Amiel has a lot of international experience and has everything to help Flamengo today
Absolute leader in the National Basketball Championship, and undefeated so far in the South American League, Flamengo takes to the court today for the most important match of the season so far: the team faces Boca Juniors, from Argentina, at 19 pm, at the Poliesportivo Benito Quinquela Martín gymnasium, 'La Bombonerita', in Buenos Aires, for the first match of the best three series of the competition's semi-finals.
Much more than defending its invincibility, and putting to the test all the rivalry that exists between the clubs of the two countries with the greatest tradition in the South American sports scene, the red-black team enters the court hoping to take a big step towards the grand final and the long-awaited, and still unprecedented, title of the competition.
revenge
Recently, the two teams have already measured their strength: it was in December, in the League of the Americas, in Belo Horizonte (MG), with a victory for the Argentines and the red-black winger ended up being sent off after a fight between the players at the end of the match.
The group's most experienced player, winger Marcelinho, is aware of the difficulties the team will face in Argentina, but assures that the team is prepared. "We're prepared for a battle, because that's what this game will be. Both teams respect each other a lot, they know it's a game steeped in tradition, between two strong teams, and we need to be prepared and very focused to avoid being provoked by the fans and by them on the court."
Care
The star player knows the strength of his opponent, who usually improves their performance playing at home and with the support of their fans: "Boca is a stronger team today than the one we faced. They've strengthened with a point guard and a good center, and we can't let them dictate the pace of the game. This will be our toughest game in the league so far, for sure. We'll face Boca and a packed stadium against us. We'll play with intensity, with speed, as is characteristic of our team, fighting and doing everything we can to return to Brazil with a victory," he stated.
The return matches of the series are scheduled for April 8th and 9th (if necessary), at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gym.
In the thirteenth week of the 19th National Men's Basketball Championship (CNBM 2008), Ulbra/Rio Claro/ABCD Bandeirantes (SP) defeated FTC EAD (BA) by 78 to 67 (46 to 26 in the first half), at the gymnasium of Colégio Salesiano in Salvador.
Boca Juniors vs Flamengo
Boca Juniors\ Cequeira, Devon Ford, Léo Gutiérrez, Fernandez and Alloatti\ Coach: Gabriel Picatto\
Flamengo\ Helio, Duda, Marcelinho, Coloneze and Alírio\ Coach: Paulo Chupeta\
Location: La Bombonerita, Buenos Aires\ Time: 19 p.m.\
THE DAY
After trial at the TJD, Flamengo breathes a sigh of relief
Bruno is acquitted, Jônatas and Toró get one game, and Obina gets two. The full team makes the semifinals.
Rodrigo Lima
Rio - Flamengo will be fully equipped for the Rio Cup semifinals. The Sports Justice Court's punishments for Flamengo players Toró, Jônatas, and Obina, who were indicted after the 3-2 loss to Botafogo on March 16, were only lenient.
The longest penalty went to Obina, who received a two-game suspension for a red card for a hard tackle on Lúcio Flávio. Also indicted for incidents in the match, Toró and Jônatas each received one game. Goalkeeper Bruno was unanimously acquitted by the auditors.
This means coach Joel Santana can breathe a sigh of relief, as he'll be able to field a full-strength squad in the Taça Rio semifinals. However, Toró, who hasn't yet served his suspension, and Obina (who will have to serve his second match) are out of the derby against Vasco. Jonatas, who missed the trial and is injured, and Bruno are free to play.
At the end of the trial, Obina was relieved after the sentence. "There was nothing serious in the incidents. It's even difficult for the court to punish, since we can't do much else on the field," said Obina, the only player to come forward to defend himself. "I didn't mean to attack goalkeeper Castillo. I tried to punch the ball," the striker claimed.
Bruno also vented. "I even asked Michel Assef Filho (Flamengo's lawyer) what he was doing in court, because I didn't do anything. It was just normal game action," said the Flamengo's number one.
Using videos and photos, Flamengo's legal department managed to convince the TJD auditors to downgrade Article 253 (attempted assault on teammates and athletes) to Article 255 (hostile act), reducing the players' sentences. It was a wise decision by the court. There was no assault on anyone. At most, a hostile act, due to the heat of the match. But the misclassifications of the articles and the application of the penalties were flawless," said Michel Assef Filho.
Jaílton could return to being a starter at Flamengo
Genilson Junior
Rio - With an eye on the match against Cienciano in Cuzco, coach Joel Santana led a training session this Wednesday in Gávea. The team's defensive line (defenders and midfielders) practiced positioning for balls crossed into the box, while the other group improved their finishing and crossing.
