The Globe
Numbers of an eternal love
Flamengo fans put the club at the top of the Brazilian league's attendance and revenue statistics
Fabio Juppa
Translated into numbers, the joy of being a Flamengo fan has led Flamengo back to a place in the standings that, due to the performances it has displayed in recent years, the team has lost the habit of frequenting. The club leads all statistics regarding attendance and home revenue in the Brazilian Championship, where it sits in a modest 10th place. It's difficult to measure the fan's passion, but the power emanating from the red-and-black stands of the Maracanã has been proportional to São Paulo's favoritism in the race for its fifth national title.
Thursday's match between Flamengo and São Paulo, incidentally, will force the CBF to make changes to the Brazilian Championship statistics report released this week on its website. Of the 68.031 fans who attended Maracanã, 59.098 paid for tickets, breaking the competition's previous attendance record of 51.552, set in the draw between Flamengo and Sport in Rio. The Rio de Janeiro team won 1-0, but Rogério Ceni has already promised that, by the 38th round, the Tricolores will break the new red-and-black record.
"São Paulo is the reason for the larger crowds in the stadiums. It was the same last year and this year too. Besides Flamengo's large fan base, the opponent helped," he said, sharing credit for the record. "We'll beat that 59 at Morumbi, I guarantee it."
In 2006, in the match in which São Paulo secured the title with two rounds to spare against Atlético-PR, the fans lived up to the goalkeeper's trust. That afternoon, 68.237 fans packed Morumbi Stadium. In the current championship, the club currently holds only the seventh-highest home attendance, a match against Figueirense. The top six attendances are all from Flamengo matches, as are those of the four highest-grossing matches. Of these, the second and third were in derbies in which Fluminense and Botafogo, respectively, were home-field hosts, but the club's fans were the overwhelming majority at the stadium.
In the 14 games played at Maracanã so far, Flamengo has attracted a total attendance of 395.062 people, 41.724 more than second-place Sport, who drew the same number of matches at Ilha do Retiro. The difference is slightly lower than Flamengo's average home attendance in the 1992 Brazilian Championship (42.922), the year in which they last wore the champion's armband and led that statistic. In the current championship, the average attendance is around 28, but it should increase after tomorrow's Fla-Flu match, for which 79.444 tickets went on sale.
Flamengo's numbers in the Brazilian Championship reveal a reality that even the least rational of its followers can't dispute: that the team is only strong when playing at home, supported by an army of passionate fans. Just look at the campaign. Of the 10 wins in 28 games, eight were at Maracanã, one at Serra Dourada, against Goiás, and one in Juiz de Fora, where they faced América-RN. The team has been undefeated at the stadium for almost five months, since a draw with Botafogo on May 27th. The last loss came in the championship opener, to Palmeiras, two weeks earlier. Their success rate in Rio is 69%. At their opponent's home ground, it drops to 22,2%.
Rio fans are also the most loyal
Flamengo's passion has also been crucial to the success of attendance and revenue at games in Rio de Janeiro. Maracanã was the stadium that welcomed the most fans in the competition and generated the highest revenue, followed by Mineirão and Morumbi. In the list of states, the state also sees no one ahead of it. São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul come next. If Flamengo were a single team, home and away, perhaps São Paulo would be seeing a shadow in the rearview mirror.
The new red-black music
"Theme of Victory," the new Flamengo hit, has hit the big screens. At least at Maracanã. During the match between Flamengo and São Paulo, Suderj (Rio de Janeiro State Sports Association) put on the big screens the lyrics of the song created by the fans to the melody by maestro Eduardo Souto Neto, the soundtrack to the victories of idol Ayrton Senna. The organization wants to encourage fans to express themselves peacefully. The lyrics:
"I will always love you,\ wherever you are I will be.\ Oh! My Mengo\ You are a team of tradition,\ race, love and passion".\
Joel appreciates the fans' help but tries to contain his excitement
Coach says Fla is not yet in a position to live in an atmosphere of euphoria
Photo caption: HERO OF THE victory over São Paulo, Ibson signs autographs in Gávea
Márcio Tavares
The power that comes from above is more than proven and has been sung and chanted for ages. At Gávea, the most common themes in recent years have been "God willing," "thank God," "if God helps," etc. And in this Brazilian Championship, beyond divine help, the power that comes from above truly comes from the stands. And Flamengo gave further proof of its power yesterday: on the first day of sales for the Fla-Flu match, 18.534 tickets were sold in advance.
With yesterday's victory over leaders São Paulo, Flamengo began experiencing its traditional euphoria. A mood that Joel Santana didn't like:
"The celebration up there is because we're responding on the field. Tomorrow we'll take three consecutive beatings, and what can I say? We're relearning how to live with big games and big results, which should be Flamengo's reality. But it's not time for excitement yet."
Toró and Leonardo fight for the suspended Maxi's place
Among the players, the appreciation for the fans was evident. Léo Medeiros, formerly of Ipatinga, put it well:
- I've never seen anything like it...
Defender and captain Fábio Luciano, who played for Corinthians, also a popular team, was another impressed player.
- This is so moving.
Calmly, Joel didn't want to hear any provocations. He didn't even remember the phrase from the other Fla-Flu match, that Renato had to polish his clipboard.
"Leave Renato alone, because I have my own problems here. Fla-Flu is a big game, and Fluminense will have the return of Thiago Neves, a player I know well, so much so that I recommended him to the Tricolor at the beginning of the year. It's going to be tough. That game against São Paulo was a milestone in the fans' pride, after all, it's not every day we see people happy, but I'm still not at peace," Joel Santana says.
The coach's concern is the substitutions he'll have to make up front. Maxi is suspended, and he's leaning toward Toró. But he's also considering starting striker Leonardo, who has recovered from a knock to his right leg that forced him off the bench the day before yesterday. With Leonardo in the lineup, Souza would have more freedom to move up front. This hypothesis could be tested in today's training session at Gávea.
Joel's biggest problem is that he still doesn't have many options to fill the Argentine's role. Paulo Sérgio and Renato Augusto are out, and Roger, in the limited minutes he played against São Paulo, surprised everyone by leaving the field complaining of pain in the back of his left thigh. The same pains were undetected by an MRI performed two weeks ago.
Faced with the impasse and the suspicion of a new case of "chinelinho" (a player who never trains or plays and lives in rubber sandals for his clubs), Roger was examined yesterday by doctors Serafim Borges and José Luiz Runco. Without proof of the imaging, it was decided that he would undergo a full evaluation. Although the doctors say he was turned inside out before being signed, the idea is to check for any infection hampering his performance.
To make the afternoon in Gávea more pleasant, at least the players received the news that the board fulfilled its promise and deposited 50% of their August salary into each player's account.
Sports Panorama
CAN IT? From what we hear on the streets of Rio, it seems that Flamengo is the new leader of the Brazilian league.
