THE GLOBE
'We must go towards the danger'
Joel thinks of a bolder Fla to beat Nacional in Montevideo
SOUZA EXERCISES IN THE POOL: THE FORWARD MUST HAVE TARDELLI BY HIS SIDE
Fabio Juppa
In its first World Cup match in 1930, the Brazilian national team lost 2-1 to Yugoslavia at Montevideo's cramped Parque Central stadium. In Gávea, a draw with Nacional at the same venue on Thursday is seen favorably, depending on the circumstances. But Flamengo heads to Uruguay today with a clear objective: to win the match and seal qualification for the second round of the Copa Libertadores against the same opponent on the 19th at Maracanã. To that end, coach Joel Santana promises a stance as fierce as it is bold.
"There's no point in waiting for the game in the kitchen, defensively and cowardly. We have to go one-on-one, face the danger. We're going there to fight," warned the coach, who will only study Nacional's final matches in the Uruguayan capital.
The strategy, in a way, gives an idea of the spirit of the red-and-blacks. Flamengo, champion of the Guanabara Cup and leader of Group 4 of the Libertadores, takes the field today confidently, according to Joel, having enjoyed a period of important victories since last year, a more qualified squad than in 2007, and the excellent physical condition that has allowed the team to chase results until the final minutes of games, as happened against Botafogo and Cienciano. Perhaps for this reason, Joel is considering the possibility of giving up one of the two defensive midfielders—in this case, Jaílton—and bringing on Kleberson, who can mark and can be an extra man when the team is attacking Nacional.
"I had the team ready, but against Resende, I saw things that impressed me both positively and negatively. So, I'll think about it. The moment calls for it," Joel explained, assuring that Gavilán, who replaced Jaílton at halftime in Sunday's game, will not start in Uruguay.
The idea is to play in Cuzco without depending on the result
Since everything suggests that Diego Tardelli will partner Souza up front, if Joel opts for Kleberson, Flamengo will enter the Parque Central field with the same formation that started the match against Cienciano at Maracanã. Regardless of the names, the players all adopt the same message: that the team is ready to face a Nacional team that overuses balls into the box to exploit the height of the towering Richard Morales and that, to be no exception, will try to destabilize the Brazilian players.
"We played a friendly at Granja (Comary, against Huracán, where a Uruguayan player insulted Toró with racist words and started a huge brawl), and everyone saw what happened. It's useful to know what we'll encounter there, but we'll play a good game," said captain Fábio Luciano.
If Flamengo brings back the three points from Montevideo, they could even secure their spot early if they defeat Nacional in the return leg in Rio. Even better would be not to rely on a result against Cienciano in Cuzco, where, in addition to the 3.650m altitude, Flamengo is likely to encounter a hostile climate due to the club's stated desire not to play in the city. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the team would comfortably decide qualification at home in the final round against Coronel Bolognesi.
- But it would be great if it were possible to win in Uruguay - concluded Fábio Luciano.
Fernando Calazans
One of the most curious consequences of the weakness of the smaller teams in the Rio Championship is that their matches against the big teams—that is, their defeats—prevent us from drawing any meaningful conclusions about the true strength of Vasco, Flamengo, Botafogo, or Fluminense. These four win for the sake of winning, win because they have to win, and win because losing is impossible.
An interesting example is the current situation of Flamengo. They say the team has the best squad in Rio, the best-assembled, the one that offers the coach the best options, the one with the best reserves. It's even said that Flamengo currently has two teams: an A team and a B team—the first for the Copa Libertadores, the second for the rest of the State Championship, where it has already qualified for the grand final.
For now, it's too early to disagree with any of these statements, but one question remains: does Flamengo really have two teams for each of the championships, or does this championship, the one here in Rio, have opponents that are too weak for Flamengo?
In other words: is Flamengo's second team, the mixed team, good like that, or is Resende the one that is weak, even after opening a 2-0 lead in the first half?
That is the question.
Even with the heartbreaking weakness of the Resende team, everything (or almost everything) indicates that Kleberson and Diego Tardelli have to play for team A, the one in the Libertadores, and that, Jaílton, on the contrary, can only play for team B, the one in this second round, if he can even play for Flamengo.
Likewise, one might wonder whether Vasco is really forming a football team or whether it is Boavista who, despite dominating much of the game, is always willing to take a 4-0 beating.
It's not easy. This Rio Championship isn't easy in terms of the conclusions it can provide.
If, in other years, our assessment was already compromised, this year is even more so - the year in which the gap between big and small teams widened and in which, on top of that, the big teams were granted the privilege of only playing on their own pitches.
Renato Mauricio Prado
Diego Tardelli has been confirming, at Flamengo, the great technical potential he showed when he emerged at Morumbi.
His case, however, is another one of those that pit talent against a lack of professionalism - which is why he was released from São Paulo.
If he understands, soon, that inspiration is worth little without (a lot of) perspiration, Diego could become a great player and a red-black idol.