After the activity, a quick training session. There was a surprise in the team lineups. Defensive midfielder Jaílton returned to training with the starters, and attacking midfielder Marcinho was dropped from the team and trained with the reserves.
After training, Joel gave an interview saying that he still doesn't know which team will take the field in the classic against Vasco, Sunday, at 16 pm, at Maracanã.
"By Friday, I'll choose the team that will play on Sunday. I might field a mixed team, but I'll wait for a few situations to determine which players I can count on."
The coach confirmed his intention to give some players game time in Sunday's game.
"Diego Tardelli, Kléberson, and Marcinho should play. They've only been here at Gávea for a short time and need to gain some more game rhythm, as well as help them adapt to the team's system," he declared.
Report of player's death at altitude angers Bolivian leaders
Bolivia - Bolivian doctors' accusations of a football player's alleged death due to altitude sickness were an act of "ignorance and lack of ethics" in the opinion of Bolivian football officials.
A report sent to Flamengo by Bolivian and Mexican doctors denounced the death of a player in the city of Potosí, Bolivia, located 4.000m above sea level.
The study concluded that playing in high-altitude cities is harmful to health and was called "irresponsible and lacking in truth" by Guido Loayza, former president of the Bolivian Football Federation.
"This shows Flamengo's ignorance on medical issues and, on the other hand, a lack of ethics in achieving its goals," Loayza declared.
Loayza assured today that the Bolivian Institute of Altitude Biology (IBBA) has produced the only reports on the practice of the sport at high altitude.
Bolivian leader Jorge Pacheco declared that the athlete's alleged death "is a lie, an aberration and shameful."
Carlos Chávez, president of the Bolivian Football Federation, is expected to express his dissatisfaction at the next meeting of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) in Asunción, Paraguay.
Colonel Raúl Mantilla, Potosí's police chief, responded with a "laugh" when asked about the complaint.
"Nothing like this has ever been heard of in Potosí or the surrounding cities," Mantilla said.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Flamengo will use reserves in the classic\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Coach Joel Santana ended the mystery and confirmed this Wednesday that Flamengo will use a mixed team in the classic next Sunday, at 16 pm (Brasília time), against Vasco, in the last round of the Rio Cup.\ With 16 points won, Rubro-Negro has a place in the semifinals assured thanks to the Guanabara Cup title and, therefore, will prioritize next Wednesday's match against Cienciano, in the altitude of Cusco, Peru, for the Copa Libertadores.\
"Flamengo is already thinking about the match against Cienciano, as it will be very difficult for our team," said coach Joel Santana. "We know that the derby against Vasco will always be important, and that's why Flamengo's group will be split in two. We'll have one schedule for the derby and another for the match in Peru," he added.
The match against Vasco ended up being a draw because both teams had qualified for the semifinals early. Furthermore, being first or second in a group doesn't mean they'll have an advantage in the next stage.
"This already happened in the first round, when Flamengo had the best performance in the group and in the overall standings and had no advantage. Fortunately, on that occasion, we managed to do well in the final stage and secured our place in the final," said Joel Santana.
However, fielding the reserves doesn't mean Joel Santana doesn't want to defeat Vasco on Sunday. "In a derby between Vasco and Flamengo, everyone wants a win, even if it's a toss-up. I'm absolutely certain that the players who take the field will do their best to win this difficult match," the coach stated.
Joel also mentioned the fact that the two remaining Copa Libertadores matches take place in crucial weeks of the Rio Cup. The coach declined to reveal what he will do to prevent players from becoming fatigued, but he assures that the Rubro-Negro's goal is to win the second round.
"This month will be very difficult for Flamengo, as we have decisions practically every Wednesday and Sunday. We know it won't be easy, as, in addition to the problems with injuries, we'll also have suspensions," laments the Flamengo coach.
"We really want to win the Taça Rio title precisely to reduce the number of finals. But it won't be easy, as Fluminense, Botafogo, and Vasco are also competing with the title in mind," Joel analyzed.
Gavilán – Off the field, the board is evaluating the situation of Paraguayan midfielder Gavilán, whose contract runs until the end of the month. The contract is risky, and the player hasn't been meeting the coaching staff's expectations.
The player was signed in December due to his extensive experience in the Copa Libertadores, a competition in which he has already played for Grêmio, Internacional and some Paraguayan football teams.
Gavilán, however, never managed to establish himself and, when he had the opportunity to play, he ended up with disastrous performances, such as in the 3-2 defeat to Botafogo, in the Taça Rio.
