THE GLOBE
Jade confirms her stay at Flamengo
Club athlete is a candidate for the title of gymnast of the year
Gymnast Jade Barbosa will remain with Flamengo for at least a year. The club's vice president of Olympic Sports, Patrícia Amorim, announced that the club has reached an agreement with the athlete's father, César Barbosa. Jade, who had been approached by Pinheiros, will have her first contract with the Rio de Janeiro club. Patrícia celebrated the agreement:
- Jade is like a daughter of Flamengo, whom we didn't want to let go. We negotiated again and reached an agreement.
On the 9th, Jade will be voted the best gymnast of 2007 in the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame voting, available at www.intlgymnast.com/goty2007. Brazil's Olympic hopeful and bronze medalist in the all-around at the 2007 World Championships, Jade is competing for the title with Americans Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin, China's Cheng Fei, and Romania's Steliana Nistor. At the 2007 Pan American Games, Jade won gold on vault, silver in team events, and bronze on floor exercise.
Obina paves the way for Fla's classification
With three goals from the striker, the team beats América 4-0 and practically guarantees a place in the GB Cup semi-finals
STRIKER OBINA, the star of the game with three goals, is celebrated by Ibson and Leonardo Moura
On an inspired afternoon for Obina, who scored three of Flamengo's four goals in the 4-0 rout of América, the red-and-black team maintained its 100% record in the State Championship yesterday afternoon at Engenhão Stadium. The stadium's attendance of 15.479 was a record this year. Despite the rout, Flamengo struggled in the first half due to the heat, and only scored the first goal 30 minutes into the second half, with Obina, the game's standout performer.
- I'm very happy. I wanted to play a great game, and it happened today (yesterday) - said the striker.
With the result, Flamengo practically guaranteed qualification for the semifinals of the Guanabara Cup, while América, which was Gaúcho's debut as coach, remains winless.
Obina enters and Fla gains new life on the field
Playing for the first time at Engenhão and in intense heat, Flamengo started the game at a leisurely pace, without threatening Fábio Carvalho's goal. The team's first goal-scoring opportunity came in the 35th minute, with Souza. He received a pass from Ibson and, free in the box, was slow to finish. Shortly after, Toró received his third yellow card and is out of the match against Volta Redonda on Thursday.
In the 42nd minute, Juan crossed the ball and Souza, in a legal position, headed it in to score. The striker celebrated, but referee Rodrigo Nunes de Sá disallowed the goal, signaling offside. Souza complained at halftime.
- The goal was cool. But in the second half, I'll score another one - he said.
Pleased with the draw, América's Válber made a controversial statement regarding the coaching change. Gaúcho replaced Amarildo.
- Now, we have a commander - he said.
Coach Joel Santana decided to make changes to the lineup, and Flamengo returned with Obina in place of Marcinho. The team came alive, moving better in attack and creating opportunities. In the fifth minute, Fábio Luciano was pulled down in the box. He complained and received a yellow card, which would be his third.
In the 15th minute, Jeffinho tackled Juan from behind and was sent off. In the 22nd minute, Obina hit the post. A minute later, Fábio Luciano was also sent off after a hard challenge on Lourival. The red-and-black relief came in the 30th minute: Leonardo Moura crossed from the right, Obina made no mistake and made it 1-0. The game became easy, and the last 15 minutes were a spectacle on the field and in the stands. In the 38th minute, Juan shot to make it 2-0. In the 43rd minute, Obina scored again, making it 3-0. In the 44th minute, Juan delivered a perfect cross for Obina to complete the rout: 4-0.
"Now we can enjoy Carnival in peace. But don't think it was easy. It was a very difficult game," celebrated Joel, who is expected to field a mixed team against Volta Redonda on Thursday at Maracanã. Midfielder Kléberson, forward Diego Tardelli, and right-back Luisinho are expected to play.
Red cards: Jeffinho, Fabio Luciano, Elvis. Yellow cards: Everton, Toro, Jeffinho, Fabio Luciano, Elvis, Válber, Maciel. Revenue: R$ 227.610. Attendance: 15.479 paying spectators.
FLAMENGO
BRUNO: Made only one save from Eraldo's shot. 5.
LEONARDO MOURA: He grew with the team and crossed for the relief goal. 6.
FÁBIO LUCIANO: The captain set a bad example. He complained, committed a hard foul, and ended up being sent off. 2.
RONALDO ANGELIM: He was good in support. 6.
JUAN: He missed a clear chance, was booed, but he attacked until the end and was rewarded with a goal. 7.
JAÍLTON: Without anyone to mark, he did little. 5. Gave way to MAXI, who provided the pass for the third goal. 6
TORO: He fought hard but missed a good opportunity. 6.
JÔNATAS: Didn't find his space. 5.
IBSON: Missed goals due to preciousness. 5,5.
