THE GLOBE
Fla thrashes and takes the lead
With a show by Marcinho, the team beats Figueirense 5-0 and cheers for Vasco today
Photo caption: MARCINHO CELEBRATES the first of the three goals he scored in Fla's rout
Flamengo provisionally took the lead in the Brazilian Championship after thrashing Figueirense 5-0 last night at the Maracanã. The club now has 13 points from five games and maintained an eight-month unbeaten run in Brazilian Championship matches at the Maracanã. Next Saturday, the red-and-black team's opponent at the Maracanã will be São Paulo, who yesterday thrashed Atlético-MG 5-1 at the Morumbi Stadium. Another match: Ipatinga 0-0 Náutico.
Today, Flamengo will have to root for Vasco if they want to maintain their lead. The only team that can catch the red-and-black is Cruzeiro, which, with 10 points, faces Vasco at Mineirão Stadium at 18:10 p.m.
Basketball party infects the team
Before the ball rolled, Flamengo's basketball team was honored on the field for winning the Brazilian title. The tribute seemed to rub off on the soccer players. Two minutes in, as Figueirense attempted to clear the ball, Marcinho intercepted it in the middle and passed it to Maxi. The forward advanced and delivered a precise pass to Marcinho, who opened the scoring.
The second goal came in the 36th minute. Souza stole a ball in midfield and passed to Ibson, who passed it to Marcinho. The striker delivered a perfect pass for Souza to make it 2-0. Three minutes later, Juan shot from the left, Wilson rebounded the ball, and it fell to Marcinho: Flamengo 3-0. In the 44th minute, Léo Moura crossed from the right, and Marcinho won the ball battle with Vinícius and scored his third goal of the match, Flamengo's fourth. The striker took over as the top scorer in the Brazilian Championship with five goals.
Flamengo came back without the same commitment as in the first half. Even so, in the 42nd minute, Obina, who replaced a tired Toró, crossed for Souza to head in and make it 5-0.
- We played the way the fans like and, therefore, we are happy with our performance - celebrated Marcinho.
Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jonathan (Kleberson), Toro (Obina), Ibson and Marcinho; Maxi (Éder) and Souza. Figueirense: Wilson, Bruno Aguiar, Vinicius and Asprilla; Leo Matos (Anderson Luis), Magal, Cleiton Xavier, Diogo (Ramon) and Marquinho; Rodrigo Fabri (Edu Sales) and Wellington Amorim. Referee: Leandro Vuaden. Yellow cards: Leo Matos, Marcinho and Vinicius. Paying attendance: 22.002 (with 23.943 in attendance). Revenue: R$293.056.00.
Patience with Kleberson
Caio Júnior spends time talking to the midfielder, who is trying to rediscover his football skills
Photo caption: KLEBERSON DURING Flamengo training, followed by Juan: Flamengo midfielder will have chances again with Caio Júnior
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
After training last Friday, coach Caio Júnior spent a long time talking with midfielder Kleberson. A five-time World Cup winner in 2002, he arrived at Flamengo surrounded by high expectations, despite the long period of inactivity due to the dispute with Besiktas of Turkey. Since his debut, however, Kleberson has not repeated the performances that brought him to European football, following his success at the World Cup in Korea and Japan. Caio Júnior, however, refuses to eliminate the midfielder from his priorities. The Flamengo coach warns that Kleberson will be constantly monitored in his work.
"I told him to stay calm, because I have enormous respect for his professional life, for what he represents, and for the person he is. And I told him I'll do my best to help him. I know Kleberson's ability. He might even be the midfielder we're looking for," Caio warned.
Coach sees good fight in midfield
Indeed, the coach has been working hard to find a playmaker for the squad. Caio warns that he'll only have a thorough understanding of the group after a few more weeks of training. If he feels he can't fill the gaps with the players currently at Gávea, he may ask for new signings.
"First, I want to wait for a solution to Ibson's situation, as he's a playmaker. It's important to know if he'll stay at the club after the European transfer window. Kleberson is another option. We'll wait a little longer to think about it," he said.
