THE GLOBE
Flamengo loses to Boca in the South American
BUENOS AIRES. Flamengo was defeated by Boca Juniors 100-88 last night at La Bombonerita in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the first game of the South American Basketball League semifinals. The two teams will face each other again next Tuesday, the 8th, at 19 p.m., in Tijuca, Rio. If Flamengo wins, it will force a third game, also in Tijuca, on the 9th, because, despite losing its unbeaten streak in the tournament yesterday, it has the better record.
Both Flamengo and Boca Juniors are vying for a first-ever title. In 1999, the Argentine team reached the final but lost to Vasco. This is the first time the team from Gávea has reached the semifinals of the competition.
Yesterday, at halftime, Boca Juniors led 43-36. In the third quarter, Flamengo surged, tying the score at 43-43. But the period ended 68-62 in favor of the Argentines. In the fourth quarter, three-pointers from Gutierrez and Orona gave Boca Juniors a 92-72 lead against a struggling Flamengo. From then on, the Argentine team held on to their advantage.
"We'll have two games in Rio (if Flamengo wins on Tuesday). We need to keep that in mind. At the beginning of the third quarter, we tied at 43-43, but then we lost focus on defense. They hit three three-pointers and opened up a lead. But on Tuesday, the approach has to be the same, because even on a bad day, we lost by 12 points," said coach Paulo Chupeta by phone.
For Conmebol, teams will play at altitude
Ricardo Teixeira is the only one against\ supporting Bolivia\
ASUNCION. CBF president Ricardo Teixeira was the only official to refuse to sign a declaration by the 10 members of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), to be sent to FIFA, supporting Bolivia and the holding of matches over 2.750 meters, contrary to the ruling of international football's highest governing body. Brazil's opposition breaks the unanimity that normally accompanies CONMEBOL's decisions.
"We ratify what the confederation decided at its January meeting: to give full support to Bolivia. The qualifying matches must be played in the same cities as the previous tournament, which qualified the team for the World Cup in Germany," said the organization's president, Paraguayan Nicolás Leoz.
In any case, the confederation will create a commission to try to overturn FIFA's decision. Brazil will still play in La Paz and Quito.
Suderj prepares for new match at Maracanã
In Rio, the Rio de Janeiro State Sports Council (Suderj) has just over five months to bring the Maracanã stadium as close to World Cup standards as possible. The goal of the state's Sports Secretary and president, Eduardo Paes, is to offer 88 reserved seats to the public for the qualifying match between Brazil and Bolivia, scheduled for Rio on September 10th, as Ancelmo Gois announced.
"We want to put on an even better show than the one between Brazil and Ecuador," said Eduardo Paes. "This sectorization process will begin soon, culminating in the match against Bolivia."
Fla suffers defeat and will have to go to Cuzco
In the Libertadores, Nacional wins and the red-black drops to third place
JAÍLTON TRIES to disarm Maxi in yesterday's training session: the midfielder should return to Flamengo's starting lineup in Cuzco
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
One day after successfully defending itself against serious charges against four players before the Rio de Janeiro Federation's Court of Justice (TJD), Flamengo suffered a day of defeats yesterday. The biggest defeat was in Asunción, where the CONMEBOL Executive Committee decided to continue holding Copa Libertadores matches at altitude, despite FIFA not recommending matches above 2.750 meters. Flamengo will therefore face Cienciano next Wednesday in Cuzco, Peru, at 3.400 meters above sea level.
The South American governing body is demanding that Brazilian clubs adhere to the Libertadores schedule and is threatening to fine and ban clubs from continental competitions for three years if they fail to play a single match. A request has been made to the Brazilians to withdraw the lawsuit pending before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The lawsuit requests that FIFA's decision, banning matches between national teams at altitude when there is no acclimatization time, be extended to CONMEBOL.
"It's the most absurd thing I've ever heard. We're not withdrawing the lawsuit. CONMEBOL is the one violating FIFA regulations," said Flamengo president Márcio Braga, who is considering filing a complaint against CONMEBOL with FIFA.
Joel changes the way the team defends itself
Just yesterday, Pedro Trengrouse, the club's lawyer, flew to Switzerland. He has a meeting scheduled for today with the CAS secretary. Flamengo expects a ruling on the Brazilians' request for an injunction, which would prevent the match against Cienciano in Cuzco, to be heard by Monday. Before that, the CAS will assess whether or not it has jurisdiction to discuss the matter.
Another piece of bad news for the club was Nacional's 1-0 home victory over Coronel Bolognesi. The Uruguayans lead Group 4 of the Libertadores with nine points. Flamengo and Cienciano have seven. The red-and-black team lags behind on goal difference and drops to third place.
In Gávea, coach Joel Santana led a tactical training session yesterday for the team that will play in Cuzco. To cope with the altitude, Joel tested a new defensive positioning. Midfielders Jaílton and Cristian played deep, almost in line with defenders Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim. The goal of the training session, besides having the team more defensively, was to develop a style of play that would allow the team to conserve energy in the thin air. The formation gave full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan more freedom and the role of improving the ball's release, alongside Ibson.
A curious statement was made yesterday by young defender Thiago Sales, who is expected to play alongside Leonardo and Rodrigo Arroz in Sunday's derby. Accustomed to scoring goals against Vasco in the youth teams, he will be tasked with marking Edmundo.