MARCINHO: Dispersive until he came off at halftime. 4,5. He gave way to OBINA, who changed the game, hit the post and scored three goals. 9.
SOUZA: Scored a beautiful header that was wrongly disallowed, hesitated on another chance, but moved well. 6,5. RODRIGO came on at the end. No rating.
JOEL SANTANA Made a good move to turn a difficult game into a rout. 7.
AMERICA
In a team that only defended itself, goalkeeper Fábio Carvalho was the standout.
ARBITRATION
Rodrigo Sá ignored a penalty on Fábio Luciano, wrongly disallowed Souza's goal, but was right to send off the players.
Ancelmo Gois
Holding hands
Mangueira and Flamengo are two sacred institutions in Rio. But get this: Of every 100 Mangueira residents, 54% are Flamengo fans.
A higher percentage than the average number of Flamengo fans in the city (33%). The survey was conducted by IBPS.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Red-black apotheosis at Engenhão
Team thrashes América and continues with 100% success rate
Pedro Sá pedrosa@jsports.com.br
Obina and Toró do the crab dance after another Flamengo goal
With three goals and a star striker, Obina, Flamengo thrashed América 4-0 at the Engenhão stadium this Carnival Saturday. Juan scored the other goal for Flamengo, who remain undefeated and have a 100% record in the Guanabara Cup. A very different performance from the Devil, who remains pointless and sees relegation edging ever closer.
The first half began with a blitz by the red-and-blacks against América. The attacking players marked the American team's ball out. The main plays for Joel Santana's team came from the full-backs and Ibson. However, when the ball reached the attack, Souza and Marcinho struggled with their finishing. As a result, no clear scoring chances were created in the first ten minutes.
The Devil was playing much better football than in recent matches, and striker Lourival was looking to torment the Flamengo defense. Flamengo's first dangerous shot came from Ibson, but the ball sailed over Fábio Carvalho's goal. The play roused the fans at the Engenhão stadium. Lourival returned to the game, having two opportunities to open the scoring, but his shots were weak and unable to trouble goalkeeper Bruno.
Flamengo had a good opportunity after defender Ronaldo Angelim ventured forward and fired a shot, but the ball capriciously went just wide of Fábio Carvalho's post. In the 42nd minute, Souza would have scored his fourth goal of the competition had the assistant referee not flagged the Flamengo striker for offside, leaving him to the locker room complaining about the decision.
Joel Santana's team returned for the second half eager to bring joy to the cheering fans. Ibson took the first shot, but goalkeeper Fábio Carvalho parried it away. América adopted a suicidal tactic, retreating excessively, drawing the opponent into their own half. Flamengo didn't hold back and capitalized on the space left by Flamengo, particularly with plays from full-back Leonardo Moura. Midfielder Toró had his chance, but the American goalkeeper palmed it away for a corner.
At this point, the match turned into a practice match of attack versus defense, with the red-and-black players missing numerous chances, with Obina hitting the post on one of them. With so much persistence, the red-and-blacks managed to break through the opposing defense. After Leonardo Moura's cross, Obina got tangled up but managed to score. Juan would score the second, with a precise shot into Fábio Carvalho's left corner.
The red-and-black revelry continued at Engenhão. Obina, once again, received a pass from Maxi Biancucchi and fired a well-placed shot to score his second goal. To complete the celebration, the favorite scored in the 45th minute, sealing Flamengo's rout and ushering in Ash Wednesday for American fans.
Three absences against Voltaço
For next Thursday's match against Volta Redonda, coach Joel Santana has three serious absences, and for that reason, he will likely implement his plan to give opportunities to those who haven't been playing. With defender Fábio Luciano's red card, the coach has already announced that Rodrigo will get his first start for Flamengo. Toró, who received his third yellow card yesterday, is expected to be replaced by Kleberson. Full-back Leonardo Moura, currently on the Brazilian national team, is expected to make way for Luizinho. However, Joel still wants to wait for the final results of the round to celebrate qualifying for the Guanabara Cup semifinals.
"I don't think we've achieved that yet, but we're on the verge. We have a 100% record, an excellent goal difference, and there's no way we should be out. But I'll still have a meeting with the coaching staff to decide what we'll do in these two remaining matches. We need to think this through carefully, as we have our Copa Libertadores debut on the 13th, and there will be a natural wear and tear from the trip. We'll have some time to think about this situation," said the coach.
Joel also revealed that he received two invitations to parade at Sapucaí this year. Salgueiro and Mocidade want him to be present at their shows. However, there's still one point that needs to be discussed.
"Two schools called me, but I haven't received the costumes yet. Everyone loves Carnival and I'm no different," joked the red-and-black coach, who also made a point of demanding responsibility from the group: "Nobody here is a child. I want men, not troublemakers. Especially now that things are starting to heat up. You can't waste the whole year on three or four days of revelry."
