THE GLOBE

The last chapter of the State

For Flamengo, a draw guarantees the second title. For Botafogo, the title is a matter of honor.

Photo caption: LEONARDO MOURA: Flamengo's strength on the right flank in today's decision

Photo caption: WELLINGTON PAULISTA: top scorer in search of the title and consecration

The 2008 State Championship concludes today at 16 p.m. at the Maracanã Stadium. As last year, Flamengo and Botafogo will be the protagonists. Since Flamengo's dramatic penalty shootout victory in 2007, the rivalry has grown, but the balance has remained. Today, a draw will give Flamengo its second title. Botafogo must win by two goals. If they win by one goal, the black and white team will take the title race to penalties.

As if bringing together the biggest rivalry in Rio de Janeiro football wasn't enough, the final match of the state championship has other elements. The red-and-black team's second championship would be a grand finale for Joel Santana, who is preparing to take over the South African national team. Two likely replacements: Geninho ruled out leaving Atlético-MG yesterday; and Caio Júnior, from Goiás, said he wants to wait until the end of the Goiano Championship today.

On the other side, Botafogo will be stronger than in the first leg of the final, which Flamengo won 1-0. After all, they'll have the return of striker Jorge Henrique and right-back Alessandro, who were absent last Sunday. Botafogo will take to the field stung by their defeat in the 2007 final and this year's GB Cup final, both to Flamengo. In a Maracanã stadium with nearly 80 people, only one of the rivals will feel the urge to shout champion.

Referee: Luiz Antonio Silva Santos.

TRANSMISSION: Rede Globo and Rádios Globo and CBN

'I want to show that anyone who leaves the suburbs can succeed'

Before taking his big leap, Joel takes a fresh look at his career and life.

JOEL SANTANA: identified with the red-blacks, the coach sends a message to the fans, saying he's going around the corner (South Africa) and will be back soon

Carlos Eduardo Mansur

It's 22 p.m. at Flamengo's training camp. It's time for "daddy," as some players call him, to knock on doors to check on everyone's sleep. Of the more than 30 players on the roster, only 11 play, but very few complain about being held back or being pressured. Joel Santana is beloved by the team, by the country's biggest fan base, is in the State Championship final, and then, leading South Africa, will go to his first World Cup. Even so, he's going through difficult times. The marriage that seemed perfect may have its final act today.

Joel misses Flamengo in advance. He's developed a rare connection between club and coach. To the fans, he's an idol. It's as if he were a player.

"In 2005 and now, I took over Flamengo when many rejected it, with the risk of relegation. It was a risk to my image too. But the club was grateful to me; we had a successful relationship. Flamengo fans like an authentic coach. There's no room for vanity here. Flamengo belongs to the people. It's for an idealistic coach, not a vain one, who feels great just by getting here. And to win here, you have to value the fans," he states.

In Joel's speech, the fans are the protagonists of victories. At the hotel in Mexico, after the Copa Libertadores victory over América, he talks about his final days at Flamengo and fights back tears.

"Saying thank you is too simple. Words fail to describe the pleasure of working at Flamengo," says Joel, stopping and looking up. "I wanted to tell the fans that I'm just around the corner and I'll be right back. I thought about it for a long time; it was incredibly difficult. This is a chance for a World Cup, and it comforts me to know that the Flamengo fans understand me."

A more emotional Joel has emerged in recent days, able to clear up his life in this time of transition. He admits to having been a player far from the top. He earned little money and stopped at age 30 to pursue a degree in physical education. What he achieved was as a coach, who soon left Brazil for US$3 a month for the Arab world. Later, he coached successive state titles, labeled a domestic coach. Later, he was labeled as outdated. His speech is full of expressions common in the street but rare in modern coaches. He doesn't bother searching for the educated word. A profile that perhaps kept him from taking flight, such as the Brazilian national team.

"I've thought about that. But I'm Rio's coach. I wear jeans and a T-shirt, I'm down to earth. I'm a proud suburbanite from Olaria. And I'm seeing that. Seeing that I'm truly a suburbanite through and through. I don't change to climb the ranks, to sell a cult image. I don't look back and complain. I just want to have fun. I don't need to wear Armani, brush up on my Portuguese to show I studied. I'm a graduate. There are coaches who don't even have a degree and sell culture and idle chatter. I want to show that those who come from the suburbs can succeed," says Joel, now even more vehement.

Joel begins to talk about his childhood in Olaria. Another reason why Joel Santana has emerged as emotionally sensitive soon becomes clear. His mind revolves around the contrast between his humble origins and the chance to go to the World Cup.

"I worked at a market. I lived across from the Olaria field, and on big-team game days, I'd buy oranges to sell. There was a kite-maker, Pernambuco, who would hang out the players' bandages to dry, ready for reuse. I'd help roll them up in exchange for playing a game on the field. I danced square dance at the São João festival in Olaria and loved it. I was a kite-flyer, a peão-do, a bafo-bafo. There's a place for everyone in life. All you need is optimism, faith, and hard work."

At every moment, Joel's personality shines through. Every person who passes through the hotel lobby, whether known or not, receives a "Hello." For him, "this opens all the doors here." For the photographer, he asks them to choose "a good photo, half Tom Cruise, half Brad Pitt." To win the squad, he dedicated himself solely to being Joel. In Mexico, while the team worked in the pool, he put on his trunks and waded in with the group. He created his own glossary. To show the way to the goal, he tells the player that "the honey is here." When he asks a player to defend by circling, he shouts "bullfight him." He tells the team to "play like Indians, attacking to defend." Toró is Torozinho, Juan is Marrentinho, his base team is the Elite Squad, and the defensive midfielder is a pitbull. When asking light questions from the press, he asks them to "put away the whip" or "don't bring any snacks." Joel calls himself "a servant of the fans." For the directors, no coach has ever valued the club so much.

"I don't talk about hierarchy. I treat the players like sons, I show them what I think is right, and they believe it. There's no backstabbing here. If there's a problem, I call the leaders, like Fábio Luciano. I tell them what I'm going to do, and they tell the others," he says.

But if he talks about his origins and admits to being popular, he also shows pride in the chance to join an elite group of World Cup coaches:

"In Brazil, I'm among the top ten or fifteen in the business. Joel is neither better nor worse, he's just different," he says, bracing himself for a unique thrill if he wins today's championship. "It'll really affect me. Managing Flamengo means having a moral commitment to the fans every Wednesday and Sunday. I don't know how I'll react. I'm living intensely. It's a team I built and watched grow. The title would be the final straw. I'm not adventurous, and I haven't made Flamengo my platform."

Anyone who comes with a fake ticket today will be arrested.

Fans attempting to enter Maracanã today with fake tickets for the State Championship final will be taken to the police station. The Special Stadium Policing Group (Gepe) will be on standby at the ticket booths to direct fans to the 18th Police Precinct in Praça da Bandeira.

"Anyone attempting to enter with a fake ticket will be questioned, as we need to know where they purchased it, how they purchased it, and from whom," explained Major João Jacques Busnell. "No one should buy from scalpers."