Sports Journal
The theme of a passion
Rubro-negros promise to push the team in the Fla-Flu to the sound of the new 'hit' from the stands
NATHAN DE LIMA AND THIAGO BOKEL
Ursula Nery
Rubro-negros line up to buy tickets in Gávea: the goal is to repeat the celebration of the game against São Paulo in the Fla-Flu
The Flamengo mystique is the result of a well-known combination: the players' grit and dedication on the field and the power that emanates from the stands. And once again, Flamengo fans have demonstrated their unwavering support at every game at Maracanã. The fans' version of Ayrton Senna's "Victory Theme," known as "Where I Am, I Will Be There," despite only being sung for two matches, represents the nation's sentiment.
The author of the version, who prefers to be known only as Alvarenga, described the feeling of seeing his composition sung by more than 68 thousand fans last Thursday, when Flamengo beat São Paulo.
'I only have Flamengo'\ "I don't go to the theater, the movies, the bar, I only have Flamengo. Just like me, millions of Brazilians only have Flamengo in their hearts. In the stands, I saw only offensive chants against other teams and nothing to praise the institution we support. After the loss to Inter, in Porto Alegre, I returned to Rio with this idea in my head. I spent days thinking about it, showing it to friends, and when I showed it to members of one of Flamengo's organized factions, I saw their eyes light up. Against Atlético-MG, the chant was still catching on, but in that last match, it was so beautiful, I saw about ten people crying in the stands," said the euphoric author of the new 'hit'.\
Supporter Ibson was also very happy, and delighted with the strength coming from the fans, he declared:
"Flamengo is just that, encouraging and showing an extraordinary affection. But you can be sure I feel the same way about them, because having 68 people at a midweek game isn't something every club can handle. Especially since we're no longer fighting for the title."
The response was so great that even conductor Eduardo Souto Neto, a self-confessed Botafogo fan who composed the "Victory Theme," the song that inspired the new chant, went to the stadium and was moved. And for tomorrow's derby, the excitement is expected to continue. The line at Gávea yesterday afternoon was enormous, and the first partial results indicate that 18.534 tickets have already been sold.
Today, sales continue at the headquarters of Fla, Flu and Botafogo, at Caio Martins (Niterói), Loja da Kappa (Barra) and Rox Sports (Duque de Caxias). Green, yellow and white stands cost R$25 - R$12 half-price -, regular chairs R$20 (R$10) and special chairs R$100 (R$50).
Roger is out once again
Not only is Argentine Maxi suspended for his third yellow card, but coach Joel Santana has another problem for the match against Fluminense. Midfielder Roger, a substitute in the 1-0 victory against São Paulo, felt pain in his left thigh again and is unlikely to play in tomorrow's derby.
The pain of the midfielder, who was hired to be the team's star player, is beginning to worry the club's medical department. Yesterday, Roger didn't participate in training, as he was undergoing a series of tests to try to determine the cause of this mysterious problem, which has plagued him since his arrival at the club.
Doctor Marcelo Soares ruled out a muscular problem and explained that if Roger had any type of injury in the area, the MRI would have detected it.
"We ran a series of tests on Roger because he's had the same pain that's been bothering him for a while. Since it's not a muscle problem, and the MRI didn't show anything, we'll do everything we can to find out what's wrong. Tomorrow (today) he'll have a blood test to see if there's anything wrong," said Marcelo Soares.
Toró or Leonardo, Joel's doubt
Leonardo and Toró compete for the play and a spot on the team for the Fla-Flu
Coach Joel Santana has yet to name a replacement for suspended Argentine Maxi Biancucci for tomorrow's Fla-Flu match at 18:10 p.m. at Maracanã, but two players are vying for the striker's spot alongside last year's Brazilian Championship top scorer, Souza. Midfielder Toró, who returns to the team after serving a suspension for his third yellow card, and forward Leonardo, who has recovered from injury, are the coach's favorites. Young prospect Kayke is an outsider in this healthy battle, but he's unlikely to start.
If Joel maintains the tactical scheme he's been using in recent games, which worked so well in the victory against leaders São Paulo, Toró should be the first option. Because he's faster, he could easily drop down the wings and perform the same role as Maxi, in addition to increasing the red-and-black midfield's marking power when the team doesn't have the ball.
With Leonardo's lineup, the attack would slow down and the team would return to playing with two more fixed players in the box, which would give it greater firepower, but would go against the words of the coach who always said he likes to change the players, but maintain the game plan.
"I don't have a replacement for Maxi in mind yet. Toró has been playing very well, Leonardo has already recovered and trained today (yesterday), but I don't want to rush into things. Kayke is a very promising young man and is slowly loosening up. If you could see the boy in training, you would see how much he has matured," said Joel Santana after yesterday's training session at Gávea.
Almost 20 thousand tickets sold for Fla-Flu
On the first day of sales for the Fla-Flu match on Sunday, at 18:10 p.m., at the Marancanã stadium, demand for tickets was intense. This Friday alone, 18534 tickets were sold for the classic, one of Brazil's most traditional. The total number of tickets sold is 79994.
Ticket prices are 100 reais for special seats, 25 reais for the grandstands, and 20 reais for field seats. Half-price tickets cost 50, 12, and 10 reais, respectively.
The game has great appeal due to Flamengo's victory against leaders São Paulo in the middle of the week, when the Rubro-negra fans broke attendance records in the Brazilian Championship, with almost 70 thousand people in attendance.
Ibson thrilled with the red-black fans
One of the reasons most soccer players dream of wearing the Flamengo jersey is the club's immense fan base. Supporter Ibson, who scored the winning goal against São Paulo this Thursday, felt the thrill of supporting the team that helped bring 68.031 fans to the Maracanã stadium for the match against the Brazilian league leaders.
"The desire to play at Maracanã is great, wearing a Flamengo jersey, so it doubles. When we see these fans, the desire to play for the team is even greater," Ibson said in an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes.
With the victory over São Paulo, Flamengo moved up to tenth place and has 40 points. At 18:10 pm this Sunday, Flamengo faces Fluminense at Maracanã.
Fight on the court and behind the scenes at the State Basketball Championship
Vasco and Flamengo fight in the Federation, while leader Fluminense faces Volta
Rafael Oliveira
Argentine point guard Sucatzky: one of the great names of Tricolor
The State Championship has barely begun and is already generating buzz. And it's not just on the court, but off it too. While Fluminense and Volta Redonda face off today in the Steel City at 20 p.m., a controversy is taking over the backstage of Rio basketball.
Flamengo has spoken out against Vasco's announced partnership with Brasília and promised to seek all possible measures to prevent its rival from changing its squad after the start of the tournament.
For Vasco fans, the red-and-black team's decision appears to be driven by fear of losing to Vasco. But Gávea officials are keen to make their point clear.
