The Globe
Back in the abyss, Fla only has Thiago Sales' debut to celebrate
Recovered from injury, Maxi prepares to return against Figueirense
The only reason to celebrate was the excellent performance of defender Thiago Sales, who was introduced almost on the sly by coach Joel Santana and ended up scoring Flamengo's goal in the frustrating 1-1 draw with Sport on Saturday at a packed Maracanã. After two rounds outside the relegation zone, the team's lackluster performance on Saturday left the red-and-black team back in the bottom four of the Brazilian league.
Flamengo returned to the relegation zone, in 17th place with 26 points, thanks to Atlético-PR's 1-0 victory over Atlético-MG, with Ramon scoring from a penalty kick at Arena da Baixada. Tied on points with the Paraná team, Flamengo has a disadvantage on goal difference.
For Wednesday's match against Figueirense at Maracanã, Argentine Maxi Biancucchi is once again expected to recover. Recovering from a muscle injury, the striker trained well this weekend and is expected to confirm his positive recovery in training today.
With Maxi's return, Joel would opt to drop Renato Augusto to fill Roger's role, who, suspended once again, is out of the team. The hope is that with Renato Augusto in his rightful position, the attack will improve.
Like Juan and Fábio Luciano, Roger received his third yellow card. In Juan's place, Joel Santana, no matter how hard he tries, can't be in doubt. Egídio is the only candidate. In defense, however, the possibility of mystery is widespread. Ronaldo Angelim, who missed the team on Saturday due to an injury, could partner with Thiago Sales. There's also Rodrigo Arroz, who has been in the running for a while and was even considered to face Sport, but ended up on the bench.
Named in the national team's training session, Thiago Sales is aware that his starting spot may be short-lived. Off the field, he displayed the same personality he displayed in his professional debut:
"I knew I was going to play at the pre-match training session. But I've been at Flamengo for a long time and know the club well. I felt comfortable and tried to deliver."
Despite the praise, Thiago knows there is still a long way to go.
- I think I played well, despite the lack of coordination. But a coach's mindset is a bit of a mystery, right?
Jade shines and Brazil secures a spot at the Beijing Games
The national team finished eighth in the World Cup qualifiers. The Rio team finished sixth overall.
STUTTGART, Germany
As was the case at the Pan American Games, Rio de Janeiro native Jade Barbosa once again stood out for the Brazilian gymnastics team. Yesterday, in the qualifying round for the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, she was the star performer on the team, which also included Daiane dos Santos, Daniele Hypólito, Laís Souza, Ana Claudia Silva, and Khiuani Dias, who scored 232.250 points and finished eighth overall, securing the team's spot at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The top eight teams from the first stage secured a spot in the World Cup team final this Wednesday, and the top 12 teams secured a spot in the Olympics. Last year, at the World Cup in Aarhus, Denmark, the team finished seventh overall.
After two days of qualifying, the United States finished top, followed by China, Romania, Russia, Italy, England, France, Brazil, Ukraine, Germany, Australia, and Japan. With the team qualification, Brazil is guaranteed at least six individual Olympic berths.
Jade, the team's best performer, achieved her highest score, 15.950, on the vault. On the balance beam, she scored 15.600, and on the parallel bars, 15.250. With the same routine she performed at the Pan American Games, and a capoeira soundtrack, she fell on the floor, costing her precious points in the individual all-around and the lowest score of her performance, 13.725. Overall, Jade scored 60.525 points, placing sixth overall. Romanian Steliana Nistor was first (61.600). Second and third were Americans Anastasia Liukin (61.525) and Shawn Johnson (61.200).
The only Brazilian gymnast to win a gold medal at the World Gymnastics Championships, on the floor exercise in Anaheim 2003, Daiane received the most applause in Stuttgart. Even though she's far from her best form—she's recovering from an ankle injury that forced her to miss the Pan American Games—the Brazilian gymnast delivered the best performance of the Brazilians on the floor exercise, receiving a score of 14.350. Despite performing a challenging routine, Daiane didn't complete the "Dos Santos," the most complicated element of her routine.
Overall, Brazil performed well in its debut, but still suffered from individual errors. Besides Jade, Ana Claudia and Daniele also fell, on the parallel bars and beam, respectively.