"In 1997, I was a fan and saw him score three goals and then shake his hips. At the time, I was angry. But it was just a fan thing, of course. I have nothing against him," said Thiago.
President Márcio Braga announced that he wants to begin negotiations for a contract renewal with Petrobras almost nine months in advance. Currently, the state-owned company pays R$16,2 million per year. According to the director, Flamengo wants to maintain the partnership, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2009, but "at market prices."
SPORTS JOURNAL
Two friends, one vacancy
Despite their mutual affection, Kleberson and Toró are fighting to prove they can be starters.
Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
File/JS
Kleberson has not yet reached his best football at Flamengo
Friends are friends, starting positions aside. Off the field, the affection and respect are mutual, but on it, the competition for starting positions is fierce between midfielders Kleberson and Toró. When coach Joel Santana admitted after the victory over Friburguense that he had already decided on 90% of his team, the doubt was precisely between the two players. Now the duel has begun in earnest.
Proof of this is that the coach is expected to field Toró as a starter against Cienciano next Wednesday, relegating Kleberson to the bench. While the former was considered one of the greatest revelations in Brazilian football early in his career, the latter has already experienced the ultimate glory of being a World Cup winner with the Brazilian national team in 2002.
If he had to weigh the names, Kleberson, who turns 29 in June, would be a regular starter for any Brazilian club. However, the grit, determination, and especially the stamina of Toró, who is about to turn 22, have left coach Joel Santana scratching his head as to which of them should start.
Cheers
Despite the dispute, Kleberson shows special affection when talking about his teammate.
"We're friends. Toró is a good kid who's been making his mark on the game. Our competition is very healthy and always limited to the coach's tactical choices. Each of us works hard to show Joel that we have what it takes to be a starter," explained Kleberson.
Toró's admiration for his 'competitor' is clear in his words. After facing criticism for his red card against Nacional de Montevideo, he assured that the problems are a thing of the past, and even revealed that one of the players who gave him the most support in overcoming these challenges was the number 15.
"Kleberson needs no introduction, as he brings experience and a winning spirit to Flamengo. Both he and Fábio Luciano are very important to our group. They always talk to the younger players, and as they have already experienced these types of problems, they give us peace of mind to overcome adversity," the supporter praised.
With each round, or rather, with each match, the duel between the two becomes more exciting. It's up to Joel Santana, at the end of each round, to judge which fighter is better prepared for the next bout.
Conmebol favors altitude
File/JS
Kleber Leite tried, but he couldn't convince Conmebol
The CONMEBOL Executive Committee met yesterday in Asunción, Paraguay, to decide whether or not to ban high-altitude matches in this year's Copa Libertadores. The decision was detrimental to Flamengo, as it was decided by a 9-1 vote that high-altitude matches will continue.
Before knowing the result, Flamengo's players were already preparing to face the 3.360 meters above sea level of Cusco, Peru. For defender Juan, it's absurd that the ban only applies to international matches.
"What I find strange is that the national team players won't have to play there, only the club players. We're human just like them," complained Juan, who knows the secret to Flamengo's good performance against Cienciano. "Playing at altitude is always difficult; your legs can't keep up. The critical moment is at the end, when the air is practically gone. The secret to getting a good result is to avoid getting caught up in their rush," the player advised.
Sponsorship — Flamengo president Marcio Braga said in a statement on the club's official website that he will immediately begin discussions and negotiations to renew the contract with Petrobras, Flamengo's sponsor. According to the president, the haste in the negotiations serves to demonstrate the club's interest in continuing the partnership.
Now it's up to the red-black fans
Flamengo loses to Boca Juniors and has to win both games in Rio in the South American League
Pedro Ivo Almeida
File/JS
Winger Marcelinho was heavily marked, but still had a great game in Buenos Aires and scored 41 points for Flamengo.
Flamengo needs the support of its fans more than ever. After losing yesterday to Boca Juniors, 100-88, in Buenos Aires, the first game of the best-of-three series for the semifinals of the South American Basketball League, the team from Gávea hopes to count on the support of its fans in the two second leg matches to be held in Rio de Janeiro on the 8th and 9th.
With yesterday's loss, the red-and-black team needs to win both of its home matches to secure a spot in the final. Despite the loss, Marcelinho once again led the way with 41 points.
The first half was evenly matched, with neither team able to open up a significant lead. Boca ended the first half ahead 43-36.
In the second half, the red-and-black team heeded coach Paulo Chupeta's instructions, and with a solid defense and a good offensive performance, tied the game at 43. However, they didn't expect to count on the good aim of Orona, the Argentine team's forward/center, who hit three consecutive 3-pointers, opening a 9-point lead.
After a mistimed foul by Cuban referee Amiel, the team lost focus and allowed the Argentines to take a 12-point lead. But, resuming their early-quarter composure, the red-and-blacks closed the gap again, reducing the lead to 68-62 at the end of the quarter.
In the final, decisive quarter, Paulo Chupeta's team couldn't maintain the momentum they'd enjoyed at the end of the previous quarter. The team couldn't resist the excellent shooting of the Gutiérrez-Orona duo, who once again secured Boca's lead. Flamengo tried hard, but it wasn't Marclinho and company's day.
The red-blacks now focus on the return match on the 8th, where they need a win at any cost.
