The Globe
Diego wins floor title and places in Beijing
Jade Barbosa fights for a medal on the balance beam today to crown her rise at the World Cup in Germany
STUTTGART, Germany. On a golden Saturday for Brazilian gymnastics, Diego Hypólito won the floor exercise at the World Pre-Olympic Gymnastics Championships yesterday in Stuttgart, Germany. The Flamengo athlete scored 16.150 points to comfortably secure first place. Second was Spain's Gervasio Deferr with 15.950, followed by Japan's Hisashi Mizutori in third with 15.650.
With this result, Diego secured his place in the individual floor exercise event at the Beijing Olympic Games, from August 8 to 24 next year.
"I'm very happy. It's really cool because today (yesterday) is Dani's birthday (Daniele Hypólito, his sister and teammate on the national team and at Flamengo). I thank everyone who worked for this result," the gymnast told Rede Bandeirantes.
Her Flamengo teammate and Brazilian national team teammate Jade Barbosa finished fifth in the vault event at the same competition. The champion was China's Cheng Fei, with 15.937 points. Second place went to North Korea's Hong Su Jung, with 15.812, followed by American Allicia Sacramone (15.412). Another North Korean, Hong Un Jong, scored 15.200 to secure fourth place, one spot ahead of Jade Barbosa, who scored 15.162.
Today, Jade, winner of an unprecedented bronze in the individual all-around on Friday, returns to compete on the balance beam, starting at 9 a.m. Brasília time. In the qualifying rounds, she finished sixth on the apparatus (15.600) and today faces favorites such as China's Shanshan Li, Romania's Catalina Ponor, and America's Shawn Johnson.
After shining at the Rio Pan American Games, the gymnast became Brazil's biggest star at the World Championships. Today, more mature despite her 16 years, Jade is fighting for another victory.
- I'm feeling more confident, and I hope to bring home a medal - said Jade.
The 16-year-old gymnast was the only Brazilian to qualify for the individual finals. Daiane dos Santos, the 2003 world floor champion, competed in the championship while recovering from an injury and finished 23rd on the floor and 44th overall.
TRANSMISSION: Bandeirantes Network
Inter crushes Flamengo at Beira-Rio and wins easily: 3-0
Bruno shines and, with spectacular saves, avoids an even greater embarrassment
Photo caption: WELLINGTON MONTEIRO celebrates Internacional's first goal. The team from Rio Grande do Sul dominated the field.
PORTO ALEGRE. Flamengo's five-game unbeaten streak ended as soon as it left Maracanã Stadium. Listless and uninspired, the Rio de Janeiro team was completely overwhelmed by Internacional, who scored 3-0 and could have scored more. With the loss, Flamengo dropped two places. It was Internacional's first victory over a Rio de Janeiro team at Beira-Rio Stadium this year. The Rio Grande do Sul team had already lost to Botafogo (3-2), Vasco (2-0), and Fluminense (4-1).
"We lost because of our mistakes. We have to lift our heads and show our strength in the matches at Maracanã. We still depend only on our points," said goalkeeper Bruno, the only one to survive the disaster at Beira-Rio.
The game had barely started when Flamengo suffered the first blow. Six minutes in, Ibson was viciously stepped on by Adriano and had to leave the match. Toró came on, and the team lost its momentum.
Playing with much more determination than Flamengo, Internacional dominated the game but struggled to penetrate the Flamengo box. But in the 20th minute, the Rio defense decided to lend a helping hand. And what a helping hand! Leonardo Moura carelessly took a free kick in the Flamengo half, and Léo Medeiros, with his back to the goal, was dispossessed by Gil. The striker broke free and passed to Wellington Monteiro, who fired a low shot into the corner.
Souza hits Clemer's post in the second half
Even losing, Flamengo remained cornered. Unfazed, the team from Rio Grande do Sul created one chance after another. In the 41st minute, Bruno saved a shot from Wellington Monteiro. A minute later, he shone again, making a spectacular save after a volley from defender Sidney.
But in the 44th minute, there was no way out. Roger cut in from the right, dribbled past Ronaldo Angelim, and fired a left-footed shot into the corner. With the score at 2-0, Internacional went into halftime to applause. Flamengo, meanwhile, trudged to the locker room.
"The team is way behind. We have to play better," said Roger, who was barely seen on the field and ended up being replaced by Jaílton.
Internacional also changed things up at halftime. Fernandão, after a long absence, reappeared in place of Gil, who was making his debut. But despite the changes, the game remained even in the second half. In the fourth minute, Adriano received a free kick in the box and, alone with Bruno, slotted it home. In the sixth minute, Adriano received a pass from Fernandão and shot. Bruno made a spectacular save.
Flamengo improved their marking and began to threaten through Juan's runs. The full-back took two chances, and Clemer came through. Joel perked up and replaced the absent Renato Augusto with Obina. In the 24th minute, Souza's shot hit the post.
Flamengo's comeback ended there. The team resigned itself to defeat and stopped playing. Except for Bruno, who continued to perform miracles. Like in the 40th minute, when Adriano had his way with Rômulo inside the box and fired a powerful shot. The Flamengo goalkeeper parried the ball, and it hit the post. In the 43rd minute, Toró was dispossessed on the way out by Alex, who crossed for Elder Granja to seal the score: 3-0.
