THE GLOBE
One half for each team at Maracanã
With its reserve team, Flamengo starts well, goes 2-0 in the first half, but drops in production and allows Vasco to react, which gets an important draw in the moral aspect
Photo caption: JORGE LUIZ, Vasco's defender, goes over the Flamengo defense and, without anyone marking him, scores the team's second goal, tying the classic at 2-2, yesterday, at Maracanã
Photo caption: Vasco's striker JEAN makes an acrobatic jump in front of the marking of Fla's midfielder Aírton
Fabio Juppa
A 2-2 draw with Flamengo's reserves could even feel like a defeat for Vasco yesterday at Maracanã. But given the circumstances of the match, the team from São Januário has little to complain about. After trailing 2-0 in the first half, they took advantage of their rival's inefficiency to win the match and secured a significant comeback for the team's morale, which will play the first semifinal of the Rio Cup against Fluminense next Saturday at 16 p.m. Flamengo and Botafogo play on Sunday at 16 p.m.
"For us, there's no such thing as a reserve team. Flamengo has a qualified squad. But we have to take advantage of the week without games to correct today's mistakes for the semifinal," said defender Jorge Luiz, who scored the goal that saved Vasco from defeat in the derby.
Lopes moves well and the team becomes more organized.
Flamengo's strategy of waiting for Vasco with the entire team in defense and exploiting the speed of Marcinho, Maxi, and Diego Tardelli on the counterattack paid off early. Within 13 minutes, Flamengo was already leading 2-0, with goals from Marcinho and Rodrigo Arroz. In the first, in the tenth minute, Tardelli missed his shot, Eduardo deflected it, and Marcinho fired a first-time shot into Tiago's right corner. The second came three minutes later, after a blunder by Vasco's defense, which left Arroz free to head in a Maxi cross. It was the defender's first professional goal.
Vasco only improved when Antônio Lopes took off Calisto and brought on Alex Teixeira in the 36th minute of the first half. Shortly after, Leandro Bomfim put Edmundo one-on-one with goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba, but the striker couldn't control the ball.
Flamengo continued to play better at the start of the second half, as Tardelli and, especially Marcinho, missed chances to close the score. In the 22nd minute, in a fortuitous play, Jean's shot fell to Edmundo, who crossed low for Alan Kardec to tap in unmarked and reduce the deficit. With Edu and Souza replacing Jean and Jonílson, Vasco became more organized and began to prowl the red-and-black team's box, which seemed uninterested. So much so that, in a defensive inattention, Jorge Luiz rose unmarked and headed in the equalizer, following a corner kick from Leandro Bomfim.
Yellow cards: Luizinho, Jorge Luiz, Airton, Jonilson and Diego Tardelli. Paying attendance: 16.760 Revenue: R$212.311,50.
FLAMENGO
MARCELO LOMBA: He could have possibly come out of the goal for Vasco's equalizer. For the rest of the game, he was solid. 5,5.
LUIZINHO: He provided many options in supporting the attack, but was always hesitant when it came to defining plays, wasting good chances. 5.
RODRIGO ARROZ: Scored his first goal for Flamengo. He was solid in his marking, but was involved in the collective error that led to Vasco's second goal. 6.
TIAGO SALES: He had a lot of trouble marking the right side of Vasco's attack. 4,5.
EGÍDIO: He has good technical quality and delivers good crosses. Sometimes he overuses his individuality. He has had problems marking. 5.
JAÍLTON: Playing as a third defender on the right, he struggled with positioning. He stole the ball that resulted in the first goal. 5,5.
AÍRTON: At 18, he debuted as one of the team's standouts, but his absence was felt when he came off in the second half. He showed personality. 7. VINÍCIUS PACHECO came on and, out of position, struggled. 5,5.
KLEBERSON: Lots of passing errors. Hasn't had a great performance for Flamengo yet. 4,5.
MARCINHO: Finished well to score the first goal and created some good attacking plays with Maxi. He was at fault for missing two great chances. 6,5.
MAXI: He was Flamengo's most dangerous player, tireless in his work on counterattacks. He provided a great pass for Rodrigo Arroz's goal. 7,5. ÉDER came on late in the game. No rating.
DIEGO TARDELLI: He appeared well with two good passes to Marcinho and participated in the first goal. At times during the game, playing as a midfielder, he was lost in the marking. 6. He gave way to PAULO SÉRGIO, who failed when called upon. 4.
JOEL SANTANA: Allowed his team to retreat excessively. 4.
ARBITRATION
Wagner dos Santos Rosa went unnoticed throughout the game. He didn't make any serious technical errors, and the game didn't pose any major challenges to him in terms of discipline.
Joel defines today the team that will play in Cuzco
TAS rules on request for injunction against high altitude departures
Flamengo begins its trip to Cuzco today, where it will play a decisive first-round match against Cienciano on Wednesday in the Copa Libertadores. Beforehand, coach Joel Santana will conduct the final tactical training session before the match. Although he's expected to field the midfield from the final stretch of the last Brazilian Championship, featuring Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, and Toró, the coach says he has one doubt.