Eduardo Lacombe
The Red and the Black
The ideal midfield
Eduardo Lacombe elacombe@jsports.com.br
Flamengo's midfield formation has been a source of controversy since the end of last year's Brazilian Championship. The controversy intensified when the signings were announced, most of them players with similar characteristics. But what's drawing attention is the criticism directed at Ibson, until then one of the best players on Joel Santana's team. From experience, I know that athletes fluctuate between good and bad form, whether technical or physical. I don't know what's going on with Ibson, but I don't believe he should simply be dropped from the team, as one of my seven readers, Paulo Sérgio Guimarães, proposes. According to him, Ibson should be replaced by Jônatas. The problem, in my opinion, is that not even Jônatas is in full swing. Of the players in the midfield, Cristian is still the best. That is, until Rômulo returns. He's already training. We'll see when he returns. Then, yes, one of Flamengo's serious problems will be over, as we will have a player there who knows how to disarm the opponent without making a foul.\
The biggest problem with our soccer is the choppy calendar. Everything starts in January and suffers the first break with the end of the Regional Championship. Then, mistakes are corrected and a new phase begins, which is interrupted by the opening of the European market, with players coming and going. Then, yes, things continue until the end of the year, with no time for major changes. The exception was Flamengo in 2007, thanks to the complete lack of synergy between the Pan American Organizing Committee and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
This means teams are already starting the season at a full throttle. The best example is Santos, which, after Vanderlei Luxemburgo's scorched earth, took time to get back on its feet. And now, it has no chance of competing for the São Paulo state title. All because, compared to the others, it took longer to get back on its feet. As the Bahians say: "Ooh, ooh!"
But man! What a mess this whole Flamengo new jersey thing is! I just want to know who the genius was who approved the gold number on the red fabric. This uniform would be ideal for the Portuguese Secret Police, wouldn't it?
THE DAY
Mengão will have to climb the hill
Rodrigo Lima
Rio - Flamengo's pleas, protests, and even whining to avoid the altitude were all for naught. At a meeting yesterday in Asunción, the Executive Committee of the South American Football Confederation ratified the decision to hold matches above 2.750 meters in continental tournaments and even in World Cup qualifiers. With this, the Rubro-Negro's match against Cienciano, at 3.360 meters in Cuzco, Peru, was confirmed.
The decision was approved by nine of the ten representatives of the associations affiliated with the organization. Only Brazil, in the presence of president Ricardo Teixeira, opposed it. It was also suggested that Brazilian clubs send a letter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) withdrawing their request to ban matches at altitude.
Knowing that the decision would go against Flamengo's wishes, Joel practically confirmed yesterday that he will face Vasco on Sunday in the Taça Rio with a team of substitutes. The starters will be rested for the decisive match against Cienciano. This is especially true because Nacional defeated Coronel Bolognesi 1-0 yesterday in Montevideo and took the lead in Group 4 of the Libertadores with nine points. This requires the Gávea team to achieve a good result in Peru, as Flamengo is in third place with seven points, the same number as Cienciano.
Thiago Salles fears Edmundo
But the derby against Vasco is already putting pressure on the reserves. Defender Thiago Salles revealed he was traumatized by facing the Colina's star player: striker Edmundo. In 1997, Thiago was only 10 years old. At home, he watched Vasco's 4-1 rout of Flamengo, with three goals from the Animal. The sight of Edmundo shaking his hips in celebration still haunts the defender.
"That memory is bad. He always had a habit of scoring goals for Flamengo," recalled Salles, who promises to get revenge. "I also have a good record against Vasco, in the youth team, and I always scored goals. I hope to score one now, playing for the seniors," he said.
Flamengo is already moving to negotiate a new contract with Petrobras
Rio - After tumultuous negotiations to renew its contract with Petrobras this year, Flamengo appears to have learned its lesson. Flamengo released an official statement this Thursday announcing that it is already moving to begin another negotiation next week for the value of its 2009 contract with the state-owned oil company.
In the note signed by president Márcio Braga, the club recalls that, next year, Flamengo and Petrobras will celebrate 25 years of partnership and, to continue the "long-standing partnership that will celebrate its silver anniversary", the club is already organizing to begin discussions with the company.
Flamengo currently receives R$16,2 million per year from the company. Just as it demanded in the last negotiation, which ended in failure, the club is expected to seek a raise of at least R$22 million per season.
Toró: 'I have a good heart'
Rio - A one-match ban from the TJD (Department of Justice) left Toró feeling relieved. Called a criminal and a coward after being accused by Flamengo officials and Castillo of assaulting the goalkeeper in the last derby between Flamengo and Botafogo, for the Rio Cup, and having inherited a reputation as a bad boy after being sent off for assaulting a ball boy in Uruguay, in the match against Nacional, for the Copa Libertadores, the player vented his feelings yesterday:
I don't need to prove anything. Anyone who really knows me knows I have a good heart," Toró said.
With a smile on his face, the supporter defended himself against the accusations, saying that he was never violent, but that he sometimes makes mistakes due to inexperience, despite having also defended Fluminense.
"The problem is that I don't know how to be a rascal. Sometimes, nerves get too high during a game, and we need some peace of mind. But the problems have passed. It's time to forget all that," he revealed.
Toró has been a reserve in recent games because Joel Santana wanted to keep him. But in the match against Cienciano in Cuzco, he's expected to return to the starting lineup.
