THE GLOBE
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A gringo\ eternally carioca
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\ On the Maracanã Walk of Fame, Petkovic now wants the Brazilian title for\ Fla
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\ PETKOVIC SHOWS the molds of his feet, which will remain forever on the biggest stage\ of Brazilian football: 'It's the title of titles'
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\ Marcos Penido
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\ As he lifted, as his greatest trophy, the casts of his feet to be immortalized \ on the Maracanã Walk of Fame, yesterday, in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, the Serbian Dejan Petkovic, 37, was applauded by about 200 fans, the vast majority of them Flamengo fans, and achieved what he had never imagined in his wildest dreams: to be marked \ forever in the country of football. Emotional to the point of tears at one point, the player recalled the importance of a Flamengo victory in the game \ against Goiás, tomorrow, at 19:30 p.m., on the same stage, to achieve another goal: \ win and take an important step towards winning the Brazilian title and competing \ in the 2010 Copa Libertadores for the Flamengo club, one of the main symbols of the city.
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\ After Franz Beckenbauer (Germany), Eusébio (Portugal), Romerito (Paraguay)\ and Elias Figueiroa (Chile), Petkovic is the fifth foreigner and the 99th player\ to leave his mark on the stadium's hall of fame, where he scored 31 goals, 22 of them for\ Flamengo. The player also played for Vasco and Fluminense, and thanked them all.
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"I'm a player who proudly wears the shirt I defend. In Rio, I played for three of the four major clubs. I have affection for Fluminense and Vasco, but today I'm wearing the "Sacred Mantle" again," he said, receiving a standing ovation from his fans.
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\ Pet remembers the goal Flamengo's third
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Pet was welcomed by Márcia Lins, State Secretary of Tourism, Sports and Leisure, who said she was honored to be able to pay tribute to the man she considers the most Carioca Serbian in the world. She recalled that she had rarely seen so many people present at the ceremony and concluded her speech by thanking him for the Olympic goals he scored.
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\ - They are a tribute to Rio, which will host the 2016 Olympics - said\ Márcia Lins.
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\ Pet responded by saying that he felt as if he had received the greatest title of his\ life.
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\ - Coming from Serbia and being honored at Maracanã, in Brazil, the country of football, is\ the title of titles - said the player, who gained yet another motivation to\ grow even more in the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship.
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\ Accompanied by his family and moved, Petkovic thanked Vitória, who brought him to Brazil for the first time, and Flamengo, for his return to the country and his meeting with Rio.
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"It's a city where I feel good, and it has the Maracanã. It's my home, I say that with pride. Here, I experience emotions, true vibrations, because the fans make the stadium rock. I didn't believe I could achieve this, this honor. It's the title of all titles in my career. I'm not crying, because I'm from a different culture, but I'm moved," said the player, who recalled the free kick goal, 43 minutes into the second half, in the 2001 State Championship final against Vasco, which gave Flamengo its third state championship title, as one of the most beautiful of his life. "That goal was unforgettable. I was at my peak. Time has passed, and I think today I've reached another level of excellence again. I hope we win the Brazilian Championship. It's not long now, and we have to do our part on the field together with this wonderful crowd," said Petkovic.
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The entire ceremony was filmed by the crew of the film "O Gringo", a documentary about his life, directed by Serbian Darko Baite and Brazilian Fabiano Canosa.
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"My fans deserve to have a legacy. I thought the time had come," Petkovic commented.
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\ A fan shouted:
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\ - Oscar for him!
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One scene will certainly be remembered in the documentary. It was when the player was asked if he dreamed of playing for the Serbian national team. His eyes filled with tears and there was a long silence before he answered. Moved, he replied:
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- I played for Yugoslavia, which comprised six states, now countries, including Serbia. I was 19, and it was difficult. My dream was to play in the 2002 World Cup, but we were sent away. Then the country split into political and economic disputes. We were bombed, then formed Serbia and Montenegro. Three years ago, Serbia existed. I'm proud of my country. It's small, smaller than most Brazilian states, but it's in the 2010 World Cup. The players deserved it. I don't expect to play now that I'm 37, but after the World Cup, I think I deserve to play for Serbia.
