The Globe
A championship and many stories to tell
Rio strengthens and breaks records, champion shows unprecedented supremacy, a giant falls and top scorer is relegated
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
The title, which hasn't been won since 2000, hasn't yet returned to Rio de Janeiro. But Rio de Janeiro football emerged stronger from the Brazilian Championship, which concluded yesterday. In a competition that will be remembered for São Paulo's supremacy, the fall of a Brazilian giant, and a relegated top scorer, Rio's representatives will also have good stories to tell. Of the four best teams in the Brazilian Championship, two are from Rio: Flamengo and Fluminense.
The 2007 Brazilian Championship will be remembered for Flamengo's spectacular comeback. With many games postponed due to the Pan American Games, the team spent 16 rounds in the relegation zone, many of them without playing, before embarking on an unprecedented comeback. In the last 24 games of the year, they won 15, drew four, and finished in third place.
Fluminense's fourth-place finish, achieved after their victory over Santos, joined Flamengo as the first two Rio teams to finish among the top four in the Brazilian league during the points-based era. After 23 years, Rio will have two teams in the Copa Libertadores.
Champion, São Paulo also breaks records
Rio broke another record yesterday. Vasco's victory and Botafogo's draw meant that, for the first time in the points-based era, which began in 2003, all Rio teams finished in the top half of the table—that is, tenth place and above.
Years from now, it will be impossible to talk about this Brazilian Championship without remembering Flamengo's fans, who broke countless records and fueled the team's comeback. As home team, Flamengo averaged over 39 paying spectators per game and had eight of the ten largest attendances in the national competition, bringing the most people to stadiums this decade.
The champion's supremacy will also be remembered in the 2007 Brazilian Championship, despite a 2-1 defeat to Atlético-PR in the final round. São Paulo, which finished 15 points ahead of Santos, established the largest lead between champion and runner-up in the points-based era. The São Paulo club also broke another record: it was the champion with the furthest lead in all editions of the Brazilian Championship. The team confirmed its title four rounds early, beating América-RN on October 31st, in the 34th round.
Never in the history of Brazilian football has such a large fan base seen its team relegated to Serie B. Corinthians, with the second-largest fan base in the country, concluded a year marked by off-field scandals with relegation, sealed in Porto Alegre in a draw with Grêmio. In the recent history of the Brazilian Championship, it joins Fluminense, Grêmio, Palmeiras, and Botafogo in the group of elite clubs that have tasted the bitter taste of the Second Division.
As surprising as seeing Corinthians in Serie B is seeing a Brazilian Championship conclude for the first time with a relegated top scorer. No one has scored more goals than Josiel, who scored 20 times. But only one club—América-RN—fell behind Paraná, Josiel's team. After yesterday's loss to Vasco, the striker left São Januário as Brazil's new top scorer, but relegated to Serie B.
Bureaucratic, Fla loses in Recife and does not reach the vice
Despite the result, the team is in the group stage of the Libertadores
RECIFE. A win was enough for Flamengo to finish as runner-up in the Brazilian Championship. However, attacking absences and a tendency to be complacent in part of the match resulted in the red-and-black team closing out the Brazilian Championship with a 1-0 loss to Náutico in Recife, with Sidny scoring the goal. Third place, however, is Flamengo's best finish since 1992, when they were champions.
Before halftime, little was at stake in Recife. When Atlético-MG opened the scoring against Palmeiras, it became almost impossible for Flamengo to lose third place and its automatic spot in the Libertadores group stage. All that remained was the fight for second place, an impressive feat for a team that had spent much of the Brazilian Championship in the relegation zone. With Fluminense's victory over Santos, Flamengo only had to win.
Náutico scores a goal with a missed shot by Sidny
However, Flamengo rarely picked up the pace, and Náutico was the one creating chances. In the 12th minute, Júlio César had complete freedom to control the ball and shoot against the crossbar. In the 21st, Elicarlos forced a great save from Bruno. Only in the 35th minute did Flamengo threaten, thanks to a beautiful play by Maxi, who performed a disconcerting dribble past Vágner Silva, got to the baseline, and crossed for Toró, who, even with goalkeeper Fabiano beaten, shot over the crossbar. In the 41st, Flamengo again created space, and Geraldo penetrated unmolested before shooting just wide of Bruno's post.
When the second half returned, Flamengo was firmly in the running for second place, as Fluminense was already leading Santos 3-1. Two minutes in, Obina nearly scored with a beautiful shot from outside the box. In the 13th minute, Roger, who had replaced Maxi, shot, but Fabiano made a great save. On the rebound, Fábio Luciano missed a great chance.