Full-back Juan gives the recipe for a good performance at the altitude of Cusco
Rio - Comenbol, South American football's governing body, will meet this Thursday to discuss whether to adopt FIFA's ban on games without prior acclimatization in cities above 2750 meters. As the likely outcome is that FIFA's recommendation will be ignored, Flamengo will be forced to climb the 3.400 meters to Cuzco, Peru, to face Cienciano next Wednesday in the fifth round of the Copa Libertadores.
Knowing this, the coaching staff has already prepared specifically for the match and provided recommendations to the players. Left-back Juan, who played last year at the 4000m altitude of Potosí, Bolivia, gives the recipe for a good performance at altitude:
"I've played in Potosí, and it's a difficult situation. It's quite complicated: you have to know how to pace yourself, run, and be smart, otherwise you'll lose your legs at the end of the game. Then you end up losing because, in the end, you're not in ideal physical condition," he explained.
Faced with so many difficulties, for Gávea's number 6, a draw at the altitude of Cuzco won't be a bad result:
"The pressure is immense away from home, especially in a Libertadores match. We'll face pressure from the opposing team, and we have to play intelligently. The half isn't a bad result for us," he analyzed.
The full-back approved Joel's decision to return, for the match against Cienciano, to the formation with which Flamengo ended the 2007 season:
"We have everything to play a good game, it was a winning team last year and it has everything to be successful this year too," he said.
Given the difficult match against Cienciano at altitude, and with Flamengo already qualified for the semifinals of the Taça Rio, Juan also thought the coaching staff's decision to rest the players for this Sunday's classic against Vasco was correct:
"I think there are several points there, but really thinking about the Libertadores, because we already have a spot in the Carioca final, and also taking into account the travel and altitude, the committee will make the right decision. It will be important for us to be closer to 100% to play there at altitude," he said.
SPORTS GAZETTE
In the name of harmony, Joel repeats the 2007 base\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's lineup for this Sunday's match against Vasco da Gama isn't the only good news. While the Taça Rio team won't be able to count on suspended players Obina and Toró, the lineup that will play against Cienciano in the Libertadores is also ready, with Jaílton replacing Marcinho in midfield. This is the team that ended the 2007 season with a stellar run in the Brazilian Championship that secured a spot in the Copa Libertadores. Coach Joel Santana explained the change, arguing that better teamwork is needed for a crucial match like Wednesday's in Cusco.
"We'll be playing at altitude, and the team spirit in this situation helps a lot. Knowing where their teammates are on the field means they run less, get less fatigued, and are more focused on the field. I'm sure we'll have a great game, as we're working every day to figure out the best way to beat Cienciano in Peru," Joel said.
The team that will face Cienciano will consist of: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, and Toró; and Renato Augusto and Souza. The delegation will depart for Peru on Monday morning. The schedule for overcoming the altitude is expected to be announced in the coming days.
The board will try until Monday to prevent the game from taking place at altitude, but it is unlikely to be successful, as the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has already announced that any measure preventing matches at altitude will only be taken into account in terms of the Copa Libertadores for the 2009 edition.
Joel tries to take advantage of the cast division\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Earlier this week, coach Joel Santana announced he would split Flamengo's squad in two: the starting players would prepare for next Wednesday's match against Cienciano, in the high-altitude Cusco, Peru, for the Copa Libertadores; the reserves would train for Sunday's derby, at 16 p.m. (Brasília time), against Vasco, at Maracanã, in the final round of the Taça Rio. Both teams are qualified for the semifinals.\ Despite competing on two fronts, the Flamengo coach has sought to capitalize on the situation, as he did in the tactical drill held this Thursday morning in Gávea. In the drill, which was a defense-counterattack, Joel Santana used both flanks of the field. On one flank, the reserves' forwards attempted to break through the defense set up by the starters. On the other flank, the situation was reversed, with the reserve defenders having to contain the momentum of the forwards considered starters.\
"In training, we try to do the best we can in terms of group activities. We're competing on two tough fronts: the Copa Libertadores, where we'll face a tough opponent, and the State Championship, where we'll face a traditional rival. Therefore, all the athletes in our group need to be ready to help us," said Joel.
And when the coach talks about "every player in the squad," he's not joking. This Thursday, the new addition to the team expected to face Vasco was the addition of midfielder Rômulo, who underwent knee surgery in October and was still complaining about a lack of rhythm. "It's always difficult to be out for so long, especially for a soccer player, who relies heavily on physical strength to perform well. I'll still feel this lack of rhythm, but I'm available to help Joel Santana, and if he comes in, I'll try to seize the opportunity to fight for a starting spot," Rômulo stated.
Another new addition to the squad for Sunday is 18-year-old Airton, who came through the youth ranks and has been highly praised by Joel Santana. On Sunday, the coach will be without midfielder Toró and forward Obina, who were punished by the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice (TJD-RJ) for the riots that occurred during the 3-2 loss to Botafogo in the Taça Rio. Therefore, Kléberson will start in midfield, and Maxi Biancucchi and Diego Tardelli will form the attack.
To maintain match fitness, as the Red-Blacks didn't play midweek, goalkeeper Bruno will be in the starting lineup against Vasco. Flamengo is expected to play on Sunday with the following lineup: Bruno, Luizinho, Leonardo, Thiago Sales, and Egídio; Airton, Rômulo, Kleberson, and Marcinho; Diego Tardelli and Maxi Biancucchi.