Yesterday, BWA, the company responsible for issuing tickets, confirmed that 2 prototypes were stolen from a shipping company that provides services for BWA. All of them had the Maracanã stadium image printed on them. Therefore, according to the company, the invalid tickets were leaked only in Rio. The disappearance of the tickets occurred in March and was being investigated, confidentially, by authorities in São Paulo and Rio.

Botafogo fan Danilo Pamplona came from Fortaleza for the final and bought two tickets yesterday, in front of General Severiano. He spent R$160 on the two tickets, which he later discovered were fake:

- Both tickets had an image of Maracanã.

In Gávea, the safe haven for wanderers

Fla keeps seven players who took to the field in the 2007 State final

Carlos Eduardo Mansur

Finalists in the 2008 State Championship and dominant forces in Rio de Janeiro football for the past two seasons, Flamengo and Botafogo have common ground. One of these points perhaps helps explain the reasons for their success. In the increasingly commercialized world of football, where loyalty seems outmoded and players change clubs and teams at the whim of offers from all corners of the globe, the rivals have players on their rosters who have built an identity with their jerseys thanks to a tenure above average by today's standards. Examples of those who understand that it is possible to be successful in football by seeking a close relationship with their fans.

For Flamengo, the result can be measured by a comparison with last year's State Championship final, against Botafogo. Of the players who participated in that final, seven remain at Gávea.

Until 2005, any analysis of right-back Leonardo Moura's career led to one conclusion: he was a talented player, but one who suffered from frequent club changes. In fact, before signing with Flamengo, he had played for eight clubs, including Rio, São Paulo, Portugal, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Now, he is in his fourth season at Gávea, a first for the player.

"I don't regret anything, but today I recognize that, at some clubs, I should have stayed longer. At Flamengo, it helped that everything worked out. I won the finals I reached," says the full-back, explaining how he planned his career. "When I returned from Europe in 2005, my agent and I had a plan to take my career to the next level. At Flamengo, I felt at home; they offered me a good contract, which they renewed shortly after, and gave me security. Everything fell into place."

At Gávea, Leonardo Moura has already won two Guanabara Cups, a Brazilian Cup, and is seeking his second state championship. A similar situation exists for Ronaldo Angelim, who is in his third season with Flamengo in 2008. The defender, however, although he had previously played for Icasa, Juazeiro, Ceará, and Ituano, arrived at Gávea in January 2006 after five seasons with Fortaleza.

"I'm a Flamengo fan, as is my whole family. This was a factor in my decision to stay here, combined with the positive atmosphere at the club. And at my age, approaching 32, I don't think I'll leave anymore. I'll stay as long as Flamengo wants. Or, if an exceptional offer comes along, which at this point in my career, I consider almost impossible," says Angelim. "I feel good at Flamengo; I don't see any reason to change."

Players trained at the club leave and return

It's common in Brazilian football for players to leave the country young and fail to achieve success abroad. This happened with Leonardo Moura and was repeated with Juan, who had experience at the mighty Arsenal in England. He experienced a top-notch structure and an enviable quality of life. Underutilized, he returned to Brazil in search of more opportunities to play. He played for Fluminense, but it was at Flamengo that he truly established himself. After nearly three years at the club, he changed his outlook on the future:

- Of course I still think about abroad, but in a very good situation. It's no longer an obsession.

In the squad aiming for a second championship, there are other players who have been at Gávea longer than the average modern player. Goalkeeper Bruno and midfielder Toró, for example, are in their third season with the club. Obina is in his fourth year with Flamengo. There are also those who have built loyalty by valuing their roots. A graduate of Gávea, Renato Augusto has never worn another jersey.

- I'll only leave when it's good for Flamengo too - repeats the midfielder.

Others, like Jônatas and Ibson, also trained at the base, went abroad and returned.

"I wasn't having a good time at Porto, and there was no better place to rediscover my football," Ibson often says. "Flamengo has always been like a second home."

Ready for the comeback

Mariana Brochado wants an Olympic spot

MARIANA BROCHADO: swimmer bets on relay

Sanny Bertoldo

Exactly one year ago, Rio de Janeiro swimmer Mariana Brochado was experiencing the worst moment of her life, when she lost her place in the Rio Pan American Games in the 200m freestyle and 400m freestyle in the last qualifier, at the Júlio de Lamare Aquatic Park, in Maracanã.

At the time, Mariana cried and considered giving up swimming. Then, she agreed to be a commentator during the Games. Finally, she decided to turn the page and start all over again. Today, she's ready for another big challenge: earning a spot on the Brazilian team for the Beijing Olympics in August.

The last national selection will begin on Tuesday and run until Sunday, at the Maria Lenk Aquatic Park, in Barra da Tijuca.

"We work in four-year cycles. So, it has to be now. I have a clear conscience because I've trained everything I could. For now, I'm not anxious, no, but I know I will be. It's part of it. That adrenaline rush is necessary in a competition," says the 23-year-old Flamengo swimmer. "I don't like swimming on the first day, and fortunately, I'll only debut on Wednesday. It's my first time swimming at Maria Lenk."

Tomorrow, Mariana "moves" to Barra. Until Sunday, she'll live in a hotel across from Maria Lenk. All this to avoid wasting time and energy outside the pool. Inside, the challenge will be enormous. She's two seconds shy of the Olympic time for the 200m freestyle, which is 1:59, and four seconds shy of the 29m freestyle (400:4). It may seem short, but in swimming, it's an eternity. Therefore, Mariana is banking on a strong performance in the 11m freestyle to reach Beijing:

"We train hard to shave off hundredths, let alone seconds. But theoretically, it's easier to achieve this in the 400m freestyle, which is a longer event. The Olympic standard is very strong (the time adopted was the eighth fastest time in the finals of the 2004 Athens Olympics), and honestly, I think I have a better chance of swimming well and securing a spot in the 4x200m."

The top four women in the 200m freestyle will attempt to qualify for the relay on Sunday, following the final final. Only if they achieve one of the top four times in the world will the women's quartet advance to the Games.

Mariana isn't the only one going all-out in the competition, which will bring together the country's best swimmers, including the 11 already qualified for the Games (Flávia Delaroli, Fabíola Molina, César Cielo, Gabriel Mangabeira, Guilherme Guido, Henrique Barbosa, Kaio Márcio, Lucas Salatta, Nicholas Santos, Rodrigo Castro, and Thiago Pereira). Some athletes, such as Gabriella Silva in the 100m butterfly, Tatiane Sakemi in the 100m breaststroke, Monique Ferreira in the 200m freestyle, and Joanna Maranhão in the 200m backstroke, 200m individual medley, and 400m individual medley, will also be giving their final strokes for an Olympic spot. What separates them from their dream are the eternal seconds of swimming.

FLA BASKETBALL

After finishing second in the South American Basketball League, with a 73-65 loss to Corrientes of Argentina last Wednesday, Flamengo faces UTC/Uberlândia today at 18 p.m. at the opponent's gymnasium in the Men's National Championship. Flamengo has been leading the competition.