For Joel, Fla must focus on its matches\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo doesn't play in the Copa Libertadores until next week, but could leave the Group 4 qualifying zone this Thursday, depending on the result of Nacional's match against Coronel Bolognesi in Montevideo, Uruguay.\ The Uruguayans have six points, one less than Cienciano and Flamengo. Since the Peruvians have an advantage over the Brazilians in tiebreakers, a Nacional win would drop Flamengo to third place.\
Joel Santana, however, downplayed the importance of this match. "Of course, if I had to choose, I'd go for a Coronel victory, but Flamengo really needs to focus on its two remaining matches," the coach urged.
"If we win both our games, we'll secure qualification without relying on anything else. That's what we have to focus on," Joel said.
In addition to Cienciano, Flamengo will conclude its Copa Libertadores campaign by facing Coronel Bolognesi at the Maracanã Stadium. Flamengo is awaiting a court ruling this Thursday on its appeal to avoid having to play at the altitude of Cuzco, Peru.
Joel tests teams for upcoming games\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo coach Joel Santana took advantage of Wednesday afternoon to test out two different teams in a training session held at Gávea. One of the teams, consisting of the starting lineup, will face Cienciano-PER on April 9th in the Copa Libertadores. The reserves will face Vasco on Sunday in the final round of the Taça Rio. Joel is expected to field the following lineup this weekend, as Flamengo tries to secure the lead in Group A of the Carioca Championship: Marcelo Lomba, Rodrigo Arroz, Leonardo and Thiago Sales; Luizinho, Airton, Kléberson, Marcinho and Egídio; Maxi and Diego Tardelli.
Next week, in a game that could qualify Flamengo for the second phase of the Libertadores, the Rubro-Negro should play as follows: Bruno, Léo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Cristian, Ibson and Toró; Renato Augusto and Souza.
Fla will not have Toró and Obina in the classic against Vasco
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo lost midfielder Toró and forward Obina for this Saturday's derby against Vasco, at 16 p.m., at Maracanã Stadium. The two were tried this afternoon by the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court of Justice (TJD-RJ), and while Toró was suspended for one game, Obina was given a two-match suspension. Midfielder Jônatas, also in the dock, was suspended for one game, but has already served his sentence, while Bruno, also of Flamengo, was acquitted.
The four athletes were reported by prosecutor André Luís Valentin, of the TJD-RJ, due to the problems in the match against Botafogo (a 3-2 defeat for the red-black team), on the 16th, in the fourth round of the return leg. In the classic, only Jônatas and Obina received a red card.
Flamengo leads Group A of the Rio Cup, with 16 points, the same number as Fluminense, which has one less goal difference.
PELENET
Fla adopts political discourse and rules out new controversy with Cienciano
Pedro Ponzoni\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo decided to wave the flag of peace. This Wednesday, after training at Gávea, the players and coach Joel Santana preferred not to discuss the "Cusco altitude" issue again. The match against Cienciano-PER will be held on the 9th, in the fifth round of Group 4 of the Copa Libertadores da América.
"We should play anywhere. At Aterro do Flamengo or at altitude. We can't increase this hostile climate," said coach Joel Santana, who was echoed by right-back Leonardo Moura.
"We will abide by whatever is decided. Regardless of what is decided, we will try to defend Flamengo in the best way possible," the Flamengo player emphasized.
A meeting will take place this Thursday at CONMEBOL headquarters in Paraguay. South American officials will decide whether matches above 2.750 meters above sea level, without a minimum one-week adaptation period, will also be considered for team matches. CBF president Ricardo Teixeira will represent Brazil.
Since last year's Libertadores match against Real Potosí-BOL in Bolivia, Flamengo's board has been fighting to ban high-altitude matches. On that occasion, some Flamengo players were "saved" by oxygen tanks.
By practically going it alone in this fight to avoid playing at altitude, Flamengo ended up becoming Cienciano's number one enemy and persona non grata for Peruvian fans. The expectation is that the Flamengo delegation will receive a hostile reception upon arrival in Cusco.
Flamengo is second in Group 4, led by Cienciano. Both teams have seven points, but the Peruvians lead the Brazilians on goal difference: 1-0. Nacional-URU is right behind with six. Coronel Bolognesi-PER is last with just two.
TJD-RJ will not miss Flamengo's Rio Cup semifinal
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo was concerned about the trials of goalkeeper Bruno, midfielder Jônatas, midfielder Toró, and forward Obina. However, on Wednesday, the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court (TJD-RJ) decided to punish only Toró and Obina.
