THE GLOBE
Fla enters the field knowing that he cannot lose
The team faces Nacional today in Uruguay and is betting on a new Souza to avoid complications in the Libertadores
Photo caption: Flamengo players warm up before training at Parque Central Stadium, the venue of the game.
Photo caption: RICHARD MORALES: good in the air, the striker worries Joel
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
MONTEVIDEO. A win or even a draw against Nacional today at Montevideo's Parque Central Stadium at 18 p.m. (Brasília time) will brighten Flamengo's future in Group 4 of the Copa Libertadores. A loss, however, will make the Rio de Janeiro team's final stretch in the group stage more dramatic. The pressure inherent in a crucial match in Uruguay, compounded by a small stadium with a close-knit crowd, places the fans' hopes on the strong-willed players. And a new Souza says he's ready for the challenge.
That's what the striker promises. The match against Nacional caps a week in which his name dominated the news for various football-related topics. Celebrations and provocations were the order of the day. Souza believes a new attitude and a goal today will clean up his image.
"My celebrations will be normal, without provocation. Football gets more boring, but the repercussions force me to change. I want you to forget about other things," he said.
Souza acquitted of confusion in GB Cup final
Yesterday, it was Souza who warned his companions:
- It's best not to fall for the Uruguayans' provocation.
Nacional will have a striker who also stands out physically. Like Souza, Richard Morales, 33 and 1,97'2000", is considered controversial in Uruguay. In 2005, after a famous brawl between Nacional and Peñarol players, he was arrested. In XNUMX, he assaulted Roberto Carlos during a Spanish Championship match.
"The physicality is the same, but Souza prefers the ball at his feet. Morales likes aerial play. When you have a player like that, strong, you have to use it," said Gerardo Pelusso, Nacional's coach, who is expected to use the ball in the air today.
Yesterday, Flamengo trained at Parque Central, the venue for the game. Joel Santana has only one question: Jaílton or Cristian. The rest of the team will be the same as the one that started the match against Cienciano. Joel's biggest concern during the training session was how to neutralize Richard Morales' aerial game.
Training at the stadium provided some insights: the surface is hard, despite it raining all day yesterday; and the proximity of the fans caught the players' attention.
- I'm going to play up front to avoid the spit, the water and whatever else they throw on the field - commented goalkeeper Bruno.
During training, a fan kept cursing at the players, showing that the pressure will be high today.
"What did you think? That we'd come here and they'd serve us pudding, papaya with sugar, or guava paste with cheese? Brazilians need to stop getting irritated by these silly things," Joel said.
The game is expected to have a tight security system. The death of a Nacional fan on Sunday after a match against Defensor Sport has prompted Uruguayan police to open an investigation.
After four wins in four games in the Uruguayan Championship, Nacional fans are expected to fill the 18-seat Parque Central stadium. Yesterday, however, the most popular crowd in Montevideo were Estudiantes fans. Around 5 traveled from Buenos Aires to see the team face Danubio.
The venue for the game, scheduled for 18 p.m. by decision of the TV station that holds the broadcast rights to the Libertadores, is Parque Central, founded in 1900. It hosted the first World Cup match on July 13, 1930: USA 3-0 Belgium. It was also there, the following day, that Brazil made its World Cup debut, losing to Yugoslavia 2-1.
The stadium stands on the land where José Artigas, a national hero, was appointed general-in-chief of the Orientals in 1811, after defeating the Spanish in the fight for independence.
Obina was suspended for one game by the TJD (Department of Justice) for hostile conduct during the Fla-Flu match and will not face Americano. Souza, who was sent off against Botafogo, was acquitted.
Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian (Jailton), Kleberson, Ibson and Toro; Diego Tardelli and Souza. Nacional: Vieira, Acosta, Victorino, Barone and Romero; Oscar Morales, Cardaccio, Arismendi and Liguero; Fornaroli and Richard Morales. Referee: Pablo Pozo (Chile).
BROADCAST: Sportv and Rádio Globo
Tension with Ecuador worries Colombians
The President of the Colombian Federation reminds that his team will face Ecuadorians
BOGOTÁ. The president of the Colombian Football Federation, Luis Bedoya, is concerned that tensions between his country, Ecuador, and Venezuela could affect the South American qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup. The sixth round, initially scheduled for June 17, features a match between Ecuador and Colombia in Quito. Bedoya also stated that the Executive Committee of the South American Football Federation will address the matter at its April 3 meeting in Asunción:
"The match against Ecuador is official, a qualifier. We hope the current problems won't affect its progress. We will, however, continue preparing for the game. I can't recall any match being postponed due to a similar issue. I know of games that required special security measures, but there's no possibility of cancellation," the official told the Colombian newspaper "El Tiempo" in Bogotá.
But Bedoya stated that he continues to maintain contacts with the Venezuelan Federation so that a friendly match between the two countries can be held on April 30, in the Colombian city of Bucaramanga, as had been previously negotiated.
- We want to hold the game in a location close to the border between the two countries to send a message of unity and peace between our peoples through sport.
FLAMENGO BASKETBALL
Having qualified for the quarterfinals of the South American Basketball League, Flamengo will face Sol de América of Paraguay on the 11th in Asunción. This has postponed the matches against Saldanha da Gama on Sunday and Cetaf on the 11th, in the Nacional, where Flamengo is the leader with 11 wins.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Márcio Braga goes to the Superior Labor Court (TST) in Brasília
Flamengo president Márcio Braga is in Brasília, where he will go to the Superior Labor Court to speak with the justices about labor lawsuits involving former Flamengo players. He will have a hearing this afternoon. According to Márcio, there are a number of absurd lawsuits that must be reviewed.