Joel must change the attack
Despite Obina scoring three goals, Diego Tardelli is expected to earn a spot in the team
Thiago Bokel
Marcelo Sadio/JS
Maciel, from América, tries to stop the red-black Léo Moura from completing the cross
Carnival started hotly for striker Obina. With an excellent performance, he changed the game's complexion and ended up being Flamengo's standout performer in yesterday's 4-0 rout of América. The strong performance of the fans' favorite, who replaced Marcinho, impressed coach Joel Santana.
"We were very empty up front and as the two forwards (Souza and Marcinho) were out of the box a lot, we needed to put someone in who would stay more in the box, bothering América's defenders. They started to make the game difficult, in the second half the attitude changed and the goals came naturally," said Joel Santana.
For the next match, on Thursday against Volta Redonda at Maracanã, the red-and-black coach is already considering starting striker Diego Tardelli, perhaps to test his performance alongside Souza. But Joel has no complaints; with the four goals scored yesterday, the red-and-black attack reached 16 in five matches, trailing only Botafogo, who, with the three goals scored in the victory over Vasco, now have 18.
Obina scored the same number of goals in one game as his teammate Souza in five matches in the Carioca Championship. He was the first player to score a hat trick at the João Havelange Olympic Stadium since its inauguration.
When he came on at the start of the second half, Obina had no idea he'd be making history and would also manage to ease the anguish of the fans who were already booing the team. He was selected for the anti-doping lottery, and as a result, it took him almost two hours to leave the Engenhão stadium.
Jade Barbosa renews with Flamengo
Despite a proposal from Pinheiros, it was decided on Friday night that gymnast Jade Barbosa would remain as Flamengo's official representative.
After many conversations between the vice-president of Olympic Sports for the red-black team, Patrícia Amorim, and the gymnast's father, César Barbosa, both parties ended up giving in and deciding what was best for the current star of the Brazilian artistic gymnastics team.
Anual Subscription
Jade's contract will be signed next week, after Carnival.
Jade performed exceptionally well at the Pan American Games and, along with fellow Flamengo fan Diego Hypólito, is considered a real medal hope for Brazil at the Beijing Olympics in August. She came through Flamengo's youth ranks.
THE DAY
Red-Black Carnival at Engenhão
Genilson Junior
Rio - The Flamengo Carnival has a performer, a master of ceremonies, and even a drum section director. His name? Obina. Flamengo's top scorer, who came on at halftime against América, scored three times, securing Flamengo's 4-0 victory over their opponents and a 100% record in the competition.
Flamengo started the game looking to attack through their full-backs, but the match soon became sluggish. The first real chance came only in the 16th minute, through Juan. The number 6 entered the opponent's box and, with a cross, nearly fooled goalkeeper Fábio Carvalho, who saved América and sent the ball out for a corner. In the 19th minute, Ibson, with a well-placed shot from outside the box, was another to lift the red-and-black crowd, who turned out in good numbers at the Engenhão stadium (15.469 fans).
América enjoyed the game and began exchanging passes, so much so that after 24 minutes of play, the red and white team had four shots on target compared to just three from the red and black team.
Flamengo's attack was sluggish, and Ronaldo Angelim was the team's main weapon. In the 32nd minute, the defender took a risk and fired a dangerous shot wide of the goal. With 40 minutes gone in the first half, the number 4 was left alone in front of the goalkeeper, who made a great save.
Before the referee blew his whistle, a controversy arose: Juan, inside the penalty area, crossed, and Souza headed the ball into the net. The assistant referee flagged for offside, and the first half ended 0-0.
Coach Joel Santana, betting on the team's victory, took off Marcinho and put Obina in during the break.
At the start of the second half, the red-and-black team's desire to win was clear. A sequence of good chances from Ibson, Obina, and Léo Moura before the tenth minute showed their desire to remain undefeated in the Guanabara Cup.
Captain Fábio Luciano received a yellow card after complaining about a penalty awarded by his own number 3 during a corner kick. The defender was already suspended for the match against Volta Redonda, but he was still sent off in the 24th minute after stopping an América attack.
Earlier, in the 23rd minute, Obina was already showing signs of hunger for a goal. The number 18 received the ball inside the box, turned, and smashed it against the opponent's post.
Flamengo's pressure wouldn't bear fruit until the 30th minute of the second half: Ibson sent a pass to Léo Moura, who delivered a low cross from inside the box. The ball sailed across the six-yard box, but Obina, opportunistic, stretched and managed to push it into the net. 1-0 Flamengo.
With only the lead in the score, coach Joel Santana decided to rebuild the defense. Until then, Jonatas had been acting as the club's captain. Rodrigo took the field in place of Souza, who left the field to applause from the fans and teammates.
Juan, who was very active throughout the match, received a pass at the edge of the penalty area, beat the defender and shot into the left corner of the American goalkeeper: 2-0 Flamengo, in the 37th minute of the second half.