Although he acknowledges a deficiency in creating plays, Flamengo's coach believes that midfield is the area where there will be the greatest competition for positions on the team.
"Although I'm still looking for that playmaker, I see the midfield as an interesting competition for spots. We have many players who can be useful. Flamengo will benefit from this," said Caio. "Starting in July, we'll have a period with ten games in about a month. There will be games every Wednesday and Sunday. At this point, the entire squad will be useful. It's important that all players are well prepared."
Flamengo's players, who faced Figueirense yesterday, will return tomorrow at Gávea. Until Saturday's match against São Paulo, the coaching staff will attempt to recover Cristian and Renato Augusto, who are injured. Cristian sprained his ankle, while Renato Augusto is experiencing muscle pain. Caio Júnior will also have to decide where to place Diego Tardelli, who was suspended and also missed the match against Figueirense but is confirmed to return to the team.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Bring on Sao Paulo!
Attacking midfielder Marcinho, Flamengo's standout performer in the 5-1 rout of Figueirense, left Saturday's match with a sense of accomplishment. He couldn't hide his joy after scoring three goals.
"I'm very happy. I think the fans who came to Maracanã also left this game happy. We had set a goal of winning the four consecutive home games we were going to play. We've already won three. Now, we're going to look for the victory against São Paulo," he said.
Flamengo will face São Paulo next Saturday, at Maracanã.
Marcinho finally went home very satisfied.
Julio Gracco - jgracco@jsports.com.br
After scoring his second goal, the top scorer of the Brazilian Championship came out to release the accumulated tension
With each passing round of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo fans' resentment over the Libertadores elimination diminishes. Yesterday, when he displayed convincing, adequate football worthy of the top spot, Marcinho was certain that the pride of being a Flamengo fan had returned.
"Tonight, our team played, from start to finish, just like the fans wanted. We worked the ball well, everything was very well done. Everything our coach taught us, we applied. Today I'm sure everyone goes home very satisfied," said the player, who added, "I'm very happy, it's very good for me, I dedicate the three goals to my father, who had surgery. But the most important thing is that the team is the one who reaps the rewards," he concluded.
Victories\ In the Youth and Children's categories of the Carioca, Flamengo and Botafogo faced off yesterday afternoon at Gávea. In the Youth category, Flamengo won 3-1, with two goals from midfielder Diego Maurício and one from midfielder Luis Antônio. In the Children's category, the home team also secured a 1-0 victory, with a goal from Thomas. During the game, a clash of heads between Botafogo goalkeeper Victor Hugo and Flamengo player Marcus Vinícius caused concern at Gávea. The red-and-black team came out on the worst of it. But he's doing well.\
A rout to excite
Caio Júnior finally surrenders to the strength of Flamengo playing alongside his fans
Julio Gracco - jgracco@jsports.com.br
Wallace Teixeira/JS
In Flamengo's fourth goal, his third of the match, Marcinho showed opportunism
A clear evolution in Flamengo's squad was evident in yesterday's rout at Maracanã. Apparently, the group took advantage of the qualities already present in Joel Santana's teachings, enhanced them, and even created new ways to overwhelm opponents. These are the contours of Caio Júnior's style of leadership, which is gradually taking shape. The fruit of this work? It's simple: leadership of the Brazilian Championship.
The Flamengo players' tactical application and willingness greatly pleased the coach, who considered the group's performance exemplary. At the post-match press conference, he couldn't hide his happiness at achieving such a resounding victory.
"I liked the team's approach, especially in the first half. They pressed several times and showed quality in passing the ball. They exploited the plays well on the wings, and their behavior was exemplary. Especially because we scored a lot of goals," he said.
Among the factors that contributed to the team's impressive performance, the Maracanã stadium and the strength of the fans were particularly significant. The chants and the full participation of the red-and-blacks captivated coach Caio Júnior, who considers them the key pillar.
"The fans were very important. Flamengo knows how to play at Maracanã, it's very big here, the fans really come onto the field. We have to take full advantage of this factor, it's very good for us," he commented.