International: Clemer, Wellington Monteiro, Indio, Sidnei and Alex; Edinho, Guiñazu, Magrao (Magal) and Roger (Elder Granja); Adriano and Gil (Fernandão). Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Romulo, Ibson (Toro), Leo Medeiros and Roger (Jaílton); Renato Augusto (Obina) and Souza. Referee: Paulo Cesar Oliveira. Yellow cards: Souza, Juan, Magrao, Roger.
FLAMENGO
BRUNO: Great performance. He made some great saves and avoided a major embarrassment. 7,5.
LEONARDO MOURA: Very bad. He didn't score and didn't show up to support. His mistake on the first goal was unforgivable. 3.
FÁBIO LUCIANO: He was exposed and ended up involved in Internacional's attack. 4.
RONALDO ANGELIM: Weak, never able to gain an advantage over the attackers. He was dribbled past with extreme ease on the second goal. 3,5.
JUAN: He wasn't brilliant, but at least he attacked Inter in the second half. 5,5.
ROMULUS: Poorly positioned, he was never able to protect his defense. He made many mistakes in passing. 4.
IBSON: Cowardly assaulted, he played for six minutes. No rating. TORÓ came on poorly and helped sink the team. The third goal came from a mistake he made while clearing the ball. 4.
LÉO MEDEIROS: He was so discreet that he was barely seen on the field. He only appeared to be taking shots without direction. He should have been substituted. 4,5.
ROGER: He was on the field for the entire first half. 2. JAÍLTON came on without any inspiration, but at least he fought. 5.
RENATO AUGUSTO: Lost on the field, he didn't help with the build-up, much less threaten Inter's defense. 3,5. He left the field to be replaced by OBINA, who came on with the team already defeated and achieved nothing against the Colorado defense. 3.
SOUZA: As usual, he received a minor yellow card. But he was the most dangerous. He hit the post with a good shot, forcing Clemer to make a great save at the end of the match. 6.
JOEL SANTANA: His team was completely overwhelmed by Internacional. He tried to improve the situation with substitutions, but none of them worked. 4.
REAL ESTATE
Abel Braga's team was infinitely superior and deserved an even more emphatic victory. Wellington Monteiro and Alex were the best. Fernandão returned well, and Clemer looked confident.
ARBITRATION
Paulo César de Oliveira had a great performance. He controlled the violence and scored the shots on goal.
Sports Journal
Obina could be suspended for 240 days
Flamengo's 3-0 loss to Internacional this Saturday at Beira-Rio Stadium could have even worse repercussions. Joel Santana's team is at risk of returning to the relegation zone, depending on tomorrow's results, and on top of that, the fans' favorite, Obina, elbowed Índio.
Although he was not punished by the judge, TV cameras captured the assault, and he will likely be tried by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) under Article 253 (assault) of the disciplinary code. The penalty ranges from 120 to 240 days' suspension.
Two players were recently tried by the court for on-field assaults. Botafogo's Túlio will be sidelined for 120 days after kicking São Paulo's Leandro in the face. Striker Souza, also from the Rubro-Negro, was suspended for eight games after elbowing Grêmio's Tcheco and slapping him while he was being treated off the field.
Flamengo could return to the relegation zone this Sunday
Flamengo could return to the relegation zone this Sunday. The team, which has 29 points, will have to hope against a victory for Paraná, who face Corinthians at 19 pm at Durival Britto Stadium. With the loss to Internacional this Saturday, Flamengo dropped two places in the Brasileirão. The three goals conceded by the team dropped Flamengo behind Atlético-PR, due to a two-goal difference. Figueirense, which beat Atlético-MG 2-2 in Santa Catarina, also knocked the team from Gávea out of 1th place.
Joel: 'The team was undisciplined and irresponsible'
After another defeat in the Brazilian Championship, this time to Internacional, 3-0, at Beira Rio, this Saturday, Flamengo is rooting against Juventude and Náutico to avoid returning to the relegation zone.
Coach Joel Santana said he tried to prepare the team to play on equal terms against the home team, but the team lacked tactical discipline and conceded the victory.
"We tried to play on equal terms, because if we don't play like that here in the south, we'll lose. The game was still up in the air, and we could have changed the outcome, but a poor clearance resulted in Internacional's third goal. I thought the score was too generous, but my opinion doesn't count for anything. Flamengo today (Saturday) was undisciplined and irresponsible," said the coach.
Joel emphasized the validity of the Colorado team's victory and said that Flamengo needs to know how to play in a championship like the Brasileirão. "Internacional's victory was deserved, because they were more focused than we were. The Brazilian Championship is like that; now we have Cruzeiro on Wednesday, Vasco on Sunday, and Juventude the following week. In the history of the game, Internacional has won the last three matches, but today (Saturday) our team made it much easier," the Flamengo coach explained to Rádio Globo.
Regarding the consequences of the defeat, Joel said it's truly unfortunate that a team like Flamengo is fighting relegation instead of the title. Furthermore, the coach believes it will be difficult for São Paulo, who beat Vasco 2-0 this Saturday, not to lift the trophy.