"The team is almost ready. In training, I'll only define one position," said Joel, who, to better observe the reserves he fielded, left assistant Andrade in the coaching area and watched the game from a radio booth.
The question mark may be Jaílton, who was not scheduled to play in yesterday's derby but came in due to an injury to defender Leonardo, who was ruled out of the training camp. If Jaílton doesn't play, Kleberson would be the option.
Joel highly praised the performance of 18-year-old Aírton, who, he said, now has a chance of being registered for the second phase of the Libertadores. Rômulo, who is recovering from surgery, is the first option. Of the 25 registered to start the competition, Léo Medeiros' spot is open, as he was traded.
Before yesterday's classic, midfielder Kleberson, on the board's instructions, offered Edmundo a gift: a Flamengo shirt with the name Alexandre, the Vasco striker's 12-year-old son, on it.
- It's an honor that Edmundo has a Flamengo son - said Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, justifying the gift.
This morning, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will rule on Flamengo's request for an injunction, which represents Brazilian clubs in the Libertadores, to prevent any more games from being played at altitude.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Praise for Airton's debut
Launched into the main team by coach Joel Santana, Airton received praise yesterday after the draw with Vasco.
"Airton debuted with a lot of personality and will certainly be very useful for all of us. He demonstrated everything expected of him on the field. He had already been training well and now he's proven he can also be used during games. When he got injured, I decided to bring on Vinicius Pacheco, but the team retreated too much and we didn't win," lamented Joel Santana.
The comments among the players were that while he was on the field, Flamengo's midfield was safe and the team was winning 2-0 and that, when he left injured, Vasco managed to draw.
Defender Rodrigo Arroz also felt the lack of security that the defensive midfielder provided the team while he was on the field. "The departure of Airton, who was doing very well and providing incredible security in that sector, set us back a bit, but that's no excuse," said Arroz.
Junior
Already qualified for the semifinals of the Rio Junior Cup, Flamengo and Vasco played the preliminary round of the senior match. The São Januário team, led by Miguel and Fabinho, defeated Flamengo's reserves 2-1. Now the two teams face teams considered smaller in the semifinals: Flamengo, Resende; Vasco, Macaé.
Joel criticizes the lack of aim
The coach is already thinking about Cienciano and says he still has doubts about who will play in Cusco.
Alex Souza, Nathan De Lima and Pedro Carrion
Ursula Nery
Leandro Bonfim escapes with the ball. Marcinho starts running to try to block him, while Diego Tardelli, already beaten in the play, just watches.
Yesterday's 2-2 draw with Vasco at Maracanã was a bittersweet one for Flamengo's players, as they opened up a two-goal lead but ultimately conceded the equalizer. Coach Joel Santana, who watched the match from the stands to better observe his players, blamed poor accuracy for the draw.
"We missed a lot of goals in the first half, and that's why we didn't decide the match. We had three or four goals to finish the game, but due to bad luck or skill, I don't know, we ended up wasting them. Our goal today was to give some players some rhythm and observe others," said Joel Santana.
Already qualified for the Rio Cup semifinals, Flamengo wasn't particularly concerned about this match. In the players' minds, the only match that matters is Wednesday's Libertadores match against Cienciano in Cusco. Joel Santana, who had already confirmed the team, backtracked and warned that there was still a small doubt, which he preferred not to reveal.
"We're thinking about Wednesday now, and only then will we think about Botafogo. Our team to face Cienciano has already been decided. We only have one question, which we'll leave to decide when we get there," he said.
For victory
A reserve in yesterday's match, but a starter against Cienciano, goalkeeper Bruno warned that the team, despite knowing the difficulties they will face at the altitude of Cusco, will do everything to leave with the victory.
"It's a tough game on Wednesday, but it's a decisive one for Flamengo. So, even at altitude, we'll go all out to play well and come away with a good result," said Bruno.
Rodrigo Arroz, who scored his first goal yesterday, is not in the Copa Libertadores squad. However, he said he will still be rooting for his teammates.
"I'm a Flamengo employee, so I'm not complaining about being on the bench or even being called up for the Libertadores. I'm crazy about Flamengo, I'm a fan, and that's why I'll be rooting for them in Wednesday's game," said Rodrigo Arroz.
THE DAY
Vasco and Flamengo draw 2-2 at Maracanã
Genilson Junior
Rio - In a game where each team was superior at one point, Vasco da Gama and Flamengo drew 2-2 in a classic match that was only meant to determine the Carioca semifinals. Exploiting counterattacks, Flamengo was already leading 2-0 after 13 minutes of the first half. In the second half, the Giant of the Hill drew level with goals from Alan Kardec and Jorge Luiz, the latter in the 39th minute of the second half.
Flamengo took the field with a change from the team they were supposed to start. Defender Leonardo suffered an injury, and Jaílton was named in the starting lineup. For Vasco, Jean replaced Morais, who was rested after picking up two yellow cards.
Just six minutes in, Diego Tardelli found Marcinho. The midfielder challenged the defender for the ball and was off-balance as he was about to shoot. Five minutes later, on a quick counterattack, Flamengo opened the scoring. Marcinho stole the ball from Jean, Jaílton passed it to Tardelli, who attempted a weak shot. The ball deflected off the defense and fell to Marcinho, who slotted it into the back of the net: 6-1.
