THE GLOBE

Fla fights for 12 years of invincibility \ Flamengo hasn't lost to Sport at Ilha do Retiro in 12 years. Today at 16 p.m., the team will try to maintain its strong record and strive for a victory that could vault them into the top four of the Brazilian league. The Pernambuco club's last victory was 1-0 in 1997. \ The favorable numbers, however, don't fool coach Cuca. Yesterday, he warned the players about the challenge of facing Sport in Recife, motivated by coach Leão's debut in charge of the Pernambuco team. \ "Statistics don't matter. If we want to do well in the Brazilian Championship, we have to run a lot, play with quality and technique. That's how we get the three points." \ For the coach, a draw in Brazilian league matches isn't exactly a good deal. The ideal is to win and accumulate points in the competition. \ "When you draw, whether playing away or at home, you get one point, your opponent gets the other, and the third point, which no one else took, goes to the other competitors. Therefore, it's important for the team to always strive for victory and accumulate points game by game," he concludes. \ Sport: Magrão, Moacir, César, Durval and Dutra; Igor, Sandro Goiano, Fumagalli and Luciano Henrique; Wilson and Weldon. Flamengo: Bruno, Welinton, Airton and Ronaldo Angelim; Léo Moura, Toró, Ibson, Willians and Juan; Emerson and Adriano: Referee: Cléber Abade (SP). \ TRANSMISSION: Globo and Bandeirantes Networks and Globo and CBN Radios \

Fernando Calazans

Full stadiums \ The other day, a statement from Cuca confused me. He said, around the middle of last week, that Adriano's recovery must be done very carefully, "gradually." I agree. The confusion in my head stemmed from the fact that, in the debut against Atlético Paranaense, Adriano played from the first second to the last, without a second to turn. I can't understand it. \ After leaving Adriano on the field the entire time, Cuca says his return must be carefully considered. Got it? \ What will happen next, in the game against Sport, a tough game, tough in both directions? Besides being a tough opponent, especially on their own turf, Sport usually delivers a good blow. At least the Sport of Professor Nelsinho Baptista, who left the club. The teams of Professor Leão, who joined, tend not to be much different. \ Even out of shape, the truth is that Adriano's debut was good. Today, after Cuca's words, we don't know how long the striker will stay on the field. Whether it's a long or short time, Adriano is Flamengo's star player and one of the stars of this Brazilian Championship. He's already filling stadiums. \

SPORTS JOURNAL

Fla will play international friendlies

After the possibility of facing Corinthians in a match in Palestine, Flamengo has another opponent for an international friendly. But this time, the opponent, not the venue, will be foreign. The Nicaraguan national team announced that it will play six friendlies against Brazilian teams, including Flamengo and Fluminense, as part of its preparation for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will be held in July in the United States. The matches will be played in Rio de Janeiro, between June 9th and 29th, also against Friburguense, Artsul, Nova Iguaçu, and CFZ.\ Regarding the match to be played in Palestine, the red-and-black club will hold a press conference tomorrow. The date has not yet been set, but the match is scheduled for the end of November. The match is part of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' program, which aims to use sports as a diplomatic tool for the country abroad.\ "It's a long way off. If it happens, it will be in November. Let's wait. I'm in favor. I don't know Palestiva, let's go," says coach Cuca. \

All for the teacher

Cuca's birthday is coming and the players want to give him the gift of a victory against Sport

Thiago Barros

Recife - Alexi Stival Beludo turns 46 today. At first, this statement might seem unrelated to the match between Flamengo and Sport, scheduled for 16 p.m. at Ilha do Retiro, for the fifth round of the 2009 Brazilian Championship. How wrong you are. Alexi Stival is none other than Cuca, coach of the Rio de Janeiro club, who wants his players to present a victory soon.\ A positive result is much more than a gift for the coach. Cuca knows that one of the ways to stay in the running for the Brazilian title, besides doing his homework, is to steal points from his opponents away from home. And in this Sunday's match, the team will have a good chance to do so.\ "In the past, it was good to draw away from home because a win was worth two points. The loss wasn't as great. Today, when you draw, you get one point, the other goes to your opponent, and one is thrown away," says the coach.\ The coach hopes that Flamengo will continue to accumulate points, climb positions and create that famous margin of difference over its opponents before the traditional period of instability in the competition, which is long, arrives.\ "You always imagine being first. In 2007, with Botafogo, we led the championship for an entire half-year and suddenly everything changed. We lost players and didn't have the strength to react. All teams go through this, through a period of instability. I think it was only in 2003 that Cruzeiro always led," added the Sunday birthday boy.\ Emperor\ In his first away game after agreeing to return to Flamengo, Adriano is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes. The Emperor starts the match, wearing the number 27 on his back, but is expected to be substituted in the second half to avoid excessive fatigue.\ "He'll improve game by game. He's a strong player, so he has to be in good physical shape. Every match will demand a lot from him. He might only play part of the match against Sport. Just because he played 90 minutes in his debut doesn't mean he has to repeat that. We'll have to assess his performance in every match," explains Cuca.\ During the week, the marketing department considered the idea of ​​Adriano using the number 87 shirt, a reference to the year that Sport and Fla were declared Brazilian champions. The idea, however, was not well received because of the negative reaction it would provoke among the fans present at Ilha do Retiro and the player's will prevailed. \