By this time, Flamengo's carnival was already underway in the stands at Engenhão. Maxi, spurred on by the fans, stole the ball and passed it to the Black Angel, who calmly and skillfully looked at the goalkeeper and fired a shot into the top corner. 3-0, Mengão.
There was still room for one more. Juan, who had made a comeback late in the game, advanced down the left and crossed. Obina, showing opportunism, slotted it into the net. A rout and a guaranteed red-and-black Carnival for the entire festivities.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Obina leads rout over América and Flamengo's place in the semifinals\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo, the clear leader of Group A of the Guanabara Cup, played to a samba rhythm in the second half of this Carnival Saturday and didn't have to face many challenges to qualify for the semifinals of the first round of the Campeonato Carioca. At the Engenhão stadium, the red-and-black team didn't mind playing at Botafogo's home ground and thrashed América-RJ 4-0, with three goals from Obina and one from Juan. With a 100% record in its five games, Flamengo continued its best campaign in the Guanabara Cup and, with 15 points, guaranteed at least second place in the group and, thus, a spot in the semifinals. Ameriquinha, who debuted coach Gaúcho, his fourth of the season, remains at the bottom of the group with no points and no goals.
To maintain their perfect record in the first half, the Gávea team returns to the field only after Carnival, to face Volta Redonda on Thursday at Maracanã, in the sixth and penultimate round. América plays the day before, also at Mário Filho Stadium, against Fluminense.
The Game: The first half of the match was played in intense heat in the Rio de Janeiro suburbs, with the sun turning the Engenhão stadium into a veritable sauna. This made the pace more controlled, especially on Flamengo's part. On the other hand, América, in crisis and winless in the first four rounds, took to the field with a well-defined strategy: play defensively and give their rival no space to penetrate.
Flamengo held back during the first half and valued possession, irritating the fans mainly with their slow release, allowing América to recover. Protests from the stands, however, ultimately pushed the team forward late in the half, when their best chances arose.
In the 35th minute, Marcinho made a good move inside the box and passed to Souza, who controlled the ball and shot straight at Válber, wasting a good chance for Flamengo. In the 40th minute, Juan took a free kick from the left wing and lifted it into the box. Souza headed the ball, and the ball fell to Ronaldo Angelim, who crossed the ball, but Fábio stretched and sent it out for a corner. Then, a cross from Jônatas from the right found Souza and fell to Juan, who missed an incredible opportunity by sending it wide from the penalty spot.
In the 42nd minute, Flamengo made a quick move, and Juan broke into the box from the left. The full-back set up the ball perfectly for Souza, who headed it into the back of the net. The assistant referee flagged the Flamengo striker for a questionable offside, and the goal was disallowed.
To the sound of samba: The second half was full-throttle pressure from Flamengo, who returned from the break with Obina replacing Marcinho. From the start of the second half, Flamengo pressed América hard in search of a goal, but still lacked more objective attacking play.
Things got a little easier for Flamengo in the 16th minute, when América had Jefinho sent off. Three minutes later, Jônatas found Toró free on the right side of the box, but the striker fired a powerful shot straight at the goalkeeper. In the 22nd minute, Obina received a pass through the middle and shot from the edge of the box, but the ball went just wide of the post. A minute later, Obina nearly scored again. The striker turned at the edge of the box and hit a cross that hit the American post.
In the 24th minute, Fábio Luciano received his second yellow card for stopping an American counterattack with a foul, also leaving Flamengo with ten men. But the Red-and-Blacks' disappointment didn't last long. In the 2008th minute, Leonardo Moura received the ball unmarked on the right side of the box and sent in a low cross. At the far post, Obina controlled the ball and tapped it in for his first goal of the XNUMX season.
If things were already bad for América, they got even worse in the 32nd minute with the sending off of Elvis, who received his second yellow card, leaving Mecão with nine men. With technical and numerical superiority at Engenhão, Flamengo scored their second goal in the 37th minute. Íbson passed to Juan at the edge of the box, who cut in and shot across goal. The ball went between the legs of the American defender and ended up in Fábio's left corner.
At two-nil, América literally threw in the towel. With quick moves, Obina scored twice more in the 43rd and 44th minutes. For the third goal, Maxi passed to the club's favorite, who spun without touching the ball and fired a shot into the top corner past Fábio. A minute later, Juan ran down the left wing and crossed for Obina, who beat the defense and tapped it into the back of the net, sealing the victory at the Engenhão stadium.
PELENET
Obina shines, Fla thrashes América and is virtually in the semifinals
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo is virtually through to the semifinals of the Guanabara Cup. This Saturday, the Rubro-Negro thrashed América 4-0 at the Engenhão stadium, with goals from Obina (3) and Juan, and reached 15 points in the standings.