In the 13th minute, two minutes after taking the lead, Flamengo scored their second. After a corner kick, the ball fell to Maxi, who crossed from the right. Rodrigo Arroz, unmarked, headed the ball into the net, leaving Tiago with no chance.
With 31 minutes gone, Vasco had their best chance. Marcelo Lomba punched a corner kick away, Jean headed it first time, and Edmundo sent it wide, while the red-and-black number 1 was still heading back to the goal.
Flamengo was extremely dangerous on the counterattack, and Vasco tried to respond with shots from outside the box, but to no avail. They lacked a dedicated midfielder to bring creativity to the midfield. So much so that in the 36th minute, Lopes brought on Alex Teixeira in place of left-back Calisto.
Before the end of the first half, Maxi advanced down the right, entered the penalty area, and attempted a cross for Diego Tarddelli. Tiago put it out for a corner, but the referee awarded a goal kick.
In the second half, the teams remained unchanged, and it seemed like the game would be the same as the first half, with the Gávea team abusing counterattacks. It seemed like it.
Before the fifth minute was up, Flamengo had already squandered two chances, through Maxi and Kléberson. Vasco gradually took control of the game. In the 15th minute, Edmundo received the ball inside the box. Defender Thiago Sales arrived first and cleared the danger.
Vasco's first goal came in the 22nd minute, in a play similar to Flamengo's Marcinho goal. Jean took a shot from distance, but the ball fell to Edmundo, who sent a low shot into the six-yard box. Alan Kardec got the ball and came in with the ball and everything to reduce the deficit.
Flamengo closed ranks and barely threatened the opposing defense, which went all out in search of an equalizer. In the 25th minute, Alex Teixeira found Edmundo in the box, but Rodrigo Arroz got there first and sent the ball out for a corner.
In the 39th minute, the hard-fought equalizer. A corner for Vasco, Jorge Luiz rose higher than the entire red-and-black defense and headed the ball past Marcelo Lomba, leaving him with no chance.
Before the final whistle, both teams still missed chances to win, with Leandro Bomfim, for Vasco, and Jaílton and Kleberson, for Flamengo.
In the Rio Cup semifinals, Vasco, second in Group B, faces Fluminense, leader of Group A, on Saturday at 18:10 pm at Maracanã Stadium. On Sunday, it's Flamengo's turn, second in Group A, to face Botafogo, first in Group B, also at the World's Biggest Stadium, at 16 pm.
Joel: 'we almost won'
Coach Joel Santana simultaneously lamented and celebrated the draw. He stated that Vasco's reaction was Flamengo's own fault. "We could have thrashed Vasco. We missed several chances when we were 2-0 up, which would have killed the game," he lamented.
Joel chose not to manage the team from the sidelines, leaving his assistant Andrade in charge. "I did it because I was evaluating the players. And from the sidelines, it's not always possible to have a comprehensive view," he explained.
But not all was bad about the draw. Joel also celebrated the result, as the Rubro-Negro gained another day to recover from Wednesday's Libertadores match against Cienciano in Cuzco. The team from Gávea finished second in Group A and will only face Botafogo in the Taça Rio semifinals on Sunday. "This extra day will be important for recovery," he emphasized.
SPORTS GAZETTE
In a lively classic, Fla and Vasco draw 2-2\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - For those expecting a lukewarm game this Sunday afternoon at the Maracanã, the classic between Vasco and Flamengo was a surprise. Already qualified for the semifinals of the Taça Rio, the game was only about determining Flamengo's position in Group A and their chances in the next round, so much so that coach Joel Santana opted to rest his starters for the Libertadores and field his reserves. Flamengo had the game in their hands in the first half and could have sealed the victory, but it fell to 2-0, with goals from Marcinho and Rodrigo Arroz. Vasco, who were debuting coach Antônio Lopes, managed to rally in the second half and equalize with goals from Alan Kardec and Jorge Luiz.
Even with the reserves, Flamengo looked more dangerous from the start. Just six minutes in, Diego Tardelli put Marcinho one-on-one with goalkeeper Tiago, but the Flamengo attacking midfielder failed to finish well, allowing the Vasco goalkeeper to save.
In the tenth minute, Marcinho redeemed himself. Jean made a mistake in midfield and lost the ball to Jaílton, who led a counterattack and passed it to Tardelli. The striker took a shot from distance, and the ball bounced off the defense and into the box. Marcinho fired a first-time shot into the back of the net.
The fans were still celebrating when Rodrigo Arroz scored the second. After a corner kick from the left, the defense cleared the ball, and it fell to Maxi Biancucci in midfield. The Argentine advanced down the right and crossed for the defender to head home unmarked from the edge of the six-yard box: 2-0.
To coach Antônio Lopes's annoyance, Flamengo was all hands on deck. In the 28th minute, Maxi received the ball at the edge of the box, but Luizão saved it by sending it out for a corner. The defense cleared the ball, and it fell to Egídio, who advanced and crossed. Thiago Sales, inside the six-yard box, missed an incredible goal by heading wide.
