THE GLOBE
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Concern at Fla has a name: Ronaldo
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\ Defender Álvaro says that, with or without extra weight, the striker is dangerous
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\ LÉO MOURA jokes with Petkovic in training, which had tense moments
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\ Marcos Penido
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Flamengo and Ronaldo's relationship was once one of love, but now it's one of conflict. As Sunday approaches, when the red-and-black club will face Corinthians at the Brinco de Ouro da Princesa Stadium in Campinas, concern for the striker grows. Off the field, officials ask fans to avoid provoking the player. On the field, he enjoys immense respect because of his talent, as defender Álvaro explains.
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"Ronaldo, whether overweight or not, is an explosive, intelligent player, and a natural killer in the box. We can't be too careful with him. We can't give him space to control the ball," commented Álvaro.
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The defender speaks with firsthand experience. During the eight years he played in Europe, playing for Las Palmas, Real Zaragoza, and Levante, he faced Ronaldo a few times and always had a hard time.
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"I respect Ronaldo. He makes a difference. I faced him on that Real Madrid team, which also had Zidane, Raul, Beckham, among others. He's such a handful," he said.
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\ Willians and Airton get into a fight during training
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Álvaro's opinion is shared by coach Andrade. He is setting up a scheme with strong marking on the Corinthians striker.
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"Ronaldo is a phenomenon. It's not by chance that he makes a difference. He can't have space," Andrade said, not forgetting that Flamengo relies on Adriano. "We also have our offensive weapon with Adriano. Just as we worry about Ronaldo, they must be worried about Adriano too."
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\ For Petkovic - who gave a little scare yesterday, when he fell after a dispute for the ball in training and got up with his hand on his hip -, the game is between Flamengo and Corinthians\ and not between Adriano and Ronaldo.
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"Right now, the game is Corinthians versus Flamengo. A great rivalry. Of course, both Ronaldo and Adriano helped their teams with the talent that characterizes them," said Petkovic.
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\ The supporter made it clear that he is well prepared to face Corinthians.
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- I even did extra work. Since I didn't train on Tuesday, today (yesterday), I did the normal work with an extra load to recover what I lost - assured the player.
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Yesterday's training session, in which the players were divided into four teams that faced each other, was held in hot weather. After a foul was called, an angry Willians kicked the ball violently. It hit Aírton in the back, who charged toward Willians. Ronaldo Angelim intervened and prevented the two from attacking each other.
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\ A player shouted:
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\ - Are you crazy, Willians?
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\ At the end of training, with calm spirits, Willians and Aírton left the field\ hugging each other.
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Tickets go on sale today for the match against Grêmio on December 6th at Maracanã. Yellow and green stands cost R$40; lower seats, R$30. White stands cost R$50; and special seats, R$180. Tickets can be purchased at the Gávea, Fluminense, São Cristóvão, Parque Terra Encantada, and Maracanã Box Office 8.
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Basketball
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\ Flamengo travels with salary problems
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\ Club promises to pay one of the months of arrears and players have to reduce training period
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\ Claudio Nogueira
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A collector of titles, including the South American League, two national championships, and four state championships, Flamengo's basketball team should be sailing in a calm sea. But the red-and-black squad continues to face difficulties due to salary arrears and the fact that the players' contracts have not yet been signed by the president. It is in this climate of uncertainty that the group will travel today to São José dos Campos, São Paulo, where they will face São José/Unimed/Vinac tomorrow at 20 p.m. in the fifth round of the second edition of the Novo Basquete Brasil. So far, in four games, they have won two and lost two.
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\ Tense, faced with such uncertainty, Flamengo's players reveal dramas.\
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"On the 15th, we completed three months of unpaid salaries, in addition to the bonuses for titles. We don't want to use this as a reason for poor results, but there comes a time when it starts to interfere with performance on the court," admits point guard Hélio. "If it were another group, we would have hit rock bottom a long time ago, but that doesn't happen because we're friends on and off the court."
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\ The players complain that, although they signed the contracts on the 13th, they have not yet received copies signed by the president. In practice, they are without salaries, without contracts, without guarantees in the case of injury, for example, and they cannot transfer to any other club in the Brazilian league.
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"Since we already play in the NBB, we can't change clubs. It's the championship's rules. If we had a strong union, we would fight with the NBB, because there should be, like in the Brazilian football league, a transfer window (in football, an athlete can change teams up until the sixth round). And the national league doesn't protect players against these delays," said Hélio.
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Yesterday, the players and coaching staff met with the new Vice President of Olympic Sports, José Carlos Dias, who replaced the former Vice President of Olympic Sports, Carlos Eduardo Maia, who resigned. Dias announced that one salary will be paid today and another next week. There will be another meeting between the board, coaching staff, and players on the 3rd.
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\ In practice, however, financial problems have already been interfering with the team's technical preparation.
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"We're only training once a day because some players live far away and spend a lot on fuel. We're only training twice a day on the eve of the most important games," Hélio revealed.