Koff denies infringement in sale of TV rights

Clube dos Treze says it practices competition, but the market doesn't offer many options.

The president of the Clube dos 13, Fábio Koff, stated yesterday that he does not believe the organization violated the economic order in negotiating the broadcast rights contracts for the 1997-1999 Brazilian Championship, as noted in an opinion from the Secretariat of Economic Law (SDE). He noted that, in addition to the fact that the market at the time had different characteristics than it does today, the contract was private in nature. According to Koff, the Clube dos 13 adopted rigorous competitive procedures to negotiate the next contract, which will come into effect in 2009.

The SDE suggests that Cade impose a model for the sale of rights. One recommendation is separate negotiations with different media outlets—broadcast and cable TV, internet, and telephony—which is already in place. The four-year contract limit, as the SDE proposes, is also already in practice.

Another recommendation is the prohibition of preference clauses for renewal.

"In the rights market, these clauses and exclusivity are commodities; they have value," Koff explained. "In the last two negotiations, Record was consulted. In the last, they stated on the day the deadline expired that they were not interested. In the pay-TV segment, the proposal from the Globo-affiliated network is R$150 million annually. The competitor offers R$10 million."

Koff remembers that, in the 90s, pay per view didn't even exist.

Globo Communications Center reported yesterday that the broadcaster's Legal Department is examining the case and will make a statement in due course.

SPORTS JOURNAL

Failure that goes unnoticed

Captain Fábio Luciano reveals that Flamengo doesn't know how to play against three attackers

Bernardo Peirão, Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel

File/JS

The main leader of the red-black team, Fábio Luciano, fears that Botafogo will play with three attackers.

Coach Joel Santana has been at Flamengo for nine months. In that time, he's pulled off a miracle by lifting the team out of the relegation zone in last year's Brazilian Championship and into third place, not to mention the tactical shift he's given the team. Today, anyone who closely follows the team notices the tactical variations that occur in games. Flamengo typically starts with a 3-6-1 formation, which can morph into a 3-5-2 or even a 4-4-2 during matches. However, Joel's tactical system has a small flaw.

The team never practiced how to face teams with three strikers. Proof of this is that captain and defense commander Fábio Luciano struggled to explain how Flamengo would defend Botafogo if Cuca fielded three strikers.

"Normally, Cristian plays as a third defender, picking up one of the forwards, Angelim picking up the other, and I'm left. The full-backs mark the full-backs. I think it's very difficult for Botafogo to play with three forwards. We've faced teams with this formation only during the game, and then we're left to fend for ourselves. Nobody starts a match against Flamengo like that. What we do in this situation is lock down one of the full-backs, but their full-backs would be left, or the guys in the middle have to fend for themselves," the captain tried to explain, uncertainly.

Luckily for Flamengo fans, coach Cuca has practically guaranteed that his team will play in its traditional formation with just two attackers.

Thinking about victory

Regarding the return of striker Jorge Henrique, the defender warned that he will not be man-marked.

"Jorge Henrique has to be watched at all times, but we won't be man-marking anyone," warned Fábio Luciano, trying to hide the fact that Toró must accompany midfielder Lucio Flavio during the game.

Anyone who imagines Flamengo playing for a draw today might be surprised. According to Fábio Luciano, the red-and-black team will take the field looking for a win.

"Any team that goes into the game thinking about a draw ends up in trouble at the end. We've already spoken with Joel and agreed when he explained that we have to forget about the initial advantage. We're going onto the field thinking about winning," he warned.

If Flamengo wins, they will equal Fluminense in the number of Carioca titles. This means each team has thirty.

Mengão faces Uberlândia

Despite the absences of Marcelinho, Amiel and Fred, the red-black team's confidence is high.

Eduardo Vieira

Nina Lima

Without his brother Marcelinho, winger Duda Machado is Fla's hope

Without Amiel, Marcelinho Machado, and Fred, who did not travel with the delegation, Flamengo faces Uberlândia today at 18 p.m. in the Triângulo Mineiro region, still in the qualifying round of the National Men's Basketball Championship. Regardless of the result, Flamengo has already secured first place and will face eighth-placed Cetaf in the quarterfinals.

Coach Paulo Chupeta, the strategist, admitted that he may still rest other players during the match. "I'll rotate the team well. I have to think about the playoffs. Uberlândia is a great opponent and deserves all our respect. Even with the absences, I believe Flamengo can perform well."

Grit

The defeat to Regatas in the South American League final has already been overcome. "The group deserves congratulations for the determination they displayed in the competition. They weren't able to win the championship, but Flamengo left with their heads held high. So, they're confident going into the Nacional challenge."

The current three-time state champion, Flamengo, is seeking its first national title. To date, its best results have been two runner-up finishes in 2000 and 2004. To achieve this goal, it's essential to take advantage of home-court advantage. "Our fans make the difference and are the sixth player. With our performance, we've already secured first place. And we'll have home-court advantage until the final," said Chupeta.

On Tuesday, Flamengo will face Rio Claro in São Paulo, and on Thursday, they host Brasília in Rio de Janeiro. That's why fitness coach André Guimarães intends to rotate players, resting the most fatigued players, so that Flamengo can enter the playoffs at full strength, which is the moment of truth for the National Men's Championship, starting next Sunday.

Marcos de Castro

Bath-in-Cuia

Joel Joel

Marcos de Castro castro@jsports.com.br

When Joel sprawled in the armchair - because at the Azteca Stadium there is no longer a bench, but armchairs, and luxurious ones - at the moment Flamengo scored the fourth goal, on Wednesday, he felt such a sense of exhaustion that the TV commentator and narrator asked if it was tiredness or if the old coach (old only in terms of time in the job) was letting out all the anxiety of a heart-wrenching game.

I'd say it was a bit tired, a bit anxious, yes, but above all, it was a sense of duty fulfilled. The camera closed in on Joel, giving us the best image of someone saying goodbye with a clear conscience—tired, no doubt, but saying to himself something like, "Thank you, Lord."

Today, Flamengo will still have Joel at the tunnel, at the end of the Campeonato Carioca, at the Maracanã stadium, where their best battles took place. Perhaps they'll still have him for Wednesday's game, again against América of Mexico. Then it'll be a "see you soon." "See you soon," yes, because Joel will be arriving from South Africa in 2010, straight to Gávea.

Straight to Gávea because his marriage with Flamengo was perfect. Because all the players love him. Because everyone has an almost filial relationship with him, starters and reserves alike—a rare case: Joel is loved not only by those who come in and play, but also by those who only play sporadically and even by those who have never played at all.

Brazil is a unique country. Players are generally addressed by their first name, but as soon as they become coaches, they gain a surname (the same isn't true for those with established nicknames, like Zico and Cuca, for example). The image of the feisty defender I saw at Vasco and Fluminense is very clear to me. He was Joel, and we've talked; his surname was never known. But as soon as he became coach, he became "Joel Santana." I don't quite understand this phenomenon, which I attribute to a strange lack of understanding among our reporters and editors. In my eyes and ears, he will always be Joel, because that name, so biblical and so simple in its four little letters, captures all his good side and all his simplicity. He's Joel, and that's enough. Joel, the good, perhaps. Joel-Joel.