Airton is the heir of Fábio Luciano

Rio de Janeiro – Following the retirement of Fábio Luciano, who hung up his boots during the Campeonato Carioca final against Botafogo, two positions were left open on Cuca's team: captain and center-back. \ The armband found a new owner who never let it go: goalkeeper Bruno. The other armband was harder for the players to win. Defender Wellinton and right-back Everton Silva had chances to inherit the position vacated by Fábio Luciano, but the one who pleased the coach most was young Airton.\ The player, a defensive midfielder by trade, was developed by Nova Iguaçu and signed by Flamengo in 2008 to play in the club's youth academy. Last year, Airton was integrated into the first team by then-coach Joel Santana and was tested a few times in defense. \ It was no different with Cuca. The 19-year-old midfielder was the solution found to replace one of the fans' idols in recent years.\ "I was surprised by my good performances. I'd never played as a defender before, and I'm doing well," says the defensive midfielder proudly.\ Even though he pleases the coach, who is not considering taking him out of defense for now, Airton prefers to play as a defensive midfielder.\ "I prefer playing in my original position. But I'll play wherever Cuca puts me," he declares.\

Willians will take on Kleberson's role

Rio de Janeiro – In the absence of Kléberson, who was called up by Dunga for the World Cup Qualifiers and the Confederations Cup, coach Cuca will select midfielder Willians to play the role of Gávea's number 15.\ Willians's defining characteristic is his strong and relentless marking throughout the 90 minutes, but now he'll be playing further upfield and will have greater freedom to attack. This isn't a concern for the player, who is confident he can put in a strong performance against Sporting this Sunday at Ilha do Retiro.\ "I'll play almost like an attacking midfielder. But that's okay. I'll try to do my best and help the team. Cuca gave me more freedom to help, and I'll fulfill that role because I know I can," says the number 8.\ Flamengo will be without Kléberson for a while, and the team's next two matches are away from home. This Sunday in Recife and on the 14th in Paraná, when the team faces Coritiba. Willians knows exactly what the team needs in these two matches, which, for him, will be decisive for the championship.\ "These will be two very important games for our ambitions in this competition. We know how important it is to score points away from home, and we have to go for at least four points," says the midfielder.\ Flamengo has seven points in the Brazilian Championship and is sixth in the standings. The leader is Internacional, who has 12 points.\

THE DAY

Emperor will face the beast

In his second match in charge of Flamengo's attack, Adriano will face the strong Sport team, motivated by the debut of coach Leão

BY JANIR JUNIOR, RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio - After celebrating and scoring in his return, Adriano prepares for his second act this Sunday against Sport, at 16 p.m., at Ilha do Retiro. Still far from full fitness, the Emperor will form a strike partnership with 'sheik' Emerson in the match that will mark Leão's debut as coach of the Rubro-Negro de Recife, which has yet to win in the Brazilian Championship. \ "Compared to the first game, I believe Adriano's mobility will improve. His chemistry will also gradually improve," Cuca believes. \ Even away from home, the coach says the team's focus is on winning. "A draw was good when a win was worth two points. Now, when we draw, we're giving points to other teams," said Cuca, who knows that the pressure at Ilha do Retiro and the poor pitch could be obstacles for the team.\ The coach's goal is to win and reach the top of the table. But even if the team gets close to the top of the table, Cuca warns. "When I was at Botafogo, we took first place, with a good lead. Then, we lost players and didn't have the strength to maintain the momentum. All teams go through periods of instability. That's why we need to accumulate points," the coach emphasizes. \ Even then, he doesn't do the math. "I prefer to take it game by game. We have to win to get promoted, it's simple," he added. \ In addition to the goal hopes placed on Adriano, Cuca demanded that the team mark the ball out under pressure and also take advantage of the plays of balls aerial and free kicks. “To win, we will have to correr a lot. Sport will be motivated by the Lion's debut, and will also have the advantage to play at home. It will be a good game,” predicts Cuca. \ After this Sunday's match, Flamengo will have another away match: Sunday against Coritiba at Couto Pereira. The next match at Maracanã will be on the 21st, against Internacional, when Petkovic should already be cleared to play. While the foreigner is out of action, it's up to the Emperor to reign supreme at the Rubro-Negro.\