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\ At the same time as he deservedly immortalized his feet on the Maracanã Walk of Fame, Petkovic hopes to mark his second stint at Flamengo with the\ Brazilian title, which he has not yet won in his career:
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\ - It doesn't just depend on us. But there are three rounds left and we have to do our part to be able to dream and crown with the title a great job done by the whole group.
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\ Kleberson is an option for the second half
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In the afternoon, the star player participated in a training session with his teammates at Ninho do Urubu in Vargem Grande. At the end of the session, coach Andrade put Kleberson in the starting lineup in place of Toró and liked the alternative, which he admitted to using in the second half of tomorrow's game. To compensate for the long period of inactivity since dislocating his shoulder in August, Kleberson offers his mobility to change the flow of the red-and-black midfield.
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"Because he's a light player, he can be useful even without match fitness. I liked what I saw and I can use him for about 25 minutes," said Andrade, who, instead of lamenting the loss of Maldonado, prefers to praise the quality of the squad and its maturity. "Flamengo is a balanced team, and that will be our differentiator in the remaining games."
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\ SPORTS JOURNAL
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Excessive optimism worries Flamengo
\ \\ \ \ \ \ \ \ Rio de Janeiro: One of the best things a football team can have is optimism. It helps an average team excel, it brightens the atmosphere, it makes a good team even better; in short, it's a blessing. However, the line between optimism and "jumping the gun" is very thin, and it's hardly noticeable.
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Flamengo wants to avoid the negative side of optimism. Many fans are already taking the match against Goiás for granted, which could be a problem if that sentiment spreads to the players. However, Andrade and company are doing their best to avoid this. They state, bureaucratically but honestly, that the match against the Goiás emerald will be difficult because the pressure is literally all on Flamengo's side.
\ \The good news amid Maldonado's injury is Juan's return to left back. Ronaldo Angelim returns to defense and David is a reserve.
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Toró is rooting for the RJ clubs
\ \Rio de Janeiro: Rio de Janeiro soccer hasn't been achieving good results in Brazilian and international championships in recent years. However, this year, after a few embarrassments, the Rio de Janeiro team is slowly turning things around. Flamengo could be Brazilian champions, Vasco won the Série B championship, and Fluminense is in the Copa Sudamericana final.
\ \Botafogo needs to earn as many points as possible in the last three rounds of the Brazilian Championship. The next round, on Sunday, against São Paulo, is the only one that matters. Only a victory will do for the black and whites and for Flamengo, who could benefit from the defeat of the São Paulo three-piece team. The rivalry between the Rio fans is so great that fans would rather Botafogo lose than see Flamengo win.
\ \Toró, however, disagrees with this opinion. The midfielder is rooting for the Rio clubs this year. He hopes the four big teams from Rio can stay in Série A of the Brazilian Championship. He concluded by saying how happy he was with Vasco's second division title.
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Flamengo's start is highlighted on the FIFA website
\ \Bruno Braga - bbraga@jsports.com.br
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Flamengo's blistering run in the last 16 rounds of the Brazilian Championship is highlighted on FIFA's website this Friday. The article, titled "The Rebirth of Mengão de São Judas Tadeu," explains the relationship between the red-and-black club and its patron saint. Since the match against Avaí, when coach Andrade had lost many players to injury and suspension, in which Flamengo was defeated 3-0, the club has achieved impressive results: winning 10 times, drawing four, and losing only once, on October 4, the feast of Saint Judas Thaddeus, to Barueri.
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However, Flamengo fans haven't lost faith in the saint who is helping the team regain its strength. The report discusses the battle between the two biggest forces in Brazilian football: Flamengo and São Paulo, who are both vying for this year's Campeonato Brasileiro title. It also includes statements from those most responsible for the Gávea club's campaign. Bruno, a nearly insurmountable barrier; Maldonado, who helped improve consistency in midfield; and Petkovic, who provides passes for the "lonely" Adriano, who, according to the report, are the players most praised for their excellent form.
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"I'm very proud of my players," said Andrade, an icon in the midfield of the title-winning Flamengo team in the 1980s.
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Adriano, the Brazilian's top scorer with 19 goals, ends by talking about the importance of Andrade and the group's unity: "In the match against Náutico, I joked with him (Andrade) that if he needed me at left-back, I would play in Juan's place (suspended at the time). That's the spirit of this group," concluded the Emperor on the FIFA website.