Lopes didn't wait for halftime and changed his team, taking off Calisto and bringing on Alex Teixeira. With that, he also changed the formation, going from a 3-5-2 to a 4-4-2. And, at least in terms of field positioning, Vasco showed progress and began to threaten Marcelo Lomba's goal in the final ten minutes. However, it was Flamengo who nearly got the third goal in stoppage time, thanks to a play by Maxi Biancucci.
Lopes's halftime scolding didn't change the outlook at the start of the second half, and Flamengo remained closer to a third than Vasco was to a goal. In the fourth minute, Diego Tardelli stole the ball in midfield, exchanged passes with Marcinho, and advanced toward the box. After feinting past the defender, the Flamengo forward attempted a low shot, but the ball went wide of Tiago's goal.
Flamengo missed another chance to close out the game in the 21st minute. Marcinho received the ball from Maxi at the penalty spot, but his shot was poor, and Tiago saved. Lopes made his second substitution, taking off Jonílson and bringing on Souza. This allowed Edmundo to play further forward. The change quickly paid off, giving the team more aggression, which narrowed the gap in the 23rd minute.
A quick free kick was taken in the middle of the field for Jean, and the striker attempted a shot, but the ball bounced off the defense and fell to Edmundo, who advanced down the right side of the box and fired a cross-shot. Alan Kardec came in alone and tapped it into the empty net.
The goal boosted Vasco's morale, and they settled down and began pressing for an equalizer. Flamengo continued to be dangerous on the counterattack and nearly scored in the 31st minute. Marcinho and Tardelli unleashed a powerful shot, but it missed the target.
Vasco threatened again in the 35th minute. Edmundo received a free kick from Leandro Bonfim inside the box, but Rodrigo Arroz cut it out just as he was about to finish, saving Fla. Three minutes later, the equalizer came from Leandro Bonfim's corner kick, and Jorge Luiz headed in from the penalty spot.
Flamengo felt the equalizer, and Vasco went in search of a comeback in a thrilling finale. Despite the pressure and the strong presence of goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba, the Red-Blacks held on to the result.
With Sunday's results, Flamengo moved into second place in Group A behind Fluminense, who thrashed Madureira, and will face Botafogo on Sunday in the Rio Cup semifinals. Vasco, second in Group B, faces Flu on Saturday in the battle for a spot in the second round of the State Championship.
PELENET
In a thrilling game, Fla scores 2-0, but concedes a draw to Vasco
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
In an electrifying classic, Vasco and Flamengo drew 2-2, on Sunday afternoon, at Maracanã, in the last round of the Taça Rio, second round of the State Championship.
With this result, both teams finished second in their respective groups. In Group A, Rubro-Negro, with 17 points, fell behind Fluminense, with 19. In Group B, Cruzmaltino, with 16, was surpassed by Botafogo, with 21.
Thus, on Sunday the team from Gávea will face the black and whites in the semi-final, while on Saturday the team from São Januário will face the Tricolor das Laranjeiras.
Flamengo returns to action on Wednesday at 21:50 p.m. to face Cienciano-PER in Cusco in the penultimate round of the Copa Libertadores group stage. Vasco is preparing for the decisive stage of the second leg.
Despite playing with a reserve team, it was Flamengo who took the initiative. On the other hand, on the Cruzmaltino side, only Jean tried to threaten. Edmundo, who inherited Morais's role as midfielder and was rested, barely touched the ball.
Taking advantage of the greater volume of play created by the Red-Blacks, Diego Tardelli took over as conductor. First, with a beautiful pass to Marcinho, who ultimately missed the opportunity. Shortly after, with a stroke of luck, he created another chance that Marcinho himself capitalized on to open the scoring.
Vasco's defense, despite having three defenders, persisted in trying to block the ball and give Flamengo plenty of space to advance. Taking advantage of this in the 12th minute, Maxi advanced down the right and passed the ball perfectly to Rodrigo Arroz. Unmarked, the defender didn't even need to leave the ground to head the ball home and score his first goal for the Gávea club.
After the 30th minute, the red-and-blacks slowed down a bit, and Vasco gained ground. However, they were unable to reduce the deficit and went to the locker room burdened by the negative result and the need to correct a series of mistakes.
"Rodrigo (Arroz) headed the ball alone. That can't happen. We can't be so careless," complained Cruzmaltino defender Jorge Luiz.
On Flamengo's side, the mood was completely opposite, for obvious reasons. "I managed to score another goal. The team is playing well. The spirit is good. But we have to keep it up," assessed Flamengo midfielder Marcinho.
Jorge Luiz's warning didn't do much good. Less than five minutes in, full-back Egídio had already advanced unmarked down the left twice. The first time, Maxi Biancucchi narrowly missed finding the net, and the second time, Thiago Sales was unlucky, heading under pressure.
Gradually, however, Vasco grew on the field. Emboldened by the favorable result, Flamengo prioritized counterattacks and ended up paying the price. In the 22nd minute, Vasco, who had already created two good opportunities, pulled one back through Alan Kardec, following a cross from Edmundo. But the biggest penalty was yet to come. In the 39th minute, Jorge Luiz rose above everyone and equalized. A fitting end to a match of two distinct halves.
