THE GLOBE

Flamengo's defeat changes Joel's plans

At risk in the Libertadores, the coach already admits to fielding starters in the State Championship

Photo caption: With JÔNATAS and Souza in front, players leave lunch at the hotel

Carlos Eduardo Mansur

The lively and relaxed squad that arrived in Montevideo last Tuesday seemed to have vanished after the loss to Nacional. Grim and dejected faces marked the hours following the disaster that prematurely puts Flamengo in jeopardy in the Libertadores, the year's main project. A defeat that even altered plans for the State Championship. Coach Joel Santana is considering starting several players tomorrow against Americano at the Maracanã.

Team needs to gain a point at altitude in Cusco

After the game, only goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba and midfielder Léo Medeiros visited the internet computers in the hotel lobby. Dejected, midfielder Toró briefly appeared, accompanied by defender Thiago Salles. Sent off in the first half, he was the only starter not confined to the delegation floor. Toró repeatedly expressed regret and apologized.

Flamengo will have difficulty securing a spot with just the matches at Maracanã, which would put them at 10 points. To avoid relying on other matches, Flamengo needs to draw at the altitude of Cuzco against Cienciano. This is because Nacional, which already has six points, still has two home matches. One of them will be against Coronel Bolognesi, the weakest team in the group. Cienciano, with four points, will play Bolognesi twice before facing Flamengo.

Being at risk so soon was not in the plans.

"It's possible we'll go to the altitude needing points. But we won't give up," said full-back Juan.

Flamengo has faced enormous challenges away from Rio. Since taking over, coach Joel Santana has played 11 away games, losing seven and winning only two, against América-RN and Paraná in the last Brasileirão.

Today, in Gávea, Joel will decide who will face Americano. What's certain is that Flamengo will have more starters than in the match against Resende.

Obina, suspended, is unable to play, and Souza will replace him from the start. Toró and Léo Moura, sent off in Montevideo, will also be among the starters, as will goalkeeper Bruno. The stumble against Nacional could also cost them dearly. The subsequent stages of the Libertadores represent participation fees of approximately US$2,5 million for those who reach the final. To request protection, the red-and-black squad is scheduled to visit the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus today at 14 p.m.

SPORTS JOURNAL

At Fla, it's time to pick up the pieces

The team returns to Rio trying to minimize the damage caused by the embarrassment in Montevideo.

Diego Marrul, Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel

File/JS

Pointed out as the villain for the defeat to Nacional, Toró couldn't hide his dejection

They say there's nothing like one day after another. But at Flamengo, the day after their embarrassing loss to Nacional in Montevideo was anything but pleasant and still marked by regrets. After all, the Rubro-Negro had a tough time in the Libertadores, the main competition they're competing in this year. Now, to secure qualification for the round of 16, they'll have to win both their home games, against Nacional and Coronel Bolognesi, in addition to eking out at least a draw from Cienciano in the high-altitude Cuzco.

"We were warned of what was in store for us and it happened in the heat of the game. But there's no excuse," said midfielder Toró, one of the main figures last Thursday, having been sent off in the first half after attacking a ball boy.

The player spent the whole day with his head down, even though his words tried to show otherwise: "We have to focus on the game against Americano," Toró repeated, as if he was trying hard to believe his own words.

The midfielder was reprimanded for his childish behavior, especially by the vice president of football, Kléber Leite, who publicly criticized the player's bad temper.

Negative retrospect\ Even criticizing the attitude of Toró and some players, Joel Santana did not want to be so pessimistic.\

"It was difficult, but I think with 11 points we're in. Now we can't make any mistakes at home," he said.

The 11 points Joel refers to would come from two home wins and a draw against Cienciano, at the 3.360m Cusco Stadium. After all, the red-and-black fans can't rely solely on the possibility of their opponents slipping up against Coronel Bolognesi, the bottom of the group.

However, the manager's away record isn't encouraging. In 11 away games under Joel, Flamengo has lost seven, drawn two, and won only two. The number of goals scored was another disappointment: 19 against and only six for. "There are days when things don't work out. It was a result we didn't deserve, but that's part of the process," said goalkeeper Bruno, trying to minimize the damage caused by the humiliation in Montevideo. (DM)

Renato Augusto could be the surprise tomorrow

Jair Motta/JS

After 48 days away, Renato Augusto could return to the team tomorrow against Americano

If the atmosphere in Montevideo was one of funeral, the feeling in Gávea was completely opposite. All because coach Joel Santana will now have midfielder Renato Augusto available again, having fractured his cheekbone on January 20th in Flamengo's first game of the season, against Boavista. Exactly 48 days after the injury, the number 10 is eager to return. However, he admitted that the timing may not be ideal yet.

"I did a 40-minute training session on Wednesday and another 50-minute one today (yesterday), during which I felt much better. I'm still a little scared, but I'll only lose that with time. Now I have to wait for Joel to return from Uruguay, talk to him and decide what's best. I want to come back to help, not go hungry and hinder the team," said Renato Augusto, who declined to say how long he could play against Americano tomorrow.

In the defeat to Nacional-URU, the issue of Toró and Leonardo Moura's red cards brought an additional concern to the coaching staff. And even here, the midfielder could be useful. Since his professional debut in 2006, when he was just 17 years old, Renato has yet to be sent off. This balance could weigh in his favor at a time of emotional instability that Flamengo is going through.

He knows that once again the responsibility of lifting the team could fall on his shoulders. That's why he's been fighting like a warrior, silently, under a scorching sun to reach peak physical form again.