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Flamengo fans promise to form the biggest mosaic in the world
\ \Rio de Janeiro: Maracanã is about to witness one of the biggest parties in its 59-year history. And the main attraction isn't any famous singer or band, but rather the Nação Rubro-Negra (Red-Black Nation). Flamengo fans promise to put on a real show in the stands for next Sunday's match against Goiás, at 19:30 pm, in the Brazilian Championship. The match, which could give Flamengo the lead in the competition with two rounds remaining, will not only have a packed stadium but also be decorated in red and black.
\ \The club's organized supporters are preparing a huge mosaic, with 92 pieces, to cover every seat in the stadium, not just the yellow stands, as usual. The green and white stands, as well as the lower and special seats, will also join the party on Sunday.
\ \"We've been working hard since last week. We started meeting, thinking, we got in touch with all the fans, we're all united and organizing ourselves to put on this great party. There will be 92 thousand signs throughout the Maracanã and we're working hard to publicize this campaign," said Vitor Pimenta, member of the Urubuzada Management Board, who also highlighted the importance of unity among all the club's organized groups, such as Raça Rubro-Negra, Torcida Jovem and Fla-Manguaça.
\ \The party is so big that volunteers are being recruited to help with the organization, which will begin at 6 a.m. on Sunday, more than 13 hours before the ball rolls at Maracanã. In addition, the traditional lighting effects, balls, and confetti will also be part of the red-and-black decorations that the Greatest in the World will receive on Sunday. One of the club's greatest assets and the team's twelfth player, the Nação Rubro-Negra hopes to receive their reward on the field.
\ \"We've been waiting for this Brazilian title since 1992. We've never been so close and we're going to do everything we can to push this team to win it. Flamengo is doing very well, they came from the bottom of the table, calmly going through one by one, and now we're in second place. Who knows, maybe we'll take the lead on Sunday? We're confident, this is the moment, and we'll support the team from start to finish," added Vitor.
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Maracanã could host Flamengo games in 2010
\ \The Rio newspaper O Dia published a note this Friday in which Rio's Secretary of Tourism, Sport and Leisure, Marcia Lins, stated during a ceremony in honor of Pelé, at Maracanã, last Thursday, that the stadium could be open for Flamengo's games in the Copa Libertadores, if the team confirms its place.
\ \"We have the State Championship, Libertadores, Copa do Brasil. We are designing the project, which will be ready by the end of the year. With the approval of the World Cup Organizing Committee and FIFA, with whom we have already had informal conversations, in our understanding there is no risk. The works should be ready by December 2012. If by the middle of next year we feel that the stadium is capable of hosting the games, they will take place. We will see closer to the deadline if it is possible to extend it," he said in an interview with the newspaper.
\ \The secretary also stated that there is no problem in holding matches during the start of the works, since during this period the renovations will focus on areas that do not affect the presence of the public, such as changing rooms and press rooms.
\ \"By the end of the year, we will formalize the document and hold a bidding process for the works, which can be initiated by sectors that do not interfere with the games. The works will begin in March of next year," he added.
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THE DAY
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The Emperor's Lucky Charm
\ \Rio\ - Adriano is gunner of the Brazilian, with 19 goals, and leads the team in the campaign that could lead Flamengo to the Brazilian title again. The most important: is happy and lucky. His girlfriend, Cássia Menega, is one of the people responsible for this and has become his lucky charm. Her debut watching her beloved live was against Santos, when the striker scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory at Maracanã, and Bruno made two saves from Paulo Henrique Ganso's penalty kicks. Tomorrow, she will go to the stadium again with the striker's family to watch the match. game against Goiás.
\ \Yesterday, Cássia went to Ninho do Urubu with Dona Vanda, the star's grandmother, Rosilda, his mother, and a couple of friends. She showed all her affection for the Emperor and even had dinner together before the game.
\ \"She's very nice. Since she's not from Rio, she comes and goes, but she always talks to him on the phone and is very affectionate. I think she's been very good for Adriano, who is very happy. If it's going to be something more serious, God knows," commented Dona Vanda, who was questioned by Leonardo Moura at the end of training because of the lack of her famous pastries. "If you guys are champions, I'll bring about 300 pastries," he promised.
\ \Adriano's new home is in the same complex as his old one, where his mother and grandmother live. The proximity is essential to the Emperor's happiness, and he never misses a chance to try the home-cooked food.