Today, it will be the men's team's turn to make their World Championship debut. At 11 a.m. (Brasília time), Diego Hypólito, world runner-up on floor exercise, Mosiah Rodrigues, Danilo Nogueira, Victor Rosa, Luiz Augusto dos Anjos, Caio Costa, and Artur Zanetti will compete for spots in the team, apparatus, and individual all-around finals. Only 18th at last year's World Championships, the team will attempt the unprecedented and difficult Olympic qualification that would guarantee a full team in Beijing. A specialist on floor exercise and vault, Diego believes he can finish the competition among the top eight in the world in both events.
"I trained really hard on all six apparatuses. The top 24 gymnasts will compete in the individual all-around final, and I'll do everything I can to be in the running. On floor exercise, my starting score will be 16,80, and I'll fight hard for the gold medal, which will seal my ticket to Beijing," said the gymnast.
TRANSMISSION: Bandeirantes Network
Fernando Calazans
And to think that the biggest crowd in the Brazilian Championship, yes, the biggest crowd - something that only Flamengo fans are capable of, with such a limited team and in the position they are in - filled the Maracanã on Saturday to watch such a poor performance, so devoid of talent and creativity.
Suffice it to say that Sport, on many occasions, had Flamengo at bay, in that Maracanã stadium adorned in red and black. Sport's team had Flamengo at bay, and they didn't even need to employ Geninho's well-known "tactic" of stopping plays with fouls.
But what to do? In terms of creativity, something that remains important in football (I don't know for how long, but it remains important), Flamengo's performance can be summed up in this equation:
Roger + Renato Augusto = zero.
Not to mention, of course, Obina, Rômulo, Cristian, Léo Medeiros & Co - and Souza wasn't even there yet, huh!
In any case, let's pray for Thiago Sales, the young defender, who debuted auspiciously, even scoring Flamengo's little goal. Here's how Flamengo's little goal went: a cross into the box from a full-back and a shot from a defender.
And look there!
Not everyone—at Flamengo—lives in the real world. But all is not lost.
From Saturday's game, I remember this quote from an old Flamengo fan, with the insight that years and years at the club have given him:
- Renato Augusto seems to be playing with a name he doesn't have.
Sports Journal
A dream that became reality at Mengão
Thiago Sales is still feeling the thrill of making his professional debut wearing the club's shirt.
Thiago Bokel
Gala debut: defender Thiago Sales (R) celebrates his goal in the game against Sport
Seeing the Maracanã stadium with the largest crowd of this Brazilian Championship, feeling the excitement of the country's largest fan base, and dealing with the responsibility of replacing starter Ronaldo Angelim would be enough to impress any professional. But when the name Thiago Sales—who played his first professional game for Flamengo on Sunday—is mentioned, all these considerations become secondary.
With the maturity of a veteran, Thiago didn't feel the pressure and even left the Maracanã stadium rewarded with a goal, the only one scored by the Red-Blacks in the draw with Sport. The young revelation, just 20 years old, who joined Flamengo in 2002 to play futsal and took to the field in 2004, explained what it was like to make his debut.
"It's one of the best feelings in the world. All of this is the result of a long-term struggle that ended up being rewarded with a goal in my very first game. I realized a dream, and I can't even explain how emotional it is," Thiago described.
After overcoming the anticipation of his debut, the defender's focus is already on Wednesday's match against Figueirense at Maracanã. With defender Fábio Luciano receiving his third yellow card and Ronaldo Angelim still not guaranteed a place, it's very likely that Thiago Sales will start again. However, this doesn't affect the player's mind.
"I managed to form a good partnership with Fábio Luciano, an experienced defender who gave me a lot of confidence and peace of mind. With his suspension, if Joel chooses me, I'll be ready, but if he also chooses Rodrigo Arroz and leaves me on the bench, there won't be a problem, as I'll be there supporting him. The Flamengo group is focused on one goal: getting the team out of this situation," explained the defender.
Chubby child
Before arriving at Flamengo, Thiago Sales had never played soccer for any other club. There's a reason he started so late: as a child, the defender was chubby and therefore rarely received opportunities. Now, in good shape, he hopes to relive the glory days of defenders who emerged from Flamengo, such as Aldair, Mozer, and Juan.
Fla has a good average playing at Maracanã
While the proximity to the relegation zone still scares, another point is being celebrated in Gávea. Except for the team's debut in this Brazilian Championship—when they were defeated 4-2 by Palmeiras on May 13th—Flamengo has not lost again at Maracanã.
In total, there were four wins, four draws—two against Botafogo—and only one loss. If this 66% success rate were to be repeated throughout the championship, Flamengo would be in second place in the standings. The good news, however, is that of the team's 17 remaining games in the Brazilian Championship, 11 will be played at Maracanã, which could bode well for Flamengo's potential to reach new heights this year.