"What most hinders a player when they arrive here is the fear of the fans. They support you when the team is doing well, but they also get on your case when things aren't going well. And there's no point in a player being 35 or 40 years old and saying he doesn't feel this pressure, because that's a lie. I've seen in my short time as a professional that football isn't all that wonderful. In one game, you can ruin everything you've built up in a year," admitted the player, who scored a free kick in yesterday's training session and showed good movement. (TB)

Optimistic Coach\ Renato Augusto's current predicament requires special attention at Gávea. Assistant physical trainer Marcelo Martorelli, for example, stayed in Rio to closely monitor the player's progress. If it were up to him, Joel Santana could include the midfielder for tomorrow's match.\

"I don't know what's going through Joel's head because we'll only talk tomorrow (today), but Renato is ready to return. I can't guarantee he'll last the full 90 minutes, as it depends on how demanding the game is. Physically he's fine, now he needs to regain his confidence," said Martorelli.

A broken cheekbone in the very first game of the season was a real turnoff for the coaching staff. Expectations were that this would be the player's year: "Renato was flying in the preseason; it had everything to be his year. But if he doesn't break out now, he'll definitely shine in the Brazilian Championship," the coach predicted. (TB)

Toró is forgiven by his companions

It's common after defeats like last Thursday's against Nacional in Uruguay for fans to choose a villain. Naturally, given the way he was sent off, the target this time is midfielder Toró, who, even when he was a key player in Joel Santana's tactical scheme, was already suffering from criticism.

Flamengo's experienced captain Fábio Luciano was one of those who understood the player's attitude, but he doesn't agree with what he did.

"We talked a lot with Toró; he's young and will learn. But everyone is to blame for the defeat, not just Toró. The important thing is to learn from what happened. The human mind is complicated; you can talk about a subject for two months, but a stupid mistake, in seconds, can cost you dearly," explained the defender.

After the loss, Flamengo must now use tomorrow's match against Americano to cool off and get back to planning for the future. To achieve this, Joel Santana will likely field a mixed lineup against Campos, but he won't make a decision until today.

Undecided Venue - Last Tuesday, the CBF released the schedule for this year's Brazilian Championship, and scheduled the match between Flamengo and Santos at Maracanã for the first round, May 11th. Flamengo lost a home field advantage in last year's championship and will not be able to use the stadium for the opening match. According to lawyer Michel Assef Filho, the venue for the match is expected to be determined next week, as it is not yet known whether the match will be played in Rio de Janeiro or another state. (NL)

Joel laments expulsions and defeat in Uruguay

Flamengo is expected to arrive in Rio de Janeiro this Friday night, around 22 p.m. After a 3-0 loss to Nacional, from Montevideo, the club's only remaining goal is to win its two remaining home games in the Copa Libertadores and secure at least a draw against Cienciano in Cuzco. Coach Joel Santana spoke about the club's situation in the South American competition.

"We could have been in a privileged position in the group. Unfortunately, we lost. Playing with two players less is very difficult. It could have been an even worse defeat. Now we have to go back to Rio and recover at Maracanã," said the red-and-black commander.

Flamengo's next game in the Libertadores will be against Nacional, at Maracanã, on March 19th.

Fla faces the unknown Sol de América, from Paraguay

Flamengo has a tough match on Tuesday against Paraguay's Sol do América in Asunción in the quarterfinals of the Men's South American Basketball League. The match will be broadcast on ESPN/Brazil. Having had the better campaign, the Rubro-Negro will play the second game in Rio and, if necessary, the third, also in the Marvelous City.

Coach Paulo Chupeta is a little apprehensive: "To be honest, I don't know anything about Sol de América. I know from the statistics that they have two Americans. It's not like the first round, when I had the chance to study videos of Libertad and Trouville. But I'll gather information and pay attention in the first ten minutes. We have to win to secure home-court advantage in the next rounds," he commented.

With a 14-game unbeaten run, 11 in the National Championship and three in the League, he has a lot of confidence in the group.

"These players are sensational. Everyone is aware of the possibility of winning both titles. We have many tough games ahead, and a loss won't get us down. The important thing is that the undefeated streak isn't a burden for my team; on the contrary, the group is enjoying this good moment," said Chupeta.

For the Men's National Basketball Championship, Flamengo will only play again next Friday against Ulbra/São Bernardo (SP), at the Hélio Maurício gym, in Gávea.

Mariana Brochado's next goal is to reach the Beijing index

Mariana Brochado is one of the athletes seeking her coveted Olympic spot. The swimmer will have two more opportunities to reach the required level to secure her ticket to Beijing. The first will be at the South American Championships, which begin on Wednesday in São Paulo.

But despite being in this championship, Mariana is directing her training towards the Swimming Selection, which will be held in May, at Maria Lenk.

"We're doing intensive training until the May qualifiers. It will be a test after a year, in the same championship I competed in and ended up missing the Pan American Games. I lost the last race, and that's why I felt bad. But it's in these difficult times that we learn the most," said Mariana, who hopes for better luck.

"I hope this year will be different. And if it isn't, I'll be prepared and calm to accept it, knowing I did my best. Besides, my reaction should be better than at the Pan American Games, since the Olympics are much larger. The established standard is very difficult to achieve. No Brazilian has managed it so far, but I hope to change that." (LO)

Women in the spotlight in sport

Swimmer Mariana Brochado symbolizes the potential of athletes on International Women's Day

Luiza Osorio and Mariana Land

Jair Motta/JS

Mariana Brochado is a legitimate representative of Brazilian women

Sensitivity, strength, and determination. These are three of the main characteristics we can easily recognize in many women. And there's no better day than today to talk about them. Officially, 1910 was the year in which International Women's Day was established in Copenhagen, Denmark. Since then, March 8th has been reserved almost exclusively for them.

