THE GLOBE
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Unlike the fans, Fla doesn't make a difference
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Record crowd at Maracanã creates a beautiful mosaic, but the red-black team draws 0-0 with Goiás and lets the lead slip away
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Everything was ready for the Maracanã to host a beautiful spectacle to welcome the new leader of the Brazilian Championship. Minutes earlier, a few kilometers away, at the Engenhão stadium, Botafogo had done its part, defeating the leader São Paulo and opening up a previously unimaginable mathematical possibility. On the giant's ring, on a night of record attendance (78.639 paying spectators), a beautiful mosaic confirmed to the world that "The red-and-black fans make the difference." On the field, all they needed to do was beat a Goiás team without great ambitions and pave the way for the dreamed-of sixth title, with two rounds remaining in the competition. All that was missing was Andrade's team to fulfill its role.
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The bitter 0-0 draw with the Goiás team last night didn't knock Flamengo out of the running. Quite the opposite. The lead over leaders São Paulo was reduced to just one point (62 to 61). But for those who were so close to the top of the table, the result was a blow the protagonists of an unforgettable party didn't deserve.
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"We're only one point behind the leader. We have to do our part and know that São Paulo still has difficult games ahead," said Léo Moura.
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\ Team shows signs of anxiety in the first half
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Ironically, Goiás, which silenced Maracanã yesterday, can guarantee the red-and-black party next Sunday. Hélio dos Anjos' team hosts the league leaders at Serra Dourada. Flamengo, meanwhile, has a match against Corinthians away from home.
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\ When Andrade's team stepped onto the Maracanã pitch, the mosaic was formed,\ taking over the stands and blue chairs, to the sound of the fans' new song, a\ true declaration of love: "Give it to him, give it to him/ Oh Mengão of my heart/ The\ Maraca is ours/ The party is about to begin."
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With the ball rolling, however, what was supposed to be immense pressure on Goiás gradually turned into a repetition of mistakes, many of them caused by excessive eagerness to open the scoring. When they did the right things, Flamengo was thwarted by the excellent performance of goalkeeper Harlei, which always left the fans' cries choked up.
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The red-and-blacks' first good chance came in the 22nd minute, from a free kick by Petkovic. The Serb struck with skill, Harlei just watched, but the ball went just wide of the post. Shortly after, it was the number 43's turn to deliver an excellent pass to Adriano, who was blocked by Ernando as he was about to shoot.
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\ Relying on the trio of Fernandão, Iarley, and Léo Lima, Goiás advanced slowly, but with danger. In the 41st minute, Fernandão passed to Iarley, who waited for Léo Lima to pass on the left before passing. The defender fired a shot with skill, and Bruno made an excellent save.
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Late in the first half, with the team showing signs of nervousness, an uncomfortable silence fell over the Maracanã. In the second half, the fans became more excited, and Flamengo surged forward. Willians forced Harlei into a good save after just two minutes, with a cross-shot. But Goiás soon demonstrated the power of their counterattacks. In the fourth minute, Léo Lima appeared on the left side of the box and passed to Vítor, who was free, who fired over the bar.
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\ With the anxiety increasing with each turn of the clock, Andrade sent on the five-time champion Kleberson, recovered from injury, in place of Willians in the 19th minute. Three\ minutes later, Adriano passed the ball to Petkovic, who shot across goal. Harlei made another great save.
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Fatigue began to set in, and the tired idol Petkovic was replaced by Fierro in the 33rd minute. Two minutes later, the substitute surged down the right, delivered a powerful, low cross; the ball went past Harlei, but Adriano chipped it over. In the final minutes, even goalkeeper Bruno rushed forward to try for a header. It only served to highlight the desperation of someone who knew they were letting something precious slip away. At this point in the season, one slip-up can make all the difference.
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\ Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Alvaro, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Aírton, Toró,\ Willians (Kleberson) and Petkovic (Fierro); Ze Roberto (Bruno Mezenga) and Adriano.\ Goiás: Harlei, Rafael Tolói, Ernando, Leandro Euzébio; Douglas, Fernando,\ Rithelly (Amaral), Leo Lima and Vítor; Iarley and Fernandão (Felipe). Referee: Leandro\ Vuaden (RS). Yellow cards: Rithelly and Leandro Eusebio. Attendance: 78.639\ paying (83.489 present). Income: R$1.470.905,00.
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Title\ more distant, Libertadores closer
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About to make its tenth appearance, the red-black team is the most frequent Rio de Janeiro club in the competition. Its biggest rival in the Brazilian Championship, São Paulo, will be competing for the 15th time and holds the record in Brazil.
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While the draw against Goiás frustrated fans and prevented the team from taking the championship lead for the first time, it at least brought Flamengo closer to its tenth appearance in the Copa Libertadores. With 61 points, five ahead of fifth-place Atlético-MG (56), Flamengo needs one more point to virtually secure a spot in the top four. The table helps: in the next round, Atlético-MG has a direct clash against Palmeiras (fourth-place, 59 points).
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\ For the players, there is no way to celebrate a place in the Libertadores if the objective\ has become the title.