\ \"We do what he asks. Sometimes he calls and asks his mother to make that steak with fresh rice just the way he likes it. I also make a nice salad, with black pepper and olive oil," revealed Dona Vanda.
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Leo Moura wins flag with his face
\ \Rio - Right-back Leonardo Moura was given a gift during training this Friday afternoon at Ninho do Urubu by the red-and-black fans. Leo received a flag with his face, name and the inscription "O Moicano" and could not hide his joy.
\ \Adriano, Petkovic, Bruno and Ronaldo Angelim also have banners with their caricatures displayed in Flamengo's fan clubs.
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Bahia postpones the termination of Léo Medeiros
\ \Player must return to Fla, with whom he has a contract until the end of 2010
\ \Rio\ - On Friday afternoon, the entrepreneur Bahia midfielder Leo Medeiros, Orlando da Hora, was at the club's headquarters, in Fazendão, and met with the Tricolor's general director, Thiago Cintra, to arrange the termination of the player's contract.
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\ Orlando's intention was to free up the steering wheel as soon as possible so that he could\ define his future, which will probably be a return to Flamengo, the club with which he has a contract until the end of 2010. However, Thiago Cintra, in a gesture of professionalism, postponed the decision until the end of the Brazilian Championship Series B.
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\"Taking advantage of the fact that my lawyer, André Ribeiro, and I are in Salvador to\ resolve various matters, I scheduled a meeting at the club to resolve\ Leo's situation as soon as possible. However, the board preferred\ to discuss the matter after the end of the competition, which I readily accepted. Thiago Cintra is very professional and has my complete respect. Leo continues training normally, is at the coach's disposal for Bahia's last game, and then we will define the matter," said Orlando da Hora.
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Adriano is met by his mother, grandmother and girlfriend at Fla's training session
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With two days to go before the "decision" against Goiás, the attacker\ Adriano received affection from his mother, grandmother and girlfriend, Cássia Menega, during training this Friday, at CT Ninho do Urubu. Gunner of the Brasileirão with 19 goals, the Emperor two goals away from reaching the 200 mark in his professional career. This Sunday, against Goiás, at Maracanã, the striker will have the opportunity to achieve the feat. Photo: Márcio Mercante / Agência O Dia
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Toró says he is ready to replace Maldonado
\ \Rio\ - Confirmed by coach Andrade as a replacement for Maldonado, who will undergo knee surgery, Toró stated that he is prepared to help Flamengo\ in this final stretch of the season Brazilian Championship.
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\"Everyone is very sad about Maldonado's injury. He helped a lot\
team in this run and was fundamental in getting the midfield and defense right. We are sad, but looking at it from another perspective I will have a new opportunity to prove that I can be importantI've always dreamed of wearing the Flamengo shirt at such a decisive moment and I'm very motivated to take to the field on Sunday."
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Petkovic leaves his mark on the Maracanã Walk of Fame
\ \Rio\ - Petkovic's magical plays and beautiful goals at Maracanã will forever remain etched in the memories of fans. Now, the star is also immortalized on the Walk of Fame of the 'greatest in the world', where he left his footprints yesterday.
\ \"I had many dreams, but I never imagined receiving an honor like this. I never won the Mega-Sena because I don't play, but I don't need to, because I bet everything on soccer. This is better and bigger than winning the lottery," joked the Serbian, who is only the fifth foreigner to immortalize his feet in the Maracanã hall. Before him, Eusébio (Portugal), 'Kaiser' Franz Beckenbauer (Germany), Romerito (Paraguay) and Elias Figueroa (Chile) had the same honor.
\ \In 100 games at the stadium, the red-and-black number 43 scored 31 goals with his size 39 boot, 22 of them for Flamengo. "The most beautiful, of course, was the Mengão's third state title. It was the pinnacle of my career," Pet gushed, to the delight of the approximately 200 fans, most of them Flamengo fans, who closely followed the ceremony.
\ \>>\ PHOTO GALLERY:\ Petkovic honored at Maracanã
\ \Averse to tears, Pet couldn't resist the fitting tribute and burst into tears, overcome with emotion when asked if he would like to play for his country again. "I don't know if I'd have a place in the World Cup, because the Serbian team is doing well, with the group practically closed. They qualified easily in the qualifiers. But, after the World Cup, who knows, maybe I'll play a friendly?" he left in the air.