To comment on today's festive date, Jornal dos Sports spoke with a true representative of the new generation of Brazilian sports. Swimmer Mariana Brochado was invited to speak about the power of women in both sport and life in general. The 23-year-old Rio native, who swims for Flamengo, began by reminiscing about her admiration for Patrícia Amorim, one of the greats of Brazilian swimming.

"Patrícia Amorim is a woman I've always admired greatly. Because she was also a swimmer, she was closer to me. She's a homegrown athlete (Flamengo), and my journey has been very similar to hers. She started and ended her career here, and that's something I intend to do too: go all the way defending the red-and-black colors. With Patrícia at the helm, things have improved significantly within the club, especially in swimming. She's a role model not only as an athlete but as a person."

Mariana believes that the role of women has changed a lot in society, and in recent years female strength has increased, and currently there is no longer a distinction between sexes in environments such as sports.

"The presence of women in sports has evolved significantly in recent years. The big awakening was in 2003 and 2004. We boosted swimming. In Athens, we managed to reach three finals, beating the men, who only made it to two. Today, when we talk about swimming, we don't just think about men. We women are remembered too. There is no longer a difference between women and men, not only in sports, but in the job market in general. This has to be the path forward. This space is more than deserved," she concluded. (ML)

THE DAY

Toró asks the 'Nation' for forgiveness

Rio - Toró's head is a storm of emotions. Bitterness, distress, regret, worry, and a lot of sadness. He's certain of just one thing: he wants to forget the terrible experience he had in the Battle of Montevideo and regain the admiration the Flamengo fans felt for him. Dejected, Toró didn't even want to remember the moment he pushed ball boy Nicolas Dominguez to the ground and the team into the abyss.

Yesterday morning, still in Uruguay, he went to the pool at the hotel where the team was staying, to try to cool off a bit. He was dejected, his head always down, and a little hoarse. Perhaps from so many apologies to his teammates after the condemned gesture. Or from repeatedly asking them to only talk about tomorrow afternoon's game against Americano, at the Maracanã, for the Rio Cup.

Before hurriedly entering the elevator alongside Kléberson, Toró assured that he apologized to his teammates and also to coach Joel Santana for the red card he received.

"I know I made a mistake. Everyone was warned about the catimba and the danger of getting into the Uruguayans' trap, and it happened in the heat of the game. But there's no excuse," he admitted sadly.

According to globoesporte.com, Gávea defender and captain Fábio Luciano did everything he could to ease the tension. "Toró, we saw it was unintentional," he joked. Toró didn't even crack a smile of gratitude. He chose to make a promise: "I'll continue giving my life for Flamengo's success."

Toró, the target of criticism

Rio - Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, harshly criticized the team's lack of maturity, especially Toró, who was sent off in the first half for pushing a ball boy. "We paid the price for our lack of balance. We lacked maturity and composure. A little more common sense wouldn't hurt anyone," the director said in an interview with Rádio Globo.

The manager commented specifically on Toró: "To play for Flamengo, you need maturity; you can't leave anything to chance. This misfortune will be etched on his career. During the pre-match talk, 80% of the conversation was about dirty tricks and the need to remain calm during the game." Kléber Leite, however, did not confirm whether Toró will be fined.

Joel Santana also didn't hide his discontent. "We talked, we showed videos, and all this happened. It was regrettable," criticized the coach, who believes that with 10 or 11 points the team will qualify: "It could have been even worse. Now, our obligation is to win at home and also get a point away, in the altitude of Cuzco."

The team returns to the field in the Libertadores to face Nacional, on the 19th, at Maracanã, without Toró and Leonardo Moura, who will serve suspensions.

Leonardo Moura even had the courage to question the red cards after the game. "Toró didn't deserve the sending off, as he was just trying to take the ball away from the ball boy, which was slowing down the game. In my case, I was challenged," the right-back tried to explain. The player believes the team will bounce back in the Libertadores: "Let this be a lesson. We'll hold our heads high and win at the Maracanã."

The team stayed in Montevideo and returns to Rio tonight. Sunday, the team will face Americano at 16 p.m. at Maracanã in the second round of the Taça Rio. Joel Santana will field a mixed lineup and may even use Toró and Leonardo Moura, as both were sent off in the tournament.

Flamengo: a very home-grown team

Rio - Flamengo's 3-0 thrashing of Nacional in Montevideo in the Copa Libertadores final served to bolster a statistic that isn't at all favorable to Joel Santana. Under his leadership, Flamengo has been a remarkably home-grown team. They only win at the Maracanã stadium, driven by their fans.

Outside of Rio, it's a disaster: in 11 games, there have been seven losses, two draws, and only two wins. It's even worse when you analyze the number of goals conceded and scored in those matches. The team from Gávea conceded 19 goals and only managed to score six.

Besides Thursday's 3-0 loss, Flamengo also lost by the same score to Santos, in Joel's first season as manager on August 5th, and Internacional, both in the 2007 Brasileirão. Furthermore, the club has never won or even drawn away from home against a top-tier team. They beat Paraná and América-RN and drew with Juventude, all in the Brasileirão, and left the field with a 0-0 draw in their Libertadores debut, against the unimpressive Coronel Bolognesi of Peru.

The excellent record at Maracanã makes sense and explains the recovery in the last Brazilian Championship, when Flamengo moved out of the relegation zone to third place, guaranteeing a place in the Libertadores.