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- Sometimes things don't happen as they should. The team was a fighter, but it didn't work out. We didn't get here by chance, something is in store for us up ahead - said goalkeeper Bruno after yesterday's game.
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\ For midfielder Kleberson, who returned to the field after recovering from a shoulder injury, the stumble against Goiás could be costly.
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- We had to win the three matches to be champions. Now, there are two left, and we can't think of anything other than two victories. We have to do our part and see what happens.
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\ Defender Ronaldo Angelim, who yesterday completed 200 matches with the red and black shirt, complained about the violence of the Goiás fans and raised the suspicion that\ there was a white bag for the Goiás team.
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"I heard that they received R$300. It's part of the deal, they have to give it. I don't think it's wrong. I wouldn't accept it. I play for Flamengo, and I'm already paid to defend the club's colors. They closed ranks, fought as hard as they could, and got the result they wanted," the defender said in an interview after the game.
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\ Even with yesterday's defeat to Botafogo, São Paulo has already mathematically guaranteed its qualification for the 2010 Libertadores. In addition to reaching its 15th participation, São Paulo will, in 2010, be participating in its seventh consecutive competition, a record in the country.
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\ The most assiduous Carioca in the main continental tournament, Flamengo could\ equal Santos in fifth place among the Brazilian clubs that have\ played the most in the Libertadores - ahead of them, besides São Paulo, are Palmeiras, 14;\ Grêmio, 12; and Cruzeiro, 11.
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\ In the nine previous times it has played in the Libertadores, Flamengo has accumulated 43\ wins, 17 draws and 17 losses, with 149 goals scored and 87 conceded. In addition to the 1981 title, the club reached two semi-finals (1982 and 1984), stopped twice in the quarter-finals (1991 and 1993), in addition to the recent eliminations in the round of 2007 (2008 and 1983) and two other times in which it did not advance beyond the first phase (2002 and XNUMX).
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\ Zico is the top scorer for the red-black team in the Libertadores
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In 2010, the 50th edition of the Libertadores will be held. Of all of them, the oldest and most recent appearances by Flamengo were the most memorable for the fans. In 1981, with the greatest team in its history, Flamengo achieved the feat of being the only Brazilian team to win the Libertadores in the very year of its debut in the competition. In 2008, another Libertadores was unforgettable, in the worst sense: the 3-0 defeat to América of Mexico at the Maracanã, when they could have lost by up to two goals, eliminated the club in the round of XNUMX and is considered one of the greatest tragedies for Flamengo at the stadium. Bruno, Léo Moura, Ronaldo Angelim, Juan, Kleberson, and Toró are the survivors of that match.
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Zico, the club's greatest idol in history, is Flamengo's top scorer in the Libertadores, with 15 goals - 11 of which were scored in the 1981 edition, in which he was the top scorer. The red-and-black team also had the top scorer twice before, in 1984 (Tita, eight goals) and 1991 (Gaúcho, eight goals).
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'I still believe we will win the title'
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\ Andrade says that Goiás, if it repeats the performance it had against Flamengo against\ São Paulo, will take points from the São Paulo club, enough for the\ red-black to take the championship lead
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\ Marcos Penido
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Even on a day when Flamengo didn't play the football expected to take the lead in the Brazilian Championship, coach Andrade didn't lose his cool. On the contrary, he demonstrated his faith that the club will win the Brazilian title with two rounds remaining in the competition.
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"I believe we can win the title, yes. If Goiás plays the same football they played against us, they'll take points off São Paulo. And I think Flamengo will perform well in these two final games against Corinthians in São Paulo and Grêmio at Maracanã, and make the final push towards the title," he said.
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The coach acknowledged that Flamengo didn't perform well against Goiás. He felt the team was too tense and rushed in their finishing. Even so, he said the team created chances and could have beaten Goiás.
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"There was no lack of commitment or fighting spirit. The team didn't play a great game, but they created opportunities and sought goals. It wasn't the day for the ball to go in," Andrade said.
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\ The fact that Flamengo has been playing under pressure for several games may have\ contributed to the players feeling a little nervous.
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"We've been playing on adrenaline for a long time. Maybe the team felt a bit of tension today. But they're human. It happens. Now is the time to be calm and collected so we can reach the title. In any case, the draw gave us an extra point, and we're just one point behind leaders São Paulo, with two rounds remaining in the competition," Andrade concluded.
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\ The player who returned to the team after three months was midfielder Kleberson. He came on in the second half and believes he performed well. For the player, Goiás\ deserved it.
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"The difference is that it was a decisive game, and everyone who faces Flamengo gives their all to get a point. Our team was calm and created chances, but couldn't score. There are days when the ball just won't go in," said the player.
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\ According to Kleberson, Flamengo's objective in the competition is very clear.
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"We have to win the two remaining games to finish strong in the Brazilian Championship, without worrying about the other teams' results. The important thing is for the team to finish the competition doing its job. Our goal is the title, and we're in the running," said Kleberson.