PELENET
Relieved by the TJD's decision, Toró only thinks about starting over at Fla
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The suspension could have been 60 to 540 days, but Toró ended up being punished with only a one-match suspension by the Sports Justice Court, in a ruling held Wednesday night. Relieved by the decision, the midfielder broke his long silence on Thursday and said he was ready to restart his successful career.
After the TJD-RJ decision, midfielder Toró only thinks about "starting over" at Flamengo
The stains of the recent past, when he inexplicably "lost his temper" on three separate occasions, are beginning to fade. According to the young player, it all served as a lesson.
"I'm relieved. It's a page turned in my life, I don't want to think about it anymore. I hope I never go back there (Court)," he added.
"Now, I just have to think about helping Flamengo. I'm happy, ready for the battle and for whatever comes next. It was bad, but I learned something. From all of this, I learned a lesson," he emphasized.
Toró's first "mistake" came in the Rubro-Negro's 3-0 loss to Nacional-URU in Montevideo on March 6, in the third round of the Copa Libertadores group stage. He roughly shoved one of the ball boys and was sent off.
After that, the midfielder showed a strong temper in the 2-0 victory over Cabofriense in the Taça Rio, the second round of the State Championship. In the 39th minute of the second half, he entered the field and in the 40th minute, he received a yellow card.
The player's last rash act occurred in the 3-2 defeat to Botafogo, also in the Rio Cup, on March 16. After a scuffle, Toró hit a powerful shot at the black and white goalkeeper Castillo.
Juan asks Fla for intelligence to play at altitude
From UOL Sports\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The controversy surrounding high-altitude matches continues to rage in Gávea, especially since Flamengo faces Cienciano-PER in Cusco (at about 3 meters) on Wednesday in the penultimate round of the Copa Libertadores group stage.
Fotocom
Full-back Juan admits that a draw against Cienciano-PER would not be a bad result
According to left-back Juan, intelligence must be the red-and-blacks' greatest weapon. During the 90 minutes, great caution will be required to avoid excessive and unnecessary wear and tear.
"We have to run, play consciously so that we don't get caught out by someone and lose the game because of some mistake of our own. The coaching staff knows the right decision to make so that everyone is 100 percent ready to play at altitude," he warned.
Juan also highlighted that Flamengo's priority at the moment is the Libertadores, as the team already has a guaranteed spot in the final of the State Championship.
"We have a certain advantage because we're already in the Carioca final. So, we need to focus entirely on the Libertadores. Now is the most important thing," he emphasized.
Flamengo president already intends to extend contract with sponsor
From UOL Sports\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo is willing to extend its longest-running sponsorship in Brazilian football history (24 years). In an official statement, Flamengo president Márcio Braga said he will begin talks with Petrobras next week to extend the partnership.
According to the director, the "union" of the two brands represents "unquestionable communication effectiveness".
Flamengo accepts Conmebol's decision and will play at altitude in Cusco
From EFE\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo announced this Thursday that it will "certainly" comply with the decision of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) not to apply the altitude ban to the Copa Libertadores, and that it will play its next match in the Peruvian city of Cuzco, against Cienciano.
Sources from the Rio de Janeiro club expressed this acceptance to "Agência Efe" minutes before the announcement, in Asunción, that Conmebol had asked FIFA for authorization to play the 2010 World Cup qualifying matches in cities located at an altitude of more than 2.750 meters.
"Certainly" was the answer given by sources to the question about whether Flamengo would play a crucial Libertadores match on April 9 at the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega stadium, located at an altitude of 3.400 meters, in Cuzco, Peru.
Rio de Janeiro team officials had already stated that Flamengo would not travel to the Andean city, and hoped that Conmebol would support their demands this Thursday, based on studies that demonstrated risks to the health of athletes at altitude.
In the match on April 9, valid for the fifth round of group 4 of the Libertadores, Flamengo and Cienciano will fight for the leadership of the group and qualification for the round of XNUMX of the tournament.
Both teams have seven points, two less than Nacional, from Uruguay, who beat Coronel Bolognesi, from Peru, this Wednesday and reached nine.
GLOBOESPORTE
Conmebol remains in favor of altitude
Decision at meeting held this Thursday goes against the wishes of Brazilians
Cahê Mota
Only Brazilian Ricardo Teixeira voted against holding games at altitude.
Bad news for Brazilian clubs competing in the Copa Libertadores. At a meeting held this Thursday in Asunción, Paraguay, the Executive Committee of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) ratified the decision to host continental club tournament matches and even World Cup qualifiers in cities located more than 2.750 meters above sea level.
The decision, which contradicts FIFA's guidelines, was supported by nine of the organization's ten affiliated association representatives. Only Brazil, represented by CBF president Ricardo Teixeira, opposed it.
At the meeting, it was suggested that Brazilian clubs send a letter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), withdrawing the request to ban games at altitude.
"President Leoz was tasked with speaking with FIFA representatives to inform them of the decision. Brazilian clubs were asked to withdraw their request to the CAS in a letter," CONMEBOL press officer Nestor Benitez told GLOBOESPORTE.COM by phone.
The CONMEBOL board recommends that Brazilian teams "comply with the decision in favor of Bolivia and the previously agreed commitments of the Copa Libertadores." And it states that if they fail to show up to play their matches, "they will be punished in accordance with the competition regulations."
The organization's president, Nicolás Leoz, threatens Brazilian clubs with loss of points if they fail to comply with the rule.