Gradually, however, Roger faded, and with Obina also playing poorly, Flamengo lost its offensive momentum. The punishment came in the 32nd minute, when Sidny got behind Juan and shot poorly. Bruno was slow to jump, and the ball went into the right corner. Flamengo still had a chance to equalize when Ibson shot from distance, but goalkeeper Fabiano let it go. Paulo Sérgio, in the six-yard box, picked up the rebound and missed an incredible goal.
Yellow cards: Ibson, Toro, Leonardo Moura, Ronaldo Angelim.
FLAMENGO
BRUNO: He failed to score on Sidny's goal, jumping too late after the Náutico player's mistimed shot. He made two excellent saves during the rest of the game. 4,5.
LEONARDO MOURA: Well marked when he tried to support the attack, he created few dangerous plays. 5.
FÁBIO LUCIANO: He struggled because his defense was exposed at various points. He missed a great chance to score the equalizer. He did very well marking Acosta. 6.
RONALDO ANGELIM: Like his teammate, he struggled due to the lack of defense protection. He struggled more in the second half. 5.
JUAN: Struggling to support from the wing, he frightened the Náutico goalkeeper with a dangerous free kick. In the second half, he switched to midfield but failed to create many chances. 5,5.
CRISTIAN: He played with great energy. He was overwhelmed in midfield, but managed to make tackles. 6,5.
LÉO MEDEIROS: Lost in the marking, when he had the ball he was slow and misplaced many passes. He contributed little to the attack. 4,5. He was replaced by EGÍDIO, who came on and was rarely used throughout the game. 5.
TORÓ: His performance was significantly worse than previous performances. Playing further forward, he lacked the creativity to provide the attackers with ammunition. He misplaced many passes and missed a great scoring opportunity. 4,5.
IBSON: With his usual disposition, he managed to help the midfield with tackles, but he wasn't brilliant in setting up attacking plays. 6.
MAXI: He had one great play in the first half, and that was it. For the rest of his time on the pitch, he was largely dominated by the opposing defense. 5. At halftime, he was replaced by ROGER, who had a dangerous shot but gradually faded from the game. 5,5.
OBINA: He hit a beautiful shot in the second half, which went just wide of the goal. He tried to move and look for play outside the box, but he still looked heavy on the field. 5.
NAUTICAL
Besides full-back Sidny, who scored the winning goal, the Pernambuco team's standouts were midfielder Geraldo, forward Marcelinho, and goalkeeper Fabiano, who made three fine saves. Acosta, who was in contention for the Brazilian Championship's top scorer spot, was ruled out by the marking.
ARBITRATION
Paulo César de Oliveira led the game well. In the end, he had disciplinary issues when the players nearly came to blows on the field.
Sports Journal
Flamengo loses at Aflitos
The red-black team couldn't hold back Timbu's momentum
Flamengo had an excellent 2007, but ended the season with a loss. This Sunday, the Rubro-Negro traveled to Recife to face Náutico and lost 1-0. Timbu's goal was scored by Sidny in the second half. With Palmeiras' loss, Flamengo finished the Brazilian Championship in third place and will not need to compete in the Libertadores Cup, entering directly into the group stage. Timbu finished in 15th place.
In the intense heat at Aflitos Stadium, neither team created many opportunities. Náutico had an excellent chance in the first half, when left-back Julio Cesar's shot hit the post. Flamengo responded with Toró, who squandered a great opportunity after a superb play by Argentine Maxi.
In the second half, the game remained lukewarm. Joel Santana brought on Roger for Maxi, but the change didn't have much effect. After much persistence, and with the support of their fanatical fans, Náutico finally got there. Sidny received a good pass, advanced quickly, and fired a cross-shot. The ball bounced and beat goalkeeper Bruno.
Flamengo even had chances to equalize, most notably on a play by Fabio Luciano, who found himself unmarked in the six-yard box and fired a shot just wide of the right post. Young Paulo Sérgio also missed a great opportunity in the 38th minute, after latching onto a rebound from the Pernambuco goalkeeper. But Flamengo's celebration was already guaranteed last week. Bring on the Libertadores!
After the final whistle, supporter Roger, who renewed his contract with Flamengo until 2010, gave a positive assessment of the club, which was in the relegation zone but ended the year as the third best team in the Brazilian league.
"I believe that, given Flamengo's current condition, this third-place finish was undoubtedly a reward for all of us, from the players to the management and fans. I think it will give us double the motivation to fight for titles next year."
The player who came on in the second half, when he improved the red-black midfield, also said that Flamengo lacked luck to leave the field with the three points, a result that would have given Flamengo the runner-up position.
"I think we did well, but we lost by small margins. If we had taken advantage of our chances, I believe the result would have been different," Roger concluded.