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\ Goalkeeper Bruno bets that something good is about to happen to Flamengo:
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- The team deserves it. I'm sure something good is coming. We fought, we gave ourselves body and soul, but sometimes the result we want doesn't happen. But the team showed courage and is in the fight for the title.
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\ A friend of Goiás coach Hélio dos Anjos, Andrade went at the end of the match to congratulate him on his team's performance and made a request.
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\ - I hope Goiás repeats this great performance on Sunday against São Paulo,\ hey Hélio - said Andrade.
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Sunday\double round
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\ Record-breaking red-and-black crowd wiped out São Paulo before entering Maracanã
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\ Botafogo GOAL: red-blacks celebrate their rival's goal, in the 'preliminary' on Sunday
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\ THE CROWD takes over a bar at General Canabarro in front of the TV: dry off before\ cheering
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\ RESIDENT of Rua Luís Gama with Fla and Botafogo shirts in the window: common interest
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\ Miguel Caballero
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Just like in the days when Flamengo used to be Brazilian champions, it was a Sunday with a double-header at Maracanã. In the infernal heat, the fans warmed up with beer and water, watching on television the preliminary match taking place a few kilometers away, at Engenhão. A preliminary match that was worth the title. At 17:19 p.m., more than two hours before the match against Goiás, Botafogo's first goal against São Paulo sent a crowd of over a thousand Flamengo fans into the bars on the corner of Luís Gama and General Canabarro streets, outside the alcohol-free perimeter around the stadium.
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\ They were rooting for their biggest rival in recent years, but without shouting the black and white name.
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\ - I left home early to cheer for Botafogo. The most I've managed so far\ was to shout "Feengo"! - joked advertiser João Paulo Porto,\ creating a neologism "alvirrubro-negro".
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In front of the Bellini statue, 100 red-and-black fans were disembarking from two buses coming from Juiz de Fora, and the street clock read 41 degrees when, at 17:55 p.m., a whisper ran from mouth to mouth, announcing that "São Paulo had drawn." At this time, the traditional meeting point for red-and-black fans was already taken over, with two or three habitual outbursts of trouble suppressed by the police and scalpers acting freely - they were charging up to R$90 for the rare grandstand tickets, and R$60 or R$50 for a seat.
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All around the stadium, in every bar with a television, or around cars with radios playing, there was a crowd of red-and-black fans cheering for São Paulo's defeat. At gate 18, at 18:25 p.m., a taxi with its trunk open and the radio blaring announced the second São Paulo goal. Inside the stadium, which was already receiving a good crowd, there was discouragement and boos for Botafogo, followed by the provocative cry of "Oh, oh, oh, Second Division."
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\ It was a hasty disbelief in Botafogo. In three minutes, the black and white team tied the match at Engenhão. The same people who had been cursing their rivals two minutes earlier were now grateful.
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\ - I'm thrilled with Botafogo's goal, look! - said one red-black fan to another, near Maracanãzinho.
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By 19 p.m., most fans had already entered the stadium, but a few dozen fans were glued to the TV at Chico's Bar on General Canabarro Street. During a free kick in Botafogo's favor, they chanted "Juninho, Juninho" during the penalty kick and lamented the red card of the black and white defender. Moments later, they cheered wildly at the goal that sealed São Paulo's defeat.
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\ - Today, I noticed a little how difficult it must be to support Botafogo -\ commented psychologist Daniel Elia, heading towards the Maracanã stands.
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At game time, the record crowd for the championship had just entered the stadium, reinforced by the red-and-black fans who arrived at the last minute, coming directly from Engenhão. For them, there was, in fact, a double round.
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Libertadores\ gets closer
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\ Angelim accuses Goiás of having received a white suitcase worth R$300
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\ HARLEI MAKES a save in injury time, when Bruno had gone on the attack
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The draw against Goiás frustrated the record attendance in the Brazilian Championship, made a sixth championship more difficult, but practically assured Flamengo's place in the 2010 Libertadores. With 61 points, they have a five-point lead over fifth-place Atlético-MG (56) with only two games remaining. Yesterday, the red-and-black team increased its lead over Palmeiras and Atlético-MG by one point and maintained its lead over Cruzeiro. The schedule helps: in the next round, Atlético-MG has a direct confrontation with Palmeiras. According to mathematician Tristão Garcia, Flamengo has a 98% chance of finishing in the top four.
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\ For the players, there is no way to celebrate a practically certain spot when the\ chance to be a leader has slipped away.
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- Sometimes things don't happen as they should. The team was a fighter, but it didn't work out. We didn't get here by chance, I feel like there's something in store for us up ahead - said goalkeeper Bruno.
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\ Defender Ronaldo Angelim complained about the violence of the Goiás team and raised the suspicion that there was a white bag for the Goiás team.
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"I heard that they received R$300. It's part of it, they have to give it. I don't think it's wrong. I wouldn't accept it, I play for Flamengo, I'm already paid to defend the club's colors. They closed up shop at the back, fought as hard as they could, and got the result they wanted," the defender said in an interview on the field after the game.