"All the clubs met during the arbitration and reached an agreement. Vasco decided to compete in partnership with Saldanha da Gama. They cannot disrespect what was agreed after the competition has already begun," said basketball director Arnaldo Szpiro.
According to the Federation's vice-president, Fernando Lima, the red-blacks are within their rights.
"From the moment the arbitration took place, any affiliated club can complain if they feel harmed by measures that break with what was established. They can go to a constituted court and file their complaint."
Debuts under threat\ Until Vasco makes its debut, Flamengo will be powerless. Vasco's first match will be on Saturday against Iguaçu, and only if the team takes the court with Brasília players will the Flamengo fans have any grounds for complaint. Until then, they must wait.\
The Federation is also waiting, as Vasco has not yet officially communicated the new partnership to the organization. Until a statement is issued, no Brasília player will be allowed to compete in the State Championship. Campos, which has partnered with Cetaf, and Iguaçu, which has partnered with Uberlândia, are in a similar situation. Until a statement is made, all these teams will only be allowed to play with their own players.
Tricolor Marathon\ Fluminense returns to the court today. Besides Volta Redonda, the team from Laranjeiras will face another adversary: fatigue. On the fifth day of competition, the Rio de Janeiro team will play its third match and has two wins (Macaé and Municipal).\ "It's a very long run. And besides the fatigue, the team is missing key players, like Maozão," said coach Flávio Davis.\
Iata Anderson
Two Touches
The greatest show on earth
iata anderson ianderson@jsports.com.br
Definitely, nothing compares to Flamengo's fans. Those who go to the stadiums, travel to see their team play, wear the jersey, and parade the day after victories, proudly wearing what they call their "sacred mantle." They revel in each match as if they were savoring a world title. Unparalleled, a spectacle in itself.
These people have been responsible for the most beautiful spectacles off the field, far surpassing the weak and hard-working team, which has not disappointed, but rather, has performed within its limitations, with historic victories, making the Maracanã their true arena. No marriage is as perfect as this, currently, between fans and players.
What was seen on Thursday, in the victory against São Paulo, will never be forgotten. An unsuspecting tourist would have mingled with the crowd and celebrated that "title," even without knowing what was happening. And it was just a simple victory, against the best Brazilian team at the time, which was embarrassed, mesmerized by what it was seeing, even though it was a powerhouse. Those who went to the Maracanã, which never stopped rocking, saw the red-and-black fans suffocate Murici's powerful team, with the best goalkeeper in the country and a respectable squad. Two facts will mark this championship, which persist in denying the validity of the new competition model: the São Paulo team and the Flamengo fans.
O Dia
Thiago Neves' renewal makes Joel happy
Marluci Martins
Rio - Coach Joel Santana followed the saga involving Thiago Neves and Fluminense step by step. And, even though he knows his former protégé's qualities well, he said he was happy with the outcome, which will allow the player to return to the team, against Flamengo tomorrow night at the Maracanã.
"In soccer, we have to see the spectacle. The better the performers, the better the show. Soccer is decided on the field, and Thiago Neves' lineup provides even more motivation," Joel stated.
Flamengo's coach didn't just follow the whole plot as an interested party because of the Fla-Flu match. Joel, in fact, has a special affection for Thiago Neves, having been his coach at Vegalta Sendai in Japan and authorized his signing by Fluminense when he was in charge at Laranjeiras.
"I immediately saw that he was talented and had great potential. I believed in him. When Fluminense asked me about him, I gave the okay," the coach recalled. Joel Santana followed the negotiations with the interest of a father figure.
"I was sad about what was happening. It could have affected the career of a promising young man. The deal was good for him, for football, for everyone," said the red-and-black coach.
The 1-0 victory (goal by Maxi) in the first-round Fla-Flu match doesn't fill Joel Santana with false hope. He believes the derby will be evenly matched, with neither side favored.
“We’ll have a tougher game than the one in the first round,” said the coach of the Gávea team.
PLOT WITH BALL GUYS
Joel didn't defend himself against the accusation that he had asked the ball boys to remove the balls from Thursday's game against São Paulo. In good humor, he even found the question amusing.
"They're saying that, right? But no one's saying they watered the grass at Parque Antártica when we went to play there. Let's leave that open..." he said, without denying the accusation.
For Íbson, the biggest goal will be the birth of his first child.
The goal he scored against São Paulo is far from the most memorable event of the month that has just begun. Íbson's biggest thrill is saved for the end of October: the birth of his first child.
The boy will be named after his father, who, for Flamengo, had to leave his wife, Cíntia, aside for a while, right at the end of the pregnancy and prenatal exam.
"It was difficult leaving my pregnant wife at home. But because of the injury, I preferred to stay at the hotel for a week and a half, undergoing intensive treatment to recover as quickly as possible," said Íbson.
The effort was so worthwhile that, instead of dedicating his goal to his unborn son, the future father preferred to pay tribute to the physiotherapy team and the medical department at Flamengo.
"They managed to get me back. I still feel a little pain... A bit of tiredness in my foot," said Íbson, who injured his right ankle on September 8th, in the 3-0 defeat to Inter.
In a month that promises to be full of emotions, Íbson felt the first of them as soon as he stepped onto the pitch and saw the Maracanã packed.
"São Paulo is 12 points ahead of second place, and we were fighting to escape a difficult situation. It wasn't a normal situation, but 68 people showed up at Maracanã. That gave me the feeling of competing for a title," he said. "We were thrilled and tried to put our hearts into our boots."
Íbson prefers to experience one emotion after another. The winning goal against São Paulo is behind him, and he's waiting for another moment of happiness like that. And he hopes to have more before little Íbson's birth.
"The euphoria remained. After that game, we went to bed thinking about Fluminense this Sunday. It won't be easy. They have an excellent team," he emphasized.
The victory over São Paulo was already in the past, but the smile remained on Íbson's face yesterday. "I'm already a naturally cheerful person. I'm always smiling. That's what football is. It's joy," he concluded.
Euphoria worries the coach
How far can Joel Santana's Flamengo go? Not even the coach has the answer to that question. The victory over Brazilian league leaders São Paulo was a barometer that doesn't accurately measure the team's capabilities.
In Joel's opinion, the best thing to do is keep your feet on the ground. "If we go back to playing that ridiculous football, we'll be back in the relegation zone," said the coach, looking back at the past so recent that it still haunts him.
From the coach's speech, it's clear that his current concern is to contain the euphoria that gripped the red-and-black fans after the victory over São Paulo. "What we want is to qualify to participate in another competition. For now, we're halfway there," Joel said, referring to the Copa Sudamericana.
Humbly, he still considers himself in a risky situation. He doesn't hide his distress over Flamengo's points tally, which currently leaves them in 10th place in the Brazilian Championship. "Has the team improved? It has. But we still only have 40 points. I wish we were already at 50," he stated.