Maxi will take Flamengo's shirt to Messi
Flamengo forward Maxi Biancucchi already knows what he'll give his cousin Messi, a Barcelona player, as a gift. On his way to Argentina, the Flamengo player will bring a special gift with him.
"I'm going to give him a shirt with my name on it. I already have a collection of Barça shirts. Now it's his turn to get a Flamengo one. I haven't seen him in a while, but the topic won't be football," Maxi said.
In fact, Flamengo shirts are souvenirs that the player likes to give to his relatives.
"When my family was here in October, I gave everyone a shirt. My brother Emanuel parades dressed as Flamengo," he said.
O Dia
Fla: Defeat, yes, so what?
Flamengo lost, but finished third, their best position since 1992.
RECIFE - The hangover from the early celebration of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores took its toll on Flamengo. Lacking motivation, the Gávea team ended its participation in the Brazilian Championship with a 1-0 loss to Náutico yesterday at Estádio dos Aflitos. Even so, Flamengo finished the Championship in third place, its best finish since winning the 1992 title.
Cheered on by the fans who had come to the stadium to bid farewell to the team, Náutico nearly opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Júlio César unleashed a powerful shot from distance that hit the crossbar. And in the 21st minute, facing a completely listless Flamengo, the Pernambuco team threatened again. Elicarlos received the ball from the right and fired a well-placed shot, but Bruno made a good save.
Flamengo only got its first chance in the 35th minute. Argentine Maxi made a good run down the right and, between Everaldo's legs, crossed for Toró. But the midfielder missed the most obvious goal of the match, shooting over the bar.
A good shot from Geraldo capped off the highlights of the first half. However, the ball went just wide of goalkeeper Bruno's post.
Impatient with the red-and-black team's laziness, coach Joel Santana replaced Maxi with Roger at halftime. It seemed as if Flamengo would wake up. And they came close, 13 minutes into the second half, when Fábio Luciano grabbed the rebound from a ball palmed away by goalkeeper Fabiano and shot poorly, wide.
That was it. Náutico would once again take control of the match and, in the 32nd minute, score the winning goal: Ferreira passed the ball to Sidny, who shot into the right corner.
And, as a final breath of hope, goalkeeper Fabiano parried a shot from Íbson in the 38th minute. Paulo Sérgio, who had replaced Obina, grabbed the rebound but sent the ball over the bar.
OUT OF CONTROL
Unable to find their feet on the field, Flamengo's team was on edge. Fábio Luciano had already clashed with Everaldo and Acosta, but referee Paulo César de Oliveira let it slide.
Then it was Leonardo Moura's turn to argue with the referee, and Roger's with Everaldo. While the fight was evenly matched, Flamengo lost the ball.
Joel postpones vacation to seek reinforcements
Coach Joel Santana was agitated in front of the bench, but at the end of the game, he didn't mourn the loss to Náutico. A spot in the Libertadores and third place, his best finish since 92, were enough to guarantee him a happy Christmas.
"We didn't play that bad a game. We missed three incredible goals. But the important thing is that our biggest goal was achieved, with everyone's sacrifice. We'll have a happy Christmas, because Flamengo has once again honored its traditions," he said.
The team is on vacation and will return on January 3rd. But Joel still has one commitment before traveling to Paris, where his daughter lives: "I have to evaluate the squad. We have to strengthen the team in some positions."
Sports Gazette
Joel is not shaken by defeat in farewell\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The loss to Náutico in the last match of the Brazilian Championship didn't faze coach Joel Santana. He said a natural relaxation occurred after securing qualification for the Libertadores. The coach recalled that the team missed a few chances to decide the match at Aflitos and was ultimately punished with a late goal. The manager stated that the red-and-black fans have every reason to continue celebrating and that he hopes to receive a surprise when Brazil's best coach is chosen, which will take place this Monday at a party at the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Theater.
For Joel, São Paulo coach Muricy Ramalho is a deserved favorite to win the trophy, but he believes his work at Flamengo was excellent and he can win the award. The coach assured that planning for 2008 will begin as soon as possible.
The players go on vacation this Monday, and Argentine striker Maxi travels to Buenos Aires with a mission: to deliver a Flamengo jersey to his cousin, Barcelona star Leonel Messi. The two are expected to meet during the Christmas holidays in the Argentine capital.
Nautico beats Flamengo in Aflitos: 1-0\ Gazeta Press\
Recife (PE) - In a friendly match, Náutico defeated Flamengo 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at the Aflitos stadium in Recife. After a lackluster first half, Flamengo decided to attack in the second half, but Sidny's goal in the 32nd minute gave the home crowd a chance to celebrate, and the red-and-blacks lost the chance to end their Brasileirão campaign as runner-up. Flamengo, having secured a spot in the 2008 Libertadores, took to the field with a relaxed attitude. Passing the ball around without much haste, the Rio de Janeiro team found themselves facing a Náutico that, while also lacking any further ambitions in the match, at least tried to end their Brazilian Championship campaign with a good showing in front of their fans.