"This position we're in is awful. Even if we're two points ahead, that's not a good position. This competition has to be played by design, well at home and poorly away. São Paulo is up by a lot of points. They play by design; they played like that against Atlético-MG, went out there and came away with a draw. Away from home, they fight, and at home, they play how they want," concluded Joel Santana.
Flamengo loses 3-0 and remains close to the relegation zone
Vipcom
Elder Granja scores Inter's third goal and Flamengo remains alert to the specter of relegation
Flamengo lost its momentum in recent matches this Saturday afternoon against Internacional at Beira-Rio. Dominated in the first half by the Rio Grande do Sul team and conceding goals in the second half, Flamengo was defeated 1-3 and remained close to the relegation zone. The Colorado goals were scored by Wellington Monteiro, Roger, and full-back Élder Granja. Midfielder Ibson was stepped on his right ankle and left the field early in the match.
The game started with a lively atmosphere, with attacks from both sides, but the goalkeepers didn't have much trouble with their shots. Colorado was playing offensively, especially down the right flank, and was investing in aerial plays. In the 19th minute, Wellington Monteiro advanced down the right, and from Flamengo's penalty area, debutant Gil nearly deflected the ball into the net. The large Colorado crowd was still lamenting the missed opportunity when, a minute later, midfielder Roger capitalized on Leonardo Moura's mistake and passed the ball to Wellington Monteiro. The full-back fired a shot into Bruno's left corner, scoring Inter's first goal.
Flamengo kept trying, but their chances were unsuccessful. In the 30th minute, Flamengo suffered another scare. Alex curled the ball from a corner kick, and Bruno stretched to prevent the goal. Soon after, Bruno saved Flamengo from another shot by defensive midfielder Wellington Monteiro.
The team from Gávea was lost on the field and misplaced many passes. Inter took advantage of the red-and-black's disorganization and began pressing with plays down the left. But it was from the middle that the Tricolor Gaúcho's second goal came in the 44th minute. Roger controlled the ball, got past Ronaldo Angelim, burst into the box, fired a powerful shot, and made it 2-0.
Coach Joel Santana took off Roger and brought on midfielder Jaílton for the second half. Inter's striker Fernandão, who hadn't played in 2 days, came on for Gil. Flamengo came back stronger, coming forward more, but didn't pose much of a threat to the Colorado goal. In the 100th minute, Leonardo Moura received a cross in the six-yard box, and the ball grazed the full-back's head. Five minutes later, Souza advanced down the right, entered the box, but misplaced the pass.
The match was lackluster, with Inter creating little and Flamengo still making mistakes. Then, in the 24th minute, Souza's shot from outside the box hit Clemer's post. Colorado responded, and in the 37th minute, Fernandão passed the ball to Adriano. The striker hit it hard, goalkeeper Bruno parried it, and the ball hit the post and went out for a goal kick. Six minutes later, Flamengo paid for their mistakes again. Midfielder Alex made a good play, got past Toró, and crossed for Élder Granja, who headed in the third goal for Colorado.
O Dia
Inter defeats Flamengo 3-0
PORTO ALEGRE - Flamengo was thrashed 3-0 by Internacional at the Beira-Rio stadium and is at risk of returning to the relegation zone. To avoid the worst, the red-and-blacks must 'dry out' Atlético-PR and Paraná, as they have already been overtaken in points by Figueirense.
A criminal foul by Adriano, who intentionally stepped on Íbson's right ankle, dismantled coach Joel Santana's entire strategy. Five minutes into the game, the coach had to replace the midfielder with Toró.
Without their key midfielder, Flamengo became easy prey. After 15 poor minutes, the game began to become intense, especially for the Gaucho fans. Pressing hard, the home team scored the first goal through Wellington Monteiro. The Flamengo defense faltered, Magrão stole the ball and passed it to Wellington to open the scoring.
Even at a disadvantage, Flamengo remained apathetic, while Inter continued trying to increase the score, requiring important saves from goalkeeper Bruno.
In the 42nd minute, the Gauchos had two real chances to score a second goal in the same play. In the first, Sidney unleashed a bomb, and Bruno performed a miracle. The rebound was headed wide by Magrão.
But soon after, Inter made it 2-0. Léo Moura took a bad free kick, at Magrão's feet, who launched Roger, who easily got away from Ronaldo Angelim and scored the second, in the 44th minute.
For the second half, Joel replaced Roger (a non-starter) with Jaílton, and Abel Braga brought on Fernandão for Gil. The situation remained unchanged. Flamengo continued to misplace passes, Inter missed goals, and Bruno saved the Flamengo nation with some fine saves.
The Rio team's best moment came in the 24th minute, when Souza unleashed a rocket from the middle of the street, Clemer glanced it off the post, but it hit the post. In the 43rd minute, after another defensive error, Élder Granja made it 3-0. We'll just have to root against the Paraná team to avoid another defeat.
Obina may be suspended
Although he wasn't punished by the referee, TV cameras captured Obina elbowing Índio, and he will likely be tried by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) under Article 253 (assault). The suspension ranges from 120 to 240 days.