Last defeat in 1997\ Flamengo has not lost to Sport at Ilha do Retiro since 1997, when they were defeated 1-0, with a goal by Leonardo\ 12 victories in Brazilian Championships\ The two teams have faced each other 24 times in the Brasileirões, with 12 wins for Flamengo, four draws and eight defeats.\

Adriano will wear the number 27 shirt

Recife - In the number rotation that will take place until the final choice of his number, which should happen on July 1st, Adriano should enter the field today with the number 27, the age of the Emperor. In the debut, Sunday, against Atlético-PR, the attacker used the 29 and left his mark. The shirts will be put up for auction soon. \ In recent days, the marketing department considered the possibility of having Adriano take to the field with the number 87, in reference to the year that Sport and Flamengo were declared Brazilian champions.\ A idea It didn't go ahead because of the negative reaction it would provoke among the fans present at Ilha do Retiro. The number 27 was probably chosen because that's Adriano's current age.\

SPORTS GAZETTE

In Leão's debut, Sport and Flamengo launch the "six points" project

Gazeta Press - Recife (PE)

Flamengo faces Sport this Sunday at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at Ilha do Retiro, a match that marks the beginning of both teams' plans to earn six points in their next two matches. The Rio de Janeiro team, aiming to close the gap on the leaders, promises to fight for victories in the next away match. Meanwhile, the Pernambuco team is making its debut with Émerson Leão and wants to take advantage of both. games in Recife to get the team out of the relegation zone.

After the Recife Red-Blacks, the three-time Rio de Janeiro champions, who have seven points after four rounds, travel to Paraná to face Coritiba. The Northeasterners, who have just two points, welcome Atlético-PR to their home stadium after facing Flamengo.

Cuca urged his players not to rush into the fight for victory. The coach noted that Sport is a very dangerous team, especially on the counterattack. The concern is not to leave themselves too exposed when launching themselves into the opponent's half.

"Flamengo will definitely be looking for a win, as we know we have the potential to do so. But we can't be hasty, as Sport has a very high-quality team, is very strong playing at home, and also needs to get a result. We'll have to be offensive, but without neglecting our defense, as any mistake will be fatal," predicted the coach.

Flamengo's players agree with their coach when it comes to the caution they'll need to take at Ilha do Retiro. Experienced, Bruno believes the path to success lies in containing the Pernambuco team's initial momentum. "Sport is under pressure due to the need for a positive result, and playing at Ilha do Retiro, they'll certainly go out and win," he predicted.

"It will be up to Flamengo to contain their momentum, especially in the first few minutes, to gradually sap their spirits. With the goal taking so long to come, the fans will get impatient and we'll be able to impose our style of play," the goalkeeper added.

For this match, Cuca will make one change from the lineup that defeated Atlético-PR 2-1 in the previous round. Defender Welinton replaces midfielder Kléberson, who is on international duty with the Brazilian national team. This means Willians returns to midfield.

On Sport's side, Émerson Leão believes that it won't be very complicated to get the Pernambuco team back to the performance it had shown at the beginning of the season, when it was state champion and had a good campaign in the Copa LibertadoresBut he wants to win quickly so he can have peace of mind to work.

"This team has been receiving a lot of praise across the country, from fans and those who live in the football world. This hasn't even been a month. Those on the roster certainly haven't forgotten how to play great football. I trust the players here and I'm sure we can start this walking with a triumph against Flamengo", the commander bet.

The coach hasn't officially confirmed the lineup, but he'll use a 4-4-2 formation. It's a bit of a stretch for defender Igor, who's expected to be sidelined. Midfielder Elizeu is expected to take the place of Hamilton, who was sent off in the 2-2 draw with Botafogo last round.