"We are sending a letter to the Brazilian Confederation urging the country's clubs to comply with the regulations and the statutes. Failure to do so will result in points being deducted."
Another person to threaten Brazilian clubs was the president of the Ecuadorian federation, Luis Chiriboga.
"They (the Brazilian clubs) will have to play in the city of their potential opponent. If they don't, they will lose points, pay a fine, and if they are repeat offenders, they will be eliminated from the tournament," he warns.
Marcio Braga tries to renew sponsorship
After this year's 'blunder', Flamengo is moving forward and starting to negotiate a new contract
Marcio Braga wants to avoid another impasse
Flamengo has learned from its mistakes. At least in theory. After the disastrous negotiations to renew its contract with Petrobras, the red-and-black club released an official statement this Thursday announcing that it will begin negotiations to extend the contract, which expires at the end of 2008, next week.
The statement was signed by President Marcio Braga. He noted that the contract with the state-owned company will complete 25 years next year, and both parties are interested in celebrating the "silver anniversary."
The current contract with the sponsor brings Flamengo R$16,2 million annually. The board aims for at least R$22 million next year. Precisely because of this intention, the club got into trouble last year.
In the absence of an agreement with Petrobras, Flamengo began the season without any signed commitments and even engaged in "free advertising" in January. Without money and with no prospect of another sponsor, Marcio Braga accepted the state-owned company's terms and hurriedly renewed his contract.
In Argentina, Fla loses to Boca
The red-black team will have to win both home games to reach the final of the South American League
Playing at home, Boca Juniors defeated Flamengo this Thursday and took the lead in the best-of-three semifinal series of the 2008 South American Basketball League. The Argentine team won 100-88 at the La Bombonerita Gymnasium in Buenos Aires. The second game will be on Tuesday at 19 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Tijuca Gymnasium in Rio de Janeiro. The third game (if necessary) will be at the same venue the following day.
Distracted and complaining a lot about the officiating, Flamengo's players made a lot of mistakes early in the game. After tying the score, the team fell behind by 11 points in the third quarter. But they didn't give up. Marcelinho got his hand right and, at the end of the quarter, scored two points, was fouled, and left the team with just four points (64-60). The quarter ended 68-62 in favor of the Argentines.
Early in the fourth quarter, however, the deficit was already ten points. Flamengo took two minutes to score for the first time, on a free throw. On the other side of the court, two consecutive three-pointers gave the Argentine team a 78-64 lead. Everything started to go wrong for the Brazilians, and right for the Argentines. Flamengo lost its way, and Boca Juniors took advantage. The fans were already chanting "olé," and the score, which had reached a 20-point margin (92-72), ended 100-88 for the home team.
Nacional beats Bolo and surpasses Fla
Uruguayans take the lead in Group 4 and put pressure on the Brazilians
Nacional wins with a narrow score, but takes the lead in Group 4
In a low-stakes match, Nacional (URU) defeated Coronel Bolognesi (PER) 1-0 this Thursday in Montevideo and took the lead in Group 4 of the Copa Libertadores da América. The result leaves Flamengo temporarily in third place in the group, out of the qualifying zone for the round of XNUMX, but with a game in hand.
Full pressure
With their sights set on the group's lead, Nacional went on the attack with all their might. In the fourth minute, after a corner kick hit the near post, Richard Morales headed the ball, and Fornaroli narrowly missed opening the scoring. Nacional tried, unsuccessfully, to catch the Uruguayans on the counterattack.
In the 15th minute, goalkeeper Alvarez prevented what would have been Nacional's first goal from a dangerous free kick by Ligüera. But Uruguay's tenacity and the support of the fans made the task easier. In the 31st minute, defender Barone rose above the opposing defense and opened the scoring, much to the delight of the fans at Parque Central Stadium.
At 37, Bolo's defense counted on the Flamengo fans. Richard Morales advanced on the right, crossed perfectly, but Ligüera lost the ball in the six-yard box.
Many missed chances
In the second half, Nacional was slow to create any dangerous attacks. In the 19th minute, Richard Morales found himself free in the box and took a shot, but the ball hit the Bologna goalkeeper's head and went out over the goal line. The play galvanized the Uruguayan team, and several chances were created.
In the 27th minute, Richard Morales had another chance. The striker headed in from the penalty spot and nearly extended the lead. The festival of missed goals was just beginning. In the 35th minute, Romero cut in and crossed perfectly for Vera, but the player tipped it wide. Other clear chances were wasted. In the 47th minute, Bologna striker Ramirez was sent off by Brazilian referee Paulo César Oliveira for assaulting Uruguayan goalkeeper Viera.
Nacional failed to capitalize on the match to increase its goal difference. Despite Uruguay's victory, the narrow score isn't all that bad for the Red-Blacks. Nacional leads with nine points, Cienciano and Flamengo each have seven. Bolognesi is bottom with just two and is eliminated.
Thiago has bad memories of Edmundo
Flamengo defender recalls the striker's 'shake-a-dip' in 1997
Eduardo Peixoto
Thiago Sales still remembers 1997 well
In 1997, Thiago Sales was only ten years old. At home, he watched Vasco's 4-1 rout of Flamengo, with three goals from Edmundo. In the final match, the striker came out dancing to celebrate. The scene has stayed with the Flamengo defender.