Biancucci and Angelim could return against Figueirense
Today could be a day of news at Gávea. Coach Joel Santana will have to decide whether to return Argentine striker Maxi Biancucci, who was in the medical department due to a muscle strain in his left leg—injured in the match against Goiás. Defender Ronaldo Angelim, who has a sprained left foot, will also face a decisive day to determine whether he will face Figueirense on Wednesday. Souza remains suspended.
Without these players—in addition to the absences of defender Fábio Luciano, full-back Juan, and midfielder Roger, who are suspended for receiving their third yellow card—coach Joel Santana will have his work cut out for him when selecting his team. In total, there could be six significant absences for a match the coach considers crucial for Flamengo to finally avoid the specter of relegation.
D-Day for Colace\ Today will also be an important day regarding the signing of Argentine midfielder Hugo Colace. Since Flamengo registered the player on Friday—the last day of the international transfer window, even though the situation hasn't been finalized yet—he would be eligible to participate in this Brazilian Championship.\
Football director Marcos Braz is optimistic about the outcome of the negotiations and hopes to soon give fans good news.
"There's been no news on this case since Friday, but I believe we could have some on Monday (today). Everything is on track, and it's unlikely the deal won't happen. Colace is eager to play for Flamengo, and his contract is already regularized with the CBF," the director stated.
With Colace's arrival, Flamengo's signing cycle for this year will be complete. However, the deadline for players currently playing in Brazil to arrive expires on the 14th.
Joel promotes players from the youth divisions
Coach Joel Santana has been revolutionizing Flamengo. While former coach Ney Franco ignored the young talents from the youth ranks, giving way to players from Ipatinga, the current Flamengo manager has already shown his intention to utilize the youngsters from the youth ranks.
The first to get a chance under Joel was defensive midfielder Rômulo, who had already played professionally in 2005, when Cuca was the coach, but was subsequently forgotten. He made his debut in the match against Náutico and has remained a regular starter ever since.
The most well-known players among Flamengo fans are midfielder Renato Augusto and striker Paulo Sérgio, who have consistently played in the starting lineup. Now, two more players are starting to gain their place: Thiago Sales and striker Kayke, who was Flamengo's top scorer at the U-19 Club World Cup in Malaysia with five goals. Joel sought to explain the importance of these youngsters to the squad.
"Against Sport, I was without three players—Souza, Maxi, and Ronaldo Angelim—due to injury or suspension. Now, for the match against Figueirense, three more are out after receiving their third yellow card—Fábio Luciano, Roger, and Juan. The key is to invest in the young players from the youth academy, who are always performing when I need them," explained Joel.
Despite the positive momentum of the revelations, one case in particular has been troubling the coach: Renato Augusto. Since returning from the U-20 World Cup in Canada, the midfielder has been unable to replicate the strong performances that made him a fan favorite. Joel assured that he will speak with the player in an attempt to help him recapture his best days.
Men's competition begins today at the Gymnastics World Championships
World floor runner-up Diego Hypólito leads the men's team, which will make its competition debut today at 11 a.m. The Pan American champion warned that qualifying for Beijing won't be as easy for the men as it was for the women.
"To secure a full team for next year's Beijing Olympics, we need to qualify among the top 12 countries at the World Championships. It's worth remembering that last year, in Aarhus, Denmark, Brazil finished 18th." In the individual competition, Brazilian gymnasts are one of the country's biggest hopes for gold. "The top 24 gymnasts will compete in the individual all-around final, and I'll do everything I can to be in that fight."
O Dia
Flamengo: Joel 'shakes' the promise
With the team back in the relegation zone, the coach will talk to Renato Augusto
José Luiz de Pinho
Rio - Flamengo is back in the Brasileirão relegation zone with Atlético-PR's victory over Atlético-MG yesterday in Curitiba. A punishment for not doing their homework on Saturday at the Maracanã. But, in addition to the poor performance in the 1-1 draw with Sport and the risk of relegation, coach Joel Santana is concerned about the thunderous booing of Renato Augusto by 61 Flamengo fans—a championship record attendance.
So much so that today, upon his return to training, the coach will give the player a shake-up. "We feel he's not feeling well, but we have to learn to live with this situation. That's how idols are. They have to learn to deal with good times and bad," Joel stated.