Speaking to Bandeirantes radio, the Flamengo president commented on the case of a former Flamengo player who spent six months at Gávea, played only 30 minutes during that time, and won a five million reais lawsuit. At this rate, few clubs will remain open from now on.
Bruno relies on the group's strength to overcome problems
When Flamengo competed in the Copa Libertadores last season, they had a strong first round performance but were eliminated early. A year later, in an attempt to improve their campaign, the infighting and lack of leadership that prevailed within the coaching staff at the time seem to have been overcome by the group's willpower and unity.
Unlike last year, goalkeeper Bruno believes that this year the team is ready to face the Uruguayans in Montevideo.
"This year everything has changed. We're very well prepared, unlike last year, when we had some problems. Joel and the board have been doing a great job. We've maintained the core and are still strengthening ourselves," said the goalkeeper.
For many, a draw is a good result for Flamengo. Despite this, playing deep isn't in anyone's plans. Bruno, who is considered the best goalkeeper in Brazil by Flamengo fans, explained that if Flamengo sits too deep, they'll end up under pressure.
"We can't go out onto the field with a purely defensive mentality. We have to attack too. If we just stay back, we'll end up drawing them into our half, and then with the fans' support, it could get complicated," Bruno concluded.
Debut
The CBF confirmed yesterday that Flamengo's debut in the Brazilian Championship will be on May 11, Sunday, at 18:10 pm, against Santos, at Maracanã.
Obina takes a game and Souza escapes
Flamengo secured a significant away victory yesterday. The Sports Justice Court (TJD) unanimously acquitted striker Souza of his red card in the Guanabara Cup final against Botafogo. He had been charged under Article 255 for hostility toward an opponent after getting into a scuffle with Castillo after Ibson's penalty kick, in which he attempted to wrestle the ball from the goalkeeper's hands and restart the game.
Obina, meanwhile—who was denounced in the Fla-Flu match, in the same article, for insulting defender Anderson after the latter performed a side-kick at the end of the game—was suspended for one match. He risked a three-game suspension, but the court opted to impose the minimum sentence. As a result, he will not face Americano on Sunday. The conviction was handed down by a three-to-one vote. Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, celebrated the results.
"It was extremely satisfying. Obina made a genuinely hostile gesture, and we were already expecting this punishment. I was more worried about Souza, since with the punishment of the Botafogo players, there was a risk of him being punished as well. The curious thing is that the Court was going to judge based on the summary, but acquitted Souza and punished Obina for the video," the lawyer quipped.
Tickets
Tickets also went on sale yesterday for the match between Flamengo and Americano, Sunday, at 16 pm, at Maracanã, for the second round of the Taça Rio. Green and yellow stands cost R$ 30 (R$ 15 half-price), white stands R$ 40 (R$ 20), special seats R$ 120 (R$ 60) and regular seats R$ 20 (R$ 10).
Tickets are being sold at the North ticket offices of Engenhão, 8 of Maracanã, in Gávea, General Severiano, Laranjeiras and at Caio Martins Stadium (Niterói), from 11 am to 17 pm.
Steamroller in the Pampas
At Gran Parque Central, in Montevideo, Flamengo has the challenge of defeating Nacional
Nathan de Lima and Tiago Bokel
Photos by Alexandre Cassiano/Agência O Globo
Kléberson plays his first match abroad wearing the Flamengo shirt
Montevideo, Uruguay - A packed house, a three-time Libertadores champion, and a warlike atmosphere spiced with Uruguay's famous catimba. To defeat Nacional today at 18 p.m. at Parque Central Stadium, Flamengo will need to overcome all these factors. When the players boarded the plane for Montevideo last Tuesday, they already had the antidote to these ills in their luggage. And upon arriving in the city, right-back Gerardo Acosta was quick to present his calling card.
Yesterday, after training at the Los Céspedes Training Center, the player demonstrated his awareness of the Rio de Janeiro team's recent matches. He commented on Créu and striker Souza's crying jag, provoking the Botafogo fans. However, the Uruguayan promised that today, Flamengo would be the ones crying, further spicing up the match.
Another interesting fact is that in 20 matches between the two teams, there has never been a draw. Flamengo won 12 times, compared to Nacional's eight. Furthermore, Chilean referee Pablo Pozo is considered a weak matchup for a game that promises to be heated, like tonight's.
Flamengo has one positive statistic in its favor. Both times it faced Nacional in the continent's most prestigious competition, it won both games, one 1-0 at the Centenario Stadium and the other 4-0 at the Maracanã in 1991.
A win today will put Joel Santana's team in excellent shape to qualify for the round of 4. The team leads Group XNUMX with four points and would reach seven with two more games at Maracanã, against Nacional and Coronel Bolognesi. Flamengo will also travel to Cuzco to face Cienciano.
The intention now is to get revenge on the Uruguayans and provoke a true silence in Parque Central, just like the Maracanazo in 1950, when Uruguay became world champions by defeating the Brazilian team in the final.
Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian (Jailton), Kléberson, Ibson and Toró; Diego Tardelli and Souza.\ Coach: Joel Santana\
National: Viera, Acosta, Victorino, Barone and Romero; Cardaccio, Morales, Arismendi and Bertolo (Ligüera); Morales and Fornarol\ Coach: Geraldo Pelusso\
Location: Gran Parque Central, Montevideo\ Time: 18:XNUMX p.m. (Brasília time)\ Referee: Pablo Pozo (Chile)\ Assistant referees: Cristian Julio and Patricio Bazualdo (Chile)\ Observer: Enrique Osses (Chile)\
Fla trains where Brazil played its first World Cup match
Flamengo is training at Parque Central Stadium, the venue where Brazil played its first match in the 1930 World Cup in Uruguay. Coach Joel Santana has not yet decided whether to field Cristian or Jaílton.