\ \The foreigner also thanked his family and the clubs he played for—especially Vitória, where he began his career in Brazilian football—and declared his love for Brazil and the people of Rio. "I chose Rio to live in, and I was adopted by the people of Rio. Now, I'm an idol of another nation. I can say that I was never the best player in the world, but I was an idol in the country that has the best football in the world."
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SPORTS GAZETTE
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Dumbrosck responds to São Paulo criticism
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Gazeta Press - Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
The fight for the title between Flamengo and São Paulo left the field this week,\ after the suspension of three players of the São Paulo tricolor by the Superior Court\ of Sports Justice (STJD). The São Paulo board accused the red-black of\ being favored and this provoked a reaction in the Rio de Janeiro club.
\ \Flamengo's acting president, Delair Dumbrosck, responded to the São Paulo directors and cited the fight between André Dias and Hugo, who fought with each other during the 2-0 victory over Vitória, to affirm that São Paulo is not being harmed.
\ \"The crying issue shouldn't have happened, because the São Paulo players fought on the field and weren't sent off like the Palmeiras players. I think the São Paulo director should keep quiet, because they weren't harmed - he said, citing Obina and Maurício, who had a disagreement in the 2-0 defeat to Grêmio.
\ \Flamengo will take to the field on Sunday at 19:30 pm (from Brasilia) to face Goiás, at Maracanã. São Paulo plays earlier: at 17 pm, they face Botafogo at Engenhão.
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Maldonado's replacement, Toró hopes to establish himself at Flamengo
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Rio de Janeiro - RJ)
The absence of Chilean Maldonado forced coach Andrade to make changes for the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship. Out of action for four to six months, the midfielder will be replaced this Sunday against Goiás by midfielder Toró. Excited about the possibility of achieving a streak of games in the decisive part of the competition, the player hopes to establish himself at the club.
\ \"I really wanted one opportunity to be a starter, but not like this. Maldonado needs to be strong in this difficult time so he can recover as quickly as possible. On the other hand, fortunately I'm here at Flamengo and I'll have the opportunity to make my contribution," said Toró, after the jobs this Friday, at CT Ninho do Urubu.
\ \Starting in the match against Esmeraldino, the midfielder is expecting a massive turnout of red-and-black fans at Maracanã Stadium. Last Saturday, the club announced that all 74.334 tickets available for this Sunday's match had been sold.
\ \"Since the beginning of the Brasileirão, I knew that Flamengo's fans would never abandon us. They are different because of that. They always believe and never give up. I'm sure that we will have another proof of love at Maracanã," he envisioned.
\ \Flamengo will have the opportunity to take the lead in the Brazilian Championship for the first time. Coach Andrade's team has 60 points and is just two behind table-toppers São Paulo. While Flamengo hosts Goiás, Tricolor do Morumbi will go to Engenhão to face Botafogo, which is still fighting to avoid relegation to Serie B. Both matches will be held at 17 pm, Brasília time.
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Petkovic gets emotional on the Maracanã Walk of Fame
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Gazeta Press - Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
In an event held early Friday afternoon, midfielder Petkovic placed his feet on the Maracanã Walk of Fame. The player, who turned 100 games at the stadium in the 1-0 victory over Santos, on October 31st, he scored 31 goals playing for the Biggest in the World, 22 of which were with the Flamengo shirt. Visibly moved, the Serbian spoke about the tribute.
\ \"I lived most of my career in Brazil and a good part of that time was spent inside the Maracanã. I just have to thank the fans who throughout this period shouted my name during the matches and helped me play great games, score goals important and achieve great victories. Being present on the Maracanã Walk of Fame is the victory of the victory of my career and I have goosebumps," he said.
\ \"I only don't cry because I'm from another culture and I express my emotions throughout the 90 minutes," Petkovic added, emotionally. The player demonstrated a special affection for Flamengo fans, although in Rio de Janeiro he also defended the colors of Vasco and Fluminense.
\ \"I thank the Flamengo fans, who brought me back to the club, for this extension of my career. I thank the Fluminense and Vasco fans, but today I wear the sacred mantle," said Petkovic, who will be the subject of a documentary - the premiere is scheduled for the middle of next year.