Eliseu, named as a starter by Leão, leaves Sport

Recife PE)

A rising star of Sport's youth academy, midfielder Eliseu was set to make his professional debut this Sunday at 16 p.m., when the Pernambuco team faced Flamengo at Ilha do Retiro. Previously named in the starting lineup, the player missed Saturday's training session and refused to give the club's board an explanation. Enraged, the athlete threatened to sue the team in ordinary court, complaining about the non-payment of his FGTS (Fund for Severance Indemnity Fund).

According to Sport president Sílvio Guimarães, the player could not abandon his athletic obligations and stated that he owed nothing to Eliseu. The president also considered the alleged influence of Luis Galante, entrepreneur of the steering wheel, to force the steering wheel to turn off.

According to director Guilherme Beltrão, the club tried to prevent the player from boarding a flight to São Paulo. However, the midfielder and his family departed for the Southeast and left Ilha do Retiro. Beltrão believes the agent allegedly paid off the young athlete's relatives, who convinced him to leave. Sports.

With the absence, Leão improvised defender Igor in the vacancy Eliseu. The experienced player had been left out of the last training session by Sport's new manager, but returned to the starting lineup a day later in place of the young midfielder.

PELENET

If asked, Cuca would tell Airton to pursue a career as a defender.

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

A defensive midfielder by trade, Airton has been a makeshift defender for Flamengo since Fábio Luciano retired after the state title. His solid performances led coach Cuca to firmly establish him as a starter alongside Ronaldo Angelim. According to the coach, he could permanently switch positions.\ "I never went up to him and told him to forget about playing midfielder, but if he ever asks my opinion, I'll tell him to stick with center-back. Airton marks well, with strength and without being unfair. He's also very good in the air," the manager assessed.\ "He really surprised and filled the space left by Fábio Luciano well. Despite his young age [19 years old], he is very mature and doesn't rush with the ball. That's why he's been performing so well," added Cuca.\ Airton, who was tried and acquitted after stepping on Internacional striker Nilmar, will continue to start this Sunday's game against Sport, at Ilha do Retiro, in the fifth round of the Brazilian Championship.\ Flamengo should play with: Bruno; Leonardo Mora, Airton, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Toró, Williams, Ibson and Everton; Emerson and Adriano.\ one more option\ Flamengo has successfully registered defender Fabricio with the CBF, and he will be an option on the bench for the match against the Pernambuco club. The player, who was on loan to Hoffenheim in Germany, has never played professionally for Flamengo.\

GLOBOESPORTE

Emerson: The Arab king accidentally becomes a sheik at Flamengo

In Qatar, the striker was treated like a celebrity. He left behind millions of dollars betting on the red-and-black dream.

Eduardo Peixoto Direct from Recife

Emerson waves before going up to the room at the hotel where Fla is staying in Recife

In Emerson's hands, a piece of letterhead from the United Arab Emirates guaranteed over US$5 million (approximately R$10 million) for a one-year contract. He looked at it, considered it, and rejected the offer. He chose Flamengo instead, signing this week until July 2011, for much more modest amounts. \ In a cold analysis, how can you discard millions and millions of dollars? He explains it himself. \ - A friend of mine says you don't mess with money. But the decision was made, thought through, and I don't regret it.\

He spent 11 years in "exile" between Japan and Qatar, with a brief stint in France. At 30, he decided to return. He traded his royal status in Doha for the chance to finally live in the state where he was born and fulfill his dream of playing for his childhood club. \ "In Qatar, God was in heaven and Emerson was on earth. No joke. The owner of the country was the sheikh of my club (Al-Sadd). He adored me. At every family wedding, I was there in a suit, watching everything," declared Emerson. \ Check out Sheik's full interview: \

GLOBOESPORTE.COM Why did you decide to stay at Flamengo?