The steady march toward the Brazilian Championship title already has a clear strategy. It's to maintain the same approach as yesterday, without any major changes. This is the thinking of Flamengo's manager, who believes he's reached a balance.
"If we keep winning, we'll stay up there. I want to maintain this attitude; it will be very good for us. This way of playing is crucial; I'd like them to play like this until December 7th, when the championship ends," he concluded.
Mengão scores a rout and takes the lead
Rubro-Negro easily defeats Figueirense and adds 13 points in five games played
Luiz Mauricio Monteiro - lmmonteiro@jsports.com.br
Wallace Teixeira/JS
A scene that was repeated yesterday at Maracanã. The one in the photo is the celebration for the first goal of the match, by Marcinho, just two minutes in.
Coach Caio Júnior is gradually giving Flamengo his own feel. This was demonstrated by yesterday's 5-0 thrashing of Figueirense at Maracanã. Interestingly, of the five goals scored, four came in the first half, and the standout was midfielder Marcinho, who scored three times and then set up Souza for another. The number 9 also sealed the victory. With this result, Flamengo sleeps as Brasileirão leaders.
The start to the game couldn't have been better for Flamengo. Quick and overwhelming, the home side opened the scoring within two minutes: Marcinho stole a ball in midfield and passed to Maxi. The Argentine returned the ball to Maxi, who, unmarked in the box, slotted it past goalkeeper Wilson: 1-0.
After opening the scoring, Flamengo continued to take advantage of Maxi's speed to launch counterattacks down the right. However, Figueirense gradually managed to ease the pressure and, consequently, even the score.
But along with the balance came a decline in performance for the teams, who couldn't create scoring opportunities. As a result, the home fans remained silent for a long time. But when they did, it was for good reason. In the 36th minute, Marcinho delivered a superb pass to Souza, who slotted it past Wilson to make it 2-0.
Four minutes later, another goal scream. Juan burst into the box and shot, but Wilson saved. Marcinho tapped the rebound into the net: 3-0.
Another one\ To the opponent's dismay, Flamengo's fourth goal soon arrived. Leonardo Moura made a beautiful run down the right, passing between two defenders, and rolled the ball into the middle of the box. Marcinho, in an inspired afternoon, even challenged the defender before making it 4-0.\ If the first half started at full speed, the second was much more leisurely. Flamengo relaxed, and Figueirense, visibly stunned by the early defeat, posed little threat.\
The game remained unappealing until, in the 26th minute, Rodrigo Fabri threatened with a free kick, forcing Bruno to make a good save. Three minutes later, Bruno again made a good save from Wellington Amorin. This time, the goalkeeper was fortunate, as the ball hit the post after the intervention. Finally, to seal the victory, Leonardo Moura crossed from the right for Souza to make it 5-0.
Mengão secures a place in the final
Rubro-negro beats Paineiras, 8-7, and disputes the title today against Pinheiros
Nina Lima/JS
The red-and-black athlete prepares for another shot in the victory over Paineiras
In the best match of the Brazilian Women's Water Polo SuperTrophy so far, Flamengo defeated Paineiras 8-7 yesterday and qualified for the final. Flamengo's opponent will be Pinheiros today, starting at 11:20 a.m., at the Júlio Delamare Aquatic Park, with free admission. Yesterday morning, Pinheiros defeated Flamengo 10-4, but the Rio de Janeiro team promises a different game.
"Our team was used to always defending against Pinheiros and tried to play evenly. It wasn't a good strategy, we have to rethink that. In the semifinal, we had to beat Paineiras and the red-and-black spirit counted a lot," commented the red-and-black center Marina Canetti.
Flamengo and Paineiras put on a true spectacle. Flamengo consistently led, relying on the efficiency of Manu Garcia (three goals) and Illana Pinheiro (two). But Paineiras wouldn't give up and, under the guidance of Flávia Vigna (four goals), applied intense pressure. The victory was only secured with a block by the Rio defense with two seconds remaining.