THE DAY

Flamengo vs Botafogo: who will win?

Janir Junior and Raphael Roque

Rio - In the first arm wrestling match, Joel Santana won: 1-0. Today, at 16 p.m., at the Maracanã, the Flamengo coach, who enters with the advantage of a draw, has another duel scheduled against Cuca's Botafogo. In the clash between the coaches, the 2008 state title will be at stake.

"In the pre-game talk, I'll go over everything we've done so far, our strengths and weaknesses. We've gained an advantage, but nothing is set in stone. Either way, we'll go in looking for victory, our 30th state title," Joel emphasizes.

The coach, who is leaving Gávea, wants another title on his resume: “To make history at Flamengo, only victories count.”

Joel reminds us that the work of nearly 10 months will be decided today, in 90 minutes. Cheerful by nature, he offers no guarantees that he'll be able to hold back the tears if he wins: "There's a weak side of me, the sad side. I'm not thinking about saying goodbye; I just want to be champion." On the other side will be Cuca, respected by the red-and-black coach. But in the final, Joel wants to show his strength.

Coach Cuca is fighting for his first career title—not counting the 2007 and 2008 Rio Cups—while Joel is known for his numerous achievements, especially state championships. "Joel has won a lot, but he's not going to let up. He'll want this one more. He's greedy," said Cuca, in one of the rare moments of relaxation during the week of the final.

He assures us he's not obsessed with the title. Last year, excessive anxiety got in the way on several occasions. Cuca says he's calmer this time around and adopts a more serene tone. "The title will come eventually, I have no doubt about it. There's no point in getting stressed. God willing, it will happen this time. Let's see what he has in store for us," he emphasized.

But the coach, despite his religious beliefs, didn't leave his future to fate. He worked hard all week while the Red-Blacks traveled to Mexico to play in the Copa Libertadores. Fatigue? Cuca doubts it: "That's a myth. They made a plan and rested the players in Mexico. It will be an equal match."

Joel's Orphans

With the coach's move to South Africa, Copacabana merchants, accustomed to the famous customer's habits, are already missing the old routine at Posto 6.

Marluci Martins

Rio - Humble, serious, religious, popular, tight-fisted, calm, thoughtful, and strict. This is Joel Santana, seen through the eyes of those who know him without the Flamengo jacket: the merchants of Copacabana, already orphaned by the famous Posto 6 customer, the good-natured, bad-tipping, good-drinking man who is leaving that neighborhood.

Joel hasn't even boarded the plane to South Africa yet, and the bitter nostalgia is creating a lump in these people's throats that only the customer's favorite Persian lime caipivotka, made with Smirnoff, could loosen. Almost moved, the owner of Pigalle Restaurant, José Antônio Calvino, makes a false promise from one red-and-black to another: "I'll pack some caipivots to go. I doubt Joel will find Persian lime in South Africa."

It must have been a similar question that, the last time he stopped at Junior Hamburgers for his strawberry juice, Joel overstocked on the chocolate-scented cigars.

"He bought five boxes. He spent R$75. He paid in cash," recalls Vasco cashier Antônio Almeida.

L'Oréal hair dye, Lux soap, and Seda shampoo, purchased at Farmácia Riviera, are also in the suitcase. And, if possible, Joel would go to South Africa in Eduardo Lemos's Santana—but it wouldn't be surprising if he "forgot" the tip. "If the ride costs R$14, he pays R$15," Eduardo reveals.

The trust in the JN Posto 6 Taxi crew is unshakable. The drivers there know everything about Joel's life. They were, for example, the first to learn that the contract with South Africa had been signed on Sunday—something Flamengo's board learned only four days later.

"He met with the South Africans at the Sofitel Hotel. And then, because he trusts us, he brought Parreira, who was also at the meeting, to our spot. I took Parreira to Barra around 23:30 p.m. And Parreira said that Joel's English is doing very well," says Eduardo, the black and white supporter, firsthand.

As good as Joel's English is, in South Africa it's difficult to read five newspapers, a daily habit for the coach. And where can you find a good Sunday Mass if only 7,1 percent of the population is Catholic?

In other words: if Posto 6 misses Joel Santana, Joel Santana must already miss Posto 6. If Copacabana inspired Braguinha, a plagiarism is necessary to define what the coach will feel every late afternoon there, so close to pastures and savannas, so alone between the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans: “In the late afternoon, under the setting sun/always leaves a longing in us.”

"Flamengo fans and I will miss him," laments newspaper vendor Jaílton de Queiroz, as if to confirm that the longing extends beyond Copacabana. The heartache is the nation's.

Big dog fight

At Maracanã, the challenge is between the beasts of Flamengo and Botafogo. Off the field, the club's passion reaches guard dog breeders, who transfer their fanaticism to the animals.

Rodrigo Lima

Rio - The animal world isn't immune to club passion. And on a day of big-dog fights at the Maracanã, Rottweiler Rambo and Doberman Molca get into the action—complete with Flamengo and Botafogo jerseys.

Its creators, Saulo de Tarso, 42, and Nei Róbson, 38, do not leave rivalry aside, not even between their dogs.

Botafogo's Rambo, capable of frightening any opponent, holds the ball in his menacing teeth and shows how the General Severiano team will have to run to overcome their rival.

"He loves the ball, he's very intimate with it, just like the Fogão team. Let's run him over," Saulo teases.

Meanwhile, the red-and-black Molca has the class and beauty of the Gávea club's refined football. "She's quieter. But she also barks a lot and loves to play," says Nei, taking a guess. "It'll be 2-0 for Mengão."

The provocation doesn't stop. "If Botafogo wins 1-0 and then wins on penalties, that's fine," says Saulo, to which his cousin rebuts. "If it goes to penalties, Flamengo wins, because Bruno is the best goalkeeper in the world."

Dressed in their club jerseys, the dogs command respect. Saulo has a kennel with over 20 dogs. "I only breed exotic and marginalized breeds. I love pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans," he reveals.

Nei helps with the raising of the animals. "We work on security. With the dogs, it's easier," he emphasizes.

VALUABLE ANIMALS

According to Saulo, a Rottweiler costs approximately R$700, while a Doberman costs no less than R$1.200. "They're special. They look fierce, but they're actually quite docile," says the breeder at the SauloTarso Kennel in Belford Roxo.

Fearless vulture

Vultures are warriors. And tough. Veterinarian André Melo, who specializes in wild and exotic animals, assures us. A Flamengo fan, he champions his team's mascot and sees a strong connection between the bird and the Gávea club. "It's a free-living animal with a lot of determination. It's always alert and fighting for survival," explains the veterinarian.

According to him, the vulture is also quite temperamental and, if hungry, may even attack small animals, such as rodents or other birds. But it usually feeds on carrion or already decayed prey.