Otherwise, he will enter that "selection" of "Emperor" Hadrian"...
SPORTS JOURNAL
Memory: 17 years ago, a victory for the red-black race
File/JS
Nélio celebrates the winning goal against Nacional, at the Centenario Stadium, in Montevideo
The last time Flamengo traveled to Uruguay to face Nacional in the Copa Libertadores was on March 1, 1991. The match was part of the third round of the competition's first phase. The team was led by coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo, who was facing dismissal due to a poor campaign. The team from Gávea defeated the Uruguayans 1-0, with a goal from Nélio in the 14th minute of the second half, at the Centenario Stadium.
The crisis brewing at Flamengo on the eve of the match was so severe that the headline in the newspaper JORNAL DOS SPORTS on the day of the match declared that either Flamengo would win or the entire coaching staff would be fired. As a result, captain Júnior's team arrived in Uruguay discredited. But with a fierce spirit and a fierce spirit, the Flamengo managed to overwhelm the Montevideo team. The 17 spectators who watched the match at the stadium saw Flamengo dominate their opponents from the start and, before the 20th minute, had already forced goalkeeper Seré into three difficult saves. Despite Flamengo's dominance, the goal only came in the 14th minute of the second half, when Nélio, who replaced top scorer Gaúcho, capitalized on Júnior's excellent cross to find the net for Nacional. Besides Nélio and Júnior, the standout performer of the match was Marcelinho Carioca.
Flamengo - Ze Carlos, Charles Guerreiro, Adilson, Rogério and Piá; Marquinhos, Junior, Toninho and Marcelinho Carioca; Alcindo (Paulo César) and Gaucho (Nélio).\ Coach: Vanderlei Luxemburgo.\
National - Seré, Maristan, Revelez, Mozo and Soca; Tony Gomes, Pena (Cabrera) and Cadarccio; Miranda (Borges), Valdez and Nunes.\ Coach: Juan Carlos Blanco.\
Ligüera is doubtful for the National
Montevideo, Uruguay - One of Nacional's standout players, Uruguayan midfielder Martin Ligüera, didn't train yesterday and is doubtful for Thursday's match against Flamengo. The player suffered an injury in last Wednesday's match against Fênix in the Uruguayan Championship and has been doing only physical training since. According to the Uruguayan club's coaching staff, he is expected to return to ball training today.
Coach Geraldo Pelusso is concerned about his players' fatigue due to the marathon. Last weekend, Nacional faced Defensor and is now fully preparing for Thursday.
The Montevideo team should enter the field with Alexis Viera; Gerardo Acosta, Mauricio Victorino, Deivis Barone and Adrián Romero; Mathías Cardaccio, Oscar Javier Morales, Diego Arismendi and Nicolás Bertolo; Richard Morales and Bruno Fornaroli.
Joel hasn't defined the team yet
Time passes, and coach Joel Santana remains unsure of the best lineup for Flamengo. Yesterday, the coach reiterated his uncertainty about which team to field on Thursday against Nacional in Uruguay.
Throughout this season, the coach has tested many players, particularly in the holding midfield and attack. In both areas, he continues to rack his brains to find a player who can match the one he had last year.
With injuries to Rômulo and Renato Augusto, both defenses have weakened, and the new signings haven't yet adequately replaced the homegrown talent. Jaílton, Jônatas, Cristian, and Gavilan have already been tested in Rômulo's position. Renato Augusto's position is more problematic. Tardelli, Marcinho, Maxi, and Obina aren't able to fulfill the same role Renato once did.
For Thursday's match, Joel said he had already thought about the team, but the poor performance of some players in the match against Resende made him change his mind.
"Yesterday (Sunday) I had practically decided on the team that would play in Uruguay. But some negative factors made me worried. Nacional had played a bad game against Cienciano, but after the last three matches, I started to worry," said Joel Santana.
It's quite likely that the red-and-black coach will field the same team that started the match against Botafogo in the Guanabara Cup final. The only change that could occur is Diego Tardelli replacing Marcinho.
Joel decided to take only 21 players to Uruguay. Defender Leonardo and full-backs Luizinho and Egídio will remain in Brazil.
Ready for war
Flamengo embarks today for Uruguay, knowing what it will find in Montevideo
Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
Photo by Úrsula Nery
Captain Fabio Luciano expects to encounter hostile weather in Uruguay on Thursday.
The Copa Libertadores da América. This name alone conveys the warlike atmosphere that South America's premier club competition has carried throughout its history. Thursday's opponent, Nacional, also displays traces of the patriotism that Brazilians possess. And with this atmosphere of love and dedication in mind, Flamengo heads to Montevideo today prepared for a real battle at Parque Central Stadium, likely packed to its maximum capacity of 20.
The players remember the training match against Huracán, also from Uruguay, during the preseason at Granja Comary. Despite winning 3-0, the red-and-blacks clashed with their brothers, and what was supposed to be a simple training session turned into a battle.