This Sunday, the two will face each other for the first time. And, despite his respect for his professional colleague, Thiago still harbors a certain unease.
"That memory is bad. Seeing Edmundo shaking his hips left an impression on me. He always had a habit of scoring goals for Flamengo. It's not that the fans are afraid, but there's a great deal of respect," he says.
In Sunday's classic, which is supposedly worth little, the Flamengo defender still doesn't know if he'll be the one to mark Edmundo. But he warns that the tactic is to not give the experienced player any space to act.
While Edmundo is a problem for Flamengo, Thiago Sales has a strong record against Vasco at the youth level. In 2007, he scored two goals in youth derbies. The first was in the preliminary round of Romário's 999th goal, when Vasco won 4-1. The second was in the first leg of the U-20 Carioca final.
"They both headed it. But I didn't even shut anyone up. I just celebrated," declared the goalscoring defender, who scored five times in ten games for the senior team.
Toró smiles and defends himself from 'lynching'
Called a criminal, Flamengo supporter responds: 'I have a good heart'
Eduardo Peixoto
Toró smiles after Flamengo training
A criminal, a coward, and out of control. The last few weeks have been difficult for Toró. Negative comments have been mounting. Coach Joel Santana tried to defend him. But the Flamengo player preferred silence.
This Thursday, after receiving only a one-game suspension for a minor headbutt against Botafogo's Castillo, the supporter smiled and decided to speak out. He avoided the label of "bad boy" or "bootinudo."
"I've never been a rascal. Sometimes nerves get too high during a game, and we need some peace of mind. But the problems are over. It's time to forget," he declares, his white cap pulled down low on his head.
One of Toró's harshest critics was Botafogo director Carlos Augusto Montenegro. He considered the red-and-black player a coward for pushing Nacional's ball boy and a criminal for attacking the black-and-white number 1. The defense was meek.
- I don't need to prove anything. Anyone who really knows me knows I have a good heart.
Toró has been on the bench for the last few games because Joel wanted to keep him. But for the match against Cienciano in Cuzco, he's expected to return to the starting lineup.
"They just want to bash Torozinho. No one has a good word to say about him," complains Joel Santana, a die-hard fan of the player.
Romulo could return against Vasco
The midfielder underwent surgery in October. Joel keeps Jaílton and Toró on the 'Cuzco team'
Eduardo Peixoto
The return of the young Rômulo is getting closer every day to happening at Fla
Flamengo is divided this week. On one side, the team that will face Vasco. On the other, the team preparing to climb the 3.360m Cuzco next week. In Thursday morning's tactical training session at Gávea, coach Joel Santana surprised everyone by including midfielder Rômulo in the lineup for Sunday.
The player had knee surgery in October and still complains about his lack of rhythm.
"It's tough being out of action for so long. I'm still feeling the pinch of time. But if I make the team, I don't think I'll leave," says Rômulo.
In the training session, the team to face Vasco once again featured 18-year-old Airton. Kleberson and Marcinho completed the midfield, and Maxi and Tardelli were in attack.
Goalkeeper Bruno is expected to be included in the derby. The likely lineup against Vasco will be: Bruno; Luizinho, Leonardo, Thiago Sales, and Egídio; Airton, Rômulo, Kleberson, and Marcinho; Diego Tardelli and Maxi.
In the Libertadores squad, Joel repeated the 2007 formation, with Toró and Jaílton in midfield. Fla trained for Cuzco with: Bruno; Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson and Toró; Renato Augusto and Souza.
THROW
Marcio Braga already wants to renew his contract with Petrobras
Flamengo begins talks to establish a deal with the company. The partnership will celebrate its silver anniversary next year.
The president of the red-black club wants to celebrate his silver anniversary with an agreement with the state-owned company in a peaceful manner (Credit: Gilvan de Souza)
LANCEPRESS!\ After much speculation about the renewal of the contract between Flamengo and Petrobras, which for 24 years has been the longest in the history of Brazilian football, the president of the Gávea club, Marcio Braga, issued a statement announcing that he will begin meetings to renew the agreement in 2009, the year the deal will celebrate its silver anniversary.\
In addition to wanting to maintain the long-standing sponsorship agreement, Marcio Braga praised the partnership between the club and the company.
According to the official statement, Flamengo and Petrobras are institutions that represent popular aspirations, which further solidifies the union between the parties.
CONMEBOL President Threatens Brazilians
Nicolás Leóz: 'Anyone who disrespects the regulations will be punished'
Leóz wants games to remain at altitude (Credit: EFE)
LANCEPRESS!
At a meeting held this Thursday in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, CONMEBOL president Nicolás Leóz addressed the demands of Brazilian clubs, especially those competing in the Copa Libertadores, who do not want to play matches at high altitudes. In a critical tone, the director made his opinion clear.
"CONMEBOL will ensure that the tournaments held under its jurisdiction are respected. Clubs that fail to comply with the organization's statutes and regulations will be punished with loss of points if they fail to show up at the venues where they are supposed to play," he stated.
The president of the Peruvian Football Federation, Manuel Burga, also criticized Brazil's stance, as the only country that opposed CONMEBOL's measures. He said the country received support when it needed it most.
"We didn't achieve regional unity because of the Brazilians' inexplicable decision. We supported Brazil in hosting the 2014 World Cup, so this stance is very strange to us," he commented.