MAXI OUT
Without Maxi, who received his third yellow card, Joel has yet to decide who will partner Souza in tomorrow's Fla-Flu match. The options are Toró, Kayke, and Leonardo. Roger, who felt pain in his thigh again, underwent clinical tests yesterday and is expected to miss the game at Maracanã.
Roger is banned and will not face Fluminense on Sunday
Rio - According to Radio Tupi, midfielder Roger has been ruled out of the derby between Flamengo and Fluminense, next Sunday at 18:10 p.m., at Maracanã, for the 30th round of the Brazilian Championship. The player played briefly in the victory over São Paulo last Thursday, but did not perform well due to two weeks away from the field to recondition physically.
However, after the group's return to training this Friday in Gávea, coach Joel Santana ruled out using the midfielder in the derby. Roger suffered a recurrence of a left thigh injury, underwent a series of tests, and was eventually ruled out even from training with the rest of the Flamengo players.
"The most important thing is that Roger is giving his all, and that happens to anyone. He's suffering, and we have to support him. When the game ended, we could see his suffering," said the manager, referring to the player's physical exhaustion against São Paulo. Joel then emphasized that he still hopes to count on Roger for the final rounds of the competition.
"He will play until the end of the Brazilian Championship. We are counting on him for the rest of the competition because we know how important he is," said the coach.
Joel: "We've already got our heads out of the water"
Rio - Flamengo's invigorating 1-0 victory over São Paulo last Thursday at Maracanã Stadium has given coach Joel Santana a sigh of relief since taking over a team facing relegation in the Brazilian Championship. He believes Flamengo's performance was crucial in defeating the league's undisputed leader and potential five-time Brazilian champions of 2007.
Joel stated that having faced a team as qualified as São Paulo makes him dream of achieving even greater goals with Flamengo.
"When I arrived, we had 12 points. Now, we've got our heads above water. With a few more points, we'll get back on board and see what our future holds," the coach mused, already preparing for the weekend's classic against Fluminense.
Furthermore, the manager made a point of praising the team's overall performance. From the fans to the players, Joel stated that São Paulo trembled when facing an opponent that showed no fear.
"The behavior of the players and the fans was wonderful. We played an even match. They don't like this kind of game, when an opponent comes out on top. This time, we played like them," observed Joel Santana.
Sports Gazette
At Flamengo, the order is to value the fans' support
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Nearly 70 people – both paying and non-paying – were at the Maracanã stadium, helping Flamengo secure a crucial victory over São Paulo, the Brazilian Championship leader. The players made a point of thanking the crowd for their participation on Thursday night at the Maracanã stadium. "This support is wonderful," said defender Fábio Luciano, Flamengo's captain, still in the heat of the match. "It was a tough game, but the fans were packed. Congratulations to the team, too; we ran and fought. These are three points that will go down in history," added the visibly excited athlete.
Midfielder Ibson, who scored the winning goal, recalled feeling the thrill of savoring a Flamengo victory from the stands. "I've rooted for this team a lot, and I know it's a different feeling," he said.
In his team talk, coach Joel Santana made extensive use of the massive crowd at Maracanã Stadium to watch the match against leaders São Paulo. From the sidelines, he saw that his tactics were paying off.
"We have to emphasize the fans' support. Because of that, the players give their all on the field," admitted the Flamengo manager.
Ibson celebrates victory, but urges caution for the classic\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After more than three weeks away from Flamengo, midfielder Ibson returned in style, scoring the goal that secured the Flamengo's victory over São Paulo this Thursday at the Maracanã. Excited by the goal and another victory for the team in the Brazilian Championship, the player is already dreaming of better days after fighting for almost the entire competition to escape the relegation zone. Despite his enthusiasm, Ibson is preaching calm and caution ahead of this Sunday's derby against Fluminense at 18:10 pm (Brasília time). "This victory means a lot, as the result significantly improved our situation in the Brazilian Championship. Now, it's time to focus on Flamengo. We need to stay calm to win Sunday's derby. We know they have a very well-organized team led by Renato Gaúcho, and we'll need to play very well to get another victory," commented the Flamengo midfielder.
To secure three more points in the Brasileirão, coach Joel Santana will have to overcome the absence of midfielder Maximiliano Biancucchi, who received his third yellow card and will have to serve a suspension. Leonardo is his likely replacement, but the coach still wants to wait a little longer before defining his team, as midfielder Toró, who was suspended against São Paulo, could play up front alongside Souza. Midfielder Renato Augusto remains out, having returned to training this Friday and could be used in the 31st round against Paraná.
Fla wants a new record against Flu. Salaries paid in Gávea.\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Eyeing a big haul on Sunday after breaking attendance records against São Paulo, Flamengo is already selling tickets for the derby against Fluminense this Sunday at Maracanã. The bleachers cost R$25,00 and the lower seats R$20,00, with students paying only half price. Flamengo made 79.444 tickets available for the game. Off the field, Flamengo's players also have reason to celebrate. Flamengo's board paid 50% of their back wages for August. The other half is expected to be paid next week. The players once again demonstrated their support for the club's management, despite the club's financial problems. "Everything is very well resolved with our board, and everything our president says happens," said midfielder Roger.
Vice-president of football Kléber Leite also publicly denied that recently signed midfielder Kleberson received any advance, which could displease the rest of the team. According to the director, the player will receive his salary along with the other players. Since he will only be able to play in 2008, Kleberson's salary will be paid this year as an advance on his salary for the next season.
Meanwhile, Flamengo's marketing department announced that the passport with tickets for all the team's games at Maracanã has been postponed until next year. The package will include matches in the Copa do Brasil, the Campeonato Brasileiro, and also some continental competition (South American or Libertadores).
Injury takes Roger out of the classic\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Roger is definitely not in the best of shape at Flamengo. After starting the match against São Paulo on the bench, the midfielder came on in the final minutes and ended up suffering a muscle injury. Re-examined this Friday, the player is ruled out for Sunday's derby against Fluminense at Maracanã. Even if he were fit, he would have remained on the bench for the derby. That's because coach Joel Santana made no secret of his satisfaction with Ibson's performance in the midfield's creative sector.
Since being hired mid-year, Roger has yet to put together a string of good matches. In recent weeks, the Flamengo midfielder has been sidelined to improve his fitness.
PeléNet
Flamengo's reinforcements excite and frustrate fans
Main signings of 2007, Souza, Roger and Kleberson cause euphoria when they are announced, but they also "disappoint" the red-blacks.
Vinicius Barreto Souto, special for Pelé.Net
RIO DE JANEIRO - The recent signing of midfielder Kleberson has brought to light a paradox regarding Flamengo's key signings in 2007. Just like the five-time World Cup winner with the Brazilian national team, striker Souza and midfielder Roger caused excitement among fans when they were announced, but they also frustrated the Flamengo fans for similar reasons.