One of the team's strong points, Bruno is confident for the game and does not believe that last year's disaster will be repeated, when Flamengo was defeated by Defensor in Uruguay by 3-0.
“This year we are very well prepared, last year we weren't like this, we maintained the base and even strengthened ourselves,” said the goalkeeper.
One of the biggest problems in the defeat that resulted in elimination from the Libertadores last year was the fact that the team was unable to hold the ball in the attacking half, allowing the opponent to pressure.
"We can't just defend, we have to attack too, otherwise we'll draw them in," Bruno concluded.
Nacional: the first 'criollo' club in Latin America
Pedro Chiaverini
Flamengo's opponent today is a team with a long tradition and significant achievements in world football. On May 14, 1899, directors, members, and players of Uruguay Atlético Club and Montevideo Football Club met in Montevideo to agree on a merger, thus creating Nacional Football Club, the first criollo club in Latin America.
Their extensive resume includes 41 national titles and three Libertadores Cups. They are also among the select group of three-time world champions, alongside Boca Juniors (Argentina), Real Madrid (Spain), and São Paulo. The Uruguayan team has participated in 33 Libertadores Cups and reached six finals. Their biggest rival is Peñarol, with whom they contest the so-called "oldest derby in the Americas."
The Gran Parque Central stadium, where today's game will be held, hosted the first match in World Cup history on July 13, 1930. On that occasion, the United States beat Belgium 3-0, as the famous Centenario Stadium was not yet ready.
Great players played for Nacional, including Brazilian Domingos da Guia, who won the national championship in 1933 when he was just 20 years old. Goalkeeper Manga was another Brazilian star who won titles for Nacional. In 1971, he won the Copa Libertadores and the Interclub World Cup.
Players familiar to Brazilian fans who played for Nacional are defender Hugo De León (1980 Libertadores and 1988 World Cup winner), Rubén Sosa, and Rodolpho Rodriguez. Among those still active are Recoba (Torino, Italy), Sebastián El Loco Abreu (River Plate, Argentina), and Walter Peralta, who had a brief stint at Flamengo.
In the Libertadores, Flamengo and Nacional faced each other twice, both in 1991, with two Brazilian victories: 1-0 (goal by Nélio), in Montevideo, and 4-0 (Marcelinho Carioca, Gaúcho, twice, and Alcindo), at Maracanã.
Maria Helena Braun
By Letter
Red-black statement
Maria Helena Braun
It's today! And much more than just a Libertadores game, which is a challenge in itself, the upcoming match against Nacional will be a sort of tiebreaker for Flamengo. After all, is Joel Santana's team really good, a contender for titles in Brazilian and international football, or is it just a whirlwind?
This is a question that coaches, sportswriters, and the fans themselves still don't know how to answer. In the last three games, the team has experienced magical moments. They won the GB Cup in a game that still sparks controversy, with a stoppage-time goal; they also beat Cienciano in the Libertadores, in the final minutes, in a match that had all the makings of a smooth one, but was complicated by an incredible error by the excellent goalkeeper Bruno. They were 2-0 down to Resende, only to then take off and secure the three points in a XNUMX-XNUMX victory, which doesn't quite capture the essence of the match. The red-and-black team's current moment is indeed magical, but for how long?
And other questions remain: what is the team's attacking duo? Souza and Diego Tardelli, Tardelli and Obina, Souza and Marcinho? Who's starting in midfield? Jonatas, Kleberson, Cristian? In that position, the only certainty is Ibson, and he hasn't been playing particularly well. Is Flamengo's defense, with Ronaldo Angelim and Fabio Luciano, solid? In terms of defense, only Leonardo Moura, in excellent form, and Juan inspire the complete confidence a coach needs.
As we can see, there are many doubts about a team that has the squad to compete in two competitions simultaneously, but still needs to earn trust with more convincing and frequent performances. That's why today is the big day to prove that Flamengo isn't a Maracanã team, that it knows how to impose itself on opponents and isn't intimidated away from home. Psychologically, more than the points that would solidify its lead and qualification for the next stage, a victory today would elevate Flamengo to the status of a team that isn't a mere participant, but rather a real contender for the titles it's competing for.
Nothing better than catching the Uruguayans at home, using pressure, with all that familiar catimba, and pulling out a victory, away from home and away from the fans who push the team like no other in Brazilian football. Now is the time!
THE DAY
Pressure does not intimidate
Ibson says that a full house with the opposing fans is not scary and that Fla will go in search of victory
Montevideo - Flamengo takes the field today at 18 p.m. (Brasília time) to face Nacional, the Uruguayan team's catimba, the pressure from the opposing fans, and the small size of the field. Not to mention the cold and the threat of rain. The coaching staff and players consider a draw a good result. But everyone emphasizes the club's greatness to show that winning is possible. Fear is a word that has been erased from the vocabulary.
Yesterday, the players trained at Gran Park, under rain and cold, but they know the stadium will be transformed into a cauldron with 20 fans. Nothing that intimidates the red-and-blacks. "We're going to show our strength. A draw might be a good result, but of course we want the win. To do that, we need to impose ourselves," said Juan.
If the players live up to their promises in theory, fans will see a team that's very aggressive in its defense, but one that won't give up on attacking. "We'll play with the ball at our feet and score when we don't have it. We'll see how the game plays out, but we will attack, yes," guarantees goalkeeper Bruno.
Íbson wants to use Uruguay's pressure to Flamengo's advantage. Contrary to what one might think, the player is rooting for a packed stadium. "We're more motivated with a full house. We're going after the win, with or without pressure," said Íbson.
Joel Santana wants a team that presses the ball out, counter-attacks quickly, and uses the movement of midfield players if Leonardo Moura and Juan are neutralized.