The spot could be mathematically secured as early as this Sunday if Cardoso Moreira fails to beat Volta Redonda at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) away from home. América remains in a terrible state and has yet to score after five rounds. The match marked the debut of coach Gaúcho, his fourth so far in the State Championship.
The match, which was tied scoreless until the 30th minute of the second half, was the Rubro-Negro's first at the Engenhão stadium, which opened last year for the Pan American Games. The Americans played a friendly at the stadium on January 8th, defeating the Benin national team 2-1.
Flamengo returns to action on Thursday against Volta Redonda at 19:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium. América will play the day before against Fluminense at the same venue at 21:45 p.m.
Referee disallows a legal goal from Fla
Anyone expecting Flamengo to be firing on all cylinders at the start of the game was mistaken. Despite full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan performing well up front, the team failed to threaten the American goal. Only in the 16th minute did goalkeeper Fábio Carvalho have a problem, when he parried a very tight cross from Juan. Flamengo improved somewhat, and in the 19th minute, Ibson attempted a lob, but the ball sailed just wide of the goalpost.
América made a splash in the 21st minute: Bruno Carvalho played a through ball, and Eraldo took a weak shot, which Bruno saved confidently. The Devil got excited, and in the 23rd minute, Lourival headed dangerously wide of the Flamengo goal.
Rubro-Negro risked again in the 31st minute, with a high shot from Jônatas, and in the 33rd minute, with a left-footed shot from Ronaldo Angelim that sailed just wide of the right post. In the 38th minute, Marcinho made a good play and passed to Souza, who tried twice but was blocked by the opposing defense. The blunder was enough for the fans to chant for Obina, one of the substitutes, to come on.
Flamengo created two excellent chances shortly thereafter. In the 41st minute, Ronaldo Angelim shot, but Fábio Carvalho saved. In the 42nd minute, Marcinho crossed, and Juan shot wide. Soon after, Souza nearly silenced the fans' criticism. He scored a header from Juan's cross, but referee Rodrigo Nunes de Sá wrongly ruled it out, calling for a non-existent offside signal called by assistant referee Vinícius da Vitória Nascimento.
Joel meets the crowd, puts Obina in and the Bahian decides
Flamengo came out more attacking in the second half. Joel Santana took off Marcinho and brought on Obina, much to the delight of the fans. "I want more attacking power. We played poorly in the first half," said the coach, who had no idea his change would be exceptional.
And the team really came back on the attack. In the third minute, Juan took a chance, and the ball went high. In the seventh minute, Ibson shot, and Fábio Carvalho saved. From then on, the Red-Blacks launched a blitz, sending several crosses in a row, capitalizing on the runs of Léo Moura and Juan.
In the 15th minute, midfielder Jefinho, who already had a yellow card, fouled Juan, received a second yellow card, and was sent off, leaving América with ten men. In the 19th minute, Toró nearly scored, but Fábio Carvalho made another save. American coach Gaúcho took off striker Eraldo and brought on midfielder Marco. Joel made the opposite change: he took off midfielder Jaílton and brought on Argentine forward Max Biancucchi.
Obina had two excellent chances, in the 21st and 23rd minutes. The first, he shot weakly wide. The second, he crossed the ball to the right post of the opponent's goal. Soon after, Fábio Luciano was also sent off, leaving Flamengo with ten men. In the 28th minute, Juan took a free kick and Fábio Carvalho saved in two attempts.
At this point, the red-and-black pressure was intense, and América couldn't even get past midfield. The goal came in the 30th minute: Leonardo Moura crossed and Obina scored, to the delight of the fans. The blow was fatal for América, as Elvis was sent off a minute later. Joel took advantage and reorganized the defense, taking off Souza and bringing on Rodrigo. The striker was applauded by the fans.
In the 37th minute, Juan extended the lead with a cross-shot: 2-0. The celebration was complete with two more goals from Obina, in the 43rd and 44th minutes. In the third, Maxi passed the ball to the forward, and the striker fired a superb shot. In the fourth, Juan crossed, and the striker tapped it in.
Obina breaks his fast by thanking God and his companions
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Striker Obina hadn't scored a goal since September 12, 2007, when Flamengo defeated Cruzeiro 3-1 at the Maracanã stadium in the Brazilian Championship. This Carnival Saturday, the Bahia native shone, scoring three of the Flamengo's four goals in the 4-0 rout of América at the Engenhão stadium.
Obina is celebrated by Léo Moura and Ibson
Despite being idolized by the fans, he preferred to share the credit for his achievement. "Today I was blessed by God. Thanks to Him, I was able to break this long drought of not scoring. I had three wonderful opportunities to score, and I took advantage of them. But the most important thing was everyone's willpower. Everyone ran hard, and we achieved an important victory," commented the Black Angel.