Goal scorer Manu Garcia attributed her strong performance to the confidence instilled by coach Antônio Canetti. "This morning, I hit the post a lot. And the coach told me he believed in my potential and that I should keep trying. I was lucky and scored three goals. The only sad thing is beating Paineiras, my former club and where my sister (Paloma) is playing."
HATES
Fla crushes Figueirense: 5-0
Nilo Junior
Rio - Devastating! That's how Flamengo's performance in the first half of their 5-0 rout of Figueirense this Saturday at Maracanã could be described. With three goals from Marcinho and one from Souza in the first 45 minutes, the team could afford to simply wait out the second half to slump in the lead of the Brasileirão. But the Santa Catarina team was so fragile that Souza still scored the fifth late in the game.
The red-and-black fans at Maracanã had to wait just two minutes to scream for a goal. Soon after the ball went out, Argentine Maxi led a strong counterattack on the right and passed to Marcinho, who was free, to open the scoring.
The goal galvanized Flamengo, who pressed for the next few minutes, but that was it. Until the 35th minute, the match remained at a slower pace, with few chances created. But from then on, Flamengo accelerated and took control. In the 36th minute, Marcinho provided a beautiful pass for Souza to score the second.
While the fans were still celebrating, Marcinho pounced on the goalkeeper's rebound after a fine play by Juan to score the third. The rout was sealed in the 44th minute, again with Marcinho's inspiration. Léo Moura made a beautiful run down the right and crossed for Marcinho to score the fourth goal for the red-and-blacks, his third of the match.
With the score at 4-0, the red-and-black team returned for the second half at practice pace. Figueirense even attempted a comeback, but it was only a tentative one. In the 17th minute, Ronaldo Angelim nearly extended the lead with a header.
The Santa Catarina team threatened in the 26th minute with a shot from Rodrigo Fabri, and in the 29th minute with a shot from Wellington Amorim, which hit the post after a save from Bruno. The game remained uneventful until the 42nd minute, when Souza capitalized on a cross from Obina and sealed Figueirense's fate.
The dream of having a museum in Gávea is closer
Rio - After reaching an agreement with Olympikus, the club's new sports equipment supplier, Flamengo begins the countdown to fulfilling a long-held dream: building a museum at its Gávea headquarters. The space, which will be connected to a large store, will showcase the club's long history, highlighting moments from various generations, and showcase trophies and other relics, such as Zico's old jerseys and the uniform worn by striker Nunes in the 1981 Club World Cup final in Japan.
Even without a museum yet, Gávea recently welcomed 20 visitors in just a few months. "It could perhaps be the best club museum in the world. In Europe, there are great museums, but ours will be more modern and multimedia. The area will be six times the size of Boca Juniors, for example," said Luiz Paulo Segond, vice president of Fla-Gávea, in an interview with globoesporte.com.
The museum will occupy two floors of the Gávea headquarters. But there's still a problem with the connection to the store. The traditional Fla-Boutique, which has been with the club for years, claims it received a guarantee of building a store of its own in the same location reserved for Olympikus. However, since the new sponsor will invest heavily in the club (R$20,3 million/year), among other investments, it should win this battle. The funds earmarked for the museum's construction—around R$8 million—should be invested soon. Construction is initially expected to be completed in August 2009.
Reinforcements in sight:
Next week, Caio Júnior will discuss with the club's board the potential signing of a creative midfielder, a position he believes the team is lacking. The coach, however, has not yet named any names.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Flamengo thrashes Figueirense and leads Gazeta Press
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - With a 5-0 thrashing of Figueirense on Saturday night at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Flamengo took sole control of the Brazilian Championship with 13 points, three more than Cruzeiro, who were in first place and who, this Sunday, in the fifth round, host Vasco in Belo Horizonte (MG). Marcinho was the star of the game, scoring three goals. Souza scored two, also making his mark and helping to sink the Santa Catarina team, which has five points and is close to the relegation zone. Before the match, the players of the Flamengo men's basketball team, who won the national title on Tuesday by defeating Brasília in the final, performed a lap of honor around the stadium, receiving great support from the fans in attendance.