Joel's Flamengo was favored by the fact that several home games were postponed until the second half of 2007, because of the Pan-American Games, and the change in this year's State Championship regulations, which prevents small teams from using their stadiums against the big teams.

It is in the magic of Maracanã, with its fans, that the team clings to recover in the Libertadores, in the games against Nacional and Coronel Bolognesi.

Goal average

In total, Flamengo played 26 home matches, winning 21, drawing three, and losing two, both to Fluminense, one in the Brasileirão and the other in the Taça Guanabara. Joel's team scored 52 goals at Maracanã, an average of two per match, and conceded 21. Overall, thanks to their good results at home, they have a good record so far: in 38 matches (the 4-0 rout of América was at Engenhão), they have won 24, drawn five, and lost nine, with 62 goals scored and 40 conceded.

Renato Augusto plays collectively and can face Americano

Rio - Flamengo is very close to gaining an important reinforcement. Renato Augusto participated in another training match at Gávea and said he's already feeling better. While not wanting to rush things, the club's intention is for the player to return in time to help Flamengo beat Nacional in the next Libertadores match between the clubs, on the 19th, at Maracanã. However, there's a possibility he could play in this Sunday's match against Americano.

The player, however, preferred to be cautious:

"It's true that I felt better, but this is in line with what we were planning. It's a gradual process, increasing the pace a little with each training session, until I reach ideal condition. I'm still a little scared, but only I can overcome this fear. I'll try to increase contact more, but for now I'm taking care of the physical part," he declared.

Renato revealed that he was very upset about getting injured in the first game of the season, but he is not anxious to play again:

"It really is a real drag to finish preseason, start the first game, and then get injured. I did another preseason. Of course, it's not the same as doing it with the group, but it's been good. I'm trying to get back into shape as quickly as possible to get better. I need to sit down with Joel, Ronaldo (Torres, fitness coach), and the doctor. There's no point in arriving hungry and ending up getting in the way. You have to come in and help," he declared.

According to assistant physical trainer Marcelo Matorelli, Renato Augusto, who participated in a 40-minute training session on Wednesday and another 50-minute training session on Friday, is recovering perfectly:

"The progression is being done rigorously. Within this process, the evolution is being 100% carried out correctly."

The assistant also doesn't rule out a return this Sunday, against Americano, in the second round of the Taça Rio:

"He's already been medically cleared by the doctors. We can't predict that, it's not a mathematical thing, it depends on the circumstances, how the game goes. We'll pass everything on to Joel and see what he thinks," he explained.

SPORTS GAZETTE

Joel regrets the result and criticizes Toró's attitude

Montevideo (Uruguay) - Coach Joel Santana was not at all satisfied with Flamengo's performance in their 3-0 loss to Nacional this Thursday in Montevideo. Joel acknowledged that the result could have been worse, given his team's emotional imbalance, but lamented the loss to the team's Libertadores qualification. "We could have been in a privileged position in the group," lamented the coach, according to Jornal dos Sports. "Playing with two men down for almost 45 minutes is difficult. Even more so against Nacional, who know how to take advantage of their stadium. It could have been much worse, a horrible defeat," he concluded.

The score left Flamengo dependent on a series of results to qualify without calculations. The team needs to win both home games, against Nacional and Coronel Bolognesi, and also manage at least a draw against Cienciano in Cuzco to reach 11 points. Nacional leads with six points from three games.

Toró - Joel also criticized midfielder Toró, who was sent off late in the first half for pushing a ball boy. The incident occurred shortly after the Uruguayans' first goal and was described by the Brazilian coach as a moment of "outburst" by the player.

"He can't do that. I only saw it when the ball boy was on the ground. But Toró made a mistake and can't lose his head like that," the coach admitted. "It's hard to understand what's going on with the Brazilian player. He loses his temper very easily. And we talked about it in the pre-match training session. I really don't understand."

Renato Augusto could reinforce Flamengo in the Libertadores\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - For its next Libertadores match, on the 19th against the same Nacional-URU team it lost 3-0 to this Thursday, Flamengo is expected to have midfielder Renato Augusto back. Out of the team for over a month due to a bruised cheekbone, the player has now returned to ball training and is pleased with his recovery. "Everything is going as expected, with each training session increasing a little bit, gradually, to reach the ideal. I'm still a little scared, but that's normal," said the Flamengo midfielder.

One of the youngest players on the red-and-black squad, Renato Augusto cleared Toró of his expulsion in last Thursday's match. "It could have happened to the oldest player on the team, like it did to Toró. It could happen to anyone," Renato Augusto emphasized.

Before attempting a comeback in the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo will have to turn its attention to the Taça Rio. On Sunday, the team faces Americano at Maracanã. Only in this Saturday's training session, the only ball practice, will Joel Santana decide which team he will field to seek a second victory in the second round of the Campeonato Carioca. Even Renato Augusto's presence on the bench is not ruled out.

What's certain is that the coach, if he decides to rest the starters, won't be able to field reserve striker Obina, who was punished by the TJD and will have to serve a suspension. Also this Saturday afternoon, Flamengo's players, coaching staff, and board are expected to visit the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus, the club's patron saint. The visit will allow the Flamengo fans to give thanks for some blessings they've received and ask for protection for the rest of the season.