And the home team's first big chance came in the 11th minute, with a shot from outside the box by Júlio César. The full-back received the ball in midfield, adjusted his position, and unleashed a left-footed shot that exploded off Bruno's crossbar.
Flamengo had more momentum, but were slow and lacked direction. Náutico, on the other hand, sought to break out quickly on the counterattack, constantly threatening the defense, as seen in the 21st minute. Pernembuco's attack put together a good move down the right, culminating in Elicarlos receiving the ball in the box's half-moon. The midfielder fired a first-time shot, forcing Bruno into a great save.
Coach Joel Santana couldn't stand his team's lackadaisical attitude on the field, and from the coaching area he tried to instill some enthusiasm in his players. And, after 30 minutes, the Rio de Janeiro club woke up. Their attack increased its pace and exchanged more passes.
Ibson had the first good chance in the 32nd minute, with a shot from outside the box, but he sent it over the bar. Three minutes later, Toró missed the best opportunity of the game so far. Maxi received the ball on the right wing, made a great move to escape his marker, and crossed back. Toró received the ball at the penalty spot and shot over the empty net.
Flamengo returned from the break with one change. Subdued Argentine striker Maxi was replaced by Roger. At Náutico, coach Roberto Fernandes maintained the starting eleven.
The second half started at the same pace as the first. Flamengo, more lively, created good chances. In the tenth minute, Juan took a free kick, forcing Fabiano to scramble to prevent the goal. Two minutes later, it was Roger's turn to take a corner from the left, which Toró headed wide. Roger then fired a powerful shot, and Fabio Luciano nearly opened the scoring, collecting the rebound.
Flamengo began to pressure Náutico at home, but the goal eluded them, and the Rio de Janeiro team was punished in the 32nd minute. Full-back Sidny received the ball in the six-yard box and slotted a low shot into Bruno's right corner, opening the scoring for the Aflitos team.
The goal left Flamengo more frantic on the field. Disorganized, the team went in search of the equalizer. In the 38th minute, Ibson fired a powerful shot. On the rebound, Paulo Sérgio, inside the six-yard box and without a goalkeeper, fired over the crossbar.
Even with three minutes of added time, it wasn't enough for Fla, who ended their beautiful campaign in the Brazilian Championship with a defeat.
PeléNet
Fla loses to Náutico and misses chance to finish as runner-up
On UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
With a second-half goal from Sidny, Náutico defeated Flamengo 1-0 this Sunday at Aflitos Stadium in the final round of the Brazilian Championship. The result robbed the Red-Blacks of their chance to finish the competition as runners-up.
FOLLOW THE ONLY GOAL OF THE MATCH
Fla said goodbye to the Brasileirão in third place, with 61 points, one less than Santos, but duly guaranteed in the 2008 Copa Libertadores. Timbu finished the competition in 15th place, with 49 points.
The match was played in intense heat in Recife, and the lack of interest from both teams contributed to the pace being even faster.
Playing bureaucratically, Flamengo sought to attack only from a safe position. Meanwhile, Timbu sought to threaten with shots from outside the box, particularly through Elicarlos, who appeared well on two occasions.
In the second half, coach Joel Santana decided to substitute Argentine forward Maxi Biancucchi for playmaker Roger. The move was to improve the team's passing and passing skills. The Flamengo midfielder appeared well at times, but without the desired effectiveness.
Náutico's team played at a fast pace and exploited the advances of their fullbacks, especially Sidny. And it was the Bahian player who gave Timbu the victory. In the 32nd minute of the second half, the winger fired a low shot past the excellent goalkeeper Bruno and delighting the red-and-white fans.
For Joel Santana, Fla's defeat cannot be overvalued
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Joel Santana took over as Flamengo's coach, who was in 19th place, and led the team to third place in the Brazilian Championship, securing a spot in the Copa Libertadores. According to the coach, this was a memorable comeback that won't be tarnished by the 1-0 loss to Náutico this Sunday at Aflitos Stadium in the final round of the Campeonato Nacional.
"This result can't be overstated. What we have to look at is what we've done so far, and it's been fantastic. That doesn't tarnish anything," said the Flamengo manager.
Had they triumphed against Santos, the Gávea club would have overtaken Santos and finished as runners-up in the Brazilian Championship. However, they failed to do so, ending their campaign with 61 points, one point behind Santos.
The Gávea team's qualification solidified its position as the best Rio team in the Brasileirão. With the same points as the Rubro-Negro (61), but one win less (17 to 16), Fluminense finished in fourth place; with 56 points, Botoafogo finished ninth; and Vasco, with 54, finished the competition in tenth.