"We all know what we're going to get there. But we have to go in prepared. Uruguayan teams like to provoke, so we need to be calm so as not to lose an important player. We have to know how to play, withstand the initial pressure, but also attack," warned captain Fábio Luciano.
Midfielder Cristian, who is expected to start, as he did against Cienciano, preferred to be more incisive about what he expects to encounter in Montevideo. But unlike Fábio Luciano, he believes Flamengo also has the necessary skill to play in the Copa Libertadores.
"We also like this type of game, it's not just them. It will take a lot of fighting and determination. The Libertadores involves everything, including provocations. That's why we're prepared for a war. Despite the difficulties, we have every chance of coming out victorious. When you play for Flamengo, you have to be ready for battle, always. It takes grit and willpower to establish yourself here," the midfielder said.
Yesterday, Chilean referee Pablo Pozo's lineup for the match was also announced. He'd better be ready, as the Flamengo fans have already made it clear: Nacional can come in hot, but Flamengo will be sizzling.
Flamengo renews contract with Petrobrás
Flamengo has agreed to renew its sponsorship with Petrobras. The one-year contract will earn the club R$16 million and 200 thousand per month, a figure lower than Flamengo expected, but within reach, given the rush.
According to the club's Vice President of Marketing, Ricardo Hinrichsen, the long-standing relationship with the Brazilian multinational, dating back to 1984, has kept proposals from other companies at bay.
"We've received few inquiries due to the length of time we've been with Petrobras, but we're changing that, as we're open to contacts," he said. Ricardo did not confirm whether the contract will be renewed for 2009.
Mengão's magical season
Everything is going well for Flamengo basketball: state title and 14-game unbeaten streak
Pedro Ivo Almeida
Photo Disclosure/CBB
Signed as the team's star, Marcelinho has been responding with great performances
Since the arrival of star Marcelinho, in September of last year, Flamengo's board, together with the coaching staff, already knew the path to follow and the objectives to be achieved by the team.
In its very first competition, the team led by Marcelinho, Duda, Hélio & Co. already demonstrated its strength: it lifted the state championship trophy without giving its rivals, including Fluminense and Vasco, the slightest chance, both of which had partnerships with top teams on the national scene.
But the red-blacks were not satisfied with just that achievement, the arrival of 2008 brought a new challenge, the search for the unprecedented title of the National Championship, and just like in the state dispute, the team from Gávea has been having an excellent campaign and proving to be one of the big favorites for the title.
Statistic
The numbers are the best proof of the red-and-black team's strength. Paulo Chupeta's team boasts the leading attack, the best record (100% - 11 wins in 11 games), and the best average (the division between points scored and points conceded). They also boast winger Marcelinho, the competition's top scorer, most efficient player, and leader in ball recoveries.
The red-and-black coach avoids the atmosphere of favoritism and makes a point of highlighting not only individual highlights, but the strength of his entire squad.
"The secret to our success has been the strength of our squad. We have excellent individual talent, but the strength of the group has undoubtedly been our greatest asset. Everyone, when they step onto the court, is fulfilling their role to the best of their ability. We had a conversation at the beginning of the championship; there was a huge commitment, not only to the club, but to the fans as well. We want to give them this title as a gift. And with each passing day, we manage to improve; with each difficult situation, they learn a lesson and grow even more," Chupeta analyzed.
The next step for the red-and-black team toward the title is next Sunday at 11 a.m. against Saldanha da Gama in Espírito Santo. In the first leg, Flamengo won 94-79. Next Tuesday, in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, they will face the Cetaf team.
Sergio Du Bocage
Here's What You Wanted!
Altitude and attitude
Sergio Du Bocage
The Taça Rio, the second round of the Rio State Championship, is one of the most bizarre competitions I've ever seen. As interesting as the finals of each round are, the formula is flawed: in this second round, the champion could be a team that doesn't score any goals, as it doesn't face opponents from its own group and could depend on the results of the other teams to reach the final, winning the semifinals and the final on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
With that in mind, how about we talk about the Libertadores? After all, next Wednesday and Thursday we'll have Fluminense at the Maracanã and Flamengo in Uruguay, once again playing for the "road to Tokyo" project (which, by the way, ends in nothing, since the Club World Cup final is usually in Yokohama).
Both teams will need to be aggressive to win. Playing at home obviously gives Fluminense more peace of mind, but last week Flamengo struggled to overcome Cienciano and even had to rely on a refereeing error to avoid defeat. The Libertadores isn't the Rio Cup, and no matter how ineligible the opponent, they deserve a lot of respect. Something that, apparently, the Libertadores promoters don't have. How can you force a team to play games above the FIFA limit? Flamengo has every right to complain and refuse to play. They and any other club do. It's true that Peruvian fans also have the right to see their team play at home, but in conditions where human beings don't behave naturally, it's no longer a match within the rules.