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Coach Andrade and midfielder Kleberson downplayed the discussion about the white suitcase, saying they hadn't heard of it. Goiás coach Hélio dos Anjos rejected the hypothesis raised by Angelim, but avoided criticizing the defender.
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"Angelim was one of the most talented players I've ever worked with. I think this discussion is boring and leads nowhere. Football is decided on the field. Today, São Paulo didn't have the ability to beat Botafogo, just as Flamengo couldn't beat us. Goiás needed the point to secure a spot in the Copa Sudamericana," the coach stated.
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\ Right-back Léo Moura admitted that the red-black performance was not the best, and praised goalkeeper Harlei.
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\ - We had three good opportunities, but the goalkeeper saved them, he was very good today.\ We will do our part in the two remaining games.
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SPORTS JOURNAL
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Kléberson regrets: "the ball just didn't go in"
\ \Bruno Braga - bbraga@jsports.com.br
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Rio de Janeiro: Flamengo missed the chance to overtake São Paulo after losing 0-0 to Goiás at the Maracanã stadium this Sunday. Andrade's team tried everything to open the scoring and leave the game with a positive result. However, Harlei was in an inspired mood and repeatedly stopped the Flamengo players' shots.
\ \Having not played for months, Kléberson came on for Willians and nearly scored the decisive goal with a shot from outside the box. For the midfielder, the only thing missing was for the Gávea team to find the back of the net.
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Flamengo draws with Goiás (0-0) and misses the chance to take the lead in the Brazilian Championship
\ \The draw leaves the red-black team one point behind São Paulo;
\ \Bruno Braga - bbraga@jsports.com.br
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Rio de Janeiro: Flamengo just needed to do its homework this Sunday against Goiás. With the chance to help the club become champions after 17 years, the red-and-black fans sold out the 79 tickets to support Andrade's team at the Maracanã, in a match valid for the 36th round. But it wasn't this time that they managed to take the lead in the Brazilian Championship. In a very balanced game with many chances created by both teams, Flamengo and Goiás drew 0-0.
\ \Now, with 61 points won in 36 rounds, Fla\ is 1 point behind São Paulo, whose result was unfavorable against Botafogo,\ who won 3-1 at Engenhão. There are two rounds left until the end of the Brazilian Championship, and for the 37th, the Rio de Janeiro team goes to São Paulo to visit Corinthians, while Goiás receives São Paulo, both next Sunday, 29th.
\ \Sleepy opening stage at Maracanã
\ \The opening minutes of the match were evenly matched. Goiás played on equal terms with the home team. Hélio dos Anjos's team closed the gaps between the red-and-black team and the team struggled to create opportunities in the first seven minutes. Esmeraldino had more possession of the ball at the beginning, Flamengo played further back waiting for the opponent to give them an opening to quickly go on the counterattack. Fla\ forced the game more on the right side, with midfielder Wiliians, stopped by a foul\ by Fernando on two occasions.
\ \Flamengo's timid attacks were easily marked by the Goiás team. From the 15th minute onwards, Goiás positioned itself more defensively, as Flamengo was more aggressive. The goalkeepers didn't soil their uniforms until the 17th minute. However, Airton was greedy and quickly lost the ball in the attacking half. Fernando passed to Iarley in the center. The striker passed the ball perfectly to Fernando, who adjusted the ball to his left foot and hit it into the right corner of Bruno's goal, who made the first save of the game, at 20m, kicking it out for a corner.
\ \A minute later, Petckovic took a free kick, but the ball narrowly missed the goal. It hit the right post. Goalkeeper Harlei could only hope the ball didn't go into his top right corner. The game was quite tight until the 32nd minute of the first half, with few chances created by either team. The passing was too often carried into the middle, which made things easier for both teams' defenses. With difficulties penetrating the Emerald defense, the only way to threaten was with shots from distance. Juan, with space on the left, risked a strong shot from outside in the 40th minute, but Harle, well positioned, made the save calmly.
\ \In the 0st minute, after a foul on the right side of Flamengo's attack, Adriano unleashed a powerful free kick. Once again, the Goiás goalkeeper made a save. In the 41nd minute, Bruno saved Flamengo's shot from Léo Lima. The counterattack was created because the Rio de Janeiro team's defenders didn't come back to rebuild Andrade's defensive line. Flamengo tried to take the lead in the first half, but they were unable to put together any good plays until the end.
\ \Lots of emotion and missed chances in the 2nd half
\ \While Willians's attacks in the first half barely threatened Harlei's goal, after just 2 minutes, the midfielder managed to win back a ball that had already seemed lost. He adjusted it to his left foot and shot hard into the middle of the goal, forcing the Goiás goalkeeper to make a difficult save. Flamengo's approach was different. Needing a win to take the lead, Andrade's team went on the attack from the 6th minute of the second half.
\ \Two minutes later, on a quick counterattack, Pet took the ball and saw Adriano free. The Emperor passed it to Juan on the left. The full-back, who had returned from suspension, attempted a direct shot, but the ball hit the Goiás defender. Once again, Juan made a good play down the left flank, and then immediately passed the ball to Pet, who was free inside the box, who fired a cross over Harlei's goal. Flamengo's fans, in large numbers, were excited by the team's good form at Maracanã.