Two players were recently tried in court for assault. Botafogo's Túlio is serving a 120-day suspension for kicking São Paulo's Leandro in the face. Striker Souza, also from Rubro-Negro, was suspended for eight games after elbowing Grêmio's Tcheco and slapping him while he was being treated off the field.
Bruno, a standout player in the game with his miraculous saves, was outraged by the team's mistakes. He believed Flamengo was guilty of their own mistakes: "We lost to ourselves. We were playing an equal match, but our mistakes were fatal."
Joel Santana considered the mistakes absurd. He believes conceding goals from set pieces is unacceptable: "I'm tired of saying it, and the team just messes up like that."
Gymnastics: Diego, the best in the world
For the second time, Brazilian Diego Hypólito wins the gold medal on floor exercise
STUTTGART, GERMANY - The bouquet Diego Hypólito intended to give his sister Daniele on her birthday could have been purchased at a Stuttgart florist, but he opted for something more special. The flowers were won in the floor exercise at the World Pre-Olympic Championships in Germany, where Diego found no one capable of taking the gold from him.
For the second time in his career, he experienced the taste of being the best in the world on the apparatus. The first time was two years ago, at the World Championships in Australia. The highly anticipated duel between Diego and Romanian Marian Dragulescu had to be postponed because the 2006 world champion was injured. Without his rival in the way, the Brazilian scored 16.150 points, surpassing Spaniard Gervasio Deferr (15.950) and Japanese Hisashi Mizutori (15.650).
"I didn't want to leave the hotel to go shopping, so I gave Dani the flowers I received. I'll buy her something else later. My effort and dedication were rewarded. I consider this title the most important of my career," said the gymnast.
As the sixth to perform, Diego had the opportunity to evaluate his opponents. Already knowing that China's Kai Zou (the best in the qualifiers) hadn't had a high score in the final, he decided to adopt a more conservative series. "When I arrived in Stuttgart, a movie started playing in my head, and the feeling was that I could repeat Australia's feat. And once again, the dream came true," he commented.
Not without overcoming difficulties along the way. In 2005, he overcame foot surgery and very little training time. This year, he struggled with ligament pain in his other foot and back, which left him doubtful about his participation in the Rio Pan American Games.
Despite the victory, Diego is not guaranteed a spot at the Beijing Olympics. Since Brazil failed to qualify for the men's team, it will be represented by only one gymnast, who will be chosen by the Brazilian Gymnastics Confederation (CBG).
“I ask permission from the band O Rappa, of which I am a fan, to celebrate this title of mine with the chorus of 'Pescador de Ilusões', but with a modification made by me: 'It was worth it, ê, ê! I am world champion'”.
JADE IS IN FIFTH
One day after making Brazilian gymnastics history by winning the bronze medal in the all-around, Jade Barbosa failed to return to the podium. Although she was the top gymnast on vault during the apparatus heats, she finished only fifth.
Despite having achieved a good score on the first jump (15.625), Jade did not perform as well on the second (14.700) and achieved an average of 15.162.
The gold medal went to China's Fei Cheng, who won her second championship (15.937). North Korea's Su Jong Hong was second best (15.812), followed by American Alicia Sacramone (15.412).
Jade returns to the gym this Sunday for the balance beam final. She placed sixth in the heats (15.600). The top three were China's Li Shanshan (16.325), Romania's Catalina Ponor, and America's Shawn Johnson (16.250), the winner of the individual all-around.
Sports Gazette
Diego Hypólito becomes world champion on floor exercise
Stuttgart (Germany) - After being defeated by China's Kai Zou in the qualifying rounds, Brazil's Diego Hypólito confirmed his favoritism and was crowned champion in the floor exercise event at the World Championships, which are being held in Germany.\ The Brazilian scored 16,150, leaving behind Spain's Gervasio Deffer (15,950), silver medalist, and Japan's Hisashi Mizutori (15,650), who took third place. China's Zou disappointed and only took sixth place, scoring 15,550.\
This is Diego's second world title on floor exercise. He also won the title in 2005 in Melbourne, while last year he took silver. It's worth noting that the Brazilian's main opponent, Romanian Marian Dragulescu, suffered a back injury and was unable to compete. Olympic floor exercise champion, Canadian Kyle Shewfelt, was also unable to perform his routine after breaking both legs during training for the World Championships.
"I'm very happy. This result isn't just mine, it's Brazil's. Thank you so much for the support," declared the Brazilian gymnast, shortly after receiving the gold medal. "I want to thank my family, sponsors, CBG, and everyone who supported me," said the athlete, who in the final had decided to increase the difficulty level of his routine by swapping a double twist in a group for a double twist pike, but gave up when he saw that his rivals weren't scoring very well.
Diego's dedication, however, has a special address: his sister Daniele Hypólito, who also competed at the World Championships but failed to qualify for any medals. The two embraced as soon as the result was confirmed. "Today is her birthday," the athlete recalled. Turning 23, Daniele responded. "There's no better gift than this," the gymnast celebrated.