Flamengo should not fine expelled players\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Last Thursday, Flamengo lost its unbeaten run and its lead in Group 4 of the Copa Libertadores, a competition considered a priority by everyone in Gávea. And the 3-0 loss to Nacional was marked by the sending off of midfielder Toró and right-back Leonardo Moura.\ Head of the Flamengo delegation in Uruguay, vice-president Kléber Leite confirmed that the players will not be fined, but did not hide his disappointment, especially with Toró, who received a red card for attacking a ball boy when the game was still 1-0.\

"I think the referee was a bit harsh in sending off Léo Moura, especially since he's not a violent player," said Kléber, who had slightly harsher words for Toró. "It's a match that will forever be remembered in his career and will serve as a lesson. A little more common sense wouldn't hurt anyone. He's aware of what he did. To play for Flamengo, you need a minimum of maturity. You can't just leave things to chance," commented the Flamengo director.

And the criticism he received from coach Joel Santana and Kléber Leite seems to have been absorbed by Toró, who made a point of taking responsibility for hindering a possible Flamengo comeback in last Thursday's match.

"I regret it; it was a situation that shouldn't have happened. I made a mistake. The team was doing well at that moment. I don't know what the result would have been later, but our team was doing well. We conceded the goal, and I hurt the team. But we still have two home games and one away game to play for," said the Flamengo midfielder.

While Toró apologizes to his teammates and the directors, goalkeeper Bruno tries to lift the group's spirits and shows confidence that Flamengo can still recover and qualify for the round of 16 of the Libertadores.

"It's all up to us, and thankfully it's all up to us. We have a very strong and tight-knit group that has already shown what it's capable of, especially in difficult times. We'll bounce back and aim for this qualification," he commented.

PELENET

Fábio Luciano admits Flamengo's bad moment in the Libertadores

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Defender Fábio Luciano acknowledged that Flamengo's Copa Libertadores campaign has been poor. With one win, one draw, and one loss, the Rubro-Negro is in second place in Group 4. Nacional-URU, who defeated the Brazilians 3-0 on Thursday in Montevideo, leads with six points. Cienciano-PER and Coronel Bolognesi-PER, who play next week, are in three and one point, respectively.

"We're not having a good competition. We need to learn to improve ourselves. I know we can do better. We need to win our games, because our group is capable," he said.

In the defeat to Nacional, Flamengo's players lost control and, despite the warning given by the board and coach Joel Santana, right-back Leonardo Moura and midfielder Toró were sent off.

"Toró tried to quickly get the ball back and ended up attacking the ball boy. Léo, on the other hand, challenged a high ball and hit a Nacional player. I don't see the play as aggression. But they're young and will learn from their mistakes," he concluded.

In the next round of the South American competition, Flamengo faces Nacional on the 19th at Maracanã. Afterwards, Rubro-Negro takes on Cienciano-PER (09/04) at the altitude of Cusco, and closes the match against Coronel Bolognesi (23/04) in Rio de Janeiro.

Luizinho says he's ready to replace Leonardo Moura at Flamengo

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Flamengo will be without Leonardo Moura for their next Libertadores match, against Nacional-URU, on March 19th at Maracanã. Therefore, coach Joel Santana has only one option at right back: Luizinho. The player said he's ready for the challenge.

"I've been training hard to help. We need to win for Flamengo to continue with a chance of qualifying for the round of 16 of the Libertadores," he added.

"Uruguayans and Argentines are always messing around. We Brazilians are falling. When that stops happening, we will evolve," he added in an interview with Rádio Manchete.

In addition to being a starter against Nacional, Luizinho should be the number 2 for the red-black team in the duel with Americano, this Sunday, at 16 pm, at Maracanã, for the Taça Rio, second round of the State Championship.

Joel Santana hasn't decided yet, but he's expected to field a mixed lineup. Against Resende last Sunday, only three starters played: goalkeeper Bruno, midfielder Kléberson, and forward Diego Tardelli.

Toró admits that his expulsion greatly harmed Flamengo

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Toró admitted that his rash behavior was fatal for Flamengo. The midfielder was sent off after pushing a ball boy in the 42nd minute of the first half of Flamengo's 3-0 loss to Nacional of Uruguay in Montevideo in Group 4 of the Copa Libertadores.

The supporter expressed regret for what happened and admitted that his gesture was fatal for the Gávea team's setback.

"I regret it and this situation shouldn't have happened. The team was doing well at that moment and I don't know what the result would have been later. It was a mistake on my part," he said, noting that Flamengo's next home matches will be crucial.

"We'll have two games at Maracanã and then we'll be able to decide our future away from home. We need good results," he declared.

Like right-back Leonardo Moura, who was also sent off, Toró is a definite absence for the match against the Uruguayan team, on the 19th, at Maracanã.

Uruguayan press highlights Nacional's "ease" against Flamengo

From EFE\ In Montevideo (Uruguay)\

The Uruguayan press stated this Friday that Nacional achieved an "easy" 3-0 victory over Flamengo in the group stage of group 4 of the Copa Libertadores and thus "gained respect".

"Nacional has gained respect" is the headline in "El País", according to which the Uruguayan team "thrashed Flamengo and sent a strong signal to the entire continent: they have a team to fight for the title."

"This Nacional bets on the collective and demonstrated that it is ready to face with great strength the great challenge of the Copa Libertadores", says the publication.

The Uruguayan team "knew how to take advantage" of Flamengo's two "just expulsions."

"It's never been so easy" is the headline in "El Observador", which adds that "Nacional thrashed Flamengo and reached first place in group 4. Two goals from Morales and another from Fornaroli ended the powerful Brazilian team, which was left with nine players."

"National crushed Flamengo" is the headline of "Ultimas Noticias", which also stated that "the Uruguayan team looked like a tractor and crushed the Brazilians".

"Flamengo ended up playing with nine players, which made things easier," he declared.