Rodrigo Arroz dedicates his goal to Andrade, Fla's assistant coach
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Usually a reserve, Flamengo defender Rodrigo Arroz started in the 2-2 draw with Vasco da Gama this Sunday, in the eighth round of the Taça Rio, the second round of the state championship. The defender showed character and even scored Flamengo's second goal in the 12th minute of the first half, heading the ball unmarked in the Vasco da Gama penalty area.
After the play, the player ran to the bench to hug assistant coach Andrade. "It was a moment of great happiness. I thought about the people who helped me get here, like my teammates and my family. But after the goal, I went to Andrade, who told me I would score a goal in this game," he explained.
Despite his strong performance, Rodrigo Arroz demonstrated his willingness to be a reserve. "I've had few opportunities, but when I wear this jersey, I try to sweat and honor Flamengo as much as possible. Today was no different. But I'm a Flamengo employee and I have to follow orders. We have Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim, who are very well-matched," he stated.
While not in the squad for Wednesday's Copa Libertadores match against Cienciano, the defender offered a tip on how to get past the Peruvians. "We have to stay calm. They're talking a lot about this game, but we just have to play football. I'll stay here cheering and then we'll think about Botafogo," he said, referring to the match against the black and white team in the Taça Rio semifinal next Sunday.
With his eye on the Libertadores, Joel Santana is not yet thinking about Botafogo
Rubro-Negro coach Joel Santana is already in Cusco. At least in his mind. In the locker room, after the 2-2 draw against Vasco da Gama in the eighth round of the Taça Rio, the second round of the state championship, the Gávea team's manager avoided commenting on the team's next domestic match.
"Let's see how we get back from up there. It's going to be a tough game that we can't lose," he said, referring to next Wednesday's match against Cienciano-PER, at 3.400 meters above sea level in Cusco, for the Copa Libertadores.
Regarding the derby against Vasco, Joel lamented the last-minute problem that forced him to change the team's lineup. "We had a formation in mind with three defenders, but we had a problem with our defender Leonardo. We brought in Jaílton at the last minute, and he actually came on well," he explained.
The coach hinted that he left Maracanã with a bitter taste in his mouth, due to the two-goal lead gained in the first half. "We went 2-0 up, but in the second half, we really accepted Vasco's style of play, of playing balls into the box," he commented.
Regarding the mixed team that took the field, Joel highlighted the quality of the players and said he's already thinking about the second half of the year. "I told them before the game that we're already looking at the group for the Brazilian Championship. We've put together a group with players we've invested heavily in, mixing in players from the 'nest', like Rodrigo Arroz and Aírton," he concluded.
GLOBO ESPORTE
'Now it's war,' says Joel
Flamengo coach predicts a difficult week with games against Cienciano and Botafogo
Eduardo Peixoto
A war, but in a good way. This is how coach Joel Santana summed up the week ahead for Flamengo. Next Wednesday, the team faces Cienciano in the 3.400 meters of Cuzco in the Libertadores. In the return leg, they face Botafogo on Sunday in the semifinals of the Taça Rio (watch the video below with highlights from the match against Vasco).
Third in Group 4 of the continental tournament, Flamengo needs at least a draw at altitude to secure a comfortable position in the group. A loss leaves the team on the brink of early elimination.
On the other hand, champion of the Guanabara Cup, the red-black team is two victories away from achieving the 30th state title in its history and thus equaling Fluminense for the first time.
With so many attractions, coach Joel Santana knows the importance of the upcoming matches.
"If we want anything from the Libertadores and Campeonato Carioca, we have to go to war now. But a war in the good sense, of course. We're two games away from the state title, and since our Libertadores group is now tight, we need points."
Indeed, both games will be filled with nerves. Flamengo created a tense atmosphere in Cuzco due to their struggle with the altitude. Meanwhile, the problem with Botafogo has been going on since the Guanabara Cup final, when the black and whites complained about the refereeing.
Fla regrets missed goals
The red-and-black team misses opportunities when winning and gives up a draw to Vasco
Eduardo Peixoto
Thiago Salles, Tardelli, and Marcinho. These players had the chance to score the third goal when Flamengo was leading Vasco 2-0 (watch the video below with highlights from the match). But their chances were wasted, the team retreated, and the opponent equalized.
Coach Joel Santana, who preferred to watch the classic from a press box, lamented the "mistake" in the finishing.
"We missed too many goals. We could have won the game in the first half, and we still had three or four goals in the second half," the coach declared.
Flamengo finished second in Group A of the Rio Cup and faces Botafogo next Sunday. Before that, the team faces Cienciano in the Libertadores Cup at 3.400 meters above sea level in Cusco.
With the wear and tear of the trip—the return to Rio is scheduled for Friday night—it's theoretically more beneficial for Flamengo to play on Sunday rather than Saturday. But Joel Santana prefers not to celebrate.
"Then we'll know what's best. Let's see how we get there. Both physically and morally," says Joel Santana.