Slow and unfocused, Renato Augusto was replaced by Kayke in the second half and booed mercilessly. Fearful that the criticism would dampen the young red-and-black prospect, Joel came to his defense: "Of course it does. I, at 50, don't like being booed. Imagine a 20-year-old... Renato Augusto is a rare gem, of exceptional quality, and he requires a little patience," he said.
Roger also performed poorly and was replaced by Léo Medeiros even before Renato Augusto's departure. "It's the same with Roger. He's talented, but he's been out of action, coming off an injury. It's time to cool off and work," he said, adding that the team suffered a lackluster performance against Sport and had its worst performance this year, returning to the relegation zone.
THREE DEFAULTS
Joel will be out for the match against Figueirense on Wednesday: Fábio Luciano, Juan, and Roger, who are suspended. Thiago Sales, who scored the goal against Sport, will remain in defense in place of Fábio Luciano. Today, the club finalizes the signing of Argentine midfielder Hugo Colace, 23, from Estudiantes. On Saturday, he was at the Maracanã and watched the red-and-black team fail.
Led by Jade, Brazil earns a spot in Beijing
Despite a mistake on the ground, Jade was the best of the Brazilian team
Germany - The Brazilian team secured its place in the 2008 Olympic Games this Sunday. Led by Jade Barbosa, the gymnasts scored 232,250 points in the qualifying round of the Stuttgart World Championships and qualified for Beijing.
The score left Brazil in fifth place, behind China, Romania, Russia, and Italy. To qualify for the Olympics, the team must finish among the 12 highest-ranked teams in Germany.
With only six teams remaining, the Brazilians already have an Olympic berth. Oleg Ostapenko's team hopes to also qualify for the World Cup final. To do so, they need to finish among the top eight.
The Brazilian with the best performance was Jade Barbosa. Performing very well on the vault, uneven bars, and balance beam, she finished third in the individual competition with 60,525 points.
Jade only doesn't hold the overall lead because she made a mistake on the floor and lost important points. Also competing for Brazil were Ana Cláudia Silva, Daiane dos Santos, Laís Souza, Khiuani Dias, and Daniele Hypólito.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo has many absences for Wednesday
Gazeta Press
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The draw against Sport wasn't the only thing coach Joel Santana regretted. He's been without three players for next Wednesday's match against Figueirense, again at the Maracanã: defender Fábio Luciano, left-back Juan, and midfielder Roger all received their third yellow cards and will not be able to play. In addition to these three absences, Joel Santana already knows he won't be able to count on striker Souza, who still has one more game remaining due to the suspension imposed by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD).
Flamengo's squad will be back on Monday, and Joel will be given a diagnosis on the return of defender Ronaldo Angelim and midfielder Maximiliano Biancucchi. Both were injured and unable to face Sport.
Against Figueirense, Flamengo will play its fifth consecutive match at Maracanã. In the other four, the red-and-black team accumulated two wins (Fluminense and Juventude) and two draws (Botafogo and Sport).
PeléNet
In 'debt' in Brazil, Flamengo complains about its current series of games
Flamengo still has two fewer games than most of its opponents in the Brazilian Championship, due to postponed matches due to the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro in July. Playing twice a week to stay "up to speed" with the competition, the club is feeling fatigued.
"We've been playing every three days. Since I took over the team, I only had a full week to work before my debut. In addition to the numerous absences, the players are showing excessive fatigue, and we haven't had time to train. It's not an excuse, I'm just saying what's happening," lamented coach Joel Santana.
The Rio de Janeiro team, unable to use Maracanã Stadium during the Pan American Games, played two of its home matches in Minas Gerais and rescheduled the others. Of the total number of rounds valid for this first half, the club still has to face São Paulo (the home match was changed in the first half of the championship), Cruzeiro, and Vasco.
After the 1-1 draw against Sport, last Saturday, at Maracanã, the team had a poor performance and attributed it, in part, to the sequence of matches it has faced for about a month, since the match against Santos, in which it was defeated at Vila Belmiro, by 3-0.
However, the players are keen to reassure fans, especially, that their drop in performance on the field doesn't mean they lack desire. In their last two games in Rio de Janeiro, the red-and-black team drew 1-1. Still at home, the club faces Figueirense next Wednesday at 20:30 pm.
"We're tired because we've been playing non-stop," said midfielder Rômulo, accompanied by teammate Thiago: "The team felt it a bit, but everyone is giving their all, putting their heart into the field, the fans can be sure of that."
Flamengo's streak will continue until the derby against Vasco on Sunday, September 16. After this match, the Gávea club will return to the field "only" a week later, when they will face Juventude in Caxias do Sul.