Off-field issues aside, Fluminense and Flamengo can indeed win their matches. The Tricolor seems to have benefited from the unexpected, and after losing Leandro Amaral, coach Renato Gaúcho found a much more pleasant and consistent lineup. With Conca and Arouca, alongside Thiago Neves, Fluminense's midfield commands respect, as does the attacking duo. Flamengo, on the other hand, gained greater confidence with the comeback against Resende. Diego Tardelli is gradually showing he deserves a starting spot alongside Souza. Kléberson is too. It wouldn't be a surprise if they return from their trip still leading their group in the tournament.
THE DAY
Fla ready for the Uruguayan catimba
Janir Junior
Rio - A simple friendly match, played in the pre-season against Huracán Buceo - in which Flamengo players exchanged shoves with the Uruguayans and argued a lot after Toró was called a 'monkey' -, is being used as an example by Joel Santana and the players to show that it is necessary to have a cool head, Thursday, against Nacional, in Montevideo, for the Copa Libertadores.
A cool head, but a firm foot in the tackles. "If we have to play hard, we will. We saw what happened in a simple friendly. It served as a lesson. We will never give up, but we have to keep our heads on straight," emphasized Fábio Luciano.
The catimba issue is well-worn, but the concern is the need to avoid expulsions. "We're prepared for battle, in a decisive atmosphere," the defender added.
The group has been receiving daily guidance from Joel and psychologist Paulo Ribeiro. Yesterday, the starters literally cooled off. Training took place in the pool, and one incident caught everyone's attention: Souza complained of thigh pain, but it shouldn't be a problem for the match.
The comebacks against Vasco, Botafogo, Cienciano, and Resende boosted confidence. "When we're losing, it's not the end of the world. We'll still bring joy. Joel can go to the doctor to see if his heart is okay," Cristian joked. In the Libertadores, it's time for a warm heart and a cool head.
Kleberson could take Jaílton's place in the starting lineup
Rio - Flamengo heads to the stadium this Tuesday morning to face Nacional, from Uruguay, next Thursday. Coach Joel Santana considers this to be a very difficult and crucial match for Flamengo's hopes in the competition. Therefore, the coach has not yet named his team for the match.
"It's a tough match. I haven't decided yet, but I have 80, 90% of the team in mind. We're going with a tough team," he explained.
The 'fierce' midfield that Joel Santana refers to is the same one from the run in the Brasileirão last year, without the reinforcements from 2008. But Jaílton's lackluster performance against Resende last Sunday could lead the coach to field Kleberson, moving Cristian back to the first midfield position.
Márcio Braga wins support from Blatter and Platini against Conmebol
Rio - Back in Brazil after a business trip to Europe, Flamengo president Mário Braga spoke this Monday about his trip to the Old Continent. Among the topics on the agenda, the main one was filing an appeal with FIFA to prevent games from being played at altitudes above 2.750 meters. To do so, the director had to pay a fee of 500 Swiss francs. The Flamengo club's goal is for FIFA to ban the matches, as CONMEBOL—South American football's governing body—has not complied with the club's request.
"Playing at altitude is absurd, a crime against life, an absolutely unnecessary risk, and an absolutely irresponsible position. In the first ten years of the month, we want an injunction to prevent Brazilian clubs from being forced to play at altitudes above 2750 meters," he said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
The director also met with former player Michel Platini, who received a Flamengo shirt as a gift.
- Platini is coming to Brazil in November and said he'd like to watch a Flamengo game. He asked for the club's match schedule and supported our fight against playing with attitude. He said that in Europe, no one will play in very high places.
According to the director, FIFA president Joseph Blatter also supported Flamengo and said that what must be followed is the doctors' decision and not the will of the Conmebol president.
"They were supposed to give me an answer by the 10th. Let's wait," said the president.
Márcio Braga also said that he met with the president of PSG and the French sports minister and that he was able to exchange very valuable ideas for Brazilian football, especially for Fla.
Joel Santana likes the mix
Coach approves the experiments and promises to carry out new tests during the Rio Cup
Janir Junior
Rio - With a bottle of coconut water in hand, Joel Santana approved of Flamengo's "hot and mixed" team, said he will test new players in the Rio Cup, and even vented: he stated that after the last few victories, always with struggle and results built late in the game, his heart won't be able to take it. "Of the last few games, this was the most difficult. We have to stop this. Going for the goal at the end... my heart can't take it," he joked.
The team will rejoin this afternoon and travel to Montevideo tomorrow to face Nacional on Thursday in the Copa Libertadores. In the state championship, the team returns to action on Sunday against Americano. "We'll take it step by step. I'll take stock with the coaching staff to decide who to field for the Taça Rio. We may give some other players a chance," the coach said.
Joel said his substitutions worked and emphasized that the team was bold, but not disorganized. Obina, who scored one of the goals, felt relieved, having missed good opportunities during the match. "I had already missed two goals and needed to help the team. I scored one and passed to Tardelli for another," the player enthused.