This behavior is more common in the Coragyps atratos species, the vulture that lives in urban areas. "The king vulture, however, has a different behavior. It's like a bird of prey," he emphasizes.

Still on the subject of its strong personality, André points out that, if necessary, the bird will go and find its food. "The vulture is a warrior. It can even chase dogs away," he jokes.

It's for Daddy Joel

Fábio Luciano knows what to say to motivate his teammates

Martha Esteves

Rio - Everything is on the tip of his tongue, with plenty of time to think, having spent two days locked in the hotel where Flamengo was training for today's final. Fábio Luciano doesn't want to give details, but he does say he'll emphasize the need to honor coach Joel Santana and bring joy to the red-and-black 'nation.' He'll also mention family, friends, fans, club employees—everyone, in short, who, in one way or another, contributed to the team's reach today's final.

The anxiety is the same as before any final. The butterflies in your stomach will be the same as in so many other finals. If he could, the red-and-black captain would turn the clock's hands so that time would pass as quickly as possible. But all of that will pass when he hears his name chanted by the fans and realizes that the red-and-blacks, once again, are the majority in the stadium.

"Flamengo fans are a special case. Much of our commitment on the field comes from the strength that emerges from the stadium stands. I know how they suffer: they brave sun, rain, and even chaos to buy tickets. That's why we'll give our lives to win this title and show our gratitude," he says.

The title's value increases when you consider that Flamengo has a chance to equal the number of state titles won by rival Fluminense, which has 30. And it takes on a special flavor as it's Joel Santana's last triumph in charge. Not to mention that a victory over Botafogo, a team he considers very good, further enhances his record.

Even knowing that coach Cuca may opt for an attacking scheme, since he needs a victory to be champion, Fábio Luciano does not understand that the red-black defense has double responsibility.

Either way, he'll ask his teammates to pay full attention and focus only on victory, to honor the Flamengo jersey and mark Joel's farewell. "We'll fight for the team to win and be champions," he promises. There's no better tribute.

SPORTS GAZETTE

Flamengo and Botafogo test their spirits to decide the State Championship\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Botafogo and Flamengo will play the decisive match of the Campeonato Carioca this Sunday at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Flamengo won the first leg of the final 1-0 and now has to draw. Glorioso must win by a single goal and force a penalty shootout, or by a two-goal lead or more to secure the title in regulation time. Flamengo is looking to equal Fluminense's 30 state titles, while Botafogo is seeking its 19th. The two teams are poised to meet this year. In the first match, the Guanabara Cup final, Flamengo won 2-1. Glorioso then prevailed in both matches of the Taça Rio, the second round, winning 3-2 in the qualifying round and 3-0 in the semifinals. Finally, there was last week's clash, with a red-black triumph.\

Throughout the week, the coaches of both teams have been working on their players' mental health. Botafogo's Cuca has been telling the squad that it's possible to overturn Flamengo's lead in the first leg.

"We know this game carries a heavy emotional charge, a desire to win, respect for the opponent, and resilience. All of this needs to be carefully worked on and balanced throughout the week, and that's what we tried to do. I come to this decision knowing that we did everything possible in terms of preparation," said Cuca.

Flamengo manager Joel Santana made it clear that his main concern is to reassure his players about the strain they've suffered from the trip to Mexico. In the middle of the week, Flamengo played in Mexico in the round of 4 of the Copa Libertadores, defeating América 2-XNUMX. Between trips, the squad spent more than a day in airports and on planes.

"We know that the toll of a trip like this is immense, and that we would all have liked to have stayed in Brazil working and resting, focused solely on Sunday's final. But since that wasn't possible, all we can do is show our best on the field, because that's what a final demands," Joel analyzed.

But asking the players who will take the field this Sunday to excel is unnecessary. The excitement ahead of the match is evident in the statements made by both teams.

"This is the game of our lives, and that's how we have to approach this Sunday's match. We know we have what it takes to beat Flamengo, overturning their advantage. The champion's cry is driving everyone at Botafogo, and we need to focus on that," said defender Renato Silva.

Flamengo's sentiment is the same regarding the derby. No one gives up on being a two-time Rio de Janeiro champion, defeating Botafogo in the grand final for the second year in a row.

"We have a lot of respect for Botafogo, but winning the Rio de Janeiro title is one of Flamengo's priorities for this season, as a title always brings peace of mind and balance, especially at the start of the season," analyzed right-back Leonardo Moura.

The two coaches are trying in vain to keep the lineup under wraps. Joel Santana will repeat the Flamengo lineup that won the first leg of the final. Regarding that week's match, Cuca will make two changes, as he expects the return of right-back Alessandro and forward Jorge Henrique, who were suspended, to reappear.

The first will take Túlio Souza's place, and the other will take Fábio's. Renan will remain in goal, as Castillo remains sidelined with a muscle injury, as will left-back Triguinho, who will make way for Leandro Guerreiro, with Zé Carlos moving to the left wing.

Joel points to Geninho as his successor at Fla\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Coach Joel Santana, who will leave Flamengo next week to manage the South African national team, let it slip that Geninho, currently at Atlético-MG, will be his successor at Gávea. Joel even had time to take a jab at the likely replacement, saying that when he took over at Vasco in place of Geninho, who resigned, he found a team in disarray, which won't be the case at Flamengo now. According to Joel, no one at the club asked him for his opinion on the professional who will be hired to fill the vacant position.

South Africa's future coach also confessed his concern about Sunday's result. He's certain that if Flamengo loses the title, all his ten months of work will be judged negatively. He still doesn't know if he'll lead the team on Wednesday, in the second leg against América of Mexico.

Midfielder Renato Augusto is expected to miss the Rio de Janeiro State Championship final against Botafogo. During his last training session, he was unable to perform certain movements and still feels pain in his right knee. The lineup will likely be announced shortly before the match, but Joel is expected to repeat the lineup from last Sunday.

PELENET

Leonardo Moura says he's ready to make history at Flamengo

Raphael Raposo\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Fluminense is out of the final, but they're rooting hard for Botafogo. That's because if the Red-Black team beats the Black-and-Whites on Sunday, they'll tie the Laranjeiras club for most State Championship titles (30). Leonardo Moura is ready to make the Gávea club's dream a reality.

"That would be very important, as we would become part of Flamengo's history. In 10, 20, 30 years, our photos could be there in the gallery, which is very gratifying," he said.

The right-back is one of coach Joel Santana's assets for Sunday's match at 16 p.m. at Maracanã. Leonardo Moura is aware of the responsibility he carries.

"Both Juan (left-back) and I are playing a very important role in the attacking plays. I hope we can repeat this good performance," he concluded.

Botafogo and Flamengo star in the last "act" of the 2008 State Championship

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Now it's for real. There's no longer any chance of winning the second half or overturning the result in a second leg. Botafogo and Flamengo will decide the State Championship title this Sunday at 16 p.m. at the Maracanã Stadium. In the first leg, the red-and-blacks prevailed, winning 1-0 thanks to a goal by Obina.