Obina could start in the next match against Volta Redonda on Thursday at 19:30 pm (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium. Since midfielder Toró will be suspended after receiving his third yellow card, coach Joel Santana is expected to drop Marcinho back into midfield and put his favorite player alongside Souza up front.
Flamengo has three absences for the game against Volta Redonda
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo is practically qualified for the semifinals of the Guanabara Cup, the first round of the State Championship. After thrashing América 4-0 on Carnival Saturday afternoon at the Engenhão Stadium, the team will only play again on Thursday, against Volta Redonda, at 19:30 pm (Brasília time), at the Maracanã.
Coach Joel Santana will be without three starters for this match, as defender Fábio Luciano was sent off, midfielder Toró received his third yellow card, and right-back Leonardo Moura will be with the Brazilian national team for the friendly against Ireland in Dublin. The coach is expected to opt for Rodrigo in defense, replacing the captain.
As for the creative department, he has several options: Kléberson, Cristian, or even dropping Marcinho back and bringing in Obina, the standout performer in the rout over the Devils, with a hat trick. Luizinho will be the number 2 at right back.
Flamengo now has 15 points in the standings. A mathematical spot in the semifinals could be secured as early as this Sunday if Cardoso Moreira fails to beat Volta Redonda away from home at 16 p.m. (Brasília time).
For Joel, "initiative" in the final stage made Fla beat América
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo played differently in both halves of their match against América this Saturday at Engenhão Stadium. In the first, they were lackadaisical and produced little; in the second, they pressed their opponent and built a 4-0 rout. For coach Joel Santana, the players' change of attitude determined the impressive score.
"In the second half, we took the initiative and got the result. We scored four goals and missed many other opportunities. The first half wasn't good; perhaps the heat was a hindrance, and we ended up giving América too much space," explained the coach.
Joel admitted that the team is practically qualified for the semifinals of the Guanabara Cup.
"We have a 100 percent success rate, an excellent goal difference and we're almost there, almost guaranteed. The team is doing very well," he added.
Flamengo now has 15 points in the standings. A mathematical spot in the semifinals could be secured as early as this Sunday if Cardoso Moreira fails to beat Volta Redonda away from home at 16 p.m. (Brasília time).
GLOBO ESPORTE
Obina puts on a show, and Fla wins the fifth
Striker scores hat-trick in lightning rout of América at Engenhão stadium
Eduardo Peixoto
Leo Moura plays for the Brazilian national team. But the right-back knelt this Saturday to shine the boots of his favorite and hero, Obina. The Bahia native scored a hat trick in the rout of América at the Engenhão stadium in the fifth round of the Campeonato Carioca, practically qualifying the team for the semifinals of the Taça Guanabara.
Obina's goals end a drought that had lasted since September 12th, when he scored against Cruzeiro. The striker was able to treat himself, as he turned 25 last Thursday. Juan scored the second goal for the red-and-black team.
Flamengo's fifth consecutive victory keeps them firmly atop Group A with 15 points, four ahead of Fluminense. Their place in the semifinals is virtually assured. To secure their spot, the Gávea club just needs to hope Cardoso Moreira doesn't beat Volta Redonda away from home this Sunday.
América, meanwhile, remains stuck at the bottom of the group and is increasingly concerned about relegation. In the next round, the red-and-white team faces Fluminense on Wednesday at the Maracanã. The red-and-black team faces Volta Redonda the following day at the same venue.
Bad first half
The stuffy atmosphere at Engenhão contributed to a lackluster first half. The first significant shot on goal came only in the 20th minute, from Ibson. But the ball went wide. América responded soon after, with a weak shot from Eraldo.
But the red-and-blacks' laziness prevailed, and the fans began to get irritated. Only in the 33rd minute did Ronaldo Angelim emerge from defense and shoot dangerously.
All it took was Souza getting into a mess on a play for the radical part of the red-and-black fans to call for Obina. Before the first half ended, Angelim and Juan missed clear chances, and assistant Vinícius Nascimento made a gross error. Souza scored a header from a legal position, but the referee ruled it out for offside.
Obina comes in and guarantees the rout
Obina celebrates with Ibson and Léo Moura
Right after halftime, Joel responded to the crowd and brought on Obina for Marcinho. And the team improved. In the seventh minute, Ibson made a beautiful play and shot for América's goalkeeper to save. The blitz continued with a one-two between Obina and Leo Moura. However, the "shower" tactic made things easier for the América defense.
In the 13th minute, Jeffinho fouled Juan and received his second yellow card. With an extra player and responding to another fan request, Joel Santana brought on Argentine Maxi in Jaílton's place.
With a much better performance than in the first half, Flamengo pressed on. Jônatas left Toró facing goal, but Fábio Carvalho made a beautiful save. Shortly after, Obina received the ball with a chance to score, but got tangled up and shot wide.