Flamengo's full-back regrets finishing the Brazilian championship behind Santos
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo finished its Brazilian Championship campaign in third place with 61 points, just one point behind runner-up Santos. This small gap was deeply regretted by right-back Leonardo Moura.
To take second place, Rubro-Negro simply had to beat Náutico this Sunday in the final round of the National Championship. However, Alvirrubro prevailed, winning 1-0 at Aflitos.
"We were very close. There was that feeling that it was possible. And if we had managed to get second place, that would have crowned our great comeback in the competition. Unfortunately, we didn't manage it," the player highlighted.
However, despite the feeling of "wanting more", the full-back highlighted the importance of Rubro-Negro having finished its participation in the National Championship among the top placed, guaranteeing a place in next year's Copa Libertadores.
"Of course we wanted an even better finish. But considering what we've been through, third place is very good. We have to celebrate," emphasized Leonardo Moura.
Lazy, Fla loses in the farewell
Team plays poorly and lets the Brazilian Championship runner-up spot slip away with a loss to Náutico. No runner-up spot. In its Brazilian Championship finale, Flamengo got lazy and lost 1-0 to Náutico at the Aflitos stadium (watch the highlights in the video below). Despite the loss, the Rubro-Negro maintained third place with 61 points and qualified directly for the Copa Libertadores. To finish second, the team would have needed a win, as Santos lost at home to Fluminense. This was the Rio de Janeiro club's best finish since winning the title in 1992. Now, Flamengo is on vacation and will return on January 3rd. The board, after renewing the contract with coach Joel Santana, prioritizes maintaining the team's core.
Safe from relegation before the ball was even played, the Pernambuco team celebrated its survival with a victory in front of its home crowd, who packed the stadium. Upon its return to the top flight, Timbu finished in 15th place with 49 points.
Yawns and discussions
The lack of goals from both teams resulted in an initial lackluster performance. More focused, Náutico nearly opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Júlio César's long-range shot hit the crossbar. Another shot from outside the box, this time from Elicarlos, threatened Flamengo. But Bruno made the save.
Throw
Obina was out of the game
The visitors only truly threatened in the 35th minute. Maxi dribbled between the legs of a defender and passed low to Toró. The player controlled the ball inside the box, but shot over.
While exchanging passes without any purpose, Flamengo opened up space for Náutico. In the 42nd minute, Geraldo played a shot close to the right post.
Irritated by the red-and-black players' apathy, Joel Santana scolded the locker room and replaced Roger with Maxi. On the first play, the defender launched the ball, which Obina controlled and shot dangerously.
Fábio Luciano became the protagonist. First, because of a long argument with Everaldo—he'd already exchanged insults with Acosta in the first half. Then, in the 13th minute, he missed an incredible goal. Roger shot, Fabiano saved, and the red-and-black defender missed the rebound.
Sidny resolve
While Roger was playing with his thigh, Náutico preferred more objective plays. In one such play, in the 32nd minute, Ferreira launched a pass and Sidny fired it into the right corner to open the scoring.
Flamengo woke up. In the 38th minute, Ibson shot from outside the box, Fabiano saved, and Paulo Sérgio sent the ball over inside the six-yard box. But that was the end of it. In the end, more arguments. Leo Moura with Paulo César Oliveira, Roger with Everaldo.
Before the holidays, Joel suggests reinforcements
Flamengo coach has meeting with the board on Tuesday to choose the squad
Flamengo has no further official commitments this season. But the players' vacations have only just begun. Coach Joel Santana will meet with the board on Tuesday in Gávea to discuss the squad's formation for next season.
Having qualified for the Copa Libertadores, the Rubro-Negro will retain almost all of its players. Reinforcements will be few and in positions of need. Joel intends to use some players from the youth teams to build up the squad.
"There's no doubt that the overwhelming majority of this team will remain. We'll only make a few specific signings," explains Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
So far, Flamengo has signed Kléberson. Although some names are being discussed behind the scenes, Kléber Leite assures that he will only begin negotiations after speaking with Joel.
The red-black squad will return on January 3rd and will carry out pre-season training in Teresópolis, in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro.
Náutico fans recognize Flamengo's fifth title
Banner at Aflitos stadium provokes arch-rival Sport and recalls Pernambuco's sixth victory
Náutico's banner in the game against Flamengo
Amidst the ongoing debate over who is the first five-time Brazilian champion, Náutico fans carried a banner at this Sunday's match at Aflitos Stadium, "recognizing" Flamengo as the first club to win five Brazilian Championship titles. All to provoke rivals Sport, recognized by the CBF as the 1987 Brazilian champion, in place of the Rio de Janeiro team.