For Joel, a draw is fine, but the team will play to win. "At Flamengo, the goal is always to win. The field is small, we have less space, so we can't fall into that trap," said the coach.
For fans who didn't travel to Montevideo, the match against Nacional will be broadcast during the traditional 'happy hour.' It remains to be seen whether the rest of the night will be filled with smiles... or tears.
Uruguayans begin provocations
The Uruguayans' taunts began yesterday, even before the ball rolled. Even without seeing Souza's celebration against Cienciano—as if he were crying, alluding to the Botafogo fans' complaints—Nacional fullback Gerardo Acosta said that today the red-and-blacks will be the ones crying.
"Here, they're going to cry. We're going to go out there and win, because that's the only result that matters to us," the right-back said in an interview with globoesporte.com.
While drinking mate, Acosta said that neither he nor his teammates thought of any special celebrations if they scored a goal. "We hugged and greeted our teammates with a kiss on the cheek," the player said.
Yesterday, Nacional held only a light recreational training session. Coach Gerardo Pelusso once again expressed his concerns about Rubro-Negro's fullbacks Juan and Leonardo Moura.
Obina says he doesn't mind the reservation
Rio - Striker Obina, who started Flamengo's last match, showed he's not bothered by the bench. He scored one goal and assisted another in Flamengo's 4-2 victory over Resende and has been playing well in matches, but insists he's not bothered by the bench.
"I think that when Joel puts me on the field, I always try to go in with a lot of desire and determination, that's what's important. The team is very confident in what it's doing and the players that have been coming in have been up to the task," he said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
The darling of the red-black fans also showed that he knows what Flamengo will face in the National trapdoor, starting at 18 pm this Thursday:
"I already played a friendly there last year. The pressure is much greater, it's a stadium with a lot of warmth, the fans are very close - we have to be aware of that," he explained.
Regarding the famous Uruguayan catimba, Obina was short and sweet:
"Everyone already knows that we can't play their game. We have to play our football with quality, score goals and come away with the victory."
Obina is suspended for one game by the TJD
Rio - The Rio de Janeiro Sports Court of Justice decided to suspend, by majority vote, Flamengo striker Obina for one match, for violating article 255 (Committing an act of hostility against an opponent or teammate) of the CBJD.
As a result, the darling of the red-black fans should be out of the match against Americano, next Sunday, at Maracanã.
The Flamengo player was suspended after being reported, via video, for a dispute with Arouca at the end of the classic between Flamengo and Fluminense, valid for the group stage of the Guanabara Cup.
According to the striker himself, the confusion was not with the Flu midfielder, but with Anderson, the Tricolor defender.
Flamengo reserves win training match against Campo Grande 2-0
Rio - The Flamengo players who did not travel to Montevideo participated in a training match against Campo Grande, this afternoon, in Gávea.
Pedro Beda (from the juniors) and Hugo Colace scored the goals in the 2-0 victory over their opponents. The good news came from Renato Augusto. The player, who is recovering from a concussion in his cheekbones, participated in the activity.
Flamengo entered the field with: Marcelo, Luizinho (Davidson), Rodrigo Arroz, Leonardo and Egidio (Fabrício); Airton, Hugo Colace, Wellington Peca (Pedro Beda) and Renato Augusto (Erick Flores); Vinícius Pacheco and Éder.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Flamengo faces Nacional to convince in the Libertadores\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - In 2007, Flamengo's dream of winning the Copa Libertadores began to crumble in Montevideo, where they lost 3-0 to Defensor Sport in the first leg of the round of 4. In the return leg, Flamengo was unable to overturn the deficit and bowed out of the competition. Almost a year later, Flamengo is back in the Libertadores and, as Group 18 leaders with four points, returns to the Uruguayan capital this Thursday, when they face Nacional, from Uruguay, at XNUMX p.m. (Brasília time) at Parque Central Stadium. Concerned about staying atop his group, coach Joel Santana rested almost all of Flamengo's starting players last weekend, when the team faced Resende in the Campeonato Carioca. With Flamengo rested, the manager has already announced that he intends to see his players running hard from the first minutes.
"I want a very aggressive team in Uruguay. We're not going there just to defend, because we want to win. I want a team that defends strongly from the start of the game and knows how to take advantage of opportunities when they arise," commented Joel.
As has become customary at Flamengo, coach Joel Santana guarantees he only announces the lineup in the locker room. But the coach is likely to repeat the formation that defeated Cienciano last week, also in the Libertadores. Confirmed in attack, Diego Tardelli hopes to continue his good form.
"We know it won't be easy; the pressure is immense, and the fans are very close. Besides, in the Libertadores, the referee usually lets the game play out more, and we can't fall prey to the opponent's dirty tricks. But we're confident we can put in a good performance and bring Flamengo a victory," the striker stated.
In three of their last matches of the season (Vasco, Botafogo, and Resende), Flamengo fell behind and had to work hard to come away with a win. This time, Joel Santana has already said he doesn't intend to go through so much suffering to come away with a positive result.
"We have to stop this, otherwise my heart can't take it," the coach joked, before adding: "but it's better to win at the end of games than to lose," he said. Goalkeeper Bruno is also hoping for less work. Unlike most of his teammates, the player clearly states that a draw would be welcome. "We have to go in cautiously so as not to be surprised. And if we come back from there with a draw, that would be good," Bruno stated.
For Nacional, coach Geraldo Pelusso shows he's studied Flamengo well before the match. The coach has already stated that he intends to prevent the advances of full-backs Léo Moura and Juan, two of the Rubro-Negro's main weapons.
"We know that Flamengo tends to attack a lot down the wings, and we'll look for a way to neutralize these plays. But we also have to be careful with the rest of the team, as Flamengo has a very strong squad and has been showing that," said Geraldo. The coach is expected to keep the starting 11 that started last weekend's derby, when they thrashed rivals Defensor.