In a similar play, the Bahia striker hit the right post. The play continued, and Fábio Luciano was sent off for a violent foul. The red-and-black pressure was rewarded in the 31st minute, when Leo Moura crossed from the right and Obina, somewhat awkwardly, finished for the goal.
With the crowd ecstatic, Juan controlled the ball from outside the box and fired in the second in the 38th minute. But there was still time for the Black Angel to shine. So much so that, within two minutes, in the 43rd and 44th minutes, Obina scored two more, the first with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box and the second by connecting on a Juan cross. A lightning rout and a day of celebration for the red-and-blacks at Botafogo's home.
Obina is once again 'better than Eto'o'
The scream was forgotten, but the striker's three goals against América excite the fans
Engenhão, February 2, 2008. Obina is once again better than Eto'o. The Flamengo fans' boastful cry, forgotten until now, reappears, and right at Botafogo's home.
The striker entered the field at halftime, scored three goals in the 4-0 rout of América, and left the field to a standing ovation, which he returned. Before heading to the locker room, the Bahia native bowed low in reverence to the red-and-blacks.
"I had three wonderful opportunities to score. More important was the group's willpower. Everyone ran really hard, and I managed to score," says the Bahia native. The Flamengo center forward hadn't scored since the match against Cruzeiro on September 12th in the Campeonato Carioca.
Toró and Fábio Luciano will not play on Thursday
Suspended players join Leo Moura on Flamengo's absence list
Flamengo coach Joel Santana suffered his first absences due to excessive cards in the Carioca Championship. In the match against América, midfielder Toró and defender Fábio Luciano were cautioned and will miss the match against Volta Redonda next Thursday at Maracanã.
Toró received his third yellow card in the first half. The red-and-black captain also received his third in the second half, but was subsequently sent off. Thus, he remains suspended.
They join Leonardo Moura on the list of absentees for the match. The full-back reports to the national team this Sunday for Wednesday's friendly against Ireland in Dublin. Flamengo still has Souza suspended. Luizinho, Rodrigo, and Kleberson are expected to replace the absentees.
'We're at the door,' Joel says excitedly.
Flamengo coach praises good campaign in the State Championship and imminent qualification
Eduardo Peixoto
Flamengo comfortably leads Group A of the State Championship and can secure early qualification for the semifinals this Sunday. To do so, Cardoso Moreira simply needs to fail to beat Volta Redonda away from home.
The 15 points earned in five rounds fill coach Joel Santana with pride and make him plan to rest players in the two final games of the first phase - Volta Redonda and Fluminense.
"I'm on the verge of qualifying." I have a 100% record, an excellent goal difference, and it wouldn't be fair to tell the fans we're not nearly there. Overall, the team is doing well," says Joel Santana.
Regarding the match against América, Flamengo's coach praised the team's improved performance in the second half. He believes the heat hampered their performance early in the game.
"Our team took the initiative in the second half and built on the result. We scored four goals and missed other chances. Perhaps the heat was a hindrance because the first half wasn't good. We gave our opponents too much freedom," he analyzes.
Fla manages to hold a 'peace game'
Only one fan is arrested for trying to destroy part of a bathroom at Engenhão
Eduardo Peixoto
No vandalism. The biggest insult to Botafogo's stadium during Flamengo's match against América was the irony from the Flamengo fans. Otherwise, the more than 15 paid fans displayed exemplary behavior (watch the video with the highlights).
Carnival Saturday became a family affair at Engenhão. Several women and children attended Flamengo's debut at the stadium. The pamphlets distributed by the board to prevent vandalism weren't even necessary.
"Only those with very small minds would think of destroying the city hall stadium. After all, Botafogo will only run it for 20 years," scoffs self-employed worker Israel Ricardo.
But, as with every rule there are exceptions, there was a minor incident. A Flamengo fan was caught trying to rip out the marble in one of the Engenhão bathrooms. He was arrested.
At the end of the game, the stadium was inspected to analyze any potential damage. A report will be released later.
THROW
Obina leads Flamengo's rout at Engenhão
In 15 minutes, the red-and-black fans' favorite leads the rout over América. Check out the game details.
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo faced América this Saturday and won its fifth consecutive match in the Guanabara Cup. With a 4-0 victory, the Rubro-Negro reached 15 points, extended its lead in Group A, and virtually guaranteed its place in the first-round semifinals. The early spot could come this Sunday if Cardoso Moreira, away from home, fails to defeat Volta Redonda. This was the first meeting in the history of both clubs at Engenhão.
The start of the match was dull. Both teams tried to pass the ball around and lacked any attacking impetus. América was even more daring and nearly opened the scoring with plays from Elvis and Eraldo. The Red-Blacks limited themselves to long shots, sometimes with Jônatas, sometimes with Ibson.