REINFORCEMENTS DISAPPOINTED
Souza was unable to repeat his 2006 performance at Fla...
... midfielder Roger was away from the team...
... and Kleberson only defended Fla in 2008
Due to a four-month suspension imposed by FIFA, motivated by the unilateral termination of Kleberson's contract with Besiktas-TUR, his last club, the midfielder will only be able to play for Flamengo in 2008.
"During these four months of suspension, he won't receive a salary, only an advance," revealed the club's lawyer, Michel Assef. But the long period away from the field isn't exclusive to the newest addition.
Souza and Roger have also been out of action for Flamengo for a long time. The striker, signed as a solution for the team's attacking sector, having been the top scorer in last year's Brazilian Championship (with 17 goals for Goiás), only scored three goals in this year's Série A, having missed 13 matches—almost half the competition.
However, the player "blames" another factor for his low productivity. "I'm playing with sacrifice to help the team get out of this phase. If we were in sixth or seventh, I'd be more fixed in the box and score more goals. But, given the team's situation, I'm also having to come back to help with the marking," defended Souza, who missed nine matches due to suspensions from the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), one for three yellow cards and three due to injury.
Skilled midfielder Roger only returned to action last Thursday against São Paulo, after nearly a month away from the team to regain his best physical condition. So far, he hasn't scored a single goal for Flamengo.
"The work I did was for my own good. If I were just another player, I could come on without being in perfect condition. But I'm always being marked by one or two players and I need to be at the same level as my teammates and those who mark me to be able to stand out," explained Roger, promising that he will still bring joy to the red-black fans.
"It's not fun training alone, but I completed the entire program and now I can come back much better. Flamengo needs this, I need it too, and I'm sure I still have a lot to give to the team," he continued.
For the club's board, the signings weren't wrong. So much so that, according to vice president of football Kleber Leite, the club should have extended the contract with midfielder Roger for a long time.
"For me, I'd renew with him for another five years. They said no one wanted him, but several clubs were interested and he preferred Flamengo. And he's a responsible and unique player," he declared.
Roger is out again for Flamengo with thigh pain
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
One game after returning to the Flamengo squad, midfielder Roger is already out again. He complained of pain in the back of his left thigh during last Thursday's game and is ruled out for the derby against Fluminense this Sunday.
Roger came on in the second half of the match against São Paulo last Thursday and felt the injury in the first play. Even so, he remained on the field until the final whistle, but his performance was poor.
The player will still undergo laboratory tests to discover the cause of the injury, but he is out of the Fla-Flu, worrying coach Joel Santana with the long list of absences from the red-black team.
"I'm without Maxi, Obina, Paulo Sérgio, Renato Augusto and Roger. I'm without five players and that's complicated," lamented Joel.
Since Roger was a substitute in the last game, the midfield should continue to consist of Rômulo, Jailton, Cristian, and Ibson. Up front, the team's only question mark is who will replace Maxi, who is suspended. Toró and Leonardo are vying for the spot.
Flamengo fans don't intimidate Fluminense team
Leonardo Velasco\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Last Thursday, Flamengo brought more than 68 fans to the Maracanã stadium for its match against São Paulo. This number, however, doesn't intimidate Fluminense for this Sunday's derby.
"The fans don't play, even though their fans cheer them on all the time. But there are eleven players on the field," said coach Renato Gaúcho, predicting another record attendance.
"It's going to be a good game and another celebration for the fans. This is another example that Rio de Janeiro football is setting. I hope it's a peaceful game," he added.
Flamengo fans are likely to show up in larger numbers. While the team from Gávea is coming off two wins, the last against leaders São Paulo, Fluminense has had two poor results. Furthermore, the red-and-blacks are still looking to climb the table, and the Tricolores have no ambitions in the Brazilian Championship.
"The player wants a packed stadium, no matter if there will be more fans on the other side," the Fluminense coach emphasized. Striker Somália agreed: "It's an added motivation to overcome the opponent and their fans."
The main attraction for the Laranjeiras team for this derby is the return of midfielder Thiago Neves. After two games away from the team, the player renewed his contract and is confirmed for the match.
"The fans have to support me because it's Fla-Flu. I want the fans to go, but not just because I'm back," the midfielder emphasized.
BalloonSport
Fla takes on Flu with the promise of a full house\ Rivals face each other at Maracanã and the expectation is for more than 60 thousand people to be at the stadium\
Joel Santana and Renato Gaúcho meet again on Sunday. This Sunday's Brazilian Championship derby between Flamengo and Fluminense at Maracanã, at 18:10 p.m., marks another meeting between Joel Santana, for the red-and-black side, and Renato Gaúcho, for the Tricolor. In addition to the duel between the coaches, who previously worked together at Laranjeiras in 1995, the two fan bases will put on a beautiful show in the stadium stands. The promise is another record-breaking performance and plenty of goals. Ibson is the hope for the Gávea team. Thiago Neves, with a renewed contract, is the 'man' for Fluminense.
Flamengo currently sits in tenth place in the Brazilian Championship with 40 points. Tricolor is sixth with 44. In the first round, Flamengo won 1-0 with a goal from Maxi Biancucchi. In that match, Joel Santana and Renato Gaúcho exchanged barbs, but that didn't happen this time. Follow the game from Maracanã in real time on GLOBOESPORTE.COM and live on Premiere.
Fans are Flamengo's weapon at Maraca
Flamengo coach Joel Santana will be without midfielder Roger, who has suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury, and forward Maxi, who is suspended after receiving his third yellow card. In addition to these two, the coach will also be without center forward Obina, who is suspended by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), Paulo Sérgio, who is recovering from a collarbone problem, and Renato Augusto, who has been handed over to the fitness trainers after a muscle injury.
With that, the coach will keep the announcement of the red-and-black team's starting lineup a secret. Toró and Leonardo are vying for a spot in attack. Souza is confirmed. The rest of the team is the same one that beat São Paulo last Thursday. In addition to their good form, the coaching staff and players are once again hoping for the support of the fans, who have made all the difference in the matches at Maracanã.
In 2007, Flamengo had seven of the ten largest attendances in the Brazilian Championship. The club also holds the record for having attracted over one million fans to home matches.
"The fans are watching the team play the way they like. When that happens, the fans celebrate in the stands. We have the potential to put on a great game. We threw a party that our fans and players are proud of," says Joel.
Thiago Neves is confirmed for Sunday's classic at Maracanã
Thiago Neves renews and is in the lineup
On the Tricolor side, the contract renewal of midfielder Thiago Neves, who has been one of the team's highlights in the Brasileirão, excited coach Renato Gaúcho and the Tricolor fans, since the team does not have a replacement at the level of the midfielder who, in fact, renewed his contract in a hurry just to be able to play the classic, because in the first round match, even with Fluminense playing a good part of the game with two more men, Thiago had a very poor performance.