BalloonSport
Fla returns to the relegation zone
With Atlético-PR's victory over Atlético-MG, the Rio de Janeiro team is in 17th place
Flamengo fans' joy was short-lived. After two rounds outside the relegation zone, the Rio de Janeiro team is once again among the bottom four. This Sunday, Atlético-PR defeated Atlético-MG 1-0 (watch the video below) and surpassed the Gávea club in the standings.
Now, Flamengo, who drew 1-1 with Sport on Sunday, has 26 points in 17th place. Furacão has the same number of points, but has the better goal difference (-1 to -2). However, the Rio de Janeiro-based team has two games in hand over the Paraná-based team.
Flamengo spent two months in the relegation zone and emerged victorious with a 3-1 victory over Goiás. They then drew 1-1 with Botafogo and Sporting, both at the Maracanã stadium.
Joel Santana's team's next game is against Figueirense, on Wednesday, at Maracanã.
Colace's hiring is postponed until Monday
Official says documentation is at the CBF and agreement is postponed until the beginning of the week
Marcio Iannacca
Hugo Colace has already completed medical examinations in Rio de Janeiro and is expected to sign with Flamengo. The deal with Argentine Hugo Colace, from Estudiantes, will only be finalized next Monday. According to Flamengo's board, negotiations are well underway and only details are missing before the official announcement of the signing of the reinforcement, who is only 23 years old and has already played for his country's U-17 and U-20 national teams.
Flamengo's football director, Marcos Braz, is confident in a happy ending and guarantees that the athlete will play for the red-black team.
"Everything is well underway, and I think it's unlikely that the deal will go wrong. The negotiation landscape hasn't changed from Friday to Saturday, and everything will be finalized on Monday. All his documentation is with the CBF, and he's in good standing," he says.
Although the board of directors claims the player is registered with the CBF, Hugo Colace's name was not published in last Friday's Internal Daily Bulletin (BID). The club's directors submitted the documentation because the Argentine's transfer is international, and the deadline for such negotiations ended on the 31st.
Colace underwent a medical last Friday and arrives to join youngster Rômulo. With few options in the midfield, coach Joel Santana had requested a midfielder.
Joel has trouble putting together the team
Four players are suspended and two are recovering from muscle problems.
Marcio Iannacca
Joel Santana is full of problems when choosing the red-black team
Coach Joel Santana will have four players out for next Wednesday's match against Figueirense at Maracanã. He will be without defender Fábio Luciano, left-back Juan, and midfielder Roger, all suspended for receiving their third yellow card, and forward Souza, who has been suspended by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD).
In addition to these four players, the coach also risks being without Argentine Maxi Biancucchi, who is recovering from a left thigh strain, and defender Ronaldo Angelim, who has a muscle problem. Both will be re-evaluated on Monday to determine whether they will be fit to play on Wednesday.
Despite stating that he trusts the squad, coach Joel Santana lamented the possibility of having to field a team full of reserves.
"I'm already down to four players, and I'm still at risk of losing others. We'll use what we have," says the red-and-black coach.
Joel praises homegrown talent
Coach thrilled with good performances from Thiago Sales, Rômulo, Kayke and Paulo Sérgio
Flamengo's poor performance and 1-1 draw against Sport on Saturday at Maracanã drew criticism from Joel Santana (watch the match goals in the video below). However, anyone who believes the Flamengo manager only saw negative things in the Flamengo performance is mistaken. After introducing Rômulo to the starting lineup upon his arrival at the club, the coach promoted Kayke and Thiago Sales to the senior squad against Leão and praised the new generation. "The players being brought in are based on what I've seen in the youth academy. We're betting on the youngsters. They're state champions, coming off a great campaign in Malaysia, and that's the positive from the last match. Four youngsters played, and they played well," says Joel, who includes Paulo Sérgio on the list and makes a point of praising Thiago Sales.
"The kid who replaced Angelim actually did very well. It wasn't a surprise, because based on the training, he deserved the opportunity. The good thing is that Flamengo gains another good defender."
Defender ready for new opportunities
Homegrown talent Thiago Sales praises the fans and hopes to continue in the starting lineup
Making your debut for Flamengo's professional team, in a packed Maracanã stadium, and even scoring a goal isn't something everyone can do, especially if you're a defender. Saturday night was shaping up to be perfect for 20-year-old Thiago Sales, who learned from coach Joel Santana in the locker room that he would be the replacement for Ronaldo Angelim in the match against Sport (watch the goals from the match in the video below).