The Brazilian team "was discreet and did not have the level that should be demanded given the history of this club," concluded the newspaper.

GLOBOESPORTE

Fla seeks comeback against Americano

After the traumatic defeat in the Libertadores, the team tries to focus on the Taça Rio again

Joel Santana has the mission to motivate the players after the defeat in Uruguay

Still reeling from a 3-0 loss to Nacional in Montevideo in the Libertadores, Flamengo turns its attention to the Taça Rio. This Sunday, at 16 p.m., the team faces Americano at Maracanã and is expected to be without a full squad. Flamengo has three points and is fighting to maintain its lead in Group A, while the Campos team has yet to score in the second half of the season. Coach Joel Santana is expected to rest most of his starting players for this match. Leo Moura and Toró, who were sent off in Uruguay, are expected to be on the field.

In the Carioca championship head-to-head record, Flamengo has a clear advantage. In 61 matches, Flamengo has won 41, drawn XNUMX, and lost XNUMX.

Fla's team is still an unknown

Gavilán has the chance to play his first match as a starter for Flamengo

For Flamengo, coach Joel Santana is expected to assemble a lineup to face the Campos team, mixing starters and reserves. Leo Moura and Toró, who played against Nacional and were sent off, are expected to start in the starting eleven. Bruno is also expected to keep the number 11 jersey. The main attraction could be Gavilán's debut as a starter. The Paraguayan had already appeared in the second half of the victory over Resende in the last match.

There's also the possibility of another new addition: midfielder Renato Augusto, who is recovering from facial surgery. He has a chance of being included in the match. This Saturday, the player will meet with the coach and the coaching staff to decide on his inclusion.

Even without knowing if he will be one of the 11 selected, defender Ronaldo Angelim reminded that, whoever is selected, must keep in mind that this match gained a lot of importance after the defeat in Uruguay.

"We need to win this match, whoever takes the field has to give their all for the team to come out on top. Coach Joel is still deciding who to start, so we'll wait and see," he says.

Alvinegro hopes to take advantage of the opponent's bad moment

At Americano, coach Valter Ferreira has already lined up his team to face Flamengo and try to capitalize on the opponent's emotional instability. The team will have two changes compared to the last game against Duque de Caxias. Ivan will start at left back in place of Rondinelli, and Leandro Matera will replace Alex in the midfield.

Striker Bruninho dreams of repeating his feat from 2005 and helping the Campos team climb the standings. On that occasion, he scored the winning goal for the Alvinegro team, beating Flamengo 2-1.

"That year, we were in a different, much better place. We were fighting to qualify, unlike today, and Rubens Filho (then coach) put me in the game, and I was fortunate enough to score the winning goal. I hope I can be happy again and repeat what happened three years ago," he says.

Fla lands with lessons in its luggage

50 minutes late, players arrive in Rio and leave the airport in a hurry

Fred Huber

Fábio Luciano, upon arriving at Fla, wants the team to hold its head high

Fifty minutes late, the Flamengo delegation landed at Rio de Janeiro airport this Friday after a grueling trip from Montevideo, the site of the match against Nacional on Thursday. The players left quickly and appeared tired. The departure was peaceful, with few fans present. Captain Fábio Luciano said the team returns with some lessons learned from the mistakes made.

"We learned a lot from Uruguay, and we know we can't let our heads drop because we have important games ahead. We'll remain serious, focus on the Americano, and only think about the Libertadores after the Botafogo game. We're already confident again," he says.

The defender lamented that the team made some major mistakes in the game, which, according to him, ended up harming the entire work on the field.

"We talked a lot before the game about the posture we would have to play, Joel talked a lot about it. It's complicated, these are things you do in a split second that ruin everything," he laments.

Midfielder Kléberson, another of the most experienced players in the squad, commented on the fact that Flamengo performs very differently when playing inside and outside the Maracanã.

"Pressure from the fans is part of the game, it's normal, and it's definitely going to happen a lot in the Libertadores. I think our main challenge playing away from Maracanã is that we're a fast team, we play a lot of ball, and we don't have very strong players physically. In this particular game, the pitch was small and the opponents were strong, so I think that made things difficult," he says.

Uncertainty for the game against Americano

Fábio Luciano said that the players still don't know whether coach Joel Santana will field all of his starting players against Americano on Sunday.

"We have a plan. Joel will talk to the coaching staff and decide what will be done," he says.

This Saturday afternoon, coach Joel Santana will lead a training session in Gávea and will have to decide which team will face Americano.

Tickets: Fla not thinking about promotion

Kléber Leite, Flamengo's vice president of football, bets that Maracanã will be packed anyway.

Eduardo Peixoto

Flamengo fans have been the team's main weapon in achieving victories

Despite the protests by Flamengo fans, who are demanding a reduction in ticket prices for the match against Nacional on the 19th at Maracanã, the Flamengo board appears unmoved by the appeal. Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, is confident that the Biggest Stadium in the World will be packed without the ticket promotion.

"This is Flamengo, we don't need ticket sales to fill the Maracanã. You'll see how the stadium will be packed for the two remaining home games," he says.

After the team's poor performance in Montevideo, fans believe the mission of defeating the Uruguayans in Rio de Janeiro would be made easier with the support of their fans. For Flamengo's match against Cienciano at Maracanã, tickets for the green stands cost R$40,00, those for the white stands R$50,00, and those for the lower seats R$30,00.

Press highlights Nacional's 'easy' victory

Uruguayan newspapers say Flamengo's team doesn't live up to the club's traditions

Richard 'Chengue' Morales, who scored two goals, was praised by the newspapers

Nacional's 3-0 victory over Flamengo on Thursday was highlighted by Uruguayan newspapers, which praised the team's performance and predicted a brilliant campaign. The repercussions in Brazil of the disagreement between Toró and one of the ball boys in the game were also noted.