Players and coaching staff emphasized that Flamengo isn't just made up of 11 starters, but rather a strong group. "This victory gives the whole group a boost. It's a shame only 11 can take the field," said Kléberson.
Starting today, FlaTV is going full throttle on the Internet, just as the Gávea team is on the big screen.
Striker is decisive again
After scoring the goal that gave Flamengo the Guanabara Cup title, Diego Tardelli was once again decisive yesterday. Besides scoring goals, the striker also demonstrated his ability as a game analyst. "The first half was embarrassing. The team was strange, but we managed to improve," the player stated.
Scoring another beautiful goal, Tardelli reminded everyone that the important thing is the ball in the net. "It can be with the toe, with the shin. I don't feel like I'm a starter; I'll continue to fight for the spot," said the player, who believes he's instilled doubts in Joel's mind: "It's good that he's having trouble putting this puzzle together."
SPORTS GAZETTE
Tardelli still doesn't see himself as a starter for Fla
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Signed about a month and a half ago, striker Diego Tardelli is already becoming an idol among Flamengo fans. A starter since the Guanabara Cup final, when he scored the winning goal against Botafogo, he scored twice more in the victory over Resende this Sunday, securing a 4-2 victory and a good result in the Rio Cup debut. Despite a string of strong performances, however, Tardelli still wants to establish himself at Rubro-negro. "I don't feel like a starter yet because Joel hasn't decided between me and Marcinho. I have to continue to perform well to earn my place, but it's the coach who has to rack his brains to decide who to start," commented the striker.
Despite the victory, Tardelli was dissatisfied with Flamengo's performance in the first half against Resende. "The team was out of sync and took a while to get it right. But Joel gave us a tough time at halftime, and we came back more focused in the second half and won. After winning the Guanabara Cup, we needed to make a good impression."
The striker didn't forget to praise the support of the Flamengo fans, who applauded him for another strong performance. "The affection everyone has shown me is the most important thing, and I'm very happy with this recognition," he said. "I've only been at Flamengo for a month and a half, and I already have great admiration for the club," concluded Diego Tardelli.
Fábio Luciano preaches calm in Montevideo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Chosen by coach Joel Santana to be Flamengo's captain this season, defender Fábio Luciano is trying to use his experience to advise the Flamengo squad ahead of Thursday's Copa Libertadores clash against Nacional of Uruguay. The player is urging his teammates to remain calm in Montevideo. "Everyone here has had some experience with Uruguayan and Argentine teams. In the preseason at Granja Comary, we faced a Uruguayan team, and we saw how difficult it is. We have to remain calm so as not to be provoked," Fábio said in an interview with Flamengo's official website.
With four points, Flamengo leads its group in the Libertadores, but Fábio assures that the Red-Blacks won't go to Uruguay looking for a draw. "We're going for the three points. In Tacna, we tried, but we couldn't get a positive result. We're treating it like another final, and we have to play with great determination and determination to win. We're ready for the battle," he concluded.
Flamengo considers farewell to Romário against Barcelona\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo may be on the verge of arranging a friendly against Barcelona of Spain, which would mark the departure of Romário, a former Flamengo idol who is being targeted by the Flamengo board. According to Ricardo Hinrichsen, the club's marketing manager, Flamengo could face the Azulgrana team in June or July at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro, in an event sponsored by Nike, which supplies sports equipment to both teams and has also arranged a meeting between the Spanish club and Boca Juniors of Argentina at the Bombonera stadium. Romário, who has had a disagreement with the board of arch-rival Vasco, could return to Flamengo after almost ten years, since his last stint with the Rubro-Negro in 1999. Although Baixinho has not yet decided whether or not to come, Hinrichsen is counting on him for the possible meeting with Barcelona.
'It would be a tribute not only from Flamengo, but also from Barcelona, where Romário played for two years,' said the director.
Joel Santana demands strong Fla in Uruguay\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After a 4-2 victory over Resende, Flamengo bows out of the Taça Rio and returns to the Copa Libertadores, where they face Nacional of Uruguay this Thursday in the third round of the first phase. The Flamengo squad leaves for Montevideo on Tuesday morning, and in the afternoon, the players will train at Defensor's field, the very team that eliminated them from last year's Libertadores. Leading Group 4 with four points, Flamengo knows that an away win will put them even closer to an early qualification for the round of XNUMX. Therefore, coach Joel Santana promises an aggressive approach from the start of the game. To ensure a team in good physical condition, Joel rested almost all of his starters last weekend.
"I want a very combative team in Uruguay, and we're not going there just to defend ourselves, so it was good to leave some players out of this game (against Resende). I want my team to press hard from the start. If we take points there, we can decide everything at home," analyzed Joel.
Joel Santana hasn't announced his name yet, but he's expected to field the same lineup that started the match against Cienciano a week ago, also in the Libertadores. Thus, the Rubro-Negro should start Thursday's game with the following lineup: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Ronaldo Angelim, Fábio Luciano, and Juan; Cristian, Kléberson, Ibson, and Toró; Diego Tardelli and Souza.