"When he said I was going to play, I was calm. I know the club; all that was missing was the opportunity. Unfortunately, the victory didn't come. If Joel needs me in the next match, I'm ready," says the defender, who could be kept in the squad for the match against Figueirense on Wednesday due to Fábio Luciano's suspension.
The red-black captain, in fact, was highly praised by Thiago.
"Despite the lack of synergy, we formed a good partnership. Fábio is experienced, plays very well, and gave me the confidence to play my role," praises the defender, who also thanks the fans for their support.
"We, who have been Flamengo fans since childhood, know what the fans are like. Unfortunately, they were sad that we didn't win, but they kept cheering and singing, even after the penalty."
Joel defends Renato Augusto
Coach says the player is an idol and will continue to bring joy to the red-blacks
Marcio Iannacca
Coach Joel Santana came to the defense of midfielder Renato Augusto, who had a terrible performance in Flamengo's 1-1 draw with Sport this Saturday at Maracanã (watch the highlights in the video below). The Flamengo star was substituted in the second half and left the field to boos. With his head down, he walked into the locker room.
For coach Joel Santana, Renato Augusto is a unique player and promises to have a conversation to calm the midfielder down.
"His quality is unique. He's not in a normal, natural moment for him. He needs to learn how to deal with it. He's a promising player for the Brazilian national team, and all the players who were idols have experienced this at some point. No one likes being booed. If I, at over 50, don't like it. Imagine a 19-year-old," says Joel.
The coach admits that Renato Augusto is not in the best of times, but guarantees that he will keep the athlete in the starting lineup.
"We feel that Renato Augusto isn't doing well. We need to be patient and talk to him. I'm more experienced, and football teaches us that. I've already had a conversation with him and will have another. That's how idols are. He's a rare asset," explains the red-and-black coach.
Throw
Fla is already second in average attendance
Flamengo fans only lose to Sport fans at home
Rodrigo Mandarini
Flamengo's fans once again fulfilled their role last Saturday, packing out the Maracanã stadium for the match against Sport. More than the Brazilian Championship attendance record of 49.828 paying fans, the massive presence of Flamengo fans at the stadium led the club to take second place in average attendance for home matches in the competition. So far, an average of 24.642 fans have watched Brazil's Most Beloved in nine home matches.
Interestingly, the leader in average attendance at home games is Sport, Saturday's opponent. The Lion has already played 12 games at Ilha do Retiro, with an average attendance of 25.397. The one who lost the position to Flamengo was Botafogo. The Alvinegro was the "most beloved in Rio" until the weekend, with an average of 22.248 fans during its home matches.
Among the games already played, which lower Flamengo's average in the competition, are the matches against Paraná and América-RN. Due to the Pan American Games, Maracanã was closed, and the team played two games away from Rio de Janeiro, in smaller stadiums: against Tricolor Paraná, in Uberlândia; and against the team from Rio Grande do Norte, in Juiz de Fora.
Flamengo's numbers should improve soon. The team still has fewer games played than the leader in attendance, Sport. Among the games to be played with the support of the red-and-black fans are the derby against Vasco and the match against Cruzeiro, second in the Brasileirão.
The undisputed leader of the Brasileirão, São Paulo, sees an average of 19.442 fans at Morumbi Stadium. Brazil's second-most popular team, Corinthians, sees an average of 17.769 paying fans at its games.
Colace should be announced by Fla on Monday
Management reports that negotiations are very close to a conclusion
Another Argentine on his way to Mengão: Colace (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
Flamengo fans will have to wait a little longer to celebrate the signing of Argentine midfielder Hugo Colace from Estudiantes de La Plata (ARG). Before the match against Sport Recife, the club's football director, Marcos Braz, stated that the negotiations would be finalized on Monday.
"The Hugo Colace case will be decided on Monday. Friday was a very successful day for negotiations, and we have practically everything agreed upon," the leader explained.
Braz also said that, even without officially confirming Colace's signing, the club has already expedited his registration for the Brazilian Championship.
– Flamengo has already registered the athlete with the CBF and we will not have any problems with the transfer window abroad – he stated.
The Rubro-Negro's swiftness in finalizing the Argentine's paperwork has been adopted by other Brazilian clubs. In Rio Grande do Sul, Grêmio already registered Fabiano Eller with the CBF before even signing the defender.
Colace has already been seen at Gávea on two occasions. Last Thursday, he met with vice president of football, Kléber Leite, and then underwent cardiology exams. The following day, after orthopedic exams, he attended the team's training session.