The inscription on the banner read: "Congratulations, Flamengo, the first Brazilian fifth title; sixth is luxury." The explanation is: Náutico is the only six-time Pernambuco champion.
CBF updates national club rankings
There is no change in the top 12 positions and Grêmio remains in the lead
Cahê Mota
Grêmio leads the CBF's national club ranking, followed by Corinthians
The CBF's little-publicized national club rankings will be updated this Monday on the organization's official website with the season's results. Brazil's largest football organization takes into account the standings from the Copa do Brasil and the Brasileirão. With the 2007 rankings, none of the top 12 will change positions.
The club that scored the most points this year was Fluminense, with 87 points, 30 for winning the Copa do Brasil and 57 for finishing fourth in the Campeonato Brasileiro. São Paulo, the Brazilian champion, earned 60 points for the win, but, like Flamengo, Santos, Grêmio, and Internacional, was disadvantaged by competing in the Copa Libertadores and could only count the results of one competition. Two-time Brazilian champions and four-time Copa do Brasil winners, Grêmio leads the rankings with 1978 points.
"It's necessary to discuss a way to compensate for the scoring rules. Clubs competing in the Libertadores should receive some kind of bonus, even to minimize this impact on clubs competing in the Copa do Brasil. A club can't be penalized for being competent. The ranking will be updated with the current rules, but we'll resolve this in the first quarter of 2008," says CBF competitions director Virgílio Elísio.
The ideal solution for the case, in the entity's opinion, would be to allow clubs to play in both the Copa do Brasil and the Libertadores, but Virgílio laments the lack of space in the calendar.
"We haven't found a perfect solution for this yet. We've already studied several alternatives, and if anyone has any ideas, please send them to the CBF, and we'll listen carefully. Qualified teams for the Libertadores should be able to compete in the Copa do Brasil, but there's no way around that in the calendar. We've studied this possibility, but the fact is that we'll never field a team to play twice in the same day or four games in a week, as happened years ago."
Understand the criteria
Points are distributed throughout the Brasileirão in this order: 60 for the champion, 59 for the runner-up, and so on, down to 20th place, which earns 41 points. In the Copa do Brasil, the criteria are more stringent. The winner of the title receives 30 points, the runner-up 20, those eliminated in the semifinals 10, and those eliminated in the quarterfinals, round of 2, second round, and first round receive 1, 5, 3, and 2 point, respectively.
Brasileirão: history in points
While São Paulo only ranks fifth in the official CBF rankings due to its lack of a Copa do Brasil title, the five-time champion is the club with the most points earned on the pitch in the history of the Brasileirão. If we add up all 37 editions of the competition, Tricolor has 1.366 points, followed by Internacional with 1.333, and Santos, who surpassed relegated Corinthians in their 2007 campaign to take third place with 1.282, compared to Timão's 1.278.
Check out the top twelve in the official CBF rankings
Official CBF Ranking\ 1st Grêmio 1978 points\ 2nd Corinthians 1937\ 3rd Vasco 1928\ 4th Flamengo 1918\ 5th São Paulo 1879\ 6th Atlético-MG 1868\ 7th Palmeiras 1841\ 8th Internacional 1803\ 9th Cruzeiro 1776\ 10th Santos 1649\ 11th Fluminense 1561\ 12th Botafogo 1513\
Check out the top twelve in total points in the history of the Brasileirão
Points ranking in the history of the Brasileirão\ 1st São Paulo 1366 points\ 2nd Internacional 1333\ 3rd Santos 1282\ 4th Corinthians 1278\ 5th Cruzeiro 1270\ 6th Vasco 1266\ 7th Atlético-MG 1239\ 8th Flamengo 1233\ 8th Palmeiras 1233\ 10th Grêmio 1174\ 11th Fluminense 1083\ 12th Botafogo 1025\
Renato Augusto: repique and samba on his break\ Flamengo supporter goes to the Mangueira samba school and learns to play repique\
Renato Augusto learns to play the repique at Mangueira's rehearsal. I wonder if he's got the knack?
Renato Augusto has learned a new way to celebrate Flamengo's qualification for the Copa Libertadores: drumming. Last Saturday night, the player was at the Mangueira samba school's court to watch the rehearsal and took a chance.
Supporter greets the president of the Mangueira drum section, Ivo Meirelles
Welcomed by the president of the green and pink drum section, Ivo Meirelles, Renato received instructions on how to play the repique. He was accompanied by his girlfriend Rafaela and his friend Diogo.
The Flamengo player missed Sunday's match against Náutico due to suspension. A hero in the 2-0 victory over Atlético-PR, Renato Augusto still doesn't know if he'll stay at Gávea in 2008. Several European clubs are interested in signing him.