In the Campeonato Carioca, Flamengo will only return to action next Sunday, when they face Americano-RJ at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium. Coach Joel Santana will be able to count on the return of defender Fábio Luciano and forward Souza, who served suspensions against Resende. Joel, however, will only decide on the starting lineup upon his return from Uruguay.
Altitude - After spending the last few days in Europe, Flamengo president Márcio Braga arrived in Brazil this Sunday. In addition to political meetings, the director took advantage of the trip to submit a lawsuit to FIFA in which he seeks to prevent Flamengo from being forced to play at altitudes above 2.750 meters above sea level in Libertadores matches.
Braga hopes to secure an injunction that will allow Flamengo to skip the April 9th match against Cienciano in Cuzco, a city over XNUMX meters above sea level. "It's a crime against life. They're playing with human life. This isn't something to be handled this way," Márcio told Rádio Brasil, criticizing CONMEBOL's behavior.
Márcio Braga also confirmed that UEFA president Michel Platini is expected to come to Brazil in the second half of the year. The Frenchman would take advantage of the trip to watch a Flamengo match in the Brazilian Championship.
PELENET
Joel Santana calls for a warrior Flamengo against Nacional-URU
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The State Championship is a forbidden topic at Flamengo. The focus now is on Nacional-URU, this Thursday's opponent in Montevideo for the Copa Libertadores da América. Aware of the opponent's strength, coach Joel Santana called for a fighting team.
"The opponent worries me. I want a fighting team. Otherwise, we won't be able to impose our rhythm. Nacional likes aerial plays. They have tall players up front," he warned.
Regarding the team, Joel Santana will keep the mystery alive until the day of the match. The delegation leaves for the Uruguayan capital this Tuesday morning. Interestingly, Flamengo will train at Defensor's home ground, which eliminated them from last year's Copa Libertadores.
With four points, Flamengo leads Group 4 of the competition. Nacional and Cienciano-PER each have three, while Coronel Bolognesi-PER is last with just one.
Flamengo arrives in Rio de Janeiro on Friday at 22 p.m. Joel Santana has already hinted at the possibility of fielding a mixed team for Sunday's match against Americano at 16 p.m. at the Maracanã stadium in the second round of the Taça Rio.
In the 4-2 victory over Resende this Sunday, Flamengo entered the field with just three starters: goalkeeper Bruno, midfielder Kléberson and striker Diego Tardelli.
Flamengo captain admits Thursday's match will be a mess
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
With three days to go before the match, defender Fábio Luciano is already predicting a foul play in Thursday's match against Nacional-URU in Montevideo for the Copa Libertadores. However, in the team captain's view, the Rubro-Negro is "vaccinated" against this type of trickery.
"We are prepared and aware of the difficulties we will encounter. The last time we faced a team with a lot of bad manners, you (journalists) saw what happened," he said, referring to the team's 3-0 victory over Huracán-ARG, in a friendly match, during the pre-season, in Teresópolis.
On that occasion, midfielder Toró was racially abused by opposing defender Fernando Caballero. Commenting on this, the Flamengo captain urged the team to be vigilant.
"They (Uruguayans) always provoke us and we fall. The intention is to irritate us and we need to keep a cool head. We know it's difficult, especially because of the games in this competition, but we can't fall for provocations. If we have to play hard, we will," he concluded.
Flamengo should have a mixed team against Americano
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
With the match against Resende behind them, Flamengo turns its attention to this Thursday's match against Nacional-URU in Montevideo for the Copa Libertadores. Due to the fatigue, Joel Santana has already hinted at the possibility of fielding a mixed team again against Americano next Sunday in the State Championship.
"We need to act calmly. I want to see how the team behaves in Uruguay. We'll arrive from our trip on Friday and only have two days to rest. Maybe I'll take it easy," the coach admitted.
However, Joel Santana confessed that this decision isn't solely his. He admitted that he always makes final decisions after consulting the people he works with.
"I need to analyze and talk to the medical department and the club's management. That's how it is at Flamengo. Everyone works together to achieve the best," he emphasized.
As Rubro-Negro is guaranteed a place in the State Championship final, having won the Guanabara Cup, the tendency is for Joel Santana to continue using the entire squad in the Rio Cup, saving the energy of the starters for the South American competition.
GLOBOESPORTE
Uruguayan catimba does not worry the team
Fábio Luciano and Cristian guarantee that Flamengo will not fall for Nacional's provocation
Thiago Lavinas
Fábio Luciano at Flamengo training
Joel Santana talks about a "warrior team." In interviews this Monday at Gávea, it was common to hear players use words like "war," "soldiers," "battle," and "hard play." This is the spirit with which Flamengo will travel to Montevideo, where they face Nacional, from Uruguay, on Thursday in the third round of the Copa Libertadores.