\ \Goiás was dangerous on the counterattack. Vitor crossed to Léo Lima in the 13th minute, but the ball went too high. The game became more exciting after 17 minutes, as the red-and-black team went forward more in search of the first goal, while the emerald team had more space when they went on the counterattack. However, Adriano almost opened the scoring in the 19th minute after finishing off Juan's cross. Harlei once again stood in the way of the top scorer.
\ \The goalkeeper was the best on the field and once again prevented a clear goal from Petckovic, who took advantage of a great pass from Adriano, in the 22nd minute. \ Flamengo went all out against Goiás, who wasted many counterattacks. In the 35th minute, Fierro, who had replaced Pet, was exhausted, and crossed from the right, looking for Adriano. The Goiás defender managed to clear the ball and play it out wide. At 40, Angelim made a beautiful dribble past Leandro Euzébio, and then finished into the hands of the Esmeraldino goalkeeper. Total pressure from Flamengo at the end of the game, even goalkeeper Bruno launched an attack, but it was in vain and the game ended 0-0.
\ \ \ \"We wanted to win the game, without a doubt, but we didn't want to lose either, the fans wanted the victory, but we tried until the end. The game was a war and we tried, we just lacked the ball\in. The next two games are decisive," said Kléberson.
\ \Next Sunday, Flamengo will face Corinthians away from home. With 61 points, Flamengo will have two more games to try to become Brazilian champion, something that hasn't happened since 1992.
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Andrade asks for calm and remains optimistic
\ \Flamengo coach guarantees that Goiás will be able to take points from São Paulo in the next round
\ \Thiago Viana -\ tviana@jsports.com.br
\ \Rio de Janeiro:Flamengo's goalless draw with Goiás ended up throwing a damper on the red-and-black team's hopes of taking the lead in the Brazilian league. However, now just one point behind São Paulo, who lost 3-2 to Botafogo, coach Andrade's confidence remains high. He urges his players to remain calm and composed in the final two rounds of the national competition.
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"I believe that Goiás will be able to take points from São Paulo in the next round. We're in the fight, but we have to stay calm. We'll keep our feet on the ground and work hard. Today the ball didn't go in and we played against a great team. They had nothing to lose," says the Mengão manager, before revealing that a victory on Sunday night would be very difficult to achieve.
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"I'm not disappointed. We knew it would be a difficult game. We were aware of that. We went onto the field a little anxious, but we didn't stop running because of that. Goiás came out well positioned at the back and waited to come out and play," concluded Andrade.
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peculiarity of numbers\ for cariocas
\ \Thiago Viana
\ \Rio de Janeiro:\ In this weekend's round of the Brazilian Championship, the Rio trio formed by Flamengo, Botafogo and Fluminense will take to the field once again.\ However, this Sunday, a mathematical peculiarity could have a huge impact on the trio.
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\ It is not customary for every team to fight for victory when they enter the field.\ However, three points have never been so important to the prospects\ of these teams. In fact, the number two is what is different about the\ teams.
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\ Explanation: Flamengo, who will face Goiás, is two points behind leaders São Paulo in the standings. São Paulo, in turn, will face Botafogo, two points ahead of Fluminense, the first team in the relegation zone.
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\ In other words, a simple victory could change everything with only two remaining after the end of the round of matches in the national season. So, fans, place your bets. And who knows, the results might end in your favor by a two-goal difference or be scored by your favorite club's right-back.
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THE DAY
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Despite the stumble, faith in the title continues
\ \Players regret the lost chance to take the lead, but guarantee that no one will give up yet
\ \Rio\ - For the first time since it started in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo\ depended only on its own strength to conquer the long-awaited leadership. However, the red-and-blacks were stopped by a well-positioned Goiás team full of desire on the field. After the goalless draw at Maracanã, goalkeeper Bruno made a point of highlighting the team's determination, which ended up being stopped by the rival's good marking and Harlei's saves.
\ \"I think we played against a great team, which, despite not being in the running for much in the championship, is experienced and has quality players. We fought and gave our all, but things don't always work out. The team was a warrior, and I'm sure there are still many good things in store for us," said the red-and-black captain.
\ \Even though they remained in second place, defender Ronaldo Angelim did not hide his disappointment at not being able to get past Goiás in front of a packed Maracanã. "We leave frustrated, fan also, who attended in large numbers. But the competition is not over," he said.
\ \For meia Zé Roberto, Flamengo can only hope that, in the next round, the Goiás team, led by coach Helio dos Anjos, repeats the good performance against São Paulo, at Serra Dourada, which, despite the defeat to Botafogo, remained at the top of the Brasileirão with one point ahead of Flamengo.
\ \"There was no lack of fight or determination. Now we have to hope that Goiás can do the same against São Paulo as they did against us. They played on our mistakes and we weren't technically good," commented Zé Roberto.