Emerson: The first factor was the connection I felt here. I was away for 11 years and came back to the right place. I had a long conversation with my family. My children are in school, and I wouldn't want them to leave now. Being closer to my mother (Carmem, 63) also influenced my decision. \ When you arrived, you said you were an unknown in Brazil, looking for affirmation. Has recognition on the streets changed? \

Yes, but nothing that scares me. Everyone calls me Sheik. I'm not a fan of the nickname, but it stuck. The other day I met a fan at the mall and he said, "Now Flamengo has the Emperor, the Sheik, and King Arthur." He was referring to Arthuro, who was just signed. I thought that was really cool (laughs). \ The game against Sport in Recife always has an extra aspect of rivalry because of the 1987 Brazilian title... \

Yes, that question remains in the air. But the title is definitely ours. This Sunday's game has nothing to do with that dispute. These are different players, a different era. It's normal for their fans to boo us. It's part of every match. \ And the duo Sheik and Emperor? \

For me, it doesn't exist. Here, it's Imperador and Emerson (laughs). Adriano is a player with a presence in the box. He holds the attention of at least two opponents and creates space for me. \ From the moment Adriano introduced himself, all eyes were on him. Did this somehow cause jealousy within the group? \

We've never had this feeling. And I think I can speak for everyone. They're not honoring an ordinary player. They're honoring Adriano, the Emperor. A victorious guy who had problems and is turning things around. \ How does Adriano deal with this overexposure in the media? \

He's a very straightforward guy. He treats everyone the same. Adriano quickly won over our group.

Instead of the lawn, Flamengo prepares on the hotel's marble

The team does a quick warm-up in the convention room, aiming for the match against Sport, this Sunday.

Eduardo Peixoto Direct from Recife

Flamengo canceled its training session this Saturday and held an impromptu activity in the convention center of its hotel in the Boa Viagem neighborhood of Recife. For 20 minutes, fitness trainer Riva Carli led stretching and sprints on the marble floor.

Adriano also participated in the mini-training session. He's confirmed in the starting lineup for the match against Sport on Sunday at Ilha do Retiro, in the fifth round of the Brasileirão. GLOBOESPORTE.COM is covering the match in real time with videos. Globo TV and Rádio Globo will broadcast it.

To get to know Palestine, Cuca would accept facing Corinthians outside Brazil

However, the coach prefers to wait to think about the possible duel

Richard Souza Rio de Janeiro

Cuca during a press conference at CT

The Union's idea of ​​promoting the second round duel of the Brasileirão, between the Corinthians, by Ronaldo, and the FlamengoAdriano's match, for the 37th round in Palestine, pleases coach Cuca. While the date has not yet been set, the match is scheduled for the weekend of November 28th. The match on international soil would be part of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' program, which aims to use sports as a diplomatic tool for the country abroad. For the clubs, the event could represent a showcase for invitations. All costs would be covered by the Brazilian government. Given the possibility, Cuca is in favor. \ "It's a long way off. If it happens, it will be in November. Let's wait. I'm in favor. I don't know Palestiva, let's go (laughs)," he said. \ The "Peace Game" is still subject to finalization, and a formal request must be made to the clubs. Flamengo and Corinthians presidents Marcio Braga and Andrés Sanches, respectively; the Rio de Janeiro club's vice president of football and vice president of general management, Kleber Leite and Delair Dumbrosk; and Corinthians' vice president of marketing, Luiz Paulo Rosenberg, will attend a luncheon next Monday to finalize the details.\

Before instability reaches the team, Cuca wants to accumulate points

Coach cites negative experience with Botafogo in 2007 as a lesson

Richard Souza Rio de Janeiro

Cuca guides Emerson during training

Cloudy sky, with heavy clouds, and rain showers at the end of the BrasileirãoThis is the prediction that coach Cuca doesn't want to hear from Gávea this season. Close to the G-4, the commander of Flamengo is thinking about nothing else but climbing the table. With seven points, Rubro-Negro could finish the fifth round in the qualifying zone for the Copa Libertadores. He is currently seventh and is five behind the International leader. \ Cuca knows that one way to stay in the title race is to steal points from opponents away from home. The team will have two chances. The first is this Sunday against Sports, at Ilha do Retiro. The second will be the following weekend, in Curitiba, against Coritiba. The coach emphasizes that the team goes into these two games looking to earn six points. The thesis is simple. \ "It used to be good to draw away from home because a win was worth two points. The loss wasn't as great. Today, when you draw, you get one point, the other goes to your opponent, and one is thrown away," he said. \

Cuca knows what it's like to lead much of the Brasileirão and then see it all fall apart. The negative experience the coach himself mentions occurred two years ago. Burned out, he wants to have some fat to burn as a precaution in case Flamengo goes through a bad spell that jeopardizes its campaign. \ "You always imagine being first. In 2007, with Botafogo, we led the championship for an entire half-year, and suddenly everything changed. We lost players and didn't have the strength to react. Every team goes through this, a period of instability. I think it was only in 2003 that Cruzeiro consistently led," he recalled. \

Fabrício is released by the CBF and reinforces the Fla delegation in Recife

The defender travels with the rest of the Flamengo squad. Aleílson is also included in the squad by coach Cuca.