At Flamengo, Obina is suspended for one game\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After watching the videotape of the match against Fluminense, held on February 10th, valid for the sixth round of the Campeonato Carioca, the prosecutor of the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court of Justice (TJD-RJ), André Luis Valentin, reported Flamengo striker Obina, who allegedly chased and threatened Fluminense player Anderson.\ In a trial held this Wednesday, the Flamengo striker, by majority vote, was suspended for one match by the Disciplinary Committee A of the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court of Justice (TJD/RJ). He will be missing from the team's match next weekend against Americano, for the Taça Rio.\
PELENET
Bruno provokes and says that the Rio State Championship is superior to the Uruguayan Championship
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Bruno got into the spirit of the Copa Libertadores da América. Unafraid of any game-time problems, the Flamengo goalkeeper challenged Nacional-URU, their opponent this Thursday at 18 p.m. (Brasília time) in Montevideo, in the third round of Group 4 of the competition.
"Nacional is fighting to be champion and we already were (Taça Guanabara). However, regardless of that, the State Championship is superior to the Uruguayan Championship", he said, in an interview with Rádio Tupi.
One of the Uruguayan team's strategies for defeating Flamengo is likely to be the notorious catimba. Coach Joel Santana has already warned the team. Bruno doesn't worry about the potential roughness in the tackles.
"If we play with the same strength as the Uruguayans, we can win. We are technically superior. However, we need to be very focused on the field," said the goalkeeper, who considers the draw a good result.
With four points, Flamengo leads the group. Cienciano and Nacional have three, while Coronel Bolognesi of Peru is last with just one.
Striker Souza is acquitted by the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice
Raphael Raposo\ In Rio de Janeiro\
In a trial held this Wednesday, the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court (TJD-RJ) unanimously acquitted striker Souza of his expulsion in the final of the Guanabara Cup, the first round of the State Championship, against Botafogo.
Therefore, the red-black top scorer could even face Americano, this Sunday, at 16 pm, at Maracanã, for the Taça Rio, second round of the competition.
However, just like in the debut, when Flamengo defeated Resende, the tendency is for coach Joel Santana to use a mixed team against Alvinegro de Campos.
Also on Wednesday, Obina was suspended for one match. The striker was involved in a brawl during the derby against Fluminense, still in the Guanabara Cup (Tricolor's 4-1 victory). He was caught chasing and trying to pull the arm of Tricolor defender Anderson.
Diego Tardelli celebrates scoring goals for Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Upon joining Flamengo, Diego Tardelli revealed his ambition to make history wearing the red-and-black jersey. However, not even the striker could have imagined that success and recognition would come so quickly. Despite not being a starter, the player is already one of the team's top scorers this season.
Having scored four goals, the player shares the top scorer spot with midfielder Ibson and fellow forwards Souza and Obina. Tardelli admitted he was surprised by the recognition for his work.
"Every player hopes to have a good start at a new club, but they never imagined they would be competing for the team's top scorer," he said.
Despite his prestige, the striker has not yet been confirmed alongside Souza for the match against Nacional, this Thursday, at 18 pm (Brasília time), in Uruguay.
GLOBOESPORTE
Rain doesn't stop Fla in Montevideo
Bad weather in the Uruguayan capital affects the condition of the lawn at Parque Central
Eduardo Peixoto Special Envoy
Diego Tardelli at Fla's training session in Montevideo, at Defensor's field
If Flamengo wanted an extra layer of difficulty for Thursday's match against Nacional, they only had to look to the sky and be certain they got it. Since arriving in Montevideo on Tuesday night, the rain hasn't let up on the team—except for a few moments during training at Defensor Stadium.
The athletes spent the entire day locked in their hotel rooms, alternating between surfing the internet, taking endless naps, and playing cards and video games. After lunch, Paraguayan Gavilán couldn't resist going down to the lobby for cookies and juice.
"But motivation is through the roof. Just playing in the Libertadores is exciting," Ibson assures.
Also this Wednesday, the Rubro-Negro will inspect the pitch at Gran Parque Stadium, the venue for the match against Nacional. Despite the excellent drainage system, the field has some puddles, which should make it difficult to play the ball if the rain continues through Thursday.
Flamengo and Nacional at 18 p.m. (Brasília time). The game will be broadcast live on GLOBOESPORTE.COM starting at 17:45 p.m. SporTV will also broadcast it.
Fla faces trauma and needs
The team takes on Nacional in Montevideo, a city that recalls recent crises and historic victories.
Eduardo Peixoto Special Envoy
The Flamengo delegation's return flight to Rio de Janeiro is scheduled for early Friday evening. But 24 hours before, Flamengo's players will decide the mood of the trip on the field against Nacional. This Thursday, the team enters Parque Central stadium to put an end to the recent "post-Montevideo" crisis. The match, for the third round of the Copa Libertadores, takes place at 18 pm (Brasília time).
GLOBOESPORTE.COM will be covering the match in real time starting at 16 p.m. SporTV will also broadcast the match.
To say that Flamengo will face hardship if they lose this game is rash and, to some extent, exaggerated. The team has ten wins in 12 games this year and already holds the Guanabara Cup title and leads Group 4 of the continental tournament with four points.
Two recent trips to the city ended in crisis
Diego Tardelli training in Montevideo
But the last few trips to the Uruguayan capital have been as depressing as the fine, persistent rain that has accompanied the red-and-black delegation since their arrival on Tuesday.
In 2006, the Rio de Janeiro club scheduled two friendlies in Montevideo to complete an offseason and earn some money. They lost both games, and a massive brawl in the locker room shook the team's internal atmosphere.