We made things too easy for Internacional, laments Joel Santana
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's comeback in the Brazilian Championship stalled at Internacional. This Saturday, the Rio de Janeiro team conceded three goals at Beira-Rio and once again found itself in danger of the relegation zone. Coach Joel Santana lamented the team's excessive number of errors. "This is the Brazilian Championship; you can't make mistakes. We expected a good result here, but we made it too easy for our opponents. Now we have to focus on correcting our mistakes," said the coach.
In Joel Santana's view, Flamengo can't complain about outside influences in the match against Internacional. "Their victory was deserved; Inter were better strategically," he analyzed.
For Bruno, defeat should not shake Flamengo
Porto Alegre (RS) - Goalkeeper Bruno, one of Flamengo's standout performers in the 3-0 loss to Inter at Beira-Rio Stadium, managed to prevent an even more tragic result. The player, however, sees no reason to despair, even if Flamengo returns to the relegation zone. "Flamengo's relegation isn't even on my mind. We have to stay calm. We have to look for points in our home games and finish the championship well, which is very even," Bruno emphasized.
The goalkeeper also highlighted Internacional's merits, as they played well and pinned Flamengo down, especially in the first half. "Inter played well, defended well in their own half, and capitalized on their opportunities. We lost, but we have to lift our heads," said Bruno, who faces Cruzeiro on Wednesday at Maracanã in a postponed match from the 16th round.
Flamengo is defeated at Beira-Rio and is threatened again
Porto Alegre (RS) - Internacional defeated a disheveled Flamengo 3-0 this Saturday at Beira-Rio. The Colorado team relied on the fine play of Gil, who made his debut, and Fernandão, who returned after three months out injured, to build the result. The Rio Grande do Sul team reached 35 points and bounced back in the standings thanks to goals from Wellington Monteiro, Roger, and Élder Granja. Flamengo remains on 29 points and could fall back into the relegation zone, depending on the other results of the round.
Rubro-Negro struggled from the opening minutes. Ibson suffered an injury and was replaced by Toró after six minutes. Inter were better and defending well.
The Rio team was lost on the field and suffering under pressure. Debutant Gil threaded a beautiful ball to Wellington Monteiro, who fired a quick shot into the corner and opened the scoring in the 19th minute.
Taking advantage of their opponent's weakness, Inter applied intense pressure and completely dominated the game. Goalkeeper Bruno was forced to work hard and made some great saves.
At the end of the first half, however, he ended up conceding another goal. Internacional's Roger made a beautiful play, cut inside, and hit a left-footed shot into the corner: 2-0.
After halftime, the expectation was for a rout. The pressure was intense, but Adriano missed the best chances. He was one-on-one with Bruno, but in his haste, he shot over the bar. The center forward then missed a beautiful pass from Fernandão. The Flamengo goalkeeper saved.
The Rio de Janeiro team tried to react by using Juan on the left. Abel Braga became concerned and brought on Élder Granja to try to tighten up the midfield marking. The game became tense, and the players began tackling the ball with their arms increasingly wide open. Elbows and arguments took place out of the referees' sight.
In the 43rd minute, Alex stole the ball and crossed perfectly for Élder Granja to score with a header and give Flamengo the finishing touch, sealing their victory.
Magrão received his third yellow card and will miss Inter's derby against Grêmio next weekend. Flamengo also has a regional clash with Vasco at Maracanã in the next round. Before that, however, they face Cruzeiro on Wednesday at 20:30 pm at Maracanã, in a postponed match from the 16th round.
Runco plans to use new therapy on Ronaldo and Maxi Biancuchi\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - In an attempt to speed up the recovery of Argentine forward Maxi Biancuchi, doctor José Luís Runco will subject the Flamengo player to a treatment known as gene therapy. Milan forward Ronaldo, who came to Brazil for a consultation with the Flamengo doctor, is also expected to undergo the method, in an attempt to speed up the recovery from his muscle injury, which has lasted more than two months. Doctor José Luiz Runco, orthopedist for the Brazilian national team and the Rio de Janeiro Flamengo team, explained that he will use the therapy, which uses substances produced by the body itself to be injected into the injuries and stimulate tissue growth and healing. He clarified that he has never used this type of treatment on soccer players, and Maxi and Ronaldo will be the first to experience the method.
Ronaldo arrived in Rio accompanied by Milan physiotherapist Bruno Mazziotti, who will oversee his treatment. The player hopes to return to football quickly to compete in the majority of the Italian Championship and the Champions League.
PeléNet
Joel Santana 'relieves' Roger after defeat in Porto Alegre
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The poor first-half performance against Inter greatly angered coach Joel Santana. At halftime, he took off midfielder Roger, who had a lackluster performance, and brought on defensive midfielder Jailton. However, after the final whistle, coach Joel Santana avoided criticizing the midfielder.
According to the red-black commander, Roger, who returned to the team after serving a suspension, was very well marked by the Gauchos, which explains the poor performance of the number 8.
"We knew he [Roger] would be closely marked. So I brought on a player to better compose the midfield in the second half, because Roger was running out of space. He wasn't able to play, so I took him off," explained Joel.