\ \Among Petkovic's most memorable moments at Maracanã, none stood out as much as the goal he scored at the end of the final. Campeonato Carioca 2001, in a free kick that sealed the conquest of the third state championship against Vasco. In addition to Petkovic, several directors of the Rio de Janeiro club were present at the event.
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Flamengo asks fans for patience against Goiás
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Gazeta Press - Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
São Paulo can't afford to stumble, as Flamengo will win its remaining three games in the Brazilian Championship. After all, its next rivals are Goiás, Corinthians, and Grêmio, who are just playing catch-up. This is the mindset of most Flamengo fans, who have sold out the just over 80 tickets on sale for next Sunday's match at 19:30 p.m. (Brasília time) against the Goiás team at the Maracanã.
\ \Is the home ready for a big Flamengo party? No. At least not in the view of coach Andrade and his players, who prefer to urge caution from fans who go to the stadium expecting a rout from the hosts.
\ \"The game against Goiás will not be easy and we will need a lot of calm to build a positive result. Their team has good players and knows that the pressure to win is all on our side. We will have to act very intelligently, valuing possession of the ball to find the best way to penetrate their defense. This without giving us space to be surprised on counterattacks," said Andrade.
\ \Similar thinking has the attacker Zé Roberto. "It won't be an easy game, and our fans, who will fill the Maracanã, will need to play alongside us once again, understanding that we have 90 minutes to achieve a positive result. We have a strong need for victory, and that's why we'll need to take the initiative, but responsibly, without taking risks," he analyzed.
\ \According to defender Ronaldo Angelim, Flamengo will need to be bold, as Goiás will have to wait for the Flamengo players' positioning on the field to act.
\ \"Flamengo will have to put a lot of pressure on us if they want to win, because Goiás will wait for us to make a mistake to try to decide the match in their favor. The pressure to win is all on us and that's why we'll need to be smart on the field. We can't expose ourselves, even if we need to take the initiative in the match," he stated.
\ \For this game, Flamengo will have the return of left-back Juan, who served a suspension in the 2-0 victory over Nautical. With that, Ronaldo Angelim, who played as a makeshift defender, returns to the defense, with David remaining as an option on the bench. Defensive midfielder Toró remains in the team, as Chilean Maldonado will be out of action for about six months due to a ligament injury in his left knee.
\ \Thus, Flamengo will take to the field this Sunday with the following lineup: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Álvaro, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Aílton, Toró, Willians and Petkovic; Zé Roberto and Adriano. This Friday the squad will participate in a day recreational, which will precede the period of concentration.
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PELENET
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Confident, Zé Roberto warns São Paulo not to let Fla lead the Brazilian Championship
\ \Bernardo\Feital
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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Zé Roberto's confidence is so great that modesty sometimes goes a long way. The player was clear in stating that if Flamengo takes first place in the Brazilian Championship, it will be difficult to take the title from the Rubro-Negro. The team can already reach the top this Sunday, when it faces Goiás at 19:30 pm (Brasília time) at Maracanã, in the 36th round.
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To do so, Andrade's team will have to root for another Rio de Janeiro team. In addition to winning its match, Flamengo, with 60 points, needs to hope for a slip-up from leader São Paulo (62) against Botafogo, also on Sunday, at 17 p.m. (Brasília time), at Engenhão.
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"If we reach the top, it will be difficult to take it. Especially because we will be playing the last game at home and with the support of our fans. I hope we can get there. The red-blacks are being fundamental," said Zé Roberto, adding.
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"I don't need to worry about talking to my old friends from my time at Botafogo, especially because they need the result. I hope and will root for them to do their part so we can have the chance to take the lead," he added.
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\ In addition to Goiás, Flamengo plays Corinthians in Campinas and ends its participation in the Brazilian Championship by facing Grêmio at Maracanã. São Paulo, in addition to Botafogo, faces Goiás at Serra Dourada. In the final round, the São Paulo team faces the already relegated Sport.
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\ To face Goiás, coach Andrade has already confirmed Flamengo's team and\ will send the following formation to the field: Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Álvaro, Ronaldo\ Angelim and Juan; Aírton, Toró, Willians and Petkovic; Zé Roberto and Adriano.\ Kléberson, after a long time injured, will be an option on the bench.\
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Andrade highlights Fla's unity and cites the examples of São Paulo and Palmeiras
\ \Bernardo\Feital
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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In recent weeks, tensions have heated up at Palmeiras and São Paulo. At Palmeiras, Hugo and André Dias clashed in the first half of the match against Vitória. At Alviverde, the situation was much worse with the incident involving Maurício and Obina during halftime of the match against Grêmio. As a result, both were dismissed by the Palmeiras board.