The players guarantee that they are ready for the match, that they will not feel the pressure or fall into the traditional Uruguayan catimba.
"Everyone here has had some experience with Uruguayan and Argentine teams. In the preseason at Granja Comary, we faced a Uruguayan team in a friendly, and we saw how difficult it is. We have to remain calm and avoid being provoked. We have to play coolly, and if we have to play hard, we'll play hard," said defender Fábio Luciano.
Midfielder Cristian promises that the team will not fall for the Uruguayan players' provocation.
"In a competition like the Libertadores, catimba is very common. We need to be careful not to fall into their trap. We'll talk during the week so we don't have any problems in Thursday's game. Libertadores games require more strength and determination. You need to be tenacious throughout the match and have a lot of willpower too," he said.
The red-and-black squad leaves this Tuesday morning for Montevideo, Uruguay, where they will face Nacional in the third round of the Copa Libertadores. The game will be on Thursday at 18 p.m. (Brasília time).
Flamengo leads Group 4 of the Libertadores with four points. Nacional-URU and Cienciano-PER are close behind with three points. And Coronel Bolognesi-PER is last with one point.
Players do physical work
Athletes work out in the pool. Only the goalkeepers work with the ball this Monday.
Thiago Lavinas
After beating Resende 4-2 in their Taça Rio debut, Flamengo's players did some physical training this Monday in Gávea. The squad went to the club's pool to work out under the supervision of trainer Ronaldo Torres. Only goalkeepers Bruno, Diego, and Marcelo Lomba took to the field to work with the ball.
The red-and-black squad leaves this Tuesday morning for Montevideo, Uruguay, where they will face Nacional in the third round of the Copa Libertadores. The game will be on Thursday at 18 p.m. (Brasília time).
- Work is important to relax - said defender Fábio Luciano.
Flamengo leads Group 4 of the Libertadores with four points. Nacional-URU and Cienciano-PER are close behind with one point. Coronel Bolognesi-PER is last with one point.
Joel scared by Nacional's victories
The red-and-black coach will analyze match tapes to understand the Uruguayans' progress.
Thiago Lavinas
Joel Santana leads the training
Nacional de Montevideo's strong recent results are worrying coach Joel Santana. Flamengo's next opponent in the Copa Libertadores is coming off three wins—3-1 against Félix, 3-1 against Wanderers, and 4-0 against Defensor, who eliminated Flamengo from the South American competition last year.
"Nacional beat Coronel Bolognesi without playing well in the Libertadores. But then they started to have good victories. The last one was a 4-0 victory over Defensor, the team that eliminated us from the Libertadores last year. So I have to see how their team has evolved. They have a team that likes to play the ball in the opponent's box," he said.
Joel Santana asked the coaching staff for tapes of Nacional's last few games to understand the opponent's tactical evolution.
- I'd seen some of their games. But because of the results, I need to know if their opponents were weak or if they've actually improved.
That's why Joel Santana hasn't yet decided on his starting lineup. And he's refusing to discuss the uncertainties. But the trend is to field the midfield that decided the Guanabara Cup title with Botafogo—Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, and Toró. The coach could also field only Souza up front and include Kléberson in the lineup. Or give Diego Tardelli a chance in Marcinho's place.
"I don't have the games yet. Only after I've seen them will I decide which team I'll field. I have 80% of the team decided." Flamengo leads Group 4 of the Libertadores with four points. Nacional-URU and Cienciano-PER are right behind with three points. And Coronel Bolognesi-PER is in last place with one point. The match against Nacional will be next Thursday in Montevideo for the Libertadores.
How much will you spend to see your team?
Flamengo fans need to set aside the largest budget in the Rio-SP axis
Last Saturday, the new national minimum wage came into effect. The amount increased from R$380 to R$415. And fans of some of the country's top clubs will have to spend almost two minimum wages to watch all of their teams' State Championship matches and upcoming Copa Libertadores or Copa do Brasil matches.
The fans who will have to shell out the most to see their team's games are Flamengo fans. If a Flamengo fan wants to attend all of the team's matches at Maracanã in the Campeonato Carioca and up to the round of 710 of the Libertadores (in the green or yellow stands, the cheapest, without half-price tickets), they'll spend R$670. Fluminense fans come in next, with an estimated spend of R$XNUMX.
THROW
Fábio Luciano praises the team's persistence
Captain praises Flamengo for scoring many goals at the end of matches
LANCEPRESS!
The way Flamengo has been winning its games recently has pleased captain Fábio Luciano. Not because of the suffocating nature of the matches, but because of the team's persistence in seeking victory.
The defender listed the reasons why the red-and-black team has overcome adversity to achieve triumphs. This has been the case in the last four games: against Vasco, Botafogo, Cienciano, and Resende.
"A number of factors play a role. The physical preparation has been good, the team has held up well for the 90 minutes, and Flamengo has demonstrated this strength because it also has a bench full of players who always come on and can change the game," he emphasized.