Aírton's debut enchants Joel
Coach impressed with 18-year-old midfielder's performance for Flamengo
Eduardo Peixoto
When Aírton left the field with muscle pain, Flamengo was beating Vasco 2-0 and easily controlling the opponent's attack. Coincidentally, after the midfielder's departure, Flamengo's defense relaxed and conceded an equalizer.
In the press conference after the classic, coach Joel Santana praised the 18-year-old player's debut.
"We have great hope, especially for this defensive midfielder. He will be a very useful addition to our squad. He played with great personality and composure," says the coach.
A product of Nova Iguaçu, Aírton arrived at Gávea in January for the youth team. Within three months, he had earned a starting spot and impressed Joel Santana in a training session. He was "pushed" to the senior squad and earned his chance with the coach's decision to rest the starters for this derby.
- Aírton proved everything we saw in training - says coach Joel.
Scorer of one of Flamengo's goals, defender Rodrigo Arroz agrees that his teammate's departure was crucial to the draw.
- He was very well there in the middle and we felt when he left - he says.
Flamengo finished the Rio Cup in second place and faces Botafogo in one of the semifinals, next Sunday.
Proud Lomba parents watch the game
The father and mother of Flamengo's debut goalkeeper approve of their son's performance against Vasco
Fred Huber
Rose and Rubem Lomba proudly watch their son's debut as a starter for Flamengo
Sunday was special for the Lomba family, who went to Maracanã to watch 21-year-old Marcelo's debut as a starter for Flamengo in an official professional match. The player's father and advisor, Rubem Lomba, said he spoke with his son and he was calm before heading to Maracanã to face Vasco.
"My son is doing very well. We talked before the match, and he was calm. Marcelo is perfecting his profession and, most importantly, he's really hungry to win. I told him he doesn't have to be the best, but he has to give his best, always," he says.
Marcelo Lomba's father confessed that he was a Vasco fan, but as soon as his son went to Fla, he became a card-carrying Flamengo fan.
"I was a Vasco fan, but today I'm Marcelo Lomba Futebol Clube. Wherever Marcelo is, I'll be," he says.
Rose Mary Lomba, the athlete's mother, very proud, said that the opportunity was a reward for her son's daily effort at Gávea (watch the video with the good moments of the red-black goalkeeper on the side).
- I'm very proud. I think Marcelo is doing very well; it's a job he's been doing for ten years at Flamengo.
Vasco beats Fla in the juniors
In the preliminary round of the classic, the Cruzmaltino team wins 2-1. Both are classified
Eduardo Peixoto
Just like the professional competition, Flamengo and Vasco played a friendly match in the preliminary round at the Maracanã. Vasco came out on top, coming from behind to win 2-1. Both teams qualified for the Taça Rio semifinals by finishing first in their respective groups.
Rubro-Negro, the current three-time champion of the category, faces Resende. Vasco, in turn, will face Macaé. Fluminense won the Guanabara Cup.
With only two starters on the field (Davidson and Pedro Beda), Flamengo opened the scoring in the first half with Rafael Mazzei. However, in the second half, Vasco capitalized on gaps in the opposing defense and secured the victory with goals from Éder and Miguel.
The effects of altitude in Cuzco are already minor
Just over 24 hours after arriving in the city, the reporter is working normally in the city
Márcio Iannacca Special correspondent for GLOBOESPORTE.COM to Cuzco
Whether in a balloon or spray, extra oxygen is still the solution in Cusco
After suffering through the first few hours in Cuzco, mainly with a headache and nausea, the GLOBOESPORTE.COM reporter is no longer feeling the effects of the Peruvian city's 3.400-meter altitude. The second day in one of the highest places in the world was uneventful, with no scares or adjustment issues. It's worth noting that the routine isn't the same as that of Flamengo's players, for example, who will play 90 minutes of a Libertadores match, the continent's premier tournament, next Wednesday.
Early this Sunday morning, the reporter took a car and climbed another 200 meters to see Cuzco's main sights. Only at this point did the thin air make it difficult to continue the walk through one of the city's ruins. It was a bit of a hindrance, but nothing an oxygen spray couldn't fix. Recovered, the walk was peaceful and headache- and nausea-free.
In front of the Garcilaso de la Vega stadium, fear loomed. Whether or not to climb the stadium's steps to take photos. It was a difficult job. The climb to the stands was slow and peaceful, but the heavy breathing was immediately noticeable. A pause to recover, but again without any scares. A taxi driver's advice to drive slowly in Cuzco was followed, perhaps that's why the second day was easier than the first.
Next Wednesday, Flamengo and Cienciano face off in a Libertadores match. The game will be played at the 45-capacity Garcilaso de la Vega stadium. You can watch the match in real time on GLOBOESPORTE.COM, and Rede Globo will broadcast live to Rio de Janeiro.
Churches dot the landscape of Cuzco
Sanctuaries of the Franciscans and Jesuits are scattered throughout the Peruvian city
Márcio Iannacca Special correspondent for GLOBOESPORTE.COM in Cuzco
Cusco Cathedral, the city's main church, is located in the Plaza de Armas
When exploring Cuzco, located at 3.400 meters above sea level, tourists encounter something similar to the historic cities of Minas Gerais. Churches dot the landscape of this Peruvian city. Sanctuaries are held by a wide variety of groups, with the Franciscans and Jesuits holding the largest number in the city.