However, the advantage is quite insignificant, as a simple victory for the black and whites would send the match to a penalty shootout. Therefore, all the attention and tension imaginable will still be lacking for this electrifying derby.

With 29 titles under its belt, the Gávea club dreams of reaching the coveted number 30 and tying Fluminense, the most successful state champions in Rio. But the task won't be easy. Botafogo won't give up so easily on winning the trophy for the 19th time.

Botafogo eager to give its response

Botafogo continues to struggle with Flamengo. They not only lost the state title to the red-and-blacks in 2007, but the same thing happened again this year, when they faced each other in the first round of the Taça Guanabara final.

The midfielder was spared from the last two training sessions. Even so, he is expected to face Flamengo.

As if the pain of the loss weren't enough, Glorioso's players also suffered from their rivals' taunts. Striker Souza, after scoring a goal, feigned tears, alluding to the club's complaints after the match. Therefore, anxiety has been dictating the pace at General Severiano.

"I'm really excited for Sunday. I woke up inspired and wanted the game against Flamengo to be today (Friday). We need to put our hearts into our boots. We're going to tear up the grass at the Maracanã," said midfielder Zé Carlos.

On the field, two much-missed absences: goalkeeper Castillo and left-back Triguinho. Youngster Renan, who performed well in the first match, will remain between the sticks. Zé Carlos will play on the left wing, leaving Leandro Guerreiro as the third center-back.

On the other hand, right-back Alessandro and forward Jorge Henrique, who were suspended, return to the team. "With them, we're stronger, of course. After all, the team has gotten used to playing this way and that makes a big difference," Cuca assessed.

Maestro Lúcio Flávio gave the coach a scare, being left out of training on Friday and Saturday due to a left thigh problem. However, he's expected to be available for the derby. In any case, striker Fábio is already on standby in case he needs to replace the midfielder.

Flamengo is tired, but with high morale

For the red-and-black team, the biggest concern is fatigue. While Botafogo spent the week training, Flamengo traveled to Mexico, facing a nearly 12-hour trip, to face América-MEX in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of XNUMX.

Despite being confident, Leonardo Moura is concerned about the red-black fatigue

Not even a 4-2 victory could alleviate the delegation's exhaustion. Upon arriving in Rio de Janeiro on Friday morning, the players looked grumpy. The watchword was rest.

"We have to relax now. Keep our heads close to the pillow so we can be 100 percent on Sunday. After all, it's a very important game," said right-back Leonardo Moura.

The endless hours spent on the plane are also a concern for coach Joel Santana, who is expected to lead the team for the last time before joining the South African national team.

"We're very tired. It was a grueling trip and now we have to rest," explained the coach.

Due to excessive fatigue, there's been no training. Since arriving in Rio, the delegation has been confined to a hotel in Barra da Tijuca, in the city's West Zone. The only activity authorized by the coaching staff is light muscle-strengthening training. But the only time to play football is on Sunday.

"This is the best training: rest. There's no reason to force the athletes before this decision," highlighted physical trainer Ronaldo Torres.

Without much doubt, Joel is just waiting for confirmation on midfielder Renato Augusto's situation to decide on the team. If the player remains sidelined due to a right knee injury, Marcinho will remain on the team. Beyond that, there's no news.

GLOBOESPORTE

Flamengo supplier celebrates Rio title

Company stores sell shirts alluding to the State Championship victory and anger black and white fans

Bernardo Ferreira and Carlos Augusto Ferrari From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo

Flamengo's shirt celebrates the title before the final match, this Sunday

Flamengo's sports equipment supplier has already put a commemorative jersey for the 2008 Campeonato Carioca title on sale. The company seems to have forgotten that the second leg of the final will still be played this Sunday at 16 p.m. at the Maracanã stadium. The red jersey can be purchased at the brand's own stores in shopping malls in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

The GLOBOESPORTE.COM report saw the shirt being sold in Botafogo (South Zone of Rio) for R$59,90 and in Higienópolis, a neighborhood in São Paulo, for R$53.

The news was reported on the blog of Vitor Birner, a journalist for Rádio CBN, this Saturday. Although not displayed in the São Paulo shopping mall's window, the commemorative shirt was available for purchase by any customer.

According to the store manager at Rio Sul shopping mall, the jersey sold very well and angered the black and white fans. She also reported that someone connected to Botafogo bought a jersey to wear during the team's pre-match talk before Sunday's derby.

Detail on Flamengo's commemorative jersey, with the title already won before the game even started at Maracanã. The advance sale of the commemorative jersey for the Rio de Janeiro title could create further friction between the company and Flamengo's board. In March, president Marcio Braga harshly criticized the sports equipment supplier and admitted that Flamengo could change sponsors.

"Nike hasn't served Flamengo well. We've had serious supply issues," he said in an interview with Arena SporTV on March 26 (see the interview in the video below).

Joel sees Fla mature enough to be champion

The decision against Botafogo could be the club's coach's farewell match

Joel Santana says Flamengo has a ready and experienced group

Close to competing in another final of the Campeonato Carioca and Flamengo's farewell, coach Joel Santana is reducing the effects of fatigue from the squad's long trip to Mexico and sees the team ready to win the 2008 state title.

"Flamengo and Botafogo have always been a tight match. At one point, Botafogo had the upper hand, in the 60s, I think. Then, Flamengo reversed that and is currently winning. Flamengo has a ready, mature group, and we'll try to win the title," he says.

The match against Botafogo could be the coach's last in charge of the team. The board and the coach himself are trying to convince the South African Football Federation (FAF) officials to postpone the coach's presentation in the African country, allowing him to lead Flamengo in the match against América-MEX next Wednesday.

Botafogo vs. Fla: a historic Sunday at Maracanã

Rubro-Negro has the advantage of a draw in the Carioca Championship final

For the second consecutive year, Botafogo and Flamengo will decide the Campeonato Carioca. The match, which takes place this Sunday at 16 p.m. at the Maracanã, promises to be intense. In the fight for their second title, Flamengo enters the field with the advantage of a draw, after winning the first leg 1-0 (watch the video below). On the other hand, Flamengo plays motivated by the desire to win a title to crown almost two years of work. If Botafogo wins by one goal, there will be a penalty shootout.

Fla tries to match Flu

The current Rio champion, Rubro-Negro, could, for the first time in its history, equal Fluminense's total number of state titles. Currently, the score is 30 to 29 for Fluminense. Botafogo, which has 18 Rio titles, is playing in its third consecutive final (it won in 2006, defeating Madureira in the final).

As with the previous clashes—four this season—this Sunday's derby is poised to be evenly matched. Therefore, the main topic of conversation ahead of the final is the potential differences in the two teams' physical condition. The invisible enemy of fatigue has been terrifying Flamengo throughout the week. The 14.400-km round-trip trip to Mexico took over 24 hours. However, the 4-2 victory over América-MEX in the Copa Libertadores left the group feeling lighter.

"Imagine taking this long trip after a defeat? Of course, now we're even more excited for the final," says defender Ronaldo Angelim.