The midfielder was suspended for one game, while the striker was suspended for two, with one serving. Therefore, both will be unable to play for Flamengo in this Sunday's derby against Vasco, at 16 pm, at Maracanã, for the Taça Rio, the second round of the State Championship.
Bruno was acquitted by the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice (TJD-RJ). Jônatas received a one-game suspension, which he has already served, and is normally available for Joel Santana for this weekend's match.
The four were reported by the prosecutor of the TJD-RJ, André Luís Valentin, due to the problems in the match against Botafogo (a 3-2 defeat for the red-black team), on the 16th, in the fourth round of the return leg. In the classic, only Jônatas and Obina received a red card.
In this way, Joel Santana, with only Bruno as a starter, should field the following Flamengo team to face Vasco: Bruno, Thiago Sales, Leonardo and Rodrigo Arroz; Luizinho, Kléberson, Jônatas, Marcinho and Egídio; Maxi Biancucchi and Diego Tardelli.
Flamengo leads Group A of the Rio Cup with 16 points, tied with Fluminense. However, Flamengo has the advantage on goal difference: 10 to 9.
Joel Santana tests Flamengo to face Vasco and Cienciano
Pedro Ponzoni\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Joel Santana hasn't yet decided how he'll line up Flamengo for Sunday's derby against Vasco da Gama at 16 p.m. at Maracanã, the eighth and final round of the Taça Rio, the second round of the State Championship. However, during Wednesday's training session at Gávea, the coach gave another indication that he may field the reserves.
Joel Santana could field different teams in Rubro-Negro's next two matches
In the training session, which lasted approximately 35 minutes and ended in a 0-0 draw, Joel Santana selected one team for the duel with Cienciano, Wednesday, April 9, at the altitude of Cusco, for the Copa Libertadores da América, and another for the classic this Sunday.
"I've trained two different teams. We'll still be doing other work during the week. I'll decide by Friday," said the red-black manager, who is very concerned about the decisions made by goalkeeper Bruno, midfielder Jônatas, midfielder Toró and forward Obina.
To face Vasco, Flamengo should enter the field with the following formation: Marcelo Lomba, Thiago Sales, Leonardo and Rodrigo Arroz; Luizinho, Kléberson, Airton, Marcinho and Egídio; Maxi Biancucchi and Diego Tardelli.
Airton, who has been with the club for three months from Nova Iguaçu, would likely replace Jônatas if the midfielder is suspended. In goal, Marcelo Lomba and Diego would compete for Bruno's spot if the number 1 is also punished by the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court (TJD-RJ).
For the duel with Cienciano, Joel Santana, without the slightest problem, can choose this team: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson and Toró; Renato Augusto and Souza
Cienciano says he will leave Libertadores if altitude is vetoed
From international agencies\ In Cuzco (Peru)\
Continuing the saga involving FIFA's ban on football matches being held at 2.750 meters above sea level, Peru's Cienciano announced this Wednesday that it could withdraw from the Copa Libertadores if the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) confirms the decision of football's governing body.
The Peruvian club's vice president, Guido Farfán, said his team is confident that the CONMEBOL Executive Committee will allow matches to be played at high altitudes at its meeting this Thursday. "It would be unfair to leave us without our home field, so we're analyzing the possibility of not playing in the Libertadores," said the director of the Cuzco-based team, which sits at 3.400 meters above sea level.
For Farfán, the hope is that Flamengo—Cienciano's opponent on April 9th in the continental tournament in Peru—will not pressure the organization. Since last year, the Brazilian team has been a leading advocate for the ban on high-altitude matches.
"There is no case of any player dying or suffering any problems from playing in a high-altitude city, as has happened in places with temperatures above 34 degrees, due to dehydration," he said.
Cienciano president Juvenal Silva will define the details of the defense with the president of the Peruvian Football Federation, Manuel Burga, this Wednesday so that matches can continue at the Peruvian altitude.
Even the Cuzco team's coach, Franco Navarro, expressed his dismay at the possibility of the club not being able to play at its stadium. He believes that if the ban is upheld, Cienciano "won't play against Flamengo." "If they don't come here, we won't go wherever they want. This is our home," the coach added.
GLOBOESPORTE
Obina thinks about the semi-finals, and Bruno is surprised
Goalkeeper and striker are relieved with the outcome of the trial at the TJD, this Wednesday
Joana Tiso
Bruno, Toró and Obina relieved with Flamengo's trial at the TJD-RJ
The outcome of the Sports Justice Court trial this Wednesday brought relief to Flamengo. A repeat offender (he had already been sent off in the 2008 Carioca Championship and suspended for five matches in 2006), Obina couldn't hide his joy at being punished for only two games. Having already served one, he will only miss the derby against Vasco.