Starting in the thirtieth minute, Flamengo decided to wake up. Léo Moura had a good chance to score after a one-two with Souza, but his shot was unlucky. Shortly after, a scene that has become a tradition in Flamengo matches: Souza missed a clear goal, and the fans chanted Obina's name.
The number 9 responded to the fans with a goal. Juan crossed from the left and Souza headed the ball into the back of the net. However, assistant Vinícius da Vitória Nascimento wrongly ruled the play offside, claiming it wasn't. Flamengo had another good chance with Ronaldo Angelim, who came close to scoring a classy goal, but the score remained unchanged until halftime.
Coach Joel Santana heeded the fans' demands and replaced Marcinho with Obina for the second half. While the Bahia striker's introduction didn't add any technical quality, it did give the Flamengo team a boost. Flamengo returned with a different attitude for the second half. However, they were lacking in their finishing.
Things got easier for Flamengo when Jeffinho fouled Juan hard and, already on a yellow card, was sent off. Joel immediately replaced Jaílton with Maxi, throwing his team into overdrive.
Flamengo kept missing goal after goal. First with Toró, then with Obina, twice, once with a shot that hit the post. Just when everything was under control for Flamengo and only a goal was missing, defender Fábio Luciano made a mistake and was sent off in a childish manner.
Even with the loss of their captain, the red-and-black pressure continued, and the goal finally came. Ibson passed to Leonardo Moura, who crossed for Obina to control and finish into the back of the net. It was the first goal for the fans' favorite since September 12th – against Cruzeiro in the Brasilerão. He hadn't scored since serving his suspension by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD).
Flamengo doubled its lead shortly after Elvis's red card. Juan unleashed a low, cross-shot from outside the box, scoring his second goal of the Campeonato Carioca.
The final minutes of the match were reserved for idol Obina. He scored twice more. The first, after a pass from Maxi, and the second, after a cross from Juan, sealing a brilliant victory for the Rubro-Negro, who are now within a foot of the final stage of the Guanabara Cup.
Joel admits that the team is close to ideal
Coach, however, regrets America's situation
LANCEPRESS!
The 4-0 victory against América this Saturday has already boosted coach Joel Santana's spirits. He believes his team is improving with each game and is expected to continue doing so as the season progresses.
Joel also warned that some players will still have more space in the Flamengo team and, with that, there will be more possibilities to put together a strong scheme, especially for the Libertadores.
"The team is doing very well, and we'll still have the help of Diego Tardelli, who hasn't even made his debut yet, and Kleberson, who will gain more space in the team over time. They have a lot to offer us," he declared.
Regarding América's dire situation, the coach assured that he's rooting for this Saturday's opponent to climb from bottom of the table and avoid relegation. Mecão has yet to score in its five matches.
"I hope América can get out of this as quickly as possible. I worked there in 1991 and I have a lot of affection for this club, which is the second team for any Rio fan," he lamented.
Distributed pamphlets yield results
The board raised awareness among the fans and the game had a peaceful atmosphere at Engenhão
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo's board fulfilled its promise and distributed leaflets to raise awareness among its fans about good behavior during the club's debut at the Engenhão stadium.
The game, which had 15.469 paying fans, had a calm atmosphere from start to finish, as expected by the red-and-black management. Only one incident was recorded: a fan was arrested for attempting to vandalize one of the stadium's restrooms.
Absences have their positive side for Joel
Coach must test midfielder Kleberson against Volta Redonda
LANCEPRESS!\ Coach Joel Santana wasn't bothered by the fact that he had some players missing for next Thursday's match against Volta Redonda. He will be without Fábio Luciano, who was sent off, and Toró, who received his third yellow card. Right-back Leonardo Moura will be on international duty on Wednesday and may not be able to play.\
"I want to bring in Kleberson, who's already aligned with the work philosophy. And Rodrigo can play. Tardelli could also come in," Joel declared.
Regarding the formation of the team, if the vacancy is secured, the decision will be made jointly.
"I'll hold a meeting with the committee to discuss our focus. We'll analyze which team will play in the remaining games. We have to start thinking about the Libertadores," said Joel, who previously admitted to considering giving some players some playing time.
Joel eyes Libertadores opponent
Flamengo coach evaluates Cienciano (PER) and Wanderers (URU)
Cienciano (PER) and Wanderers (URU) compete for the last spot in Fla's group in the Libertadores
LANCEPRESS!
Last Thursday's match between Cienciano (PER) and Wanderers (URU), in the first round of the Copa Libertadores, had a special observer. Joel Santana closely followed the first leg of the final that will determine Flamengo's final opponent in the South American competition. In Cuzco, Peru, the home team prevailed, winning 1-0.
"It was a tough game. Besides the altitude, the pitch is very bad, especially in the rain. But that's what the Libertadores is all about: the result is what counts. It wasn't possible to properly evaluate the Uruguayans, who went in with the rules in hand, followed their own rules, and will decide the game at home," Joel observed.