In the second half, without Roger on the field, Flamengo leveled the score and even hit the post with a shot from Souza. However, due to an individual error by Toró, they conceded a third goal late on.
"We were balanced in the second half and had a few chances to score, but Toró misplaced a pass at the end and we conceded the third," said the coach. "It was a fair result, but considering what we did in the second half, I think it was a stretch score," Joel added.
Goalkeeper Bruno was another to absolve Roger of any blame for the defeat at Beira-Rio. He believes Ibson's exit, injured after being stepped on in the foot just 7 minutes into the match, was a determining factor in the setback.
"It wasn't just Roger's fault. Everyone played poorly in the first half. I think Ibson's departure disrupted the team and we felt it a lot," said the goalkeeper.
Irritated, Joel Santana complains about Flamengo's lack of attention
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo's performance this Saturday afternoon, especially in the first half of their 3-0 loss to Internacional in Porto Alegre, greatly angered Flamengo coach Joel Santana. According to the coach, the team was warned about their opponent's strengths, but still played inattentively and made unforgivable mistakes.
"I explained in the pre-match talk how Inter would play. I knew they had a good play down the left flank. But, despite all the talk, we made a mistake in our play and conceded two goals. Having a free kick and then giving them the pass is too much," he criticized.
The coach is referring to Colorado's first and third goals, when the ball was in Flamengo's possession and Inter recovered it and scored. The first mistake was Leonardo Moura, who sent a free kick to Léo Medeiros, who was distracted and didn't control it. Late in the game, Toró lost the ball.
In the Beira-Rio locker room, the Rio squad admitted their poor performance and stated that the instructions given by the coach before the match were not followed on the field.
"We didn't play well today. Congratulations to Inter, who knew how to take advantage of our mistakes and capitalized on our mistakes. Joel warned everyone how Inter likes to play. But unfortunately, things didn't happen today," said goalkeeper Bruno.
As a result of the setback, Flamengo remains on 29 points and could fall back into the relegation zone. To do so, Paraná simply needs to defeat Corinthians at home this Sunday at 19 p.m. in Curitiba. The Paraná team has 28 points.
Inter prevails, wins 3-0 and ends Flamengo's unbeaten streak
From the Editorial Office\In Porto Alegre\
Internacional, on an exceptionally warm winter afternoon for Rio Grande do Sul, thrashed Flamengo 3-0 this Saturday at Beira-Rio. The result brings them to 35 points and once again dreams of a spot in the top four, while Flamengo saw its five-game unbeaten streak snapped and remains on 4.
Inter haven't grown enough to scare the leaders, but they have at least moved away from the Serie B zone. Flamengo remains in this dangerous situation, although they still have two games in hand to recover.
Inter, who had been in decline, having not won any of their previous three games, reacted in the match that marked Fernandão's return after three months away.
Both teams were in a great mood at the beginning of the match, aggressive, so much so that after just 6 minutes, after suffering a foot step, applied by Roger, midfielder Ibson had to leave the field replaced by Toró.
Inter, more ambitious, took a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute after a disastrous move by the red-and-black defense. Gil took advantage and found Wellington Monteiro, who burst into the box alone and fired a shot into Bruno's left corner. From then on, it was all Inter, and the score was deservedly extended by Roger in the 44th.
Scorer of his first goal for Inter, Wellington Monteiro said, "I'm very happy, but we have to be careful because the game isn't over." And with 45 minutes remaining, Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno expressed optimism: "We have to change our style of play and go for it."
Without Roger, replaced at half-time by Jailton, Flamengo tried to react, but the home team, now with Fernandão on the field, in place of Gil, continued to accumulate chances to extend the lead.
Afterwards, the red-black team, with two center forwards, Obina and Souza, improved and the latter even hit a shot on Clemer's left post in the 24th minute.
But Inter ended up making it 3-0 in the 43rd minute, with a cross from Alex, which found Elder Granja's head, who deflected it past Bruno and decreed the 3-0. The fans shouted "goodbye, Mengo".
BalloonSport
Inter plays well and beats a clumsy Flamengo
With Fernandão back in the team, Colorado wins 3-0 at Beira-Rio, without any problems
Alexandre Alliatti From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Porto Alegre
On the afternoon Inter returned to playing their best and Flamengo forgot what little they had learned, nothing was more natural than a 3-0 victory for the Colorado team, following Fernandão's return. It was the end of Rio's woes at Beira-Rio. Previously, Botafogo, Vasco, and Fluminense had defeated the world champions at home. Leo Medeiros falls asleep, Inter steals the ball and opens the scoring. The three points give Inter a new lease of life in the Brasileirão. Colorado moved up to 35th, a little closer to the Libertadores qualifying zone. Flamengo, stuck in 29th, is even more concerned about the possibility of relegation. If Paraná beats Corinthians this Sunday in Curitiba, and Atlético-PR doesn't lose by two or more goals to Fluminense in Rio, the Rubro-Negro will return to the relegation zone. The Rio de Janeiro team returns to action on Wednesday at the Maracanã against Cruzeiro. The Gauchos, on Sunday, have Gre-Nal at the Olímpico.\
Inter plays, Flamengo watches
Carrying a laziness unbecoming of a team threatened with relegation, Flamengo was crushed by Inter in the first half. They simply didn't play. Clumsy on the field and possessing an embarrassing lack of technique, Joel Santana's team spent the entire time watching the Colorados' ball play. And it was a great performance from the Reds. Inter displayed an imposing quality they've long lacked at Beira-Rio. Gil, the afternoon's debutant, was a nuisance on the left wing. Wellington Monteiro was in several positions at once. And Roger played fantastically. Inter's Roger, because Flamengo's Roger only managed to make the fans laugh with an endless series of errors.