Cristian: 'Joel needs to take care of his heart'
Midfielder joked about Fla's comebacks, predicting joy for the coach\ LANCEPRESS!\
Cristian continued Joel Santana's jokes about Flamengo's comebacks—in the club's last three State Championship games, the team has come from behind in all of them. Regarding the coach's statement that the pain from the last few matches could require him to undergo heart treatment, the midfielder added:
Joel's heart is fine, but he really needs to go to the hospital to see if everything is okay. This year, he will have many happy returns.
On a more serious note, Fabio Luciano praised Flamengo's good physical preparation, attributing this to the construction of the red-black victories against Vasco, Botafogo, Cienciano and Resende, all decided in the final stages of these games.
- The physical preparation has been good, the team has held up well for the 90 minutes and Flamengo has shown this strength because they also have a bench where players always come on and can change the game - he explained.
Marcio Braga: 'Playing at altitude is a crime'
Flamengo president counts on the support of Joseph Blatter and Michel Platini\ LANCEPRESS!\
Even more than a month before the match against Cienciano (April 9th) in Cuzco, Flamengo once again expressed concern about playing at altitude. The Peruvian city, which is 3.400 meters above sea level, exceeds the limit set last year by FIFA (2.750 meters). However, CONMEBOL has already stated that it will not impose any restrictions on playing matches under the conditions contested by Marcio Braga, president of the Rubro-Negro.
"We want an injunction to prevent us from playing at an altitude above 2.750 meters. Playing in these conditions is a crime against life, an absolutely unnecessary risk. I think we'll get an injunction by April 9th (the date of the match against Cienciano). We'll wait," the club's president said in a statement to Rádio Brasil.
Marcio Braga also highlighted the support that Flamengo received from Joseph Blatter and Michel Platini, presidents of FIFA and UEFA, respectively.
"Before speaking with Joseph Blatter, we met with UEFA. There, Platini (UEFA president) said that in Europe, no one will play at an altitude that is not recommended by sports medicine. That's our position, and it won't change," he stated.
The president of Flamengo also heaped praise on both directors, highlighting Platini's declared affection for Flamengo.
Joseph and Platini are coming to South America mid-year to watch the U-20 Women's Championship in Chile. Platini asked me to send him a list of Flamengo games and accepted the invitation to watch some of them. He was very friendly, starting with the declaration that he supports Flamengo. He knows that Flamengo is the biggest club in the world.
Flamengo fans celebrate in Canada
Fla-Vancouver meets in an Italian bar to watch the Rubro-Negro games
Felipe Vasconcellos RIO DE JANEIRO
Everyone knows Flamengo's fan base is huge. According to the most recent surveys, there are over 30 million Flamengo fans in Brazil. But even those who live abroad can't shake their passion and find a way to watch the Rio de Janeiro team's games.
This is the case of the Fla-Vancouver fan club, created by a group of Brazilians living in the Canadian city of Vancouver. According to one of the movement's founders, Rio de Janeiro student Diogo Bretas, the idea of bringing friends together came about during this year's Guanabara Cup competition.
They were just three friends who, upon discovering an Italian bar showing football games, decided to check it out. Then it was just a matter of using word of mouth to spread the word.
"We started spreading the word that the semifinal would be there. When we got to the bar, there were already a bunch of people there to watch. It was just word of mouth! There were about 15 of us at the bar, and everyone who passed by stopped to see what was going on. Many people stayed to watch the game. Even some foreigners cheered with us," says the student.
In the final against Botafogo, the Fla-Vancouver team reunited, this time accompanied by a lone Tricolor fan who was cheering for the Red-Blacks. But even that didn't dampen the celebration, and the Flamengo fans celebrated the title by walking through the city's icy streets, chanting tributes to the club.
The struggle now is to catch the Libertadores Cup matches, as not all of them are being broadcast in Canada. Still, the red-and-blacks promise not to stop cheering for their favorite team, even from so far away.
Fla has a better chance of winning away from home
Rubro-Negro faces Nacional on Thursday, in Uruguay, for the Libertadores
LANCEPRESS!\ After drawing with Coronel Bolognesi, as a visitor, in their Libertadores debut, Nacional is considered the easiest opponent Flamengo will face in this first phase. This is because the altitude in Cuzco, where they will face Cienciano, is still scary.\
Because of this, Joel Santana has already said that he will not give up on attacking in Montevideo and has shown that he knows the opponent well.
"Despite the win, Nacional didn't play well against Bolognesi, but their last three results have me on edge. I already have the material from these most recent games and I'll watch them," said Joel, who declined to reveal the lineup before studying Nacional.
Defender Fábio Luciano shared the same opinion as the coach:
"We always go out there to win. That was the case against Bolognesi, where we had the best chances. It was the work of their football. We respect Nacional, but since they don't have the altitude, we'll go after the result there, because Cuzco is more difficult. Our biggest problem is the quality of our opponent."