Just two minutes in, Flamengo opened the scoring. Figueirense's defense misjudged the play, and Jônatas stole the ball and found Maxi on the right. The Argentine advanced into the box and passed it to Marcinho, unmarked, who fired a shot past goalkeeper Wilson.
From that moment on, Figueirense attempted to attack in search of an equalizer, while the Rio de Janeiro team sought to exploit the speed of their forwards in an attempt to extend their lead. Flamengo's strategy almost paid off in the 21st minute, when, after a quick exchange of passes up front, Maxi rolled the ball over, and Souza fired a shot over the opposing goal. Four minutes later, Fábio Luciano deflected Juan's cross wide.
Flamengo, the better side, extended their lead in the 36th minute. Marcinho delivered a beautiful through ball to Souza, who burst into the box and slotted it past the goalkeeper. The play left the Santa Catarina team out of control, and the third goal for Rio de Janeiro came three minutes later. Souza passed the ball to Juan, who burst into the box and shot. The goalkeeper rebounded, and Marcinho tapped it into the back of the net.
The Rio de Janeiro team still found time to score another goal in the first half. In the 44th minute, Leonardo Moura made a great individual play on the right, escaping three defenders. The full-back crossed, Marcinho challenged the defense, and shot from the six-yard box for his third goal of the match.
Surprisingly, Figueirense came back on the attack in the second half, as if hoping for a comeback. So much so that they had more shots in the first ten minutes than they had in the entire first half. In the first minute, Ramon fed Marquinhos, who shot wide, scaring goalkeeper Bruno for the first time in the match. Six minutes later, Cleiton Xavier took a shot, and Flamengo's number 1 saved it. In the eighth minute, Rodrigo Fabri burst into the box after freeing three men and shot for Bruno to save.
Flamengo's first real threat came in the 18th minute, when Leonardo Moura crossed and Ronaldo Angelim headed wide. In the 26th minute, Rodrigo Fabri took a free kick, but Bruno made a difficult save. Three minutes later, Wellington Amorim hit the Flamengo post with a shot from outside the box.
In the 42nd minute, Flamengo scored their fifth goal. Obina received a pass from the right, crossed, and Souza headed the ball into the back of the net, sealing the lead.
The two teams will play again next Saturday at 16:10 p.m. (Brasília time). Flamengo hosts São Paulo, again at Maracanã. In Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Figueirense faces Sport.
PELENET
Marcinho shines, and Fla thrashes the disorganized Figueirense
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
On a gala night for Marcinho, who scored three goals, Flamengo thrashed Figueirense 5-0 this Saturday at Maracanã in the fifth round of the Brazilian Championship. Souza, with two goals, completed the scoring for the Rio de Janeiro team. With the result, Flamengo solidified its lead in the competition with 13 points. The Santa Catarina team remains on five.
The two teams return to action next Saturday. The Rio de Janeiro team hosts São Paulo at 16:10 PM at Maracanã Stadium. At the same time, Figueira faces Sport at Orlando Scarpelli Stadium.
Marcinho unbalances and Fla decides the game in the first half
Flamengo started the match cornering their opponents and opened the scoring after just two minutes with Marcinho. After the home team's goal, both teams began to misplace passes and create few offensive plays.
With Rodrigo Fabri rarely involved, Figueirense didn't have a single chance against goalkeeper Bruno. Taking advantage of their opponent's offensive weakness, the Red-Blacks sealed the victory in the first half.
In the 36th minute, Souza doubled his lead. Three minutes later, Marcinho added another. A feat that would be repeated by the number 22 himself in the 44th minute of the first half. After the first half ended, goalkeeper Wilson unleashed his words on his teammates.
"We can't go on like this. We have to talk about the second half and be ashamed of ourselves and finish in a dignified way," said the Santa Catarina goalkeeper.
Figueirense changes its stance and Fla has a natural relaxation
Trying to narrow the gap, Figueirense showed a different mindset early in the second half. In the seventh minute, Cleiton Xavier took a shot, but Bruno saved. In the 18th minute, Ronaldo Angelim responded and nearly scored with a header.