The first dangerous move, it's true, was from the red-and-blacks. Ten minutes in, Ronaldo Angelim took a shot from the edge of the box. Clemer flew to the ball and slotted it home beautifully. And that was it. From then on, it was all Inter and more Inter.
Roger makes an individual play and scores Colorado's second
Wellington Monteiro, then, could have opened the scoring for the Abelão team, but his header was too weak. No problem. In the 20th minute, he was gifted by Flamengo with another opportunity. Leo Moura, on the right defensive side, decided to pass the ball to Leo Medeiros, who had his back turned. The midfielder didn't understand a thing. He didn't even see the ball. Roger, a clever Colorado player, stole the ball and immediately passed it to Gil, who found Wellington Monteiro inside the box. The shot was right across goal: 1-0.
The goal didn't dampen the world champion's momentum, aware they were facing a weakened opponent—in part due to Ibson's injury early departure. Inter spent the rest of the period circling the Rio de Janeiro penalty area. In the 42nd minute, Monteiro took the ball from Roger and fired a shot. Bruno parried it. Soon after, Sidnei unleashed a first-time shot from inside the box. The goalkeeper performed another miracle, and Magrão, on the rebound, missed the most perfect goal of his life.
The disappointment was short-lived. Two minutes later, Gil lofted the ball from the left. It ended up on the other side, with Roger. The boy feinted and sent a diagonal shot, leaving Bruno with no chance: 2-0.
Roger and Fernandão: opposites in the Giant
Outraged by the team's performance, Joel Santana took off Roger and brought in midfielder Jaílton. He wanted a more competitive Flamengo. Or, as he put it, more like Inter. On the other side, Fernandão was the polar opposite of Roger. When he stepped onto the field to replace Gil, the fans celebrated as if it were a goal.
From the start, the captain left Inter even more inspired. Five minutes in, Índio sprinted down the right and crossed. Flamengo's two defenders rushed Fernandão, leaving Adriano free to control the ball, think, and shoot wide. Soon after, Adriano missed another incredible goal after receiving a stunning pass from Fernandão.
Fla reacts
Little by little, Inter began to relax, and Flamengo, much more solid, grew significantly in the match. Souza and Fábio Luciano missed chances in front of Clemer. The center forward had two other good chances: in the 14th minute, with a cross shot that beat Sidnei, and in the 24th, with a shot that hit Clemer's left post.
Watch Inter's third goal, scored by Élder Granja late in the game. But there was no way out. As time passed, the red-and-black team's strength diminished. And Inter, with the three points secured, played the ball around and still had time to score another late on, with Élder Granja heading in a cross from the left.
Joel gets confused when explaining Roger's departure
The coach first talks about a "lack of competitiveness." Then, he alleges "little space."
When, after the second half, a reporter from a Porto Alegre radio station asked Joel Santana why he had taken Roger off, the Flamengo coach was direct: "He left due to a lack of competitiveness," the coach said.
At the end of the 3-0 defeat, when asked by a radio reporter from Rio de Janeiro if that was really the reason, Joel softened up.
- Who said that? Well... actually... well, I took Roger out because he was very marked, with no space to play - he explains.
Speaking generally, however, Joel confirmed that the game was to be decided "on the field of battle." He recalled that he had previously coached Inter (in 2004) and that at Beira-Rio the team was going to struggle and that his team was advised to be careful.
"The order was to clear the ball from the back and go on the counterattack. But they wanted to keep playing. The first and third goals came from passing errors, which Inter capitalized on. Flamengo was a team lacking discipline and responsibility, fundamental aspects of today's football," he says.
Ibson is missed
The red-black commander lamented the loss of Ibson right at the start (watch the midfielder's step in the video above), but the biggest fault, according to him, was having fallen under the marking due to Inter's pressure.
"Why will São Paulo be champions? Because they play their game at Morumbi Stadium, and away from home, they go out and fight, without worrying about beauty or a touch," Joel compares. "That's what he'll demand from now on, he promised."
'We lost to ourselves,' says Bruno
Goalkeeper says Fla created few opportunities in 3-0 defeat to Inter
Despite the loss, goalkeeper Bruno was one of the standout performers in Flamengo's 3-0 defeat to Internacional at Beira-Rio Stadium on Saturday afternoon. With at least three difficult saves, the Flamengo goalkeeper prevented an even bigger rout. (Watch one of Bruno's saves in the video below). Upon leaving the field, the player lamented the negative result for the Rio de Janeiro team and praised the opponent's performance in the match:
"We lost to ourselves. Inter played a great first half, defended well in their own half, and capitalized on their chances. We were defeated, but we have to lift our heads," he says.