Cusco's Plaza de Armas houses the city's two most important churches: the Franciscan Cusco Cathedral and the Jesuit Society of Jesus. Besides these two, the Church of Merced also attracts the attention of those who stroll around the area.
This Sunday, the Plaza de Armas was closed. Both the Cuzco Cathedral and the Society of Jesus were holding two masses. The last day of the weekend is considered sacred for Cuzco residents. About a thousand people attended both shrines.
Next Wednesday, Flamengo arrives in the city to face Cienciano in the Copa Libertadores. If it depends on divine power and the churches, the Peruvian team will be well protected. However, the Rio de Janeiro team also arrives blessed by its patron saint, Saint Jude Thaddeus.
Garcilaso de la Vega's lawn is perfect
Flamengo players may feel the weight of the altitude, but there's no way to complain about the field.
Márcio Iannacca Special correspondent for GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Cuzco, Peru
The lawn at the Garcilaso de la Vega stadium in Cuzco has been approved.
Flamengo's board, coaching staff, and players may complain about the effects of Cusco, Peru's 3.400-meter altitude. However, no one can say anything bad about the condition of the pitch at Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium. The playing field is impeccable and well-maintained.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM visited the venue and confirmed that the red-and-black team will have no trouble passing the ball in Wednesday's Libertadores match. Unlike other South American fields, the grass at Garcilaso de la Vega is low, just as Brazilians prefer. The pitch is very similar to that of Maracanã. However, this could tire the players who will be playing above sea level.
The stadium's stands still don't meet FIFA standards. There are no chairs, and fans sit on the concrete. On the other hand, the radio booths, from the outside, appear to be first-class. The venue was closed and could not be photographed.
The benches are still old and lack the comfort athletes find in more modern stadiums. Like the radio booths, the locker rooms were closed, and the press was prohibited. Ultimately, the Garcilaso de la Vega stadium is approved for soccer practice.
Cienciano's board expects more than 40 people to attend Wednesday's game. Ticket prices range from 15 soles (R$9,50) to 50 soles (R$31).
Check out other photos of the Cienciano stadium:
The stands at the Garcilaso de la Vega stadium are made of cement and do not meet FIFA standards.
The benches at the Garcilaso de la Vega stadium are old and lack the comfort of more modern stadiums.
THROW
Vasco and Flamengo draw in an electrifying classic
Cruzmaltino will face Flu in the semifinal and Fla will face Botafogo
Jean escapes the opponent's marking (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
Diego Rodrigues RIO DE JANEIRO
Despite lacking much fanfare, this Sunday's Clássico dos Milhões between Flamengo and Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã stadium was electrifying. Flamengo, with a reserve team and without Joel Santana on the sidelines, took a 2-0 lead, but Vasco da Gama remained undeterred and tied the game at 2-2. Marcinho and Rodrigo Arroz gave the Gávea team the lead. Alan Kardec and Jorge Luiz equalized.
Flamengo will face Botafogo in the Taça Rio semifinal next weekend, but they have a crucial match on Wednesday against Cienciano in Cuzco, Peru. The team travels to Lima on Monday, where they will remain in training until the match. Antônio Lopes will have the entire week to prepare the team for the semifinal against Fluminense.
With Edmundo and Jean leading the team's formation, Vasco started the game better and with more play. However, the team was disorganized and failed to create any clear scoring chances. Meanwhile, Flamengo's "express" side took advantage of the team's lack of creativity and exploited counterattacks.
Playing in midfield, Jean moved well and tried to settle the match on his own, as the rest of the team seemed ineffective. But one of his attempts to put Vasco ahead ended up resulting in a goal for the opponent. He lost the ball in the attacking half, allowing Diergo Tardelli, Flamengo's most active player, to exploit the red-and-black side's most exploited play: the counterattack. And after the striker's poor shot, the ball fell to Marcinho to score his eighth goal of the season.
Vasco felt the goal and, barely recovered from the shock, watched Flamengo extend their lead. Maxi crossed, and Rodrigo Arroz made it 2-0. However, the score difference woke Vasco up. Antônio Lopes took off Calisto, who was struggling in the match, and brought on Alex Teixeira. The change helped the Giant of the Hill improve on the field. However, the team was hampered by Flamengo's marking and was unable to convert their superiority into goals.
The second half began, and the storyline was the same as the first: Vasco pressing and Flamengo counterattacking. But unlike the first half, the Giant of the Hill managed to break through goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba's block, who was very confident on the field. Edmundo crossed from the right, and Alan Kardec, alone and very flustered, pulled one back for the team from São Januário.
The pressure continued, and the equalizer came through Jorge Luiz. After a corner kick, the defender headed the ball into the back of the net, leveling the score. Despite the pressure in the final minutes, Vasco failed to live up to its nickname "The Comeback Team."