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Players ask fans to believe
\ \Rio\ - Outside of Flamengo's plans, the draw with Goiás was like a cold shower on the fan, which packed the Maracanã stadium yesterday. The missed opportunity to lead also shook the players, but most left the field without throwing in the towel. For goalkeeper Bruno, the title is possible and everyone has to believe. "It wasn't by chance that we got this far. We can still get there and make this dream come true," said the captain.
\ \Zé Roberto acknowledged the low technical level, but admitted that he will hope that Goiás shows the same determination in the game against São Paulo next Sunday. "I hope they have the same difficulty," said the striker. Defender Ronaldo Angelim, as usual, complained about the team's performance. arbitration, but he hasn't ruled out the title yet. "The competition isn't over yet, and we'll fight until the end," he said.
\ \Back to team, Kleberson called for concentration in the upcoming matches. "Nothing has been ruled out yet. Now we'll have to win the other games to fight for the title", he defined.
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Fla doesn't break the 0-0 draw with Goiás and lets the leadership slip away
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Adriano was not having an inspired day
\ \Rio - The black and whites helped and the chance to take the lead in the Brasileirão was real. But, after seeing the leader São Paulo stumble in front of the Botafogo, Flamengo ended up disappointing their fans by drawing 0-0 with Goiás last night at the Maracanã. With the result, the Rubro-Negro remained in second place in the table, with 61 points, one less than the Tricolor from São Paulo, with two rounds remaining in the championship.
\ With the chance to take the lead, Flamengo entered the field pushed by its fans, who filled the Maracanã and formed a giant mosaic with the phrase: "The biggest fans in the world make the difference".
On the field, one of the hopes to make a difference was Petkovic, who tried to score from free kicks. In one of them, in the 16th minute, he unleashed a bomb from distance that went to the left of Harlei's goal.
\ \But Goiás also found space and created danger. So much so that Bruno had to make a great save in the 18th minute, from a shot by Fernandão.
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The 'Nation' tried, but the team did not\ correspond in the field
\ \The Rubro-Negro's goal came very close to coming from another free kick by Petkovic, who almost found the right corner of Harlei's net in the 21st minute. The Serbian still left Adriano face to face with the goal, but Ernando arrived in time to save Goiás.
\ \For Flamengo, the one who saved the game was Bruno, who saved a shot from Léo Lima, in the 28th minute. And the goalkeeper repeated the feat at the end of the first half, with a great save on another shot from Léo Lima, after a dangerous counter-attack from Goiás.
\ \Flamengo returned for the second half with Willians scaring with a cross shot, but was met by Harlei's defense. Pet also caused danger with a well-placed shot, but Rafael Tolói headed it in, saving Goiás.
\ \Rubro-Negro had another good chance in the 22nd minute, when Adriano received a cross and passed it to Pet to shoot. Harlei saved it, Adriano got the rebound, but Rafael Tolói made the save.
\ \Ronaldo Angelim could have given Flamengo the victory in the 40th minute when he cut inside Ernando and shot dangerously. But Harlei made another good save and Flamengo could not get past the 0-0 draw, missing the chance to take the lead.
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SPORTS GAZETTE
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Angelim accuses the tricolor of being a white suitcase. Goiás denies it.
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Sao Paulo-SP)
The white suitcase controversy is back. After finding an extremely motivated Goiás this Sunday, defender Ronaldo Angelim, from Flamengo, accused that the rival was receiving an incentive\ financial from São Paulo, main benefited for the 0-0 draw at Maracanã.
\ \"I heard that São Paulo was going to send R$300 to Goiás. They really have to send it," accused the defender of the Rio de Janeiro club.
\ \The Flamengo defender's statement angered Goiás. "We don't need this. We played for our honor, we weren't even able to leave the house because of the poor results in this second round," he explained. attacker Iarley.
\ \In the locker room, coach Andrade tried to calm the controversy. "I can't talk about this matter, I haven't heard anything from the Goiás players," he said.
\ \The Rio de Janeiro commander preferred to praise the good performance of his Goiás opponent this Sunday. On the counterattack, Goiás created great danger for goalkeeper Bruno's goal.
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"We ran, we fought, but Goiás had a lot of merit, unfortunately there are nights when things don't go well," lamented Andrade.
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Flamengo stops in Goiás and remains in second place
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Gazeta Press - Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Performing in a packed Maracanã, Flamengo failed to take the lead in the Brazilian Championship after drawing 0-0 with Goiás this Sunday. The Rubro-negro team, lacking inspiration, was hampered by the Goiás team's strong marking and its own mistakes. As a result, the Rio de Janeiro team remains in second place in the competition, with 61 points, one point behind São Paulo.
\ \Knowing about São Paulo's defeat and pushed by the fans that filled the Maracanã, Flamengo started the game immediately looking to open the scoring. However, the Rubro-negro team came up against the strong marking of the Goiás team, which only advanced on counterattacks. So much so that the first good chance fell to the visitors, in the fifth minute. Léo Lima made a good play and crossed, but Bruno got ahead of Fernandão and prevented the Goiás goal.