"I really want to play this Fla-Flu match; it's a game that has a lot of appeal, that everyone loves to play. I hope we can do things differently than we did in the first round," says Thiago Neves.
Coach Renato Gaúcho, who had his team practically decided before Thiago's contract renewal, even due to a lack of options, decided to keep the situation a secret after learning he could count on the midfielder. With David suspended, Renato is likely to play with three defensive midfielders. In this case, Cícero would replace Thiago Neves, and Romeu or Maurício, one of the two, would take David's place, forming a midfield with Fabinho and Arouca. But Renato could keep Cícero alongside Thiago Neves or even improvise with Gabriel, starting Carlinhos at right-back in place of Rafael, who is also suspended.
"Thiago Neves will play. The rest is a surprise. Why would I give him the team? For Joel to celebrate on the other side? When the team takes the field, everyone will know," says Renato.
Toró and Leonardo fight for a spot in attack
Joel Santana will select the team for the classic in training this Saturday, in Gávea
Marcio Iannacca
Toró has a chance to start in Sunday's derby against Fluminense. Coach Joel Santana has yet to name a replacement for Argentine Maxi Biancucchi. According to the coach, Toró and Leonardo are competing for a spot in the starting lineup. The Flamengo manager will decide the team's lineup during Saturday's training session at Gávea. Souza will be the other forward.
Joel is facing a number of challenges when it comes to positioning his defense. Without Renato Augusto and Paulo Sérgio, who are injured, Obina, who is suspended by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), and Maxi, who has been booked for the third time, the coach now has few options. Leonardo and Kayke are the only professional strikers on the roster.
- I'm thinking about bringing in another kid from the youth teams to train with our group - reveals the coach, hinting that Diego Oliveira, known as Frigobar, could be promoted to the professionals.
For the classic against Fluminense, the coach says he is still studying the possibilities.
"Toró is doing very well. Leonardo had an injury last week, but he's back and hasn't felt anything. And Kayke is getting more comfortable with the rest of the squad," says Joel.
Joel wants to avoid 'ridiculous football'
Coach says team needs to maintain the same level as in the game against São Paulo
Marcio Iannacca
Joel Santana talks to the players during Flamengo's training session in Gávea
Coach Joel Santana praised the team's performance in the 1-0 victory over São Paulo last Thursday at Maracanã. To continue winning matches in the Brazilian Championship, the red-and-black coach has the recipe and a warning to his players.
"Every game is different and has its own story. We're in a huge fight to get Flamengo out of that zone nobody likes. Flamengo knows how to play, and if they play that way, they can always win. But if they play that ridiculous way, they could end up back in the relegation zone," the coach assesses.
Whenever asked about the team's position in the Brazilian league table and the possibility of the team securing a spot in the Libertadores, Joel is evasive.
"I can't think about possibilities. I have to think about the facts. Flamengo has 40 points, but I'd like 50. We're doing well, on the right track, and playing well. We have to keep it up and get as many points as possible," says Joel Santana.
Red-blacks: the Libertadores is possible
The club needs to have an 80% success rate in the next games to secure a spot.
Cahê Mota
Rio de Janeiro woke up painted red and black this Friday (watch the video below of the crowd's celebration at Maracanã). After a 1-0 victory over leaders São Paulo in front of 68 spectators at Maracanã on Thursday, Flamengo fans have finally forgotten the nightmare of relegation and are beginning to make more ambitious plans. Tenth place, with 40 points and 28 games, Flamengo continues to ride the fans' momentum to reach the top four and, consequently, the Copa Libertadores. Impossible? The numbers say so.
According to the InfoBola website, owned by mathematician Tristão Garcia, Flamengo arrives at the 30th round of the Brasileirão with a 9% chance of securing a spot in the continent's biggest club competition, only lower than Cruzeiro (89%), Santos (64%), Grêmio (58%) and Palmeiras (54%).
"We've considered the team's progress in recent games. Flamengo is on the rise, which is why it has a better chance than Vasco and Botafogo, for example. I've been saying from the beginning that the club wasn't in real danger of relegation, even given the string of games it would play at Maracanã. The team had an impressive comeback, definitively avoiding relegation (according to the mathematician, the club's chance of relegation is only 1%), practically securing its place in the South American Cup, and dreaming of the Libertadores. Dreaming is essential," declares Tristão, who outlines the path Mengão must take to finish the competition with the necessary 64 points.
With eight wins in the next ten games, Flamengo will secure the spot. They need an 80% success rate, just like Botafogo had at the start of the championship. Let's not fool anyone; it's very difficult and unlikely. However, Flamengo wasn't built for points-based competition, but rather for short-term competitions. Considering that the next ten rounds are short-term competitions, the team could have a great record.
Confrontations against direct opponents
After the victory over São Paulo, Rubro-Negro wants to celebrate with the Libertadores. The direct confrontation with Santos and Grêmio, at Maracanã, is a point in favor of the Rio de Janeiro club. However, the mathematician emphasizes the importance of the Fla-Flu match.
"As a mathematician, I have to make projections for the future, but the coaching staff and squad must consider each game individually. The odds have increased considerably due to the difficulty of the victory against São Paulo, and a victory against Fluminense will further increase those chances. Despite not having many objectives in the competition, the Tricolor is a close enemy and will not want to face its rival in the Libertadores."
More rigorously, the Chance de Gol website places Rubro-Negro with just a 5,9% chance of going to the Libertadores and increases the required score to 68 points.
Of the club's remaining Brasileirão games, six will be played at Maracanã, and of the four away games, two will be against teams in the relegation zone (América-RN and Paraná). Against these same opponents, in the first round, the team earned only 14 of the 30 points.
Calculator and ticket in hand and lots of support for the next games:
Date Opponent Place Result in the first round\ 07/10 Fluminense Maracanã 1 x 0\ 13/10 Paraná Vila Capanema 1 x 2\ 18/10 Vasco Maracanã 1 x 1\ 21/10 Grêmio Maracanã 0 x 1\ 28/10 América-RN Machadão 3 x 1\ 31/10 Corinthians Maracanã 2 x 2\ 04/11 Cruzeiro Mineirão 3 x 1\ 11/11 Santos Maracanã 0 x 3\ 25/11 Atlético-PR Maracanã 0 x 2\ 02/12 Náutico Aflitos 2 x 1\
Roger will undergo a series of tests
Midfielder is ruled out of Sunday's classic and worries Flamengo's coaching staff
Marcio Iannacca
Roger will miss Fla once again
Midfielder Roger is out of Sunday's derby against Fluminense at Maracanã. The player was evaluated by the medical department, which decided to perform a series of laboratory tests on the athlete, who complained of an injury to the back of his left thigh in last Thursday's match against São Paulo.
Doctor Marcelo Soares stated that the MRI performed on the midfielder did not reveal any fiber rupture to justify the pain.