Glorioso is rested and well trained

Cuca had the whole week to try to get the team ready for the big decision.

Meanwhile, Botafogo had a full week to balance training, rest, and discussions, seeking to correct the mistakes that led to the team's defeat in last Sunday's game. But at General Severiano, no one sees an advantage from not having traveled. What everyone is focusing on is the disadvantage from last Sunday's 1-0 scoreline.

"It doesn't matter if Flamengo traveled and won the Libertadores. We might be tired of training too. They won the first half of the final. On Sunday, we'll have the second half," explains coach Cuca.

Having been at Botafogo for almost two years, the coach admits he can't wait to win his first title. But despite his anxiety, he tries to remain calm, confident in the potential of the team he quickly assembled at the start of the season, despite the large number of changes compared to the 2007 group.

"The title will happen eventually. But if it happens on Sunday, the champion will be Botafogo. I'll only have a small part in that."

Joel prepares for goodbye

Joel tries to say goodbye to Fla with the title

On the other side, Joel Santana is preparing his farewell. The match could be his last in charge of the team – the club's board is trying to convince the South Africans to let the coach take charge of the team on Wednesday against América-MEX. The coach's imminent departure serves as an additional element of motivation for the players. They are planning a video to honor him and want to dedicate the title to "daddy," who will manage the South African national team.

"Joel was with us in the hole and brought us here. On the one hand, I'm very sad to see him leave, but I know it's a great opportunity," says right-back Leo Moura.

With the advantage of playing for a draw, Flamengo should field its traditional "elite squad" in midfield: Cristian, Toró, Kleberson, and Ibson. Jaílton may be added to the team to further strengthen the defense.

Out of the team for almost three weeks, Renato Augusto is expected to be an option on the bench. Flamengo's top scorer this season, with ten goals, Marcinho is confirmed, much to his own relief.

"I want to get on the field soon to get over this anxiety. I'm dreaming about this game," says the player, who scored twice in the match against América-MEX and is the team's top scorer in the Libertadores (five goals).

Boot needs to go up

To win the title in regulation time, Botafogo needs to win by at least two goals. Therefore, last week the club considered the possibility of Fábio joining Jorge Henrique and Wellington Paulista in attack. However, this week's training sessions showed that the three-man attacking formation will likely remain an option for the final.

Botafogo welcomes the return of right-back Alessandro and forward Jorge Henrique, who missed the first match due to suspension. Goalkeeper Castillo and left-back Triguinho remain sidelined, still recovering from muscle problems. Renan and Leandro Guerreiro, respectively, remain in the starting lineup.

The concern is Lucio Flavio, who, just like before the Guanabara Cup final, felt pain in his left thigh on Friday. The team captain was rested from Saturday's training session, but is unlikely to miss Sunday's match.

- This is the most important match of my life, because I will have the chance to win my first title, which will be remembered by my family and Botafogo fans - says Wellington Paulista, who scored 14 goals in the Campeonato Carioca and has already secured the top scorer position in the competition.

THROW

Relive all the goals from the finalists in Rio

Fla and Bota decide the title on Sunday and LNET! shows the net shaking

Fábio Luciano lifts the Guanabara Cup; Lucio Flavio, the Rio Cup. The champions of the two rounds will decide the Carioca Championship this Sunday. Who will come out on top? Fla or Botafogo?

Flamengo and Botafogo will decide the Rio de Janeiro title this Sunday. For now, Flamengo holds the advantage, having won the first leg of the final. But a simple Botafogo victory will send the decision to penalties. While the ball is still in play at Maracanã, you can rewatch all the finalists' goals in the competition by clicking the links below.

FLAMENGO

• GUANABARA CUP\ - 20/01 - Flamengo 2 x 0 Boavista\ - 24/01 - Flamengo 4 x 1 Cardoso Moreira\ - 27/01 - Flamengo 5 x 1 Duque de Caxias\ - 30/01 - Flamengo 1 x 0 Macaé\ - 02/02 - América 0 x 4 Flamengo\ - 07/02 - Flamengo 2 x 1 Volta Redonda\ - 10/02 - Flamengo 1 x 4 Fluminense\ - 17/02 - Flamengo 2 x 1 Vasco\ - 24/02 - Flamengo 2 x 1 Botafogo\

• RIO CUP\ - 02/03 - Flamengo 4 x 2 Resende\ - 09/03 - Flamengo 3 x 1 Americano\ - 12/03 - Flamengo 2 x 0 Mesquita\ - 16/03 - Flamengo 2 x 3 Botafogo\ - 22/03 - Flamengo 2 x 0 Cabofriense\ - 26/03 - Flamengo 4 x 1 Friburguense\ - 29/03 - Flamengo 0 x 0 Madureira\ - 06/04 - Vasco 2 x 2 Flamengo\ - 13/04 - Botafogo 3 x 0 Flamengo\

• DECISION\ - 27/04 - Flamengo 1 x 0 Botafogo\

BOTAFOGO

• GUANABARA CUP\ - 19/01 - Botafogo 2 x 0 Resende\ - 23/01 - Botafogo 4 x 1 Friburguense\ - 27/01 - Botafogo 3 x 0 Americano\ - 30/01 - Botafogo 6 x 2 Mesquita\ - 02/02 - Vasco 2 x 3 Botafogo\ - 06/02 - Botafogo 1 x 1 Cabofriense\ - 10/02 - Botafogo 1 x 2 Madureira\ - 16/02 - Botafogo 2 x 0 Fluminense\ - 24/02 - Flamengo 2 x 1 Botafogo\

• RIO CUP\ - 01/03 - Botafogo 1 x 0 América\ - 09/03 - Botafogo 3 x 0 Volta Redonda\ - 12/03 - Botafogo 4 x 1 Duque de Caxias\ - 16/03 - Flamengo 2 x 3 Botafogo\ - 23/03 - Botafogo 7 x 0 Macaé\ - 27/03 - Botafogo 1 x 0 Cardoso Moreira\ - 30/03 - Botafogo 3 x 1 Fluminense\ - 05/04 - Botafogo 1 x 3 Boavista\ - 13/04 - Botafogo 3 x 0 Flamengo\ - 20/04 - Botafogo 1 x 0 Fluminense\

Captain wants to tie Flu in titles

Defender hopes to be remembered for lifting 30th title trophy

Thirtieth title is Fábio Luciano's goal

LANCEPRESS!

With 30 state titles, Fluminense remains the most successful team in the Campeonato Carioca. However, Fluminense's lead could be equaled this Sunday by Flamengo.

The opportunity is welcomed by Fábio Luciano, the club's defender and captain. For him, one of the most exciting aspects of this achievement is the chance to equal Fluminense.

- This achievement involves several factors, among them the thirtieth title and the fact of equaling Fluminense - said the captain.

Fla wants to honor Joel with fighting spirit

Players highlight the competence of the outgoing coach

LANCEPRESS!

Flamengo's players make it clear they will miss Joel Santana. For Fábio Luciano, the best tribute is for the team to do this Sunday what they've been doing since 2007.