\ \The move didn't stop Flamengo from pressing, but the Rio team was stopped by the Goiás team's fouls. However, the Goiás team had another chance. In the 19th minute, Fernandão received the ball on the left and shot, but Bruno made a great save, who palmed it away for a corner.
\ \Flamengo only scared goalkeeper Harlei for the first time in the 21st minute, when Petkovic took a free kick at the edge of the box. ball came very close to the goal, but went wide. Two minutes in, left-back Juan received the ball on the left and crossed to Adriano, but defender Ernando saved the Goiás team.
\ \After the move, Flamengo intensified the pressure. However, Goiás came onto the field marking very strongly and prevented the main players The red-and-blacks were able to put together good plays. The Goiás team continued to threaten with counterattacks and almost opened the scoring in the 42nd minute. Iarley passed to Léo Lima, who fired a superb shot, forcing Bruno to make another great save.
\ \The fans were unhappy with Flamengo's performance in the first half and urged their players to show grit before the break. In the second half, Flamengo started to threaten. Two minutes in, Willians sent a cross from inside the box, forcing Harlei to palm the ball out. However, a minute later, Goiás nearly opened the scoring on a counterattack. Léo Lima passed to Vitor, who, one-on-one with Bruno, flicked the ball over the bar.
\ \The match continued to be lively, with Flamengo constantly looking to attack and Goiás on the counterattack. In the ninth minute, the visitors had another good chance. Fernandão crossed low from the right, the ball hit the defense and fell to Léo Lima, who got tangled up with Iarley and couldn't finish. The following minute, the red-and-black responded: Juan passed to Petkovic, who shot with placement. Rafael Tolói headed the ball and almost scored an own goal.
\ \Flamengo managed to apply pressure and create better plays from the 18th minute onwards, when Adriano shot from inside the box and Harlei stretched to save. Three minutes later, Adriano passed to Petkovic at the edge of the six-yard box. The Serb shot across goal, Harlei saved it, and the Emperor tried again to finish, but Rafael Tolói cleared the danger.
\ \Without the expected goal, the fans began to get nervous. Goiás continued to lack exposure, and with both teams getting tired, the chances of scoring decreased. With their best chance, Petkovic took a free kick into the box, the ball went past everyone and almost fooled Harlei.
\ \In the final minutes, Flamengo began to put pressure on Goiás and nearly scored in the 40th minute. Defender Ronaldo Angelim appeared in the box, dribbled past his marker, and shot, which Harlei made a great save. However, the visitors also had their last chance in the 43rd minute. Felipe's shot from the edge of the box went very close to Bruno's goal. Exhausted, Flamengo was unable to create any more good chances and ended up having to leave the field with the draw.
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PELENET
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Andrade warns Flamengo's competitors: "We're still in the running"
\ \From UOL\Sports
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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Flamengo missed the opportunity to become the leader of the Brazilian Championship and move even closer to the national title. São Paulo's loss to Botafogo, in first place with 62 points, wasn't enough for the Red-Blacks, second with 61, to take the lead, as they drew 0-0 with Goiás. But Andrade says the team is in contention for the title.
\ \WATCH THE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
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"We're still in the running. We'll continue to fight for the Brazilian title. Our next games against Corinthians and Grêmio are very difficult, but our team is confident that we can get there. The championship isn't over and anything can happen," he said.
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One of the coach's arguments to justify the draw with Goiás was that the team is young and rushed into its conclusions. He believes the players were a bit hasty and ended up getting into trouble.
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"There was a lot of adrenaline in the match and the anxiety got in our way because they are new. There was some haste on their part, but we have to keep in mind that we still have a chance. The team is doing well and will continue working seriously because the championship is not over," he argued.
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\ With the level of difficulty increasing due to the draw and because of other\ teams fighting for a place in the 2010 Copa Libertadores, Andrade said that\ Flamengo needs to be very careful, because if they falter, they won't even be able to finish in the G-4.
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"We have to take care of ourselves because, if we stumble, we won't even be among the four competing for a place in the Libertadores. We need to be humble and stay alert, with our feet on the ground," he concluded.
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Andrade praises Goiás and complains about Flamengo's anxiety
\ \From UOL\Sports
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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Flamengo's performance, which failed to progress beyond a goalless draw with Goiás and thus missed the chance to take the lead in the Brazilian league, didn't bother coach Andrade. However, he said the team lacked a bit of composure in its finishing and passing.
\ \WATCH THE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
\ \"I'm not disappointed with the group because there are no easy games in the Brazilian Championship. I think the players were a little anxious and that hurt us when it came to finishing. We created some opportunities to score, but we couldn't. Credit to Goiás, who positioned themselves well on the field," said Andrade.
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The coach chose not to place the blame for the draw on the shoulders of Petkovic and Adriano, two of Flamengo's key players. For Andrade, the entire team is responsible for both the victories and the defeats.
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"The team is a whole. If we win, the team will win. If we lose, everyone loses. But the players were bold, they sought victory and fought. Goiás tried to capitalize on our mistakes, they stayed back trying to mount a counterattack. They had merit, but we didn't give up," said Flamengo's coach.