"We need to find out the cause of Roger's pain. He'll undergo a series of tests and is out of the derby. He'll be out. We can't put the player in this situation. He'll go onto the field and return to the medical department. This exposes the professionals," says the doctor.
Coach Joel Santana said he's concerned about the midfielder's situation, but that this isn't the time to criticize. He believes Roger needs support.
"It can happen to any player. I went to his room and he was very happy. When it was time for the game, I told him it was his turn, and that's what happened. He came on and left the field with that tearful look on his face," says the red-and-black coach.
Joel is the Jack Bauer of Fla
Coach admits he sleeps little and is focused on the red-black team 24/XNUMX
Marcio Iannacca
Joel Santana has avoided appearing on television shows
Coach Joel Santana hasn't slept much and has spent most of his time thinking about how to build a Flamengo team to win matches in the Brazilian Championship. Just like Kiefer Sutherland's character, Jack Bauer, on the TV series "24," the Flamengo's problems and solutions take up almost the entire day for the experienced coach.
"I've been sleeping in the training camp almost every day. We trained on Tuesday for Thursday's game. Now we'll train on Friday for Sunday's game. I haven't been home much. You'll notice that I haven't been on TV shows much. Everyone calls me, but I don't go. Today, I won a few games, and the praise is pouring in. If I lose one or two games, you (the press) will whip the coach," jokes Joel Santana.
The coach didn't lose his sense of humor when talking about the time he spends in the training camp.
- Soon I'll get a red card from my wife - says the coach, after being invited by a fan to attend an event at an institution.
Fla-Flu: 18.534 tickets sold\ Sales continue this Saturday. Total tickets for Maracanã are 79.994\
Ticket sales for the Fla-Flu match will continue this Saturday, from 11am to 17pm. This Friday, of the 79.994 tickets sold, 18.534 were sold, according to Flamengo's official website.
The points of sale are: Gávea ticket offices (Flamengo), General Severiano ticket offices (Botafogo Headquarters), Caio Martins Stadium ticket offices (Niterói), Fluminense ticket offices, Kappa store (Av. das Américas, 4200 - Block 11 - Barra da Tijuca), Maracanã ticket office 8 and Rox Sports store (Rua Manoel Correia, no. 10 - Centro, Duque de Caxias).
Prices:
Green, Yellow and White Stands: R$ 25 / R$ 12 (half-price)
Special Chairs: R$ 100 / R$ 50 (half-price)
Shampoo chairs: R$20 / R$10 (half price)
In the USA, Zinho begins his coaching career
Former Flamengo, Palmeiras, Grêmio and Brazilian national team midfielder will coach Miami FC
Zinho, hugging Romário and Sean Fraser, at Miami FC
The player with the most Brazilian titles alongside Andrade (formerly of Flamengo and Vasco, both with five) and a member of the Brazilian team that won its fourth world championship in the United States in 1994, Zinho will begin his career as a football coach in the United States.
The former Flamengo, Palmeiras and Grêmio midfielder will manage Miami FC, where last season he combined the role of assistant coach with that of a player on the team.
"I'm very grateful to Miami for giving me this opportunity. It's time for the club to grow. We want the national title in 2008," the former player told Globo Online.
In Miami, Zinho returned to play with Romário, his teammate in the 1994 World Cup win with the team led by Carlos Alberto Parreira.
Fla-Flu will have one absence for each side
Point guard Fred and center Mãozão will be absent from the Rio derby this Sunday in Tijuca
The first classic of the Rio de Janeiro State Basketball Championship promises to be electrifying. On one side, Flamengo, which has assembled a very strong team led by three-time Pan American champion Marcelinho Machado. On the other, Fluminense, undefeated in the competition with three wins in three games. Unfortunately, both teams will have significant absences for the match, which will be played this Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Tijuca Tennis Club Gymnasium.
For the Tricolor side, center Mãozão will be a crucial absence in the paint due to a cut on the index finger of his left hand, suffered in the debut against the Macaense League. On the red-and-black side, Fred is still recovering from a fractured tibia in his right leg.
"It's sad knowing I won't be playing the first derby of the championship, especially due to the circumstances and the Fla-Flu match being such a traditional one. The victory over São Paulo certainly got every Flamengo fan excited about the club and increased the number of people who will be cheering for us. Even more so because on the same day there will also be a Fla-Flu match for the Brazilian Championship, at Maracanã. It will certainly be a special day, and every Flamengo fan will have to do their part to ensure Sunday ends with a full celebration, both on the court and on the grass," says Fred, who went to Maracanã to witness the Flamengo victory over São Paulo last Thursday, alongside his friends and teammates, brothers Marcelinho and Duda.
Fla and São Paulo want the fifth cup
CBF considers awarding Tricolor at the end of the season, Rubro-Negro promises to question
Cahê Mota
While many consider São Paulo's fifth Brazilian title a reality, the victory will resurface a 20-year-old controversy. Since São Paulo's fifth Brazilian title seems only a matter of time (the team leads the Brazilian Championship with a 12-point lead over second-place Cruzeiro), the team could finally receive the silver-dotted trophy that for more than two decades was the greatest object of desire for Brazil's biggest clubs. However, Flamengo believes it has the right to keep the same trophy, as it considers itself a five-time champion since 1992. The controversy lies in the 1987 Copa União title, which remains unrecognized by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
Flamengo Regatta Club
At its Gávea headquarters, Flamengo has a replica of the trophy that the CBF is considering giving to São Paulo.
Created in the early 70s, after a competition organized by Caixa Econômica Federal, the trophy would be awarded to the champion of the Brasileirão until a single club won the competition three times in a row or five times in alternating victories, which would guarantee definitive possession of the cup, according to the guidelines of the Brazilian Football Confederation at the time, but it was discontinued after the last red-black victory (watch the video below and remember the last time the cup was raised, after the decision between Fla and Botafogo, in 1992).
"This is a matter that only the CBF president can decide. The trophy is indeed being kept, and it's possible that if São Paulo wins the competition for the fifth time, it will be handed over to the club. There's no regulation mandating this, but common sense could make it happen," says Rodrigo Paiva, press officer for the Brazilian Football Confederation.
Since then, the trophy has been kept under lock and key at Caixa headquarters, awaiting a five-time champion recognized by Brazil's governing body. With São Paulo's virtual victory this season, the matter raises a question: as founder of the Club of 13, should Tricolor accept such an award? The club's football superintendent, Marco Aurélio Cunha, has no doubts.
"If São Paulo wins, we'll want this trophy. It has to be worth what has been proven over the years; that's my personal opinion; I can't speak on behalf of the club. If the CBF considered it that way (Sport being champions in '87), and over the years that hasn't changed, São Paulo will indeed be the first five-time Brazilian champion. If it's up to me, we will, yes, claim this trophy."
Less radical, the president's direct advisor, João Paulo de Jesus Lopes, makes a point of stating the club's position regarding the Copa União.