However, the Santa Catarina team seemed much more interested in the rest of the match and Bruno started to work on shots from Rodrigo Fabri and Wellington Amorim, who hit the post.
Flamengo's massive lead forced the Gávea team to simply exchange passes and wait for the final whistle. However, before that, Souza, at 42, would make his mark again. Meanwhile, Figueirense would have to accept the rout and work towards next week's game.
Caio Júnior denies his opponent's weakness and praises Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo's undeniable 5-0 victory over Figueirense this Saturday at Maracanã Stadium led Caio Júnior to praise the team. Like a steamroller, Flamengo crushed the Santa Catarina team in the first half, scoring four goals.
"It's difficult to defend on a big field like here. I've played against Flamengo and the pressure is huge. I'm sure Figueirense isn't fragile. We were the ones who were strong," said Caio Júnior, adding:
"People often analyze games negatively. I don't agree with that. Sometimes a team scores three or four goals quickly. I experienced this when I managed Goiás against Corinthians in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil," he recalled.
In his short time at Gávea, Caio Júnior has already managed to implement his work method. "He has time to train and is demonstrating how he wants the team to play. Flamengo is relaxed, forward, and looking for victories," analyzed Marcinho.
Marcinho: "I was in the right place at the right time"
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Marcinho was the star of Flamengo's 5-0 win over Figueirense this Saturday at Maracanã. Playing in midfield, he scored three goals and became the top scorer in the Brazilian Championship with five.
"I was in the right place at the right time. I got lucky," Marcinho said, showing humility. "We managed to play the way Caio Júnior wants. This improves our ball handling and makes the job easier," he admitted.
The player took the opportunity to dedicate the feat to his family: "I wanted to offer these goals to my father and mother, especially the first one who had a delicate surgery (tumor in his leg) last week," he said.
According to the player, the Rubro-Negro's good performance is to make the fans happy and the players confident for the next match, which will be held against São Paulo, also at Maracanã, on the 14th.
"It's good for morale. Today Flamengo played the way the fans like. It's a credit to our team. Everyone will go home satisfied," analyzed Gávea's number 22.
The result left Flamengo top of the Brasileirão with 13 points, three ahead of Cruzeiro, who face Vasco this Sunday at Mineirão Stadium. With the rout, the Rio de Janeiro team's lead rose to nine, while the Minas Gerais team's lead is seven.
GLOBOESPORTE
Goalscorer leaves Fábio Luciano relieved
Flamengo captain says the club will finally have a happy week
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
Defender Fábio Luciano, Flamengo's captain, left the Maracanã stadium after the rout of Figueirense (see highlights below) more relieved than euphoric. The Flamengo sheriff, aware of the situation, praised the team's performance and was thrilled with the impact this victory will have on the squad.
"It was a really good game, because we defended strongly and imposed our rhythm, giving our opponent no chances in the first half. In the second half, with the score at 4-0, there was a natural relaxation, but we managed to score another goal, which will give us some important peace of mind and a happy week. Now, we'll only lose the lead if Cruzeiro also thrashes Vasco," the defender analyzed in an interview with Rádio Globo.
Marcinho dedicates the goals to his father and says the victory serves as an example
Midfielder says that Fla managed to put on the field everything that has been trained by coach Caio Júnior
Fred Huber from GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
After scoring three goals this Saturday at the Maracanã in Flamengo's 5-0 victory over Figueirense, striker Marcinho became the championship's top scorer with five. Very pleased with his performance, he dedicated the goals to his father, Valdecir. Flamengo's number 22 believes the performance against Figueira should serve as an example for the Red-Blacks' upcoming matches in the Brazilian Championship.
"I'm very happy to have played a great match, and so is Flamengo. It's a great moment. I'm offering my goals to my father, who had surgery this week (he had a malignant tumor in his leg). I told him I'd dedicate them to him. We all left satisfied with our work; we managed to do everything we agreed on on the field. We have to take this match as an example," he says.
Against the Santa Catarina team, Marcinho was always in the right place at the right time, but he prefers not to talk about luck. According to him, it's all the result of hard work.