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Ancelmo Gois Column
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Flamengo pre-salt
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Petrobras has gone bankrupt - and it's not because of the pre-salt layer. The idea of the state-owned company sponsoring Flamengo again has the support of the people on Rua General Canabarro (headquarters of BR Distribuidora) and the antipathy of the people on Av. Chile (holding company).
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\ As the bill would be split between the two, it became difficult.
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SPORTS JOURNAL
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Almost 14 thousand tickets are sold for Corinthians and Flamengo
\ \\ \ \ \ \ \ Campinas: As Sunday's big game between Corinthians and Flamengo approaches, fans' spirits are growing increasingly heated. By late afternoon today, 13.500 tickets had been sold, primarily for Corinthians fans. Because the match will be held in Campinas for security reasons, there will be fewer tickets, which has already caused tickets for the upper slide section to sell out. The last fan to buy a ticket left at 19 p.m., two hours later than would have been necessary, since the official closing time was at 17 p.m. There was confusion throughout the day, but the Military Police and Moisés Lucarelli's security guards managed to calm the commotion.\
\ \Although the sale will be at Ponte Preta's field, the game will be at Brinco de Ouro da Princesa, owned by Guarani, who are using the location to sell tickets for their Serie B match. Flamengo fans who want tickets for the game will only be able to buy them at Flamengo's headquarters in Gávea. Remembering that there will be no sales for the visiting team in either Campinas or São Paulo.
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Petkovic comments on travel anticipation
\ \Flamengo traveled a day earlier than scheduled to Atibaia, in the interior of São Paulo, to prepare for the match against Corinthians next Sunday, the 29th, which is part of the penultimate round of the Brasileirão. For midfielder Petkovic, the move will somewhat alleviate the fatigue the players will experience from the trip. The midfielder denied, however, that it will be an early training camp. To further encourage the Flamengo fans, vice president of football, Marcos Braz, stated this Wednesday that he will try to pay back wages and bonuses by next Monday, the 30th.
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Bruno's trainer declares that the goalkeeper and Ronaldo had a long-standing "rivalry"
\ \Rio de Janeiro - In 2008, striker Ronaldo trained and recovered at Gávea, and fans were optimistic about the possibility of the player wearing the Flamengo shirt. However, after announcing his move to Corinthians, the red-and-black fans attacked the Phenomenon, calling him a traitor and even burning images of the player wearing the red-and-black shirt.
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In the first match between Corinthians and Flamengo in the first round of the Brazilian Championship, Ronaldo was not on the field and ended up escaping the boos that the fans had prepared for him. However, next Sunday, in Campinas, the two teams face each other in the second round of the Brazilian Championship with Ronaldo on the field.
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Back in their time at Gávea, the Corinthians striker and Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno used to play penalty shootouts. The goalkeeper's coach revealed in an interview with Rádio Brasil what the match between Ronaldo and Bruno was like.
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"Ronaldo is a different guy, with impressive quality. Bruno is very good at penalties, it's difficult to beat him. We won a few times and of course, we lost too," declared Roberto Barbosa.
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Roberto Barbosa concluded the interview by stating that if a penalty is awarded in Corinthians' favor, goalkeeper Bruno is prepared to save it.
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"If a penalty is awarded to Corinthians, Bruno is ready. Today both Ronaldo and Bruno have difficulty with penalties," concluded the coach.
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THE DAY
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Fla's primer 'shields' Adriano, isolates the team and takes money
\ \BY\ JANIR JUNIOR
\ \Rio - Without fanfare, avoiding using the term "shielding" and being careful not to contradict players, Flamengo launches its preparation guide for the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship, with the games against Corinthians, Sunday, and Grêmio, day 6:\ early concentration, Adriano shielded, promise to pay salary and\ bonus, closure in Atibaia — where the team will train within the resort where they will be staying —,\ pre-accreditation for training to avoid the entry of comedy programs\ that end up turning the atmosphere into a fuss and be careful with statements.
\ \Requested by the national and international press for special reports, Adriano claimed that he is focused on the last two games and, through an official statement, announced that he will grant interview press conference today, after training, and another next week.
\ \Last week, before the 0-0 draw with Goiás, the players They rejected a possible early training camp. But, without controversy, they were convinced of the importance of traveling tonight to Atibaia. The team was originally scheduled to train at Ponte Preta's field. But it was decided that tomorrow and Saturday's activities would be held at the fields of the resort where the team will be training. "There's no problem traveling early; it's not a big deal to train for an extra day. Besides, with the training at Ninho do Urubu, we were already away from external pressure," Petkovic explained.
\ \Security guards were instructed to prevent guests from disturbing the players' peace. Additionally, pre-registration was arranged for the press who will cover the training sessions. This would prevent unexpected incursions by comedy shows.
\ \Yesterday, vice president of football Marcos Braz spoke with Bruno after training. The goalkeeper is responsible for discussing salaries and bonuses. The manager said he will pay the month of October and receive a bonus on Monday.
\ \Pet gave another piece of advice: "You have to be careful with what you say. The journalist can induce the player to respond with something he doesn't really think."