The newspaper "El Pais" praised the performance of striker Morales, who scored twice, and stated that the victory increased the respect surrounding Nacional: "Nacional gained respect. They thrashed Flamengo and sent a strong signal to the entire continent: they have the team to fight for the title. The team relies on the collective and demonstrated that they are ready to face the great challenge of the Libertadores with great strength."

"It's never been so easy" is the headline in "El Observador", which also says: "Two goals from Morales and another from Fornaroli ended the powerful Brazilian team, which was left with nine players."

"Nacional snatched Flamengo" is the headline in "Ultimas Noticias," which published: "The Uruguayan team looked like a bulldozer and crushed the Brazilians." The Uruguayans believe that Flamengo's "discreet" team doesn't live up to the club's traditions. "Flamengo ended up playing with nine players, which made things easier. The Brazilian team was discreet and doesn't have the level that should be expected given this club's history."

Junior: Fla has to swallow its own frog

Libertadores champion in 81, former player criticizes the imbalance of the red-black team

Rodrigo Breves

Junior, former Flamengo player, thinks the team has lost its balance

Flamengo's board assures that it warned the squad about the Libertadores' setbacks, but for Junior, who won the South American competition in 81 with the Red-Blacks, it wasn't enough. The SporTV commentator believes it's necessary to emphasize that this is a competition with a different mystique until it truly becomes a fixed idea for the entire group.

"In their first real test, Flamengo showed such imbalance that it's hard to believe they were warned about what they'd face in the Libertadores. Did the coaching staff really work on the players' minds?" asks the former athlete.

The Flamengo idol says he was even stepped on in the final against Cobreloa and even had to watch teammates Adílio and Lico leave the field battered by the rivals' violence. But none of this stopped the team from lifting the trophy, and with the ball.

"To win the Libertadores, Brazilians have to swallow a lot of hard work. And they have to play football, because that's how all our teams won the title. Nowadays, we have television and a number of things that help. Before, the teasing started at the airport and only stopped when we left," he recalls.

Against Nacional, Junior believes that, even though Flamengo conceded a goal, they had the potential to equalize, as the Uruguayans were creating space in defense. But Toró's childish red card, after pushing ball boy Nicolas Dominguez, practically sealed the defeat. Despite the imbalance in this match, "Helmet" is still confident the team will qualify.

- Flamengo lost when they could and this defeat did not have a more serious consequence, as it would have if we were already in the knockout stage - says Junior, who still believes that Boca Juniors, from Argentina, current champion, is the opponent to beat this year.

Fla's inexplicable outburst

Players were advised not to fall into the trap, but they didn't know how to behave.

Eduardo Peixoto Special correspondent for GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Montevideo, Uruguay

Fábio Luciano can't even explain himself after the defeat in Uruguay

The speech was tiresome and repetitive: don't fall for your opponents' provocations in the Copa Libertadores. During the preseason, even a friendly against Uruguay was considered a "test." But when the pressure was on, Flamengo's players' nerves gave way, and the team lost to Nacional.

All it took was a 13-year-old ball boy making a joke for Toró to forget everything he'd heard over the past two months, lose his temper, and be sent off. But that wasn't all. Throughout the 90 minutes, at various points, the Rubro-Negro seemed unsuited to the trickery of South America's premier tournament.

"There are times when I don't know what's wrong with the Brazilian player. He loses his temper over the slightest thing," laments coach Joel Santana.

The sending off of Leo Moura and Toró weren't the only moments of emotional instability for Flamengo. Fábio Luciano, still in the first half, lightly kicked Fornaroli in the face. In the second half, Ibson and Cristian, friends off the field, argued for more than two minutes after a misplaced pass.

"During the game, players may forget what was said. These are very quick plays," says captain Fábio Luciano.

In the pre-match pregame meeting against Nacional, almost 80% of the time was spent on anti-catimba warnings. To no avail. The club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, was disappointed:

"A little more common sense never hurt anyone. We paid dearly for our mistake, and we can get revenge on the field," he says.

Toró tries, but he can't hide his sadness.

In his speech, the Flamengo player says he forgot about his expulsion. But his actions show otherwise.

Eduardo Peixoto Special correspondent for GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Montevideo, Uruguay

Toró walks with his head down through the hotel the day after the defeat to Nacional

Sometimes words don't reflect people's emotional state. Toró is experiencing this. Bitter and dejected by his red card in the match against Nacional, the Flamengo player tries every way to put the matter behind him.

But with every step he takes, his face betrays him. Alone in the pool this Friday morning in Montevideo, he could barely lift his head. His hoarse voice repeated insistently:

- Let's think about Sunday's game (against Americano, for the Rio Cup).

But the push he gave to ball boy Nicolas Dominguez still haunts him.

Before entering the elevator alongside Kleberson, he hurriedly explains that he apologized to his teammates and coach Joel Santana for the red card he received (watch the video in which Toró tries to explain himself after the game).

"I know I made a mistake. Everyone was warned, and it happened in the heat of the game. But there's no excuse," the player declared.

Team captain Fábio Luciano saw his teammate's "tight spot" and tried to ease the situation.

- Toró, we saw it was an accident - he jokes.

The companion doesn't react. He prefers to look ahead and promise:

- I will continue giving my life for Flamengo.

THROW

Fabio Luciano criticizes Flamengo's campaign

Defender asks for patience and support from the red-black fans

LANCEPRESS!