According to Bruno, it's still too early to worry about relegation. The goalkeeper believes Flamengo just needs to do its part at home to avoid relegation.
"Flamengo's relegation isn't even on my mind. We have to stay calm. We still have a lot of home games, and we need to get the points we need and finish the championship well, which is very even," he explains.
In the next round of the Brasileirão, Flamengo will face Cruzeiro, next Wednesday, at 20:30 pm at Maracanã, in a postponed match from the 16th round.
Throw
Flamengo can't resist Inter at Beira-Rio: 3-0
Rubro-Negro plays poorly again. A defeat could bring the relegation zone nightmare back to Gávea.
Flamengo plays poorly and cannot resist Inter in the south of the country (Credit: LANCEPRESS!)
Rafael Ximenes
Despite a poor performance from Flamengo, Internacional easily defeated Rubro-Negro 3-0 this Saturday at Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, securing their first victory over a Rio de Janeiro team in this Brazilian Championship and moving up four places in the standings. Flamengo, which was in 12th place, moved up to eighth with 35 points. Rubro-Negro, meanwhile, remained on 29 points, dropping to 16th place and, depending on Sunday's results, could fall back into the relegation zone.
Flamengo's first-half ordeal began just four minutes in, when Adriano stepped on Ibson's right foot, forcing him out of the game. Toró replaced him. Ibson's absence, responsible for the ball out, could have been an excuse for the red-and-black team's poor first half, but everyone, without exception, performed very poorly. The returns of Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, Juan, Roger, and Souza did nothing to improve the team's quality.
Unable to organize even a single good attacking move, the defense was overwhelmed and couldn't handle the pressure from the Colorados. Inter didn't even need to be brilliant to take the lead; they simply had to capitalize on Flamengo's mistakes.
In the 19th minute, Internacional scored a goal thanks to an incredible blunder. Léo Moura took a free kick just outside Flamengo's box. Léo Medeiros, inattentive, didn't go after the ball. Guiñazú won the ball back and passed it to Gil, who passed it to Wellington Monteiro. The full-back simply rolled it into Bruno's low left corner to score.
In a dismal performance, Joel was already showing his dissatisfaction on the sidelines, while Flamengo just watched Inter play. While Roger, from Colorado, was trying to organize the plays, Flamengo's seemed to be out of touch: he barely touched the ball, and when he did, he didn't produce anything worthwhile.
In two consecutive saves, one by Wellington Monteiro and the other by Sidnei, Bruno twice saved Inter's second goal. But in the 44th minute, he was powerless. The less famous but more effective midfielder, Roger, dribbled past Ronaldo Angelim and struck with his left foot. The ball went into Bruno's right corner.
Flamengo could end the round in the deadly zone
Rubro-Negro lost two positions with this Saturday's defeat
LANCEPRESS!
The 3-0 defeat to Internacional this Saturday, at Beira-Rio, could see Flamengo return to the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship.
Flamengo has already lost two positions this Saturday and is now in 16th place. One to Figueirense, who beat Atlético-MG 2-1 in Santa Catarina, and another to Atlético-PR, on goal difference. Flamengo, which had a positive goal tally, now has -2 and has been overtaken by the Paraná team, which has zero.
To avoid finishing in the death zone, Flamengo, which has 29 points, will have to hope that Paraná doesn't beat Corinthians this Sunday at 19 p.m. at Durival Britto Stadium. The Tricolor has 28 points and will reach 31 with a win.
Bruno bets on games at Maraca to win
The goalkeeper was the best on the field, despite conceding three goals
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno was one of the few, if not the only, to survive in the 3-0 loss to Internacional this Saturday at Beira-Rio Stadium in the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship. For the player, there's no reason to despair yet, and he believes Flamengo's strong record at Maracanã will help them climb out of the bottom of the table.
"We lost to ourselves. Internacional scored well in the first half, making it very difficult. In the second half, we improved a bit, but still didn't get the result. We have to make a difference at home, where it's very difficult to beat us, because of our fans," says Bruno.
Flamengo is 16th in the Brazilian Championship, with 29 points, just one point above the death zone, which has Paraná with 28.
Diego Hypolito is gold on Stuttgart soil
Gymnast achieves highest score in event and gets closer to the Olympics
Diego wins gold for the second time at the World Championships (Credit: Gilvan de Sousa)
LANCEPRESS!
Another golden day for Diego Hypolito. This Saturday morning, the gymnast took first place in the floor exercise final at the Gymnastics World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany.
Sixth to perform, Diego achieved the highest score of the event, with 16.150, and was ahead of the Spaniard Gervasio Deffer, silver with 15.950, and the Japanese Hisashi Mizutori, who took bronze with 15.650.
Gold shines on Diego's chest for the second time at the World Championships. In 2005, in Melbourne, the gymnast also won the floor exercise. The following year, he was defeated by Romania's Marian Dragulescu and took silver.
The victory in Stuttgart brought Diego closer to a spot at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as, with 17th place in the team competition, Brazil will only be able to take one athlete to the Games, and this will be chosen by the Brazilian Gymnastics Confederation.