"It's a huge relief, because I've already been suspended and I know how difficult it is. That was a heated moment in the game, but I just wanted to get the ball," the player said, respecting the incident in which he allegedly punched Botafogo goalkeeper Castillo. "It was better than I expected. I leave the court with my head held high. I'll be back in the semifinals."
The striker highly praised the performance of lawyer Michel Asseff Filho.
"Michel did a good job and managed to turn the situation around. He did everything he could. I regret not being able to do more on the field. Next time, I'll catch the ball outside the field, which is easier," he says.
Acquitted of the charge of trying to punch striker Wellington Paulista, goalkeeper Bruno was even surprised by the result.
"I'm happy. But even I didn't expect unanimity," he said of the auditors' decision.
The goalkeeper, who had said he would not attend the trial because he was not a "criminal", said he had changed his view regarding the TJD.
"When you talk about the court, you get this whole criminal thing. But the president explained, and everything was fine." (Midway through the session, auditor Jonei Garcia commented on Bruno's statements, saying that the TJD judged athletes, not criminals.)
Jônatas and Toró were suspended for one game. The former did not attend the trial, and the latter said he was satisfied with the outcome but declined to comment.
Lawyer celebrates 'victory'
Michel Asseff Filho was thrilled with what he considered another victory in the defense of Rubro-Negro.
- Article 253 (physical assault) is greatly exaggerated. The Court was right to downgrade the case to Article 255 (act of hostility) in the case of Jônatas and Toró (Obina and Bruno were acquitted of this charge). Obina ended up being punished for violent play (Article 254). That's not the case, but he's a repeat offender, and there was little way to avoid suspension.
TJD will not miss Fla's semifinal match
Bruno, Toró, Obina and Jônatas released for the final stretch of the competition
Bruno, Toró and Obina satisfied with the outcome of the trial at the TJD-RJ
Coach Joel Santana feared a major loss for Flamengo in the final stretch of the Campeonato Carioca with the trial of four players—Bruno, Toró, Jônatas, and Obina. But the outcome of the quartet's trial at the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court on Wednesday brought "very minor injuries" to the club.
The longest penalty went to Obina, who received a two-game suspension for his sending-off in the match against Botafogo on March 16th, in the fourth round of the Campeonato Carioca. Having already served one, he will only miss the derby against Vasco. Also indicted for incidents in the match, Toró and Jônatas each received one game suspension. Bruno was acquitted. Therefore, Flamengo has no players barred from playing in the Taça Rio semifinal. Obina and Toró are out of Sunday's match against Vasco. Jônatas has already served his automatic suspension and is free to play (watch the video below for controversial moments from the Fla-Bota match in the Taça Rio).
Obina was charged under two articles: 254 (committing a violent play), for the tackle on Lúcio Flavio, and 253 (committing a completed violent play), for the punch he allegedly gave Botafogo goalkeeper Castillo's leg. Flamengo's defense managed to acquit the striker of the second charge (a sentence of 120 to 540 days) and obtained the minimum sentence for violent play (two to six matches).
Jônatas was acquitted of the charge of complaining or disrespecting the referee. Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Asseff Filho, downgraded the charge to Article 253 (unconsummated attempted assault) to the more lenient Article 251 (hostile act). The same ruling applied to Toró.
Finally, goalkeeper Bruno was acquitted of the charge of violent play, after being suspected of having attempted to attack striker Wellington Paulista with a punch.\ The Flamengo lawyer did not hide his satisfaction with the result.\
- Obina only got suspended for two games due to his recurrence, but I am very satisfied with the outcome of the trial.
Leo Moura approves the return of the 2007 base
The full-back asks the team to play the ball and not join Cienciano's rush
Eduardo Peixoto
Leonardo Moura says the 2007 Brasileirão team has more chemistry
It was just the first training session in preparation for the match against Cienciano on the 9th in Cuzco for the Copa Libertadores. But coach Joel Santana showed his preference for the players who were at Flamengo in 2007. Right-back Leo Moura believes the team can benefit from the coach's choice.
"The team already knows each other, they have a good rapport. We already know where the other will be. This will definitely make our lives easier," says the player.
In Joel Santana's view, with Jaílton replacing Kleberson and Toró replacing Marcinho, the team will come out with more physical strength. This, in the coach's opinion, is crucial to withstand the adversities caused by the thin air of Peru's Imperial City, which sits 3.360 meters above sea level.