"The greatest tribute is the team running, fighting, doing what they always do. If we can achieve that, it will be a tribute in itself," said the captain.

Leonardo Moura also spoke about the departure of “Daddy Joel”:

"Joel was with us through thick and thin, taking us to the Libertadores and the Carioca final. We have to thank him so much. Because of the person he is, I'm sad, but I hope he's happy."

Joel Santana will likely coach Flamengo in the second leg of the Libertadores Cup only if they win the title this Sunday. Vice President of Football Kléber Leite aims to announce the coach as early as Monday and has already said that the decision on whether Joel will stay until Wednesday will be made this Sunday.

Caio Júnior's name emerges strongly at Flamengo

The president of Goiás has already resigned himself to losing him to Rubro-Negro

Guilherme de Paula

Coach Joel Santana praised Geninho last Friday, raising expectations that the Atlético player would be his successor. However, Goiás president Pedro Goulart revealed this Saturday that he wouldn't be able to keep Caio Júnior if Flamengo approached him.

According to the director, the coach's departure wouldn't be for money, as he believes Flamengo wouldn't cover his salary. But Pedro believes Flamengo's size could be a factor in the transfer.

"Flamengo gives him international recognition, and there's no way to keep him. It would be a huge step forward in his career. He's focused on tomorrow's game (Sunday, the Goiano final), but nothing's stopping him from going to Flamengo, and neither will Goiás," he stated.

Pedro said that Caio Júnior told him he's been receiving numerous calls from Rio de Janeiro. He also made another statement indicating that he's already resigned to losing his current coach to Flamengo:

"If he leaves, what do we do? We'll look for someone else. Flamengo would be very well served. He deserves it: he's a simple and competent guy. It would be bad for us, but may it be good for him."

Geninho has already confirmed that Flamengo has approached him, but that there has been no official offer. He assured that he wouldn't be tempted by an offer—he recently turned down a millionaire from the Arab world—and that he's enjoying his work at Atlético-MG.

Everything indicates that the fact that Galo is still in the Copa do Brasil, while Goiás was eliminated, will play a significant role in the announcement of the new coach. Ney Franco would be the other option.

Fla x Flu juniors will be this Sunday

Rio Federation backtracks and confirms Carioca final for Maracanã\ LANCEPRESS!\

Canceled this Saturday by the Rio de Janeiro Federation, the final of the State Junior Championship between Flamengo and Fluminense has been confirmed by the institution for this Sunday at 13 p.m. at the Maracanã, the same location and time as before the cancellation. The decision was made late Saturday night.

The measure took Fluminense's football coordinator, Branco, by surprise, and he was irritated.

"At five or six in the afternoon, we were informed that there would be no preliminary to preserve the pitch. But then at ten-thirty in the evening, we were surprised with the confirmation of the match for today (Sunday). This is absurd; any kind of planning is going down the drain. I can only lament this confusion and the lack of planning," Branco complained.

The cancellation of the classic was a measure taken by the Federation to preserve the lawn due to the heavy rains that fell in recent days in Rio de Janeiro.

Rubro-negros repudiate commemorative shirt

Nike anticipates the decision and the idea goes down badly with fans

LANCEPRESS! Nike's idea of ​​selling commemorative shirts for Flamengo's thirtieth Rio de Janeiro title even before Sunday's final, in one of its stores in a shopping center in the São Paulo neighborhood of Higienópolis, did not go down well with Flamengo fans.

In the club's communities on a social networking site, most of the comments were repudiating, and some internet users even questioned the partnership with the sports equipment supplier, which has been struggling for some time and may soon be terminated.

However, according to the website Globoesporte.com, the store owner commented that the sale of the shirt, priced at R$59,90, was good.

Meet Flamengo's 'Big Family'

Club wardrobes tell stories and reveal their love for the club

LANCEPRESS!

Behind the goals, victories, and titles, besides the star players, it's not hard to find the supporting players. Those professionals responsible for ensuring the players can take the field without worrying about anything other than doing their jobs. And at Flamengo, like one big family, the kit men Babão and Barata are the ones who get the job done.

The players' affection fosters ever-increasing closeness and camaraderie. Barata even reveals that it's not uncommon to receive gifts from those he considers "children."

- On his last trip to Peru, Cristian brought us perfumes. Some give us shirts and sneakers. The way they treat us is really nice.

Journalists relive the great Flamengo x Botafogo

Luiz Mendes and Celso Garcia are looking forward to a great match this Sunday

LANCEPRESS!

Sportswriters Luiz Mendes and Celso Garcia teamed up again at the Maracanã to relive the stories and great matches played by Flamengo and Botafogo, from the 6-0 thrashings both teams inflicted and suffered in the 70s and 80s, respectively, to the present day, when Flamengo and Botafogo are competing for the 2008 Rio de Janeiro championship trophy.

For Celso Garcia, Flamengo's historic 81 exchange had a special meaning. This is because Zico, the star of the game, was discovered by the journalist himself.

Zico had the 6-0 of 1972 in his throat. When he reached the tunnel, for nine years, and saw that banner saying "We like you" (in reference to the rout Botafogo inflicted), he would bite the bullet. But finally, his revenge happened.

Leó Moura confident in Flamengo's second championship

Right-back believes in his team and says that the wings will be the path to victory

For Léo Moura, the flanks are good options to win the game

LANCEPRESS!

If it depends on Léo Moura's optimism, Flamengo will win its second state championship this Sunday.

Despite the confidence, caution and respect for Botafogo are preached every time the right-back analyzes the final.

"I know Botafogo is coming at us. It'll be a very even match. To win our second championship, we're resting so we can put in a good performance," said Leonardo.

And the secret to the red-black success could be the plays on the wings, Léo Moura and Juan's sector.

"In most games, Flamengo plays very well down the flanks. This time it won't be any different. We'll try to maintain our rhythm, since our advantage is small and dangerous," the full-back concluded.

Captain wants to tie Flu in titles

Defender hopes to be remembered for lifting 30th title trophy

Thirtieth title is Fábio Luciano's goal

LANCEPRESS!

With 30 state titles, Fluminense remains the most successful team in the Campeonato Carioca. However, Fluminense's lead could be equaled this Sunday by Flamengo.

The opportunity is welcomed by Fábio Luciano, the club's defender and captain. For him, one of the most exciting aspects of this achievement is the chance to equal Fluminense.

- This achievement involves several factors, among them the thirtieth title and the fact of equaling Fluminense - said the captain.

Gepe tightens siege against fake tickets

Military Police have already arrested four scalpers with lost tickets

Police at Maracanã this Sunday will be on the lookout for scalpers selling fake tickets (Credit: Sérgio Gomes)

LANCEPRESS!

After the announcement by the company responsible for issuing tickets for the State Championship that approximately two thousand cards for the second game of the State Championship final were lost this week, the Special Stadium Policing Group (Gepe) increased the siege on ticket scalpers.

- The case was reported to us and is already under investigation. Our secret group is working, we are looking into this. We have already caught four scalpers in the