Eduardo Peixoto Direct from Recife

When he returned from his loan at Hoffenheim in Germany, Fabrício was told that he could only play for Flamengo in August, when the international transfer window reopened. However, the Rio de Janeiro club managed to register him with the CBF, and coach Cuca included the defender in the delegation in Recife.

At 19, the player has never played for the Rubro-Negro's professional team. Having emerged in the youth ranks, he was loaned to Paraná in 2008 and was in Germany this year. In this Sunday's match for Brasileirão, against Sports, at Ilha do Retiro, he will be on the bench.

Another player who could make his Flamengo debut is Aleílson. The striker, signed from Águia de Marabá, will be one of the attacking options to replace Adriano and Emerson.

Check out the list of 19 players named by coach Cuca

Goalkeepers: Bruno and Marcelo Lomba

Fullbacks: Léo Moura, Juan and Everton Silva

Defenders: Ronaldo Angelim, Aírton, Welinton and Fabrício

Defensive midfielders: Willians and Toró

Midfielders: Ibson, Fierro, Everton and Zé Roberto

Attackers: Adriano, Emerson, Josiel and Aleílson

Cuca would advise Aírton to change his role permanently

Improvised in defense, the midfielder has caught the coach's attention

Richard Souza Rio de Janeiro

Aírton explains how the situation with Nilmar went

Aírton is experiencing a new phase in FlamengoAt 19 years old, the midfielder has been playing as a center-back since the beginning of the season. Coach Cuca's request was promptly granted, despite never having played that role. Because he performed well, he gained even more space and responsibility with Fábio Luciano's retirement. In the coach's opinion, he has seized the opportunity. \ "He's playing as a second defender alongside Angelim. He's a good aerial player and is making the most of the space left by Fábio Luciano," he said. \ If it was already necessary to play hard as a defensive midfielder, the focus is even greater in defense. However, Aírton needs to be careful with the amount of force he applies in plays. Last Monday, he was tried and acquitted in the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) for a step he placed on Nilmar in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals against Internacional. Cuca defends the red-and-black team and doesn't consider him a violent player. \ "He's played with strength, but with loyalty. Especially since the TV broadcast catches everything. That move of his (with Nilmar) was unintentional. That's why the Court acquitted him," he commented. \

He's so pleased with Aírton's performance that Cuca has even considered advising the defender to change roles. But only if he's approached. \ "I never told him to change positions and play center-back. If he ever asks my opinion, I'll tell him to stay in that role," he said. \ This Sunday, defender Aírton will be in action against Sports, for the fifth round of the Brasileirão. The teams face each other at 16 pm (Brasília time), at Ilha do Retiro, in Recife.\

THROW

Thiago Sales goes to Coritiba

Flamengo defender will be loaned until the end of the year

LANCEPRESS!

Little used by coach Cuca this season, defender Thiago Sales was loaned by Flamengo to Coritiba until the end of 2009. The goal of the red-black board is to keep the player active.

– It's good for Flamengo that Thiago has a sequence of games this season – said director Plínio Serpa Pinto.

Thiago Sales will report to Coritiba on Tuesday. Douglas will also be out of the squad. The defender terminated his contract and is expected to report to Santo André early this week.

Bruno doesn't lose hope of being called up

Goalkeeper remembers that he managed to grow in life and that he just has to wait

LANCEPRESS!

Bruno is in the same city where the national team will play against Paraguay on Wednesday. But it won't be in Recife that the goalkeeper will be able to fulfill his dream of wearing the Brazilian jersey.

Despite the disappointment of not being on Dunga's list, Bruno hasn't lost hope and prefers to praise what he has already achieved.

"Four years ago, I was riding the bus and had nothing in my life. Today, I'm a starter for Flamengo and have a contract that allows me to help my family. If the opportunity doesn't come, I can only wait and not make a fuss. That won't affect Sunday," Bruno told Rádio Tupi.

Flamengo seeks third victory in the Brazilian Championship

The club will face Sport, in Recife, which will see Leão's debut

LANCEPRESS!