Caio Júnior praises the team's performance in the first half
Coach highlights the team's collective participation and remembers that the important thing is for Fla to remain in the front group until the end of the competition
Fred Huber from GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Of the five goals in Flamengo's victory over Figueirense this Sunday at Maracanã, four were scored in the first half (see the highlights in the video below). The stellar performance in the first 45 minutes impressed coach Caio Júnior, who praised the team's collective performance.
"The team's approach was pleasing; our pressure on the opponent was crucial. We had a lot of penetration, as evidenced by Marcinho's goals. Collective participation was the most important; the opponent just wasn't there. The first half was exemplary; it's not easy to score four goals. My concern at halftime was to show that we couldn't change our approach, and we were a bit lacking in that, starting to lose our midfield. I took off Jônatas and brought on Kleberson, who came on well," he says.
Caio Júnior recalled that Flamengo will sleep in first place in the table, and stated that the most important thing is to remain among the leaders throughout the competition.
"Let's follow the round. We'll sleep in first place; Cruzeiro needs to win by three to overtake us. The important thing is to stay in the top group until the end," he says.
Marcinho: 'I can't even remember the last time I scored three goals in a match'
Striker leaves the field elated with his great performance against Figueira
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro
Striker Marcinho, Flamengo's star player in the 5-0 win over Figueirense this Saturday at Maracanã, left the stadium pitch elated with his performance, but preferred to highlight the strength of the red-black team.
"Wow, I can't even remember the last time I scored a hat trick in a game. I'm very happy, but the important thing is that the team wins, regardless of who scores," Marcinho told Rádio Globo.
Basketball champions are greeted on the Maracanã pitch\ Marcelinho is moved to tears as he celebrates the title with the red-black fans\
Fred Huber from GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
The Flamengo basketball team, which won its first national championship last Tuesday, was cheered by the Flamengo fans this Saturday at Maracanã Stadium before Flamengo's match against Figueirense in the Brazilian Championship. The players received a standing ovation and returned the favor by throwing basketballs to the crowd.
Winger Marcelinho, the team's biggest star and a member of the Brazilian national team, couldn't hide his excitement as he celebrated at the Maracaibo, alongside the fans.
"It's a very important moment for all of us, especially for me, a Flamengo fan at heart. It's a pleasure to be champion, to win an unprecedented title for the club. We've written our name in history, and it's a very happy moment to come to Maracanã with these fans. They were very supportive of our achievement," he said in an interview with Rádio Globo.
THROW
Marcinho shines and Fla thrashes Figueira: 5-0
Souza scores two more and Rubro-Negro shoots up the table with 13 points in five rounds
Flamengo players celebrate one of the five goals in the rout (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
LANCEPRESS!
With a key first-half performance from Marcinho, Flamengo thrashed Figueirense 5-0 this Saturday at Maracanã and reached 13 points out of a possible 15, shooting even higher in the standings. The midfielder scored three goals in the first half. Souza added a brace to complete the scoring. Figueirense, meanwhile, remains on five points from five rounds.
Just two minutes into the match, Flamengo opened the scoring. Marcinho stole the ball in the middle of the box and passed it to Maxi. The Argentine burst into the box and sent a low pass back to Marcinho. Alone in the box, the midfielder only had to tap it past goalkeeper Wilson. Flamengo 2-1.
The red-and-black players proved that the lightning goal was no fluke. Coach Caio Júnior's team continued to press, especially with the attacking trio of Souza, Maxi, and Marcinho. However, the midfield's excessive misplaced passes hampered the Red-and-Blacks' continued play.
When the players got it right, Flamengo scored, as they did in the 36th minute. In a passing exchange between the Flamengo attack, Marcinho found Souza alone inside the box. The striker slotted the ball past Wilson to make it 2-0.
The third goal came three minutes later. Souza controlled the ball on the left and waited for Juan to provide support. The full-back received the ball from the striker, burst into the box, and shot. Wilson partially saved, and the ball returned to Marcinho, who only had to tap it into the back of the net: Flamengo 3-0.