At Flamengo, Bota only after Wednesday
Players turn their attention to the game against Cienciano (PER), for the Libertadores
After a draw with Vasco, Flamengo thinks about the Libertares (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
LANCEPRESS!
If the Vasco derby against Flamengo was worth anything, it was determining the Rubro-Negro's position in Group A of the Rio Cup. With a 2-2 draw and Fluminense's 4-0 victory over Madureira, the Gávea club finished second in the group and will face Botafogo in the semifinals of the first half.
Meanwhile, the club's focus is on the Copa Libertadores, where the team faces Cienciano this Wednesday in Peru, needing a victory to maintain a good chance of qualifying for the round of 16. Therefore, the players prefer to postpone the analysis of their next opponent in the Taça Rio until later.
"First we have to think about the Libertadores, the game on Wednesday. Then, after that, we'll think about Botafogo," said Flamengo defender Thiago Salles at the end of the match against Vasco da Gama this Sunday at Maracanã, which concluded the qualifying phase of the first round.
Coach Joel Santana, in turn, also did not go into details about the opponent for a spot in the Taça Rio final - if they are champions, Flamengo will take the state championship, as they won the Taça Guanabara, in a controversial decision against the General Severiano team itself.
"It doesn't matter who your opponent is. A, B, or C are all big clubs," said coach Joel Santana.
The coach, however, celebrated the fact that the team was playing on Sunday (Botafogo, the top scorer in the second half, has this right, according to the regulations).
- We'll have one more day to rest - he said, already thinking about Wednesday's match against Cienciano.
Marcinho is Fla's top scorer in the State Championship
Defender Rodrigo Arroz scores for the first time in a Flamengo shirt
Marcinho and Rodrigo Arroz scored Flamengo's goals in the classic against Vasco (Credit: Lancepress)
LANCEPRESS!
The classic between Vasco and Flamengo this Sunday at Maracanã didn't attract many fans (fewer than 20 people attended). However, two Flamengo players, due to different interpretations of the same act—the goal—left the match happy.
The 2-2 draw left the Gávea club in second place in Group A of the Rio Cup, and the goal that opened the scoring in the game, ten minutes into the first half, gave Marcinho the team's top scorer in the State, alongside Souza, with five goals - the attacking midfielder already has eight in 2008.
"I'm glad I managed to score another goal. The team's spirit is high," the player declared at the end of the first half of the match, when Flamengo was leading Vasco 2-0.
The scorer of the second goal, in the 12th minute, also reached a milestone when he found the net: his first goal for Flamengo. Defender Rodrigo Arroz, who has been with the club since 2005,
"I'm very happy. I dedicate it to all the Flamengo fans," the defender said, also celebrating as he left the pitch for the locker room after the first half of the match.
In the Rio Cup semifinals, the red-and-black team will face Botafogo in a single match for a spot in the final. If they win the title, the red-and-black team will be the state champion, having won the Guanabara Cup.
Goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba is already thinking about the Libertadores
Goalkeeper is praised by Joel Santana after the classic against Vasco\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo's starting goalkeeper after a year and a half and for the third time as a professional, goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba had a good performance in the 2-2 draw with Vasco, this Sunday, in the last round of the Taça Rio.
The player was praised by coach Joel Santana after the game.
"We were balanced, using some players to keep others going and to create rhythm. Thiago Salles did well, as did Aírton, and our goalkeeper Marcelo," the Flamengo coach highlighted.
The goalkeeper analyzed the classic regretting the result, but already thinking about the red-black commitment in the middle of the week, against Cienciano (PER), away from home, for the Libertadores, even though he is the third in the squad in the position.
"It was a tough game. We were two up and unfortunately let Vasco equalize. The important thing is that we're through, and now, on Wednesday, we have a final," Marcelo Lomba said.
Without rebellion, Rodrigo Arroz is happy with his space
Flamengo defender praises the starting central defense duo, Fábio Luciano and Angelim
Rodrigo Arroz celebrates his first goal wearing the Flamengo shirt (Credit: Gilvan de Souza)
LANCEPRESS!
Scorer of Flamengo's second goal in the 2-2 draw with Vasco, at Maracanã, this Sunday, defender Rodrigo Arroz was calm about his status as a reserve within the red-black group.
"I'm happy, but of course I want my place. I try to follow a line, unlike some who seek the side of defiance and clash head-on. I'm a Flamengo employee and I follow orders. You can always count on me," the player declared.
Having played for Flamengo since 2005, the 24-year-old scored his first goal for Flamengo in this derby and expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, despite not winning. Regarding his chances, the player is aware that a starting spot will be difficult.
"We (the reserves) have few opportunities because Joel has a well-formed starting lineup. But when we wear this jersey, regardless of the situation, we fight hard, and today was no different. I think overall, we did well, even with the second-half slump," analyzed Rodrigo Arrico.
Regarding the current starters of the red-black defense, Fábio Luciano, team captain, and Ronaldo Angelim, the defender has nothing but praise and leaves his message for the coach of the Gávea team, Joel Santana.
"Fabio and Angelim are in sync and playing well. And Joel or any other Flamengo professional can always count on me," the defender declared.