Flamengo has the chance this Sunday to finally get going in the Brazilian Championship and prove they have what it takes to challenge for the title they haven't won in 17 years. Their opponent will be Sport, at Ilha do Retiro, at 16 p.m. The Pernambuco club, meanwhile, is still searching for its first win and has the return of coach Leão as a trump card.

Adriano's arrival has boosted Flamengo's momentum, as they're on a two-game winning streak and could finish the fifth round of the competition in the top four. After a strong debut against Atlético Paranaense, the Emperor is confirmed for Cuca's team and will partner with Emerson.

Due to Kleberson's move to the Brazilian national team, coach Cuca was forced to make a change in the lineup, which resulted in changes to two areas of the team. Welinton came in as a third defender, and Willians returned to the defensive midfield position.

The last time Flamengo faced Sport in Recife brings back fond memories for the Rio de Janeiro natives. With two goals from Obina, one in the 47th minute of the second half, Flamengo secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

Sport's expectation is to defeat its biggest rival outside the state of Pernambuco, because every time it faces Flamengo, the 1987 Brazilian Championship title resurfaces. Both claim that year's trophy, and the controversy is once again being discussed by Flamengo fans from Recife and Rio.

Coach Emerson Leão was Sport's coach in 1987. With Hamilton suspended, César took the defensive spot, with Igor moving up to midfield. The 3-5-2 formation under Nelsinho Baptista changed to a 4-4-2.

"I told the players that I want the attitude of a team that started the year winning. Sport hasn't won in the Brazilian league yet, and we have two home matches to change that (Flamengo and Atlético-PR)," said Emerson Leão.

Adriano will wear the number 27 shirt

Emperor chooses number of his current age for this Sunday's game

LANCEPRESS!

Neither 87 nor 81. Adriano will play against Sport, this Sunday, at Ilha do Retiro wearing the number 27 shirt. The number has to do with the Emperor's age (27 years old) and was his own choice.

Although the marketing department liked the idea of ​​Adriano wearing the number 87, the option was discarded due to concerns about the reaction of Sport fans. The number was said to be a reference to the 87 Brazilian title, in which both clubs claimed to be champions.

Until July 5th, Adriano's jersey number will be different. During this period, Flamengo will face Coritiba, Internacional, and Fluminense. Against Vitória, at Maracanã, the Emperor will wear the number of the fans' choice: 9 or 10.

Fabrício is related to Flamengo

Defender will be on the bench against Sport

LANCEPRESS!

For the first time since returning from Germany, Fabrício is in the squad for a game. Flamengo secured the defender's release from the CBF so he could play before the international transfer window closes in August.

Fabrício returned on loan to Hoffenheim at the end of May. The German club declined to sign him, as Flamengo had hoped. The defender trained separately for a while to regain his fitness.

Aírton is a defender in development at Flamengo

The player is establishing himself in defense despite preferring to play in the middle. Cuca believes he's taking advantage of the space left by Fábio Luciano.

LANCEPRESS!

In his second year as a professional, Aírton has established himself in a position he didn't expect. The defensive midfielder was improvised by Cuca in defense and is managing to make sure the fans don't miss captain Fábio Luciano, who retired.

An important feat, considering that Flamengo boasted of having one of the best defensive pairings in Brazil.

Aírton, a product of Nova Iguaçu, went on to play in Flamengo's youth academy. Soon, the quiet midfielder caught the attention of Joel Santana, who integrated him into the professional squad. Under the coach, he was occasionally used as a third center-back in 2008, but it was this year that he began playing more frequently in that role.

As a third defender, Aírton became the solution found by Cuca to replace Fábio Luciano. The midfielder was approved by the coach and he did not expect that he would do so well in the new role.

"I was surprised by my good performances in that position. I'd never played as a defender before, and I'm doing well," said Aírton, who, despite his good performances, isn't considering becoming a defender. "It will depend on the coach. I prefer playing my original position. But I'll play wherever the coach puts me."

If Cuca has his way, Aírton won't be leaving the defense for a while. The coach even noted that another player has been filling the role that was previously the defensive midfielder.

"I don't see Aírton as a third center-back anymore. He's playing as a second, alongside Ronaldo Angelim, with Willians playing as a third center-back. He's making good use of the space left by Fábio Luciano," he said.

After losing Fábio Luciano, Cuca decided to test Aírton. The coach recognized the midfielder's characteristics that he considers essential for a good defender.

"He has a lot of responsibility, he's good in the air, has good vision and positioning. He's looking for his space. So, I felt he fit right in," explained the coach.