Leo Moura issues a warning: Flamengo cannot turn physical vigor into excessive wear and tear.
"All they want is for our team to rush into a rut. We can't fall into that trap. We need to play the ball, keep it safe, and stay well positioned," he says.
In 2007, Flamengo visited Real Potosí at an altitude of nearly 4.000 meters. Initially, they rushed forward, positioned themselves poorly, and conceded two goals to the Bolivians. At halftime, then-coach Ney Franco made two substitutions, and the team settled down and equalized with goals from Roni and Obina.
National receives lantern with an eye on the top
Uruguayan team will surpass Flamengo and Cienciano in case of victory over Bolognesi
Richard Morales is confirmed in the Nacional attack in Central Park
Third-placed in Group 4, the same as Flamengo, Nacional will be looking to leverage its home advantage in its two remaining first-round matches to secure a spot in the round of 18 of the Copa Libertadores. This Thursday, the Uruguayan team, which has six points, faces bottom-placed Coronel Bolognesi, which has two. The match will be broadcast live at 40:2 PM (Brasília time) on SporTVXNUMX.
Flamengo and Ciencieno lead the group with seven points. The competition with a Brazilian team for a spot in the next round prompted Nacional's board to protest to CONMEBOL regarding the selection of referee Paulo César Oliveira for Thursday's match at Parque Central.
Coach Gerardo Pelusso held a secret training session this Wednesday, but he shouldn't be surprised, at least in terms of the lineup, as there are no players missing for the match. Everyone at Nacional tried to show respect for Bolognesi, who have yet to win in the Libertadores.
- They will play irresponsibly, which could make them a difficult opponent - said goalkeeper Alexis Viera.
At Bolognesi, recent poor results have left the atmosphere tense, with rumors swirling that coach Juan Reynoso is at risk of being fired. The Peruvian team will finish the first phase by facing Flamengo at Maracanã on the 23rd, while Nacional faces Cienciano in Montevideo.
Reserves vs. Vasco. Jaílton and Toró in Cusco
Coach tests formation that finished 2007 for game against Cienciano
Eduardo Peixoto
Toró returned to training among the starters and has a good chance of starting in Cuzco
Flamengo will face Vasco da Gama on Sunday with its reserve team. Coach Joel Santana is now preparing his starting lineup for the Copa Libertadores match against Cienciano on the 9th. In his first test, the coach demonstrated a tendency toward a cautious formation to face the 3.360 meters of Cuzco.
Kleberson and Marcinho were replaced in the starting lineup by Toró and Jaílton, respectively. With these changes, Flamengo trained with the same starting lineup that finished the last Brazilian Championship: Bruno; Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, and Toró; Renato Augusto and Souza.
Joel has repeatedly stated that he favors the 2007 team because of the players' efforts to lift Flamengo out of the relegation zone and qualify for the Copa Libertadores. In the coach's view, the system also provided the team with solid performances.
On the other hand, the team that should face Vasco, in the last round of the Rio Cup, was selected with: Marcelo Lomba; Rodrigo Arroz, Leonardo and Thiago Sales; Luizinho, Aírton, Kleberson, Diego Tardelli and Egídio; Marcinho and Maxi.
The new addition is 18-year-old Aírton. The midfielder arrived at Flamengo three months ago, impressed coach Adílio, and started training with the professionals last week.
"I'm going to prepare two teams and tinker with these pieces throughout the week. I can't put too many worms in the fans' heads," says Joel.
The coach guaranteed the selection of some players signed this year against Vasco:
"Diego Tardelli, Kleberson, and Marcinho are still adapting and need to play. The others don't. They've known my work for over seven months."
Conmebol discusses altitude controversy
The entity's Executive Committee meets this Thursday in Asunción, Paraguay
The Executive Committee of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) will meet this Thursday in Asunción to discuss a FIFA recommendation to extend to continental tournaments the ban on games held in cities above 2.750 meters in altitude. FIFA recently prohibited South American qualifying matches for the next World Cup from being played in cities located more than 2.750 meters above sea level without a minimum two-week adaptation period.
According to sources at Conmebol, the ban on qualifying matches is irreversible, as it is a competition "under the exclusive responsibility of FIFA".
Fla defeats Vasco and becomes two-time rowing champion
The 2007 State Two-Com Test was held again, following a decision by the STJD
Flamengo rowers pose smiling with the 2007 state championship trophy
Flamengo won its second state rowing championship last Sunday, on the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon courses. The Dois Com boat, led by rowers Francisco Ramon and Pedro Linhares and helmsman Maurício Abreu, came in first place after a fierce battle against Vasco da Gama, which took second place. Botafogo finished third. This information is from the newspaper "O Globo."