"First of all, São Paulo is aware that it hasn't won anything yet. We do understand that Flamengo is the '87 Brazilian champion. We have a very friendly and close relationship with the club, not just the board, but also the fans, and we recognize Flamengo as the first five-time Brazilian champion. However, if CBF legislation dictates that São Paulo should receive this trophy, we will accept it, and it will remain in our trophy cabinet. Especially because it is up for grabs, and if the club declines it, another could win it. I believe that even for Flamengo itself, it is better for this award to remain with such a close institution," declares the director, who rejects any possibility of donating the trophy to the Rio de Janeiro club.
- There is no such expectation.
"We recognize Flamengo as the first five-time champion of Brazil"
João Paulo de Jesus Lopes, advisor to the presidency of São Paulo
Cariocas want the cup
Surprised by the news that the old trophy could go to Morumbi permanently, Flamengo president Márcio Braga, who, coincidentally, also managed the club in the 87 (watch the video below and remember the decision against Internacional) and 92 titles, has no doubts about the matter.
"They should have given the trophy to Flamengo, which is truly Brazil's first five-time champion. If the CBF awards this trophy to São Paulo, the club will question it. I'm just learning about this matter now, through GLOBOESPORTE.COM. I was the club's president in '92, and this issue wasn't even discussed. However, the fact that the organization no longer used this trophy after that victory is already a way of recognizing our right. It's unquestionable."
When asked what the Rio de Janeiro club's attitude would be if it were in São Paulo's position, Márcio Braga guarantees that he would either give up the trophy or hand it over to the other club.
- We would have this elegance.
"If the CBF awards São Paulo this trophy, Flamengo will question it"
Marcio Braga, president of Flamengo
Club 13 may call a meeting
Responsible for the creation and organization of the Copa União, the Clube dos 13 prefers not to get involved in the matter, unless an affiliated club puts it on the agenda.
"It's up to the CBF to establish the criteria and reward the clubs accordingly. The Club of 13 considers Flamengo to be rightfully the five-time champion, as does São Paulo, should they be crowned champions this year. However, I don't see why the organization should comment on this, since it's a CBF decision. It's been 15 years since Flamengo's last title, and nothing has changed since then. It's the CBF's decision not to consider Flamengo the '87 champion. If anyone feels wronged, they should call a meeting, and we will analyze the matter," says the organization's president, Fábio Koff.
Former president of São Paulo and creator of the Copa União, Carlos Miguel Aidar, who has recently undergone surgery, avoids the subject.
- I'm going to apologize, but I'm not well and I prefer not to talk - he says over the phone to GLOBOESPORTE.COM, minutes after making himself available for the interview.
Throw
Family divided this Sunday by Fla x Flu
Passion will divide the Machado family. Who will prevail?
(Credit: Paulo Wrencher)
Edgard Maciel de Sá
The red-and-black sons were already playing ball on the Lagoa court when their father, Renê Machado, superintendent of Olympic sports at Fluminense, arrived.
"Here comes the Tricolor..." joked Marcelinho, Flamengo's winger and three-time Pan American champion with the Brazilian national team. It's with this joking atmosphere that the family will be split this Sunday, the day of the Fla-Flu basketball match (in the morning, at the Tijuca Gymnasium) and soccer (in the afternoon, at the Maracanã). Marcelinho, Duda, and Ricardo will be on one side, for Gávea, and Renê on the other, for Laranjeiras. The father immediately assures that he won't be rooting for his sons.
"I'm going to root for Flu. It's part of the job. I hope the boys don't play so well," he said.
Ricardo, Flamengo's physiotherapist, prefers not to cause trouble with the head of the family. But he guarantees that the loser will have to put up with the jokes: "I think my dad will be happy no matter who wins. But I know that on Monday someone will be overdoing the jokes."
Everyone might have been on the same side if Renê hadn't turned his allegiance. A Flamengo fan since childhood, the former player became a Fluminense fan about ten years ago, driven by his connection and the years he spent with the Tricolor. That's why he admits to being the father of three Flamengo fans.
The family plans to go to Maracanã Stadium after the basketball match. And everyone expects to see a huge celebration in the stands.
"I've already got tickets to take the entire Fluminense team. The Tricolor Legion will throw another party, just like at the opening of the Rio de Janeiro basketball tournament," Renê recalled, and his son Duda added: "Sometimes it's better to go see the Fluminense fans than the game itself."
Mathematician sees good chances for Flamengo in the Libertadores
Rubro-Negro has a 9% chance of going to the South American competition
Fans have been an important factor in Flamengo's growth in the Brazilian Championship (Credit: Gilvan de Souza)
LANCEPRESS!
If it depends on the calculations and thinking of Rio Grande do Sul mathematician Tristão Garcia, Flamengo fans may start to get excited. For Tristão, the Rubro-Negro's performance in recent games qualifies them for one of the spots in the next Copa Libertadores.
Currently, the Rio de Janeiro club has a 9% chance of securing a spot in the South American competition. Quite a lot for someone who only recently found themselves on the brink of relegation.
The mathematician's calculation is based on the strength of each opponent, the home team of each game and the record against certain rivals.
Tristão explained the reasons why the red-black chances multiplied quickly.
"It's thanks to this series of factors that the chance is so great. The advantages of having one game less and more home matches give Flamengo a better chance," he declared.
Regarding the euphoria that took over the red-black fans, the mathematician gives reason for this belief to happen.
"I think we really have to aim high. With the current situation, we have a chance to compete. Flamengo is coming off a Copa Libertadores and wants to get back there," he said.
The good results in recent rounds make Sunday's classic against Fluminense a decisive game for Flamengo's ambitions to dream big.
relegation
Contrary to the euphoria, Flamengo still has a 1% chance of being relegated to the Second Division. The Red-Blacks can't be too careful, having spent more than half of the Brazilian Championship trying to avoid this danger zone.
Flamengo fans provoke and Rogério doesn't take a free kick
Rubro-negros asked the goalkeeper to take the penalty, but he didn't go.
Rogério was provoked by almost 70 thousand fans (Credit: Cléber Mendes)
Rodrigo Mandarini
Flamengo fans experienced moments of ecstasy during their victory over São Paulo this Thursday at Maracanã. Aware they were facing the best team in Brazil and the virtual champion, they celebrated every chance the Red-Blacks took. The euphoria turned to boldness when São Paulo was awarded a free kick near the Red-Blacks' penalty area in the second half: the nearly 70 fans in the stadium chanted "Come on, come on, come on!" to goalkeeper and goalscorer Rogério Ceni, the Tricolor's official free-kick taker, urging him to take the kick. Surprisingly, Rogério felt the provocation and stayed in his penalty area, much to the delight of the Red-Blacks.
At the end of the game, Rogério Ceni praised the Flamengo fans. But also