A year later, the visit was to face the small-time Defensor, the fourth or fifth-strongest team in the declining local football league. Coached by Ney Franco, Flamengo arrived boasting the second-best record in the first phase—16 points out of a possible 18. Hampered again by a battle of egos in the locker room, they took to the field listlessly and were crushed 3-0. Upon their return to Rio, the crisis took the place of five-time World Cup champion Juninho Paulista, whose contract was terminated.
"Honestly, I thought I was going to play. But I was benched at the last minute," says Ronaldo Angelim, who was benched the day before the match to make way for Juninho.
But not all returns from Montevideo were bittersweet. In 1981, it was at the Centenario stadium that Zico's team defeated Cobreloa and secured the only Libertadores Cup in their trophy cabinet.
Nacional is in good form in the Uruguayan Championship
Richard Morales at Nacional training
This Thursday's opponent has three tournament titles and is on a roll. Last Sunday, for example, they thrashed Defensor 4-0 and lead the Clausura Tournament with three wins in as many games. The only question mark in the starting lineup is regarding Ligüera. The midfielder was experiencing pain in his right thigh, but trained normally the day before and should at least be on the bench.
Coach Gerardo Pelusso has become an expert when it comes to Flamengo. He knows the entire lineup and is able to analyze the characteristics of each player.
However, when it comes to explaining what tactics he will adopt to leave the field as a winner, Nacional's friendly coach avoids the situation.
- Football is unpredictable, and those who talk a lot tend to eat their own words - he says.
Wisely, Joel Santana also adopted a cautious stance externally. Behind the scenes, however, he urges his players to fight for victory at any cost. During training at Defensor's field, he pointed to the poor facilities and said it was "unacceptable" for a club the size of Flamengo to be eliminated in such a manner.
In the only away game, Flamengo drew with the weak Coronel Bolognesi and, as the other away game will be at the altitude of 3.360m in Cuzco, the order of the day is to ensure peace and quiet as soon as possible.
"We'll be a feisty team. We can't afford to slip up because Nacional is ready to swallow us up," says the coach, who hasn't yet chosen between Cristian and Jaílton for the starting midfielder role.
A full house is expected for the match. Almost all 18 available tickets are expected to be sold.
Cristian and Jaílton compete for the remaining spot
Joel Santana warns that he will only decide the winner moments before the game
Eduardo Peixoto Special Envoy
Obina and Juan were goalkeepers in Flamengo's training session this Wednesday
Ten of Flamengo's starting eleven have been selected. The only question mark is in midfield, between Jaílton and Cristian. During Wednesday's training session at Nacional Stadium, coach Joel Santana conducted a brief tactical drill after the training session. Cristian participated in it with the first team. However, during the press conference, the Flamengo coach maintained the suspense.
- I have another 24 hours to decide and I'm going to use them - he warns.
Despite Cristian's slight favoritism, Joel 'messed up' the puzzle by stating that he needs to be careful with Nacional's aerial game, referring to the big man Richard Morales, who is 1,95m tall.
"Cristian is faster and has a better pass. Jaílton is more combative and has a great header," says the coach.
Flamengo will take to the field this Thursday, against Nacional, at Parque Central, with the following lineup: Bruno; Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian (Jaílton), Ibson, Kleberson and Toró; Diego Tardelli and Souza.
Bruno has an anti-spitting tactic
Parque Central stadium's fence allows fans to easily reach players
Eduardo Peixoto Special Envoy
Bruno knows what to do to escape the provocations of the Uruguayan fans
Bruno will play for the first time at Parque Central this Thursday. However, the goalkeeper knows well how to behave in stadiums where the fences are close to the goal. In this specific case, the distance is no more than six meters.
"There's always swearing, but I don't even care. The problem is when they spit and throw water," he declares.
To avoid being hit, Flamengo's number 1 adopted a tactic on this type of field.
"I'm playing a little early. We can't get upset and lose to ourselves. Our team is experienced and needs to play well," he says.
Left-back Juan participated in the 4-3 defeat to Nacional in a friendly in 2006. On that occasion, he scored a goal with his right foot and passed to Paraguayan Ramírez to score the other.
"It's very difficult to play here. That's why they say a draw is a good result. But of course we want to win. But to do that, we need to impose ourselves."
Fla reunites with the conflict locker room
In 2006, players almost turned Parque Central into a rink. Toró recalls
Eduardo Peixoto Special Envoy
Toró says he learned a lesson from the argument with Renato
It was a simple friendly. But the 4-3 loss to Nacional in February 2006 had frightening consequences behind the scenes at Flamengo. In the Parque Central stadium locker room, there were shouts, threats of aggression, and a Uruguayan player having fun. Two years later, in a completely different atmosphere, Flamengo returns to the site of discord on Thursday for the Copa Libertadores.
The protagonists of the almost-fight scene were Toró and Renato, who left the club in mid-2006. As they left the pitch, Flamengo's former number 11 insulted his teammate and pushed him.
The answer came a little later. Inside the locker room, Torozinho, as Joel Santana likes to call him, plotted revenge. He waited for his "enemy" to pass and then set his foot down to take him down.
Renato didn't actually fall. But when he regained his composure, he wanted to fight. Now-Palmeiras fan Diego Souza intervened. He took off his shirt and prepared for the confrontation.
"You're the one in the wrong here! Toró was raised with me and no one will lay a hand on him," he challenged.
At this point, the "leave it alone" crowd sprang into action. But shortly after, former football director Marcos Braz argued with Renato, and the tempo closed in again. While almost the entire team tried to defuse the situation, Uruguayan Peralta watched from a bench, his disbelief unmistakable.
- These men are crazy.