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Obina\ tries to attack Maurício, both from Palmeiras, at the break in the game\ against Grêmio
\ \This Friday, Andrade was asked about the incidents at the São Paulo teams. The Flamengo coach was pressured to criticize both clubs, but ended up leaving the hostile atmosphere aside and simply emphasizing the unity of the red-and-black group.
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"In this moment of pressure and demands, imbalance can arise. You (the press) saw this with São Paulo and Palmeiras. This is our strong point: unity. It is fundamental here. But, for this, we need to act with coolness," he highlighted.
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With this partnership, Andrade expects another victory for Flamengo in the Brazilian Championship. On Sunday, the Red-Black team takes on Goiás at 19:30 pm (Brasília time) at Maracanã. Depending on São Paulo's result against Botafogo, the team from Gávea could become the new leader of the competition. However, he doesn't want the players to think that.
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"There is no relevance in knowing the São Paulo game beforehand (they play at 17pm). We need to do our part, regardless of the opponent. We will only win the title with victories. Our players cannot think about the São Paulo game," he warned.
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To face Goiás, Andrade will be without Everton and Maldonado, who are injured. However, he will have all his players available, including midfielder Kléberson, who has recovered from a series of injuries. Defender Álvaro, who did not train on Thursday, participated normally in training this Friday and will play the game as normal.
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\ Therefore, fully confirmed, Flamengo enters the field on Sunday with the following formation: Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Álvaro, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Aírton, Toró, Willians and Petkovic; Zé Roberto and Adriano.
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"Tough guy", Petkovic can't hold it in and gets emotional when talking about Serbia
\ \Bernardo\Coimbra
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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During his speech before setting foot on the Maracanã "Walk of Fame," Petkovic, because he comes from a different culture, said he wouldn't cry. However, when asked about his country and the Serbian national team, the player couldn't hold back and, in his "tough guy" style, became emotional.
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\ With a choked voice, Petkovic sadly recalled Yugoslavia's "forced" elimination from the 1992 European Championship in Sweden due to the war in the country. The team was replaced by Denmark, which went on to win the competition.
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"Calm down, let me breathe a little. I played for Yugoslavia in the qualifiers for the 1992 European Championship. We qualified, but were banned from the competition. The country was divided and went through a huge civil war," said Petkovic, quite emotional.
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\ Now, as a Serbian citizen, Petkovic knows that it will be very complicated,\ practically impossible to represent his national team in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. However, the player would like to play a friendly after the Cup.
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"I'm proud of my country. At 37 years old and without having played in the qualifiers, it wouldn't be fair for me to ask for a call-up for the World Cup. However, after the World Cup, I would like to play in a friendly. I think I deserve it," concluded Petkovic.
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Pet sets foot on the Maracanã's "Walk of Fame" and sums it up: "It's spine-chilling"
\ \Bernardo\Coimbra
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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Petkovic has forever immortalized his history in Brazilian football. On Friday afternoon, the Serbian, currently playing for Flamengo, placed his feet on the Maracanã's "Walk of Fame." Because it was a holiday in Rio de Janeiro, the venue was packed with tourists and, especially, Flamengo fans, who further enhanced the unique moment for the Gávea's number 43.
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"It's chilling. I'm very happy with this tribute. But first, I need to thank Vitória, who brought me to Brazilian football and then Flamengo, who came to Europe to get me. My family, of course, was very important too, as they gave up many things to come live with me in Brazil, in the Marvelous City (Rio de Janeiro)," said Petkovic, adding.
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"I'm being part of another story by setting foot on the Walk of Fame. I had a lot of dreams and I made ninety percent of them come true. But today, here at Maracanã, was like winning the Mega Sena lottery," the Serbian added, causing laughter.
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Petkovic is the 99th athlete honored at Maracanã and the fifth foreigner. Before him, the German Franz Beckenbauer, the Portuguese Eusébio, the Paraguayan Romerito and the Chilean Elias Figueroa.