The Dois Com event was held again this Sunday, following a ruling by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD). Late last year, Flamengo filed an appeal with the State Rowing Confederation requesting the cancellation of the event, which was valid for the second regatta of the competition, which Vasco won in November. At the time, the Flamengo team claimed that a Vasco athlete competed without being registered for the event.
Coach guarantees 100% squad in Cuzco
Torres says the team is 'flying,' but reaction to altitude varies depending on the athlete.
Cahê Mota
Juan prepares for the match
While the board works to avoid holding the Libertadores match against Cienciano at an altitude of 3.360 meters in Cuzco, Flamengo's coaching staff has been working almost in secret for over a month, preparing the squad to deal with the common oxygen shortages during high-altitude matches. Responsible for this planning, fitness coach Ronaldo Torres is excited about the red-and-blacks' performance.
"The group is amazing. Very well conditioned. That's important. We've been doing breath-holding exercises in the pool, traction on the grass, where they run with their breath held. But that doesn't guarantee that the athlete will get up there and crush it. It depends on each individual's body. Suddenly, an athlete with excellent conditioning gets there and gets sick," explains Ronaldo, who revealed an improvement in the group, which used to spend 40 seconds underwater, and now has players who stay for about three minutes.
A former soccer player, the fitness coach, however, won't be tackling the 3.360-meter Cuzco climb. With a less-than-favorable track record at altitude, he'll be watching the team on television.
"I'm not going because when I was playing, I went to Quito and couldn't even walk. It's a physiological issue, there's a risk. I could go and have nothing happen, but the club's medical department thought it best that I not go."
Ronaldo Torres is so confident in the work done by the coaching staff that he is banking on Flamengo's strong physical performance in Cuzco, and he emphasizes that this whole controversy could harm the team's mental health.
"You'll feel it, but we're working to make it less so. We're doing well physically. I guarantee 100% that the team will handle it, but physiologically, it's up to each player. We can't keep forcing anything into the player's head. The psychological aspect plays a big role."
Reserves against Vasco is the guideline. The squad's preparation process involves resting before the match against Cienciano. Therefore, Ronaldo Torres uses technical arguments to show that the best option at the moment is to rest the starters for the game against Vasco, next Sunday, in the Rio Cup.
"Ideally, the athlete should have 48 to 72 hours to recover after the match. If we already have a long trip on Monday, the strain would be even greater. Physiologically, it would be better to rest, but if Joel asks, the team will play and perform."
THROW
Flamengo comes out on top in TJD trial
Bruno is acquitted. Obina and Toró will not be able to face Vasco.
Rubro-negros escaped more severe punishments (Cleber Mendes)
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo came out on top in Wednesday's trial of four of its players for incidents during the March 16 derby against Botafogo. Bruno, Obina, Toró, and Jônatas had been indicted, but none of them received a lengthy suspension.
Goalkeeper Bruno was unanimously acquitted. Toró was suspended for one match and will not be able to face Vasco on Sunday. Obina, who had already served a one-match suspension, received a two-match suspension and will also be unable to face Vasco. Midfielder Jônatas is exempt from any punishment, having already served a one-match suspension.
Zico dedicates Fenerbahçe's victory to the red-blacks
Galinho de Quintino thanks Brazilian fans for their support
Zico celebrates scoring in Fenerbahçe's victory over Chelsea (Credit: Reuters)
Daniel Leal in Rio de Janeiro
Fenerbahçe coach Zico dedicated his 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Champions League quarterfinals to Flamengo fans this Wednesday. "Galinho de Quintino" thanked the Flamengo fans in Brazil for their support.
- It wasn't a red-black victory, but it was a victory for the red-blacks who support me there in Brazil - the coach told LANCENET!.
Regarding the match, Zico revealed that the Turkish team was nervous at the start of the match. For the coach, being in this stage of the League for the first time took its toll on the team.
"I think we felt the pressure. We were nervous and left a lot of space. That's why we didn't do well in the first half," he said.
Galinho only managed to finalize his team after speaking with the players at halftime. With goals from Kazim and Deivid—who also scored an own goal in the match—Fener took the lead in the qualifying match in London.
"We tightened our defense in the second half and got the win. We showed a lot of courage and character, and now we have the advantage," he declared.