More than two years after the episode, Toró doesn't find it so funny:
"I was scared. I was trying to establish myself at Flamengo, because I had just arrived and experienced that. But it passed. Renato is a good guy, and after that, we became friends," he says.
The episode also taught him a lesson from the former red-black captain.
- Just like him, now I give my life for Flamengo.
Targeted, Leo thanks: 'It's good for the ego'
The full-back is considered Fla's main player and is preparing to escape the marking
Eduardo Peixoto Special Envoy
Léo Moura at Flamengo's hotel in Montevideo
Leo Moura knows he'll be heavily marked in Thursday's match against Nacional. The Uruguayan team's coach, Gerardo Pelusso, considers him Flamengo's best player. Upon hearing the praise, the right-back couldn't hide his smile.
- It's good for the ego to know that the other team cares about me - he declares.
On the other hand, there's the certainty that the marking will be relentless, and there will always be a striker willing to play in the spaces left by the Flamengo player when he goes forward. In the match against Cienciano last Wednesday, Peruvian Chiroque made him quite uneasy.
"They'll always do something to block me. But I'm vaccinated," he says.
The Brazilian national team's right-back says that, at first, he was irritated when he realized there was one opponent marking him and another in the free position. Now, he's relaxed.
"I used to watch it and get upset. But I got used to it and I have the personality to play," says Leo Moura.
'Here they will cry,' says Uruguayan
Nacional player Acosta didn't see Souza crying, but he hopes to make him suffer.
Eduardo Peixoto Special Envoy
Gerardo Acosta drinks mate and awaits this Thursday's duel against Fla
Flamengo's creative, danceable celebrations didn't excite Nacional, their opponent this Thursday in the Copa Libertadores. The Flamengo fans have already done the "créu" (crying) and the "crying," but now they face the threat of revenge. Right-back Gerardo Acosta didn't notice Souza's tears against Cienciano. However, he believes that at Parque Central this Thursday, the Flamengo player will have reason to truly mourn.
"They're the ones who will be crying here. We're going out there to win, because that's the only result we care about," Acosta declared after Wednesday's training session at CT Los Céspedes.
Dancing to celebrate goals isn't fashionable in Uruguay. GLOBOESPORTE.COM introduced two players from Nacional's youth team to the "Dança do Créu" (Créu Dance). Both Santiago Hernández and Gonzalo Ferreira liked what they heard. But they preferred not to risk the dance.
"It's cool. It sounds like reggaeton." But I don't even know how to dance cumbia, let alone this," comments Santiago, 18.
On the professional team, athletes prefer another type of celebration.
- Ah, we hugged and greeted our companions with a kiss on the cheek - explains Acosta, between sips of mate.
Apparently, the "créu" has been retired by the red-and-blacks. But Souza promises to invent a new trend:
- No big deal. But rest assured, if we score, we'll come up with something else.
Conmebol concerned about possible war
The South American Football Confederation (CSF) announced on Wednesday that the political conflict between Colombia and Ecuador is a cause for concern, but stated that this situation will not result in changes to the Copa Libertadores schedule, whose group stage involves 32 teams from 11 countries. The crisis, created by a Colombian military operation in Ecuadorian territory that ended with the death of the number two of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), "Raúl Reyes", "worries the CSF, as it is a regrettable event that involves brotherly countries," Néstor Benítez, spokesman for the South American Football Confederation, told EFE.
Conmebol asked the authorities of these countries for "concord" to "overcome this very delicate moment", the source added.
THROW
Flamengo will have a historic trapdoor ahead
Rubro-Negro faces Nacional in a very cramped stadium
Parque Central has capacity for 18 thousand people (Credit: Guilherme de Paula)
Guilherme de Paula IN MONTEVIDEO
Accustomed to playing at Maracanã, Flamengo will face a cramped stadium this Thursday. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to compare Parque Central to Brazil's most modest stadiums. Its capacity is around 18, and the fans are very close to the pitch.
The field's dimensions are also smaller than those of the Maracanã: 105 x 68. Even that's not enough to keep the stands far from the pitch. From the goalposts to the fence behind the goals is only six meters, the same distance from the sidelines to the stands. In the opposite stands, the distance is reduced to a paltry five meters, but the fans there aren't as loud. The reserve benches are very close together.
The "hell" is actually behind the goal to the right of the stand, where the "barras" (barras)—National's most die-hard fans—are located. LANCE! reporters walked through this stand and found that the 20 steps are very low—it's practically flat—and that the view is terrible. Prices in this section are the lowest.
One of the banners that hangs there during the games says: "There is no asylum for so much madness."
Stadium maintenance employee Julio Gonzalez explained the behavior of the "barras" and fans in other sections: "The "barras" chant nonstop, even if, for example, the opponent is 3-0 up. Behind the goal, the support is unrestricted, throughout the 90 minutes."
The rest of the stadium isn't quite like that: it vibrates according to the progress of the result.
Omar Mendez maintains the field, which has short grass but is in good condition (including in the small areas). Complementing Gonzalez's statement, he was vehement in assuring that the fans aren't rowdy: "They sing, cheer, and apply pressure, especially behind that goal."
But he doesn't throw things onto the field or do anything that could result in a loss of command. The "barras" themselves monitor each other to avoid excesses," Omar said.
Joel drops a pearl: 'Were you expecting pudding or guava paste?'
Irony is related to the conditions presented by the Nacional stadium
Joel and his emblematic phrases (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
LANCEPRESS!
Without mincing words, Joel Santana released another of his pearls of wisdom when asked about the fact that the bench at Parque Central Stadium, the venue for the match between Nacional and Flamengo, is close to the stands:
"We expected this. We couldn't have expected them to throw us a party. What did you think they would do? Serve pudding or guava paste? But we have no complaints about the field or the stadium. That's not what we're here for. We have an obligation to play well, and there are no excuses," he said.