Second place in Group 4 of the Libertadores, with four points, does not please Fabio Luciano, Flamengo's captain.

"It's not a good campaign, even considering the players we have. We know we can perform better, especially in the Libertadores," he argued.

To recover in the Libertadores, Fabio Luciano is counting on the massive support of the red-black fans.

"We ask for patience from our fans and we need their support. They are always with us, and we need them to continue," he appealed.

Embarrassed, midfielder Toró says he didn't sleep

Player recalls being warned several times about Uruguayan catimba

Toró (right) is comforted by Souza after being sent off

LANCEPRESS!

Sent off in the 43rd minute of the 3-0 loss to Nacional for assaulting a ball boy, Toró revealed he couldn't sleep on Thursday night. In the player's view, if he hadn't been sent off, Flamengo might have had a better result in the game.

"I couldn't sleep well. It was the heat of the game, but it's no excuse that the ball boy touched the ball. I wanted to get the ball quickly because we had conceded a goal. If I hadn't been sent off, I don't know what the result would have been, especially since we were better in the game at that point," he lamented.

Despite having admitted the mistake and apologized for it, Toró guarantees that he overcame the moment, although he recognizes that he was warned several times not to fall into the Uruguayan catimba.

"I already said it yesterday (Thursday), I admitted the mistake, but it's over. We were warned, and I made a mistake. The lesson is learned, I'm upset, and I have to hold my head up high. Now, I have to keep doing what I do: giving my life for Flamengo in every game, with the support of my teammates," he concluded.

Gavilán will start against Americano

Paraguayan midfielder will make his debut as a starter for Flamengo on Sunday

Gavilán will finally be a starter in Joel Santana's team (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)

LANCEPRESS!

For Sunday's game against Americano at Maracanã, coach Joel Santana will bring Paraguayan midfielder Gavilán into the starting lineup.

This will be the first time the player will start a match for Flamengo since arriving at Gávea at the beginning of the year.

In addition to the Paraguayan, the Rubro-Negro team is expected to have four starters for the second round of the Taça Rio. This will be the case for the two players who were sent off in Thursday's match against Nacional, from Uruguay: right-back Léo Moura and midfielder Toró.

In addition to them, coach Joel Santana should keep goalkeeper Bruno and striker Souza among those selected for the match against Americano, Sunday at 18:10 pm

Bruno: 'Our group is capable, when it wants to'

The goalkeeper highlighted that Flamengo only depends on itself to advance

Bruno failed to score two goals against Nacional (Credit: Julio César Guimarães)

LANCEPRESS!

Aware that he missed the first goal of the 3-0 defeat to Nacional, Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno seemed calm about Flamengo's future in the Libertadores. However, the number 1 showed his desire

- We still depend only on our strength, the group is closed, experienced and capable, when it wants to - he stressed.

The goalkeeper explained the goal by downplaying the mistake, classifying it as something common in football.

- It was a long shot, I rebounded it and the guy (Richard Morales) was lucky. We were better in the game, but that's part of football - he simply said

Ticket prices revolt Flamengo fans

Massa wants more affordable tickets for Libertadores games

The red-and-black fans want to fill the Maracanã stadium again (Credit: Julio César Guimarães)

LANCEPRESS!

Driven to support Flamengo in this final stretch of Group 4 of the Libertadores (three games remain, two at Maracanã), Flamengo fans launched a manifesto in one of the club's communities on a social networking site against ticket prices - which vary from R$30 to R$150 - in the main competition in South America.

The crowd's argument is based on Flamengo's performance last year, comparing games where Maracanã hosted fewer than 20 spectators, those with attendance between 20 and 50, and those with more than 50 paying spectators. According to the survey, in the latter scenario, Flamengo secured 78,5% of the points it played at the stadium.

Check out the full manifesto:

"We are hereby, as active members of the Flamengo Community on Orkut, asking that the ticket prices be lowered for the remaining two games of the first phase of the Libertadores at Maracanã, with the aim of promoting a full capacity stadium in the remaining games. It has already been more than proven that increasing prices does not generate revenue, since the number of fans decreases proportionally, and in addition, those who did not pay half-price tickets are breaking the law by using fake cards to get to the game at a fairer price. The only consequence is an empty and ugly stadium, in addition to a much less motivated team.

We followed our team last year, going to the stadium during the final stretch of the Brasileirão, and now you've betrayed us with this unfair pricing policy. Many of us were unable to attend the first Libertadores game, and many will miss the second and third if this price persists. It's also important to consider that the game is very late, thus incorporating all the risks involved in accessing the stadium, and it's broadcast on television. We therefore request a review of this price, which is absurd, to say the least, especially when compared to the prices charged by other teams also participating in this competition.

In the worst case scenario, a promotion could be made available, where by purchasing a ticket for the next game on March 19th against Nacional of Uruguay, the fan would win a ticket for the last game of the first phase against Coronel Bolognesi, for a lower price.\ Fans influence the result!\

Data that proves:

Performance with the starting lineup at Maracanã in 2007:

Games with less than 20 thousand: 62,9%\ Games between 20 and 50 thousand: 69,2%\ Games with more than 50 thousand: 78,5%\

In 2007, tickets cost 20 reais in the stands, and the game against Cabofriense generated revenue of R$406.340,00. In the 2008 debut, with tickets costing 30 reais, the game generated revenue of R$374.932,50. In the second game in 2007, revenue was R$248.995,00, and in 2008 it was R$196.565,00. Increasing the price decreased revenue.''

Thankful,

Flamengo Community on Orkut.