Renato Augusto attends Mangueira's rehearsal with his girlfriend and a friend
Zidane could take over the 1987 Fla
Frenchman invited to play in the 'All-Star Game' on the 27th against Zico's team
Marcio Iannacca
Zico organizes another 'All-Star Game'
Flamengo, the 1987 Brazilian champions, will take the field on the 27th at the Maracanã stadium, and their opponent will be a team of former players from around the world. The goal of the "All-Star Game" is to raise funds for various charities. Players like Paraguayans Gamarra and Arce and Japan's Nakata have already been confirmed. However, Frenchman Zinedine Zidane could face Zico & Co. in front of a crowd of over 70.
Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, was invited by the organizers of the event, which in past editions has featured Maradona and Seedorf. The only obstacle to the Frenchman's participation in the event is his personal sponsors.
Eagle, managed by Alan Espinosa and Júnior Coimbra, Zico's son, is organizing the event. Fans interested in attending the game must exchange non-perishable food items for a ticket. The exchange points have not yet been officially announced.
"During the match, we'll display the amount of food collected on the scoreboard. We'll also show which organizations will receive this food," says Alan Espinosa.
Joel: 'Defeat doesn't stain anything'
Flamengo coach remembers that the objective in the Brasileirão was achieved
Flamengo's sluggish performance against Náutico deprived the team of a chance to finish second in the Brazilian championship. Agitated throughout the match, coach Joel Santana changed his tune in the locker room and considered the 1-0 defeat a normal result (watch highlights of the match below).
"This defeat doesn't tarnish anything. It was worth it for our run in the Brazilian Championship. The objective was achieved," says the coach.
When he took over the Rubro-Negro, the team was in the relegation zone. In 26 rounds, he turned things around, and Flamengo finished the Brasileirão in third place with 61 points. The team qualified for the group stage of the Copa Libertadores.
Before the holidays, Joel suggests reinforcements
Flamengo coach has meeting with the board on Tuesday to choose the squad
Flamengo has no further official commitments this season. But the players' vacations have only just begun. Coach Joel Santana will meet with the board on Tuesday in Gávea to discuss the squad's formation for next season.
Having qualified for the Copa Libertadores, the Rubro-Negro will retain almost all of its players. Reinforcements will be few and in positions of need. Joel intends to use some players from the youth teams to build up the squad.
"There's no doubt that the overwhelming majority of this team will remain. We'll only make a few specific signings," explains Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
So far, Flamengo has signed Kléberson. Although some names are being discussed behind the scenes, Kléber Leite assures that he will only begin negotiations after speaking with Joel.
The red-black squad will return on January 3rd and will carry out pre-season training in Teresópolis, in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro.
Náutico fans recognize Flamengo's fifth title
Banner at Aflitos stadium provokes arch-rival Sport and recalls Pernambuco's sixth victory
Náutico's banner in the game against Flamengo
Amidst the ongoing debate over who is the first five-time Brazilian champion, Náutico fans carried a banner at this Sunday's match at Aflitos Stadium, "recognizing" Flamengo as the first club to win five Brazilian Championship titles. All to provoke rivals Sport, recognized by the CBF as the 1987 Brazilian champion, in place of the Rio de Janeiro team.
The inscription on the banner read: "Congratulations, Flamengo, the first Brazilian fifth title; sixth is luxury." The explanation is: Náutico is the only six-time Pernambuco champion.
Fla offers solidarity to Corinthians
In an official statement, the club reaffirms its friendship with São Paulo and regrets relegation.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM
Chapel of Saint George, in São Jorge Park. A time to cling to religion. Even though many Flamengo fans and football director Marcos Braz celebrated Corinthians' relegation to the Brazilian Championship's Série B, the red-and-black club officially expressed its deep regret and solidarity with Corinthians' relegation. Flamengo's official website recognizes the greatness and importance of Corinthians to Brazilian football:
"In sports, one day we win and the next we lose. Corinthians will always be a great club, regardless of whether the times are favorable or not. Clube de Regatas do Flamengo would like, in this moment of sadness, to express its admiration and solidarity with its board of directors and its immense fan base. It is in difficult times that we know our friends."
The red-and-black club also highlighted the religious ties that drive Corinthians' loyal fans. Citing Saint George, the Corinthians' patron saint, Flamengo believes in the team's recovery during this difficult time.
"Open wounds, Sacred Heart, all love and kindness, the blood of my Lord Jesus Christ, may it be poured upon my body today and forever. I will walk clothed and armed with the weapons of Saint George. So that my enemies, having feet, cannot reach me, having hands, cannot grasp me, having eyes, cannot see me, and they cannot have thoughts to harm me."