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At the stadium, the Serbian has already scored 31 goals, 22 of them for Flamengo alone. Besides Flamengo, he has played for the following teams on the Maracanã pitch: Fluminense, Vasco, Vitória, Santos and Atlético-MG. Only with the Goiás jersey has the player not stepped foot on one of the world's biggest stages.
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"I'm not going to cry, because I'm from a different culture. But this moment, for sure, is one to shed many tears. I say again that I'm very happy to have received this tribute here at Maracanã. In Rio, I defended three of the four big clubs, and may Botafogo fans forgive me. And today I wear the Sacred Mantle," concluded Petkovic.
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On Sunday, against Goiás, at 19:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship, Petkovic will play his 101st football match at Maracanã. With 60 points, Rubro-Negro is in second place. São Paulo, with 62, leads the competition.
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GLOBOESPORTE
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Mother, grandmother and girlfriend\ support Adriano in red-black training at Ninho do Urubu
\ \'Imperial family' puts a smile on the attacker's face, but Dona Wanda doesn't hold back: she demands that her grandson win the title and also score the top scorer in the Brasileirão.
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The training of the Flamengo on Friday afternoon, at Ninho do Urubu, he received illustrious visitors: none other than the "Imperial Family". The isolated top scorer of Brazilian Championship, with 19 goals, Adriano was accompanied by his mother, Dona Rosilda; his grandmother, Dona Wanda; and his girlfriend, Cássia Menega. Alongside them, friends of the number 10 also attended to watch the activities and support the player.
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The 'Imperial Family': from right to left, Dona Wanda (grandmother), Cássia Menega (girlfriend) and Dona Rosilda (mother); on the left, friends of the Emperor, who takes the front
\ \On one side, the Emperor\ was always accompanied by Cássia, and on the other, the close marking of his grandmother.\ Optimistic about the Rubro-Negro winning its sixth championship, she did not\ hide her anxiety at seeing her grandson with the armband on his chest and also displaying\ another mark: that of the competition's top scorer. All in a tone of, let's say,\ demand.
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\ - I'm demanding that he be the top scorer in the championship. Adriano has already\ scored 19 goals and will score at least one more on Sunday - she said,\ referring to the match against Goiás, at 19:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Maracanã. - But we leave everything in God's hands. If Flamengo is to be champion, then it will be. Not to mention the immense joy of this happening precisely in the year he returned here.
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\ In this Friday's visit, Dona Wanda didn't bring the traditional pastries that\ she used to distribute when the striker played in the club's youth divisions - and\ which the Emperor made one or two times for his teammates this year.\ Escaping the stigma that she brings luck to her grandson, she pointed out who is the most\ lucky in Adriano's life: Cássia, the girl from Cachoeirinha in Rio Grande do Sul who\ won the player's heart.
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Alongside his girlfriend, Cássia Menega from Rio Grande do Sul, Adriano is the image of happiness.
\ \- His new girlfriend is really nice and is doing him good. She's not from here, but she always calls or comes to visit him. She just got back from her trip today (Friday), actually. In the last game she watched (against Santos, October 31st) he was lucky, and Fla won with a goal from him. I hope it continues like this. On Sunday the whole family will be at Maracanã – he said.
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\ According to Dona Wanda, the Emperor is living one of the best moments of his career. And there are two reasons for this: playing for Flamengo and\ being at home.
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"He's happy with his family. The condo where he lives is next door to ours. It's just across the street. So he always goes there. When he tells me he's coming, he asks me to make lunch. He loves steak with freshly cooked rice. He also likes a salad. I chop the tomato and always season it with a little black pepper," he revealed.
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Rubro-Negro will enter the field this Sunday knowing whether or not it can take the lead in the Brasileirão. At 17 pm, at Engenhão, São Paulo face the Botafogo, and a stumble by Tricolor Paulista against Alvinegro will leave the team from Gávea one victory away from reaching the top of the table for the first time.
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Flamengo should have a new meeting with its sponsor next week
\ \The company's leadership will be in Rio de Janeiro for the match against Goiás. The current contract ends in December.
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With contracts expiring at the end of the season, the Flamengo is in a hurry to define the sponsorship for 2010, and the new round of negotiations should take place at the beginning of next week. Ale's leadership will come to Rio de Janeiro to watch the game against Goiás, Sunday, at Maracanã, and a meeting between vice president Delair Dumbrosck and the directors of the current sponsor should take place.
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There is already a conversation underway for the renewal, but the red leaders