Joel advocated that Flamengo should follow the same approach as foreign clubs, which the coach sees when they come to Brazil. He also pointed out that complaints about the problems encountered in other South American countries must end.
"When they go to Brazil, no one complains about anything. Brazilians have to learn to deal with all adverse situations (even racism) and stop complaining. We have to come here and play well tomorrow (Thursday)," he concluded.
Obina receives one-game suspension
The sanction was given due to the behavior of the darling in the Fla-Flu classic
Xodó will have to serve a one-game suspension in the Rio Cup (Credit: Gilvan de Souza)
LANCEPRESS!
Striker Obina was suspended for one game by the Rio de Janeiro Court of Sports Justice (TJD-RJ) on Wednesday. The sanction was imposed due to the player's aggressive behavior towards Arouca, at the end of the Fla-Flu match held on February 10th, which Tricolor won 4-1.
The red-and-black favorite was charged with violating Article 255 (Committing an act of hostility against an opponent or teammate) of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD). The player was at risk of a three-game suspension, but was ultimately given the minimum penalty.
Bruno warned about Nacional fans
The goalkeeper will play forward to avoid being hit by any objects thrown.
Bruno's usual confidence between the posts extends to the Gávea number 1's speech. (Credit: Cléber Mendes)
LANCEPRESS!\ Aware of the pressure exerted by Nacional fans at Parque Central Stadium - the venue for next Thursday's game between Flamengo and the Uruguayan team - goalkeeper Bruno guaranteed he already has a strategy to avoid suffering from any objects thrown onto the pitch.\
"We need to stay focused to avoid falling into the traps. I'll stay a little ahead so nothing they throw hits me. That doesn't scare us," he said.
Despite the confidence presented in his speech, the red-black number 1 only played in one Copa Libertadores, last year in which Flamengo was eliminated in the round of XNUMX.
Joel will play his 150th game as Flamengo manager
Coach says he is in his best moment as club coach\ LANCEPRESS!\
The match between Flamengo and Nacional, which will be held next Thursday for the Libertadores, is special for Joel Santana not only because it is decisive, but also because it is the 150th game of the Man of the Clipboard in charge of the club with the biggest fan base in the world.
"Every time I've been at the club, I've always had the support of the fans and the management. This is my best moment at Flamengo, where I've always been well received," he celebrated.
Joel, who has been at Flamengo since August of last year, also managed the club in 1996, 1998 and 2005.
Even away, Flamengo's routine continues
As usual, Juan and Obina are the goalkeepers in the recreational activity\ LANCEPRESS!\
Even far from Rio de Janeiro, Flamengo maintains its routine of recreational training sessions on the eve of the game. On Wednesday night, the group will participate in a lively kick-off at Gran Parque Central Stadium, the venue for the match between Flamengo and Nacional, which will be played on Thursday.
As well as holding racquetball matches, the teams continued with the traditional goalkeepers for this type of activity: Obina on one side and Juan on the other.
The activity has been carried out under intermittent rain.
Fla faces Nacional to take the lead
If they win, Rubro-Negro will open up a four-point gap over second place.
LANCEPRESS!
In their third match of the year's Libertadores, Flamengo visits Nacional-URU this Thursday at 18 p.m. (Brasília time) at Parque Central Stadium in Group 4. Flamengo leads the group with four points, followed by the Uruguayans with one less. Next Tuesday, in a Peruvian clash, Cienciano will host Coronel Bolognesi in the high-altitude Cuzco.
For Flamengo's hopes in the tournament, a draw in Montevideo would be a good result, considering the difficulty of facing Nacional (three-time Libertadores champions) away from home, even if they are not experiencing their best days.
Flamengo is enjoying a fantastic start to a season, boasting one of the best starts to a season in its history. A 4-2 comeback victory over Resende, with several reserves playing, in the opening round of the Taça Rio kept the team motivated after winning the first round of the Campeonato Carioca, the Taça Guanabara.
However, this good phase will be put to the test in the cramped Parque Central stadium, home of Nacional, where Fla will have to overcome the traditional catimba that made history in games between Brazilians and Uruguayans.
Flamengo's own players had recent examples of catimba in last year's Libertadores - when they were eliminated by Defensor Sporting with a 3-0 defeat in Uruguay and a 2-0 victory at Maracanã - and in a training match against Huracán Buceo at the beginning of this year, which ended in chaos.
Against Nacional, Fla has no injury concerns, but coach Joel Santana has not yet defined the team that will face the Uruguayans and has trained different formations.
The Uruguayans are also on a roll: they beat Defensor 4-0, a result that took Nacional to the top of the Clausura Tournament of the Uruguayan Championship.
Furthermore, experienced midfielder Martín Ligüera, the team's star player, who was injured and almost certainly out, is recovering well and could face Flamengo.
Another cause for concern for Flamengo should be the high passes to the big center forward Richard Morales, who played for the Uruguayan national team in the 2002 World Cup.
Renato Augusto participates in a training match
Players who did not travel to Uruguay beat Campo Grande\ LANCEPRESS!\
In a training match held in Gávea on Wednesday afternoon, the Flamengo players who did not travel to Montevideo won 2-0 against Campo Grande. Pedro Beda, a striker for the junior team, and Colace scored the goals.
Renato Augusto, who is recovering from a collapsed cheekbone and zygomatic arch, participated in the activity. Luizinho, Rodrigo Arroz, Leonardo, and Egídio also played.
Flamengo entered the field with: Marcelo, Luizinho (Davidson), Rodrigo Arroz, Leonardo and Egidio (Fabrício); Airton, Hugo Colace, Wellington Peca (Pedro Beda) and Renato Augusto (Erick Flores); Vinícius Pacheco and Éder.