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Flamengo fans promise to go hard on Ronaldo
\ \There was no point in Flamengo's directors trying to make fans don't provoke Ronaldo to game on Sunday, against Corinthians, in Campinas. Yesterday, banners were already being made mocking the Phenomenon and his affair with transvestites. But the idea The main event was inspired by the film Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Some fans will try to get to Campinas on a pink bus, taunting the Corinthians striker, but the local police have already been warned and promise to repress the action.
\ \"We called it Operation Ronaldo, with banners and chants against him. There's no way to comply with the request not to provoke him, after all he betrayed Flamengo, got involved with transvestites and talked nonsense about our club," said José Carlos Peruano, who launched the 'Stay, Ronaldo' campaign when the Phenomenon made his recovery at Gávea last year.
\ \Ronaldo further strained their relationship after saying that his desire to end his career at Flamengo was a thing of the past and also due to the claim that Flamengo had the largest fan base in Brazil. Among the players, however, the mood is one of total respect for the Corinthians striker. "Ronaldo and Adriano are two world-class stars. Both players have important roles in the teams," said Petkovic.
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Manager does not share Bruno's opinion
\ \Rio - In the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo is trying to avoid controversy, but it's still holding its own. Bruno's statement on Monday, saying that, due to the anxiety of having been chasing its sixth championship for 17 years, the Flamengo fans sometimes get in the way, didn't resonate with the board. Vice President of Football Marcos Braz doesn't accept this argument.
\ \"I don't agree with this story of anxiety. The support of 90 fans is essential. Regarding the fact that the Botafogo and São Paulo game was before ours, even better for us. The fans celebrated the victory, that's right. But I didn't see an atmosphere of anxiety after that," said vice president Marcos Braz.
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Willians and Airton almost fight during Flamengo training
\ \Rio - For the second time in less than a week, Willians showed his nervous side. In yesterday's training session at Ninho do Urubu, after a tough battle with Airton, Willians kicked the ball at his teammate's head while he was down on the pitch.
\ \The two almost came to blows, but Ronaldo Angelim cooled things down, Adriano mocked the number 8's attack, and Pet downplayed the issue. "I didn't see any problem, so it wasn't a big or small issue," Pet explained.
\ \During the confusion, one of the players shouted to Willians: "Are you crazy?"
\ \Last week,\ Willians argued with Léo Moura, who shot back at his teammate: "Do you think you're a star?" The two immediately talked and made peace.
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SPORTS GAZETTE
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Petkovic earns title of "citizen of Rio"
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Gazeta Press - Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Midfielder Petkovic was honored on Tuesday night at the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly, where he received the title of Citizen of the State and Meritorious. Several Flamengo fans were present at the event, which changed the routine around the place, in the city center. The Serbian was accompanied by his wife Violeta and daughters Ana and Inês, as well as his brother, Boban Petkovic.
\ \O player, visibly moved, thanked the tribute, saying that he already feels like a Carioca. Last week, Petkovic set foot on the Maracanã Walk of Fame.
\ \"I am very happy and satisfied with this moving tribute. Despite being European, today I feel like a true Carioca," said the player, who in addition to Flamengo, in the capital of Rio de Janeiro, defended the colors of Vasco and Fluminense.
\ \Petkovic is also running for award Crack of the Brasileirão, both as the best left-winger and competing in the popular vote with Darío Conca, from Fluminense, and Hernanes, from São Paulo.
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Flamengo is thrilled with nominations for the Brazilian Championship's Best Player
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Gazeta Press - Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Flamengo may not win the Brazilian Championship title, but much of its squad and coach Andrade already consider themselves champions. This isn't meant as a dig at São Paulo, which leads the standings by one point over the Rio de Janeiro team. It's simply a matter of satisfaction that the club received the most nominations for the 2009 Brazilian Champion of the Year award.
\ \In total, eight Flamengo representatives are competing for the award. In addition to coach Andrade, the competition includes goalkeeper Bruno, right-back Leonardo Moura, defender Ronaldo Angelim, midfielders Maldonado and Willians, midfielder Petkovic and attacker Hadrian.
\ \"For me it's a really cool nomination, because it shows that it's worth playing for the team, and that, even so, we end up having our qualities recognized," said Willians.
\ \Another person who was very happy with the memory was Leonardo Moura, who preferred to highlight the importance of the number of nominations to demonstrate the beautiful work that has been carried out by Rubro-Negro.
\ \"I personally feel very pleased with this type of nomination, because I know it is a highly visible award and recognition for the Brazilian Championship that I am participating in. However, what makes me even happier is knowing that Flamengo had so many nominations and that proves that the campaign we are running is worthy of praise, regardless of what happens from now on in the season," said Leonardo Moura.
\ \Bruno has already acknowledged that he is eagerly awaiting the announcement of the final results. He is competing for the award with Marcos, from Palmeiras, and Víctor, from Grêmio. "It would be really cool for me to win this award, as it would be recognition for the work I've been doing over these months. I'm waiting for the results and I would really like to win," said Bruno.
\ \Despite the players' joy, the person most pleased with the appointment is Andrade. For the first time, he was appointed as head coach and given the appearance of a leader