Seeing the situation was getting tough, coach Guilherme Macuglia made changes to his lineup before the end of the first half, bringing on Ramon for Diogo. However, the Red-Blacks still had time to score another goal. In the 44th minute, Léo Moura made a beautiful play down the right wing, passing two defenders, and rolling the ball into the middle. Marcinho won the challenge and slotted it past Wilson. It was the midfielder's third of the match: 4-0.
Tranquility and another goal in the second half
With the score virtually assured, Flamengo returned to the second half more relaxed. In return, Figueirense pushed forward hoping to equalize. Until the 15th minute, Flamengo didn't have a shot on goal. Figueirense, however, threatened in the 2nd minute, with Ramon, and in the 8th, with Cleiton Xavier.
Coach Caio Júnior still tried to push Flamengo forward. However, Figueirense found more space in attack and put goalkeeper Bruno to work. In the 25th minute, Rodrigo Fabri took a powerful free kick from the edge of the box, but the Flamengo goalkeeper palmed it away for a corner. Three minutes later, Wellington Amorim unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, but Bruno dived to the left corner and deflected the ball before it could hit the post.
After these chances, Flamengo leveled the score and neutralized Figueirense's efforts. Furthermore, the red-and-black team still had time to score another. In the 42nd minute, Obina received the ball on the right wing and crossed into the box. Goalkeeper Wilson deflected it, and the ball fell to Souza's head, who tapped it into the back of the net: 5-0.
With shouts of "It's champion", referee Leandro Pedro Vuadem ended the match to the delight of the red-black fans.
Now, Flamengo will play the last of its four consecutive home games against São Paulo next Saturday, and will try to end that streak with a 100% record in Rio de Janeiro. Figueirense will look to bounce back in the Brazilian Championship against Sport, in Florianópolis, next Sunday.
Caio Jr. seeks to stay at the top of the Brazilian league
Coach recalled that he has already managed to achieve this feat in the tournament with other teams\ LANCEPRESS!\
Sleeping atop the Brazilian Championship is a huge positive for any team. Flamengo's 5-0 thrashing of Figueirense secured this advantage this Saturday, at least for one night. But, according to coach Caio Júnior, the most important thing is that the team remains in this position until the end of the Brasileirão.
"In a tough championship like this, it's hard to always win. We have to keep the team at the top until December 7th. At Paraná and Palmeiras, the clubs I worked for, I managed to stay in the top group until the end," recalled Caio, who emphasized the importance of having good replacements in the squad.
Caio Júnior also refuted the claim that Flamengo found yesterday's game easy:
"Some people prefer to see only the negative side. I didn't see any weakness in this Figueirense team."
The coach believes the Maracanã stadium could be a decisive weapon in this Brasileirão. So far in the competition, Flamengo has won every game it has played at the stadium.
radio l! - The fans play a fundamental role. And the Maracanã field is huge. It's difficult to defend here," he recalled. (Click and hear more)
Fábio Luciano eyes the top of the table
Defender praises the red-black team in Flamengo's 5-0 victory over Figueirense\ LANCEPRESS!\
Defender Fábio Luciano will be keeping a close eye on this Sunday's match between Vasco and Cruzeiro. The outcome of this match could secure the Gávea team's lead in the Brazilian Championship. With 13 points out of 15, the only team with a chance of catching up to Flamengo in the standings is Raposa. However, Flamengo could take the lead in the first tiebreaker.
"We have a chance to spend the week in first place, based on goal difference. It will be good because we will be able to work with greater peace of mind," he stated.
If Cruzeiro beats Vasco, they will be level on points with Flamengo. With their 5-0 thrashing of Figueirense this Saturday, the Gávea team now has a goal difference of nine. For Cruzeiro to overtake Flamengo, they will need to beat Vasco by at least three goals.
Regardless of the result in Belo Horizonte, Flamengo's captain praised the team's performance at Maracanã.
"It was good, especially in the first half. We managed to build a good lead in the first half. Then, there was a natural relaxation, and Figueirense grew. Even so, Flamengo created chances and even scored a goal," he analyzed.