Bruno feels relieved by his acquittal
Goalkeeper says even his family was suffering because of the trial\ LANCEPRESS!\
One of those charged by the TJD for the incidents during the March 16 classic against Botafogo, goalkeeper Bruno admitted to being relieved by his acquittal. He had been charged under Article 253 (violent play), but he won't even have to serve a one-game suspension.
Bruno did not hide the fact that even his family was upset about the possibility of suspension and that a weight was lifted off his shoulders by being able to train calmly this Thursday.
"I'm relieved. I've already said that my family was suffering from the trial. I'm glad everything worked out. I'll arrive at training happy, with a smile on my face. The important thing is that I was acquitted," he declared.
Obina praises Flamengo's lawyer
Striker will miss Sunday's classic against Vasco\ LANCEPRESS!\
After being sentenced to a lenient two-game suspension this Wednesday, striker Obina made a point of praising Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Asseff Filho, for defending him and Toró, Bruno and Jônatas.
Obina had been sent off on March 16th against Botafogo for sliding into midfielder Lucio Flavio. Furthermore, the Flamengo striker had assaulted goalkeeper Castillo after Flamengo's second goal and had also been charged for this.
"Michel (Assef Filho, legal director) did a good job and managed to turn the situation around. He did everything he could. I regret not being able to do more on the field. Next time, I'll catch the ball outside the field, where it's easier," Obina mused.
Trial result satisfies lawyer
Michel Asseff Filho only regrets Obina's sentence\ LANCEPRESS!\
Tasked with trying to free Toró, Obina, Bruno, and Jônatas from heavy suspensions, Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Asseff Filho, was pleased with the outcome of the trial. However, he argued that Obina's situation was actually more complicated.
"Given the facts, the punishment under Article 253 was excessive, so much so that the articles were disqualified. Obina only served two games due to his repeated offense, but I'm very satisfied with the outcome of the trial."
Obina had been suspended for 120 days after elbowing Internacional defender Índio in last year's Brazilian Championship. He served part of his sentence, which was reduced to five matches.
Players perfect finishing
Most people have poor performance with the foot that doesn't normally kick.
LANCEPRESS!\ Flamengo is holding a technical training session this Wednesday, which consists of goal kicks. First, the players shot with their left foot. Then, with their right foot. Their performance with the leg they don't normally shoot with is poor.\
To lighten the mood, there's a penalty for those who kick the ball over the field's guardrail. They'll have to do jumping jacks as punishment. The three goalkeepers take turns performing the activity.
The defenders undergo specific technical training. The first half-hour of training is dedicated to physical training.
Flamengo: retrospect with 'mixed' is reasonable
Against Vasco, however, he lost the last two matches
Luizinho could be one of those who will have the opportunity (Credit: Cléber Mendes)
Bruno Braz RIO DE JANEIRO
Coach Joel Santana, during Tuesday's training session, hinted that he will field a team composed mostly of reserves in the match against Vasco in the final round of the Taça Rio qualifying round. This will give Flamengo's "mixed" squad another chance to earn the coach's trust. So far, their performance in 2008 has been reasonable.
This year, the Red-Blacks have already played five matches with a team that wasn't considered a starter. They've won three and lost two. However, the worrying fact is that, precisely on those occasions when they lost, their opponents were Fluminense and Botafogo, traditional Rio rivals.
Against Vasco, the team that the mixed team will face, the record is not the best, as in the last four years, twice the "expressinho" from Gávea was selected and left the field defeated by the Colina club.
On the other hand, in the same years they lost to their rivals, they were crowned champions. The first was in the Rio Cup in 2004. The reserves took the field and lost 2-1. A few days later, with the starters, they faced Vasco again in the final and took the trophy.
In 2006, Flamengo and Vasco rested their main teams in the Brazilian Championship because the following week they would decide the Copa do Brasil. The Cruzmaltino prevailed, winning the match 1-0, with a goal from defender Paulão. However, in the final of the national knockout competition, the Rubro-Negro was ruthless and took the title once again (playing with the starting lineup).
Check out Flamengo's lineup for the last two games against Vasco, playing with the mixed team:
2004 Rio Cup (21/03) 2006 Brazilian Championship (16/07)\ Flamengo 1 x 2 Vasco Flamengo 0 x 1 Vasco\ Team: Diego, Anderson Luiz (Renan), Junior Baiano, Douglas Silva, Reginaldo Araujo; Team: Diego, Leonardo Moura, Renato Silva, Ronaldo Angelim, André Lima, Paulinho, Leo Medeiros, Toró (Marcelinho), Renato Augusto (Walter Minhoca), Fabiano Oliveira, Luizão (Obina).\