Throw
With another defeat away from home, Fla says goodbye
After the surge in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo relaxes in the last game and Sidny scores the winning goal for Timbu: 1-0
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
Flamengo's impressive run in the 2007 Brasileirão ended with a 1-0 loss to Náutico at Aflitos Stadium. Right-back Sidny scored the home team's victory. Despite playing without any responsibility, the negative result reflects one of the main problems in this campaign and is a warning for the Libertadores: the difficulty of winning away from home.
The opening ten minutes were unremarkable, with the only notable aspect being Timbu's territorial dominance. The first real danger came in the 12th minute, when left-back Júlio César, formerly of Flamengo, unleashed a rocket that hit Bruno's crossbar.
Flamengo only managed to scare the Pernambuco goalpost in the 22nd minute, when Léo Medeiros sent a free kick over Fabiano's goal. A minute later, Maxi was brought down in the crescent and Medeiros took another shot, but the Timbu goalkeeper saved it without any problems.
In the 35th minute, Maxi made a beautiful play down the right wing, flicking Everaldo and crossing to Toró. The red-and-black number 10, on the penalty spot, missed the best opportunity of the first half.
After the break, Joel Santana replaced Argentine Maxi with midfielder Roger. Roger made his first appearance in the fifth minute, sending a free kick straight at Fabiano.
In the 13th minute of the second half, Roger was back in action, unleashing a powerful shot. Fabiano's shot fell to Fabio Luciano. The defender controlled the ball well but shot wide of the net.
When the game was lukewarm, in the 32nd minute, a pass from Ferreira found right-back Sidny and he shot without much force, but the ball bounced and surprised goalkeeper Bruno: Náutico 1-0.
In the 38th minute, Paulo Sérgio missed a goal under the crossbar, after goalkeeper Fabiano deflected a shot from Ibson.
Joel attributes defeat to 'natural relaxation'
Coach praises the planning done by the Gávea club
LANCEPRESS!
One of the main people responsible for securing a place in the Libertadores, coach Joel Santana made light of the 1-0 defeat to Náutico, praising Flamengo's campaign and highlighting the adversities encountered in the competition.
"The ultimate goal was achieved, with merit, with struggle, with sacrifice from everyone. We missed three incredible goals. What remains is the final result, and we're in the Libertadores, which was practically impossible. The players gave their all. This past week, we tried to convey to the players the importance of this game. But they let themselves go, which is very natural," Joel said in a statement to Rádio Globo.
The month of December is just beginning, but Natalino lived up to his surname, ensuring that the Red-Black Nation had a Merry Christmas.
"The fans will have a happy Christmas, as Flamengo has once again honored its great traditions. Náutico is celebrating because they didn't get relegated, just imagine us having secured a spot in the Libertadores. We have to thank the group and the people who make up the club for everything they've done and planted. From the beginning in Teresópolis to our return before the game against Atlético. It was good considering the position we finished in."
Cristian wants the team to stay on top in 2008
Midfielder criticizes the playing conditions on the Aflitos pitch
The 1-0 loss to Náutico didn't bother midfielder Cristian much, who preferred to celebrate Flamengo's recovery in the Brazilian Championship. However, the Gávea number 8 is already looking forward to a 2008 without any major complications.
"We deserve this spot in the Libertadores. Congratulations to everyone. Now it's time to start 2008 thinking about staying ahead. Let's rest and celebrate a happy new year and a happy Christmas," he says in an interview with Rádio Globo.
Regarding the game, Cristian criticized the Aflitos pitch, in addition to highlighting the support of the Timbu fans:
"Facing Náutico here is tough, the pitch is bad, and the fans are pushing. I think it's good for someone who was in the relegation zone and is now in the Copa Libertadores."
Ibson complains: 'The result was not true to the game'
In the midfielder's opinion, Flamengo created more chances than Náutico
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo's 1-0 defeat to Náutico was not digested by midfielder Ibson, who considers that the result did not reflect what happened at Aflitos.
"The result doesn't tell you what the game was like. Flamengo played better, we had clear chances, but that's football: if you don't score, you lose," he said in a statement to Rádio Globo.
Ibson was Flamengo's top scorer in the Brasileirão, with six goals. Flamengo finished third with 61 points (17 wins, 11 losses, and 10 draws).
Náutico fans recognize Flamengo's fifth title
Timbu fans carried a banner honoring Flamengo
LANCEPRESS!
In the face of many discussions regarding who is the first five-time champion, Náutico fans carried a banner that "recognizes" Flamengo as the first club to win five titles in the main national championship, in addition to provoking their rival Sport, recognized by the CBF as the champion of the 1987 Copa União.
The inscription on the banner read: "Congratulations Flamengo, the 1st Brazilian penta; hex is luxury. It explains: Náutico is the only six-time Pernambuco champion.