Conmebol continues to favor games at altitude
Brazil, represented by Ricardo Teixeira, was the only one that was against the decision
At a meeting held this Thursday in Asunción, Paraguay, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) maintained its support for holding matches in cities located at an altitude of more than 2.750 meters. The organization believes this measure would also extend to matches in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.
CONMEBOL's decision was supported by the overwhelming majority of member associations. Brazil, represented by Ricardo Teixeira, was the only one to oppose it. As a result, the country would have broken regional unity.
In March, football's governing body ruled that international matches at altitude could only take place if the teams involved were given a certain period of adaptation. Furthermore, it recommended that this measure also be followed in club tournaments.
Midfielder Aírton goes to training by bus
The 18-year-old prospect is expected to make his professional debut against Vasco. LANCEPRESS! Joel Santana could field the youth midfielder Aírton against Vasco. On loan from Nova Iguaçu, the 18-year-old lives in Ninho do Urubu and has to travel to training in Gávea by bus.
"I'll take the Piabas-Carioca line. It takes me about two hours just to get there," said the shy Aírton.
He talked about facing Vasco and making his professional debut.
"I don't know if I'll play yet. I'm not nervous and I'd be happy to play," said the defensive midfielder, who idolizes Fábio Luciano: "He's a leader."
Juan says responsibility has increased\ According to the full-back, because of the rivalry, Flamengo needs to qualify\
The full-back said that Flamengo entered the Copa Libertadores to be champion (Credit: Julio Cesar Guimarães)
LANCEPRESS!
If the most die-hard Flamengo fans were upset about Fluminense's early qualification for the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, left-back Juan saw a positive point in the Tricolor's success.
According to him, Fluminense's qualification increases the red-black's responsibility even more since, in the player's opinion, Flamengo always enters to fight for the title.
- We have an obligation to qualify because, at Flamengo, we enter the championships thinking about the title, not only to qualify, but the fact that Fluminense managed to advance to the next stage also increases our responsibility because of the rivalry - said Juan.
Juan questions Conmebol's position
Side does not understand criteria adopted by organizing entities
LANCEPRESS! Flamengo left-back Juan questioned the stance taken by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). According to FIFA, world football's governing body, national teams are prohibited from playing above 2.500 meters. The Flamengo player doesn't understand why the South American organization doesn't follow suit.
"They've already said that national team games won't be played at altitude, but the team's human nature is the same as the club's. There should be a balance," he asks.
This Thursday, CONMEBOL will hold a meeting to decide whether to comply with FIFA's decision. Since the location of the Copa Libertadores match against Cienciano (PER) next Wednesday is expected to be confirmed as Cuzco, a city located 3.400 meters above sea level, Juan assures he's ready for any location.
"We're prepared for the altitude. We knew it would be difficult, that changing the game's location would be difficult, so we made special preparations to minimize the effects. We're ready for whatever comes our way," he assures.
Atlético-PR disapproves of games at altitude
Fleury says that matches under these conditions are unbalanced
LANCEPRESS!\ Atlético Paranaense has spoken out against matches being played at an altitude above 2.750 meters, as mandated by FIFA in a resolution. However, so far, the measure only applies to national team matches. Just as Flamengo did recently, the president of the club, João Augusto Fleury da Rocha, has made his protest clear.\
"This is a political issue that undermines the principle of balance between competitors. By allowing the game to be played at altitude, where only the athletes from one team are physiologically acclimatized, it obviously creates an imbalance that undermines the principle of equal treatment of teams competing in the same championship," the official said.
Atlético Paranaense's technical director, Antonio Carlos Gomesco, made a point of mentioning the various problems that players could face when playing a match in these adverse conditions.
"It impairs respiratory capacity, exaggerated heart rate, increased muscle lactate production, and motor coordination discomfort, all of which benefit athletes who live and train at altitude. These changes clearly worsen as the altitude increases, as the effects of altitude are already noticeable above 1800-2000 meters," he said, making it clear that matches should only take place after serious adaptation.
"Studies also show that it's possible to adapt to this new situation, but for that to happen, players should have at least 20 to 30 days to train and adapt to the new physiological demands of altitude. That's not possible in our competitive environment," he added.
According to FIFA, international matches at altitudes above 2.750 meters can only take place if there is a 21-day acclimatization period. However, CONMEBOL did not follow the rule and allowed matches in cities such as La Paz (3.600 meters), Potosí (4.000 meters), and Cuzco (3.400 meters).
Joel is expected to use the 2007 starters in Peru
Coach swaps Marcinho for Jaílton in midfield during training session
LANCEPRESS!\ If in Sunday's match against Vasco, at Maracanã, for the last round of the Rio Cup, Flamengo coach Joel Santana must rest some of his starters, for next Wednesday's game, in Peru, against Cienciano, the red-black coach must resort to the same starters that shone in 2007.\
Such proof of this was seen in the collective this Wednesday, in Gávea, in which the coach opted for the midfielder Jaílton among the starters, thus removing the midfielder Marcinho from the starting team.
With that, Joel selected the team with the following formation: Bruno, Léo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Íbson and Toró; Renato Augusto and Souza.
"I tested two teams, each playing differently. But the final decision won't be made until this Friday. It depends on the circumstances of the trial," he stated.
As the penalties applied by the Court of Sports Justice only prevent Toró and Obina from playing against Vasco, the Flamengo coach should have no problems in selecting the team.