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The two-point loss to Goiás seems to give Andrade some relief, as leaders São Paulo, with 62 points, will face the emerald team in the next round. The red-and-black coach believes that the São Paulo team will also lose points.
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"If Goiás plays the way they did against us, they will take a point away from São Paulo. São Paulo itself stumbled against Botafogo and could lose again. The championship is still open and will be decided in the final rounds," he concluded.
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Even after a stumble, Fla\ says the Brazilian title is still possible
\ \From UOL\Sports
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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Botafogo did their homework for Flamengo by defeating São Paulo, but the red-and-blacks stumbled at home and wasted the opportunity to take the lead in the Brazilian Championship after a 0-0 draw with Goiás at Maracanã. Even with this poor result, Adriano is betting that the São Paulo Tricolor, leader with 62 points, will not beat Goiás at Serra Dourada in the next round.
\ \WATCH THE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
\ \"We can't give up because the Brazilian Championship is still open. São Paulo will face Goiás away from home and could stumble. We're in the fight. We all believe there's still hope," he said.
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\ In the same line of reasoning as the Emperor, midfielder Zé Roberto says that the team\ needs to continue believing in the possibility of Flamengo winning the\ 2009 Brazilian title.
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"Without a doubt, we still believe in the title. There are two games left and we will try to do our part. Furthermore, we will hope that Goiás runs as hard as they ran against us," he stated.
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\ There are still two matches left in Flamengo's difficult journey: Corinthians (Princess' Golden Earring) and Grêmio (Maracanã). Léo Moura says that the team needs to\ concentrate and believe in the dream of winning the national title.
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"We will continue our journey. Botafogo did their part by defeating São Paulo, but we were unable to do ours and beat Goiás. But we will never stop believing," he emphasized.
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Angelim says that Goiás received R$300 from São Paulo to toughen up the game
\ \From UOL\Sports
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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The white suitcase controversy gained another chapter after the 0-0 draw between Flamengo and Goiás this Sunday at Maracanã, in the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship. Flamengo defender Ronaldo Angelim stated after leaving the field that the emerald team toughened up the game because they had received R$300 from São Paulo.
\ \WATCH THE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
\ \The São Paulo team is directly competing for the title and was interested in the match being played in Rio de Janeiro.
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"I heard that Goiás would receive R$300 from São Paulo. But it's part of it. It really has to be given. I wouldn't accept it at Flamengo because I'm already paid to defend the club," Angelim told Radio Globo.
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The statement was not well received by Iarley. Despite showing respect, the Goiás striker stated that the defender could be reported for slander.
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"Ronaldo could be reported for slander. He said something stupid. He's my fellow countryman, my friend. So I'm not going to worry about it. It's going to be a huge mess to make a dirty accusation. There's already a huge mess there in Barueri. He has to apologize. Professionals earn well here in Goiás and the salary is decent," he replied.
\ Simulate the last rounds and see how your team can finish
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On the other hand, the coach of the Goiás team, Hélio dos Anjos, went as far as to say that he is absolutely certain that São Paulo did not adopt such a practice. The professional showed some irritation when asked about the subject that has become a recurring theme in this final stretch of the Brasileirão.
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"With all due respect to Angelim, I am absolutely certain that São Paulo did not do that. In any case, we have a reputation to protect. Playing is part of our lives. There is no such thing as a white bag. We helped São Paulo, but we performed this Sunday as we have throughout the championship," he stated.
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The red-and-black manager, Andrade, chose to avoid the issue. He stated that he has no proof to say whether the São Paulo club offered a bonus to Goiás to make this Sunday's match more difficult. "I'm not familiar with this white-bag issue. I prefer not to comment on it because I have no proof," he concluded.
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With 62 points, São Paulo is two wins away from the seventh national title. Flamengo has 61 points, two more than third-placed Internacional, who defeated Atlético-MG 3-1 at Mineirão.
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In the next round, the team led by Ricardo Gomes faces Goiás at Serra Dourada Stadium. Rubro-Negro faces Corinthians at Brinco de Ouro Stadium in Campinas. All matches take place at 17 p.m. (Brasília time).
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Fla doesn't take advantage of São Paulo's "gap", draws with Goiás and wastes a chance
\ \From UOL\Sports
\ In Rio de Janeiro
WATCH THE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
\ \The Maracanã was beautiful, with almost 84 thousand fans. Flamengo had everything to end the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship in the lead. However, with the 0-0 draw with Goiás, on Sunday night, the Rubro-Negro did not surpass São Paulo, who was defeated by Botafogo 3-2, at Engenhão, and remains in second place, with 61 points, one less than the Tricolor paulista.
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\ In the next round, Flamengo will travel to São Paulo to face Corinthians, at\ Brinco de Ouro da Princesa, in\ Campinas. Goiás will host São Paulo, at Serra Dourada, in Goiânia. Both matches will be held next Sunday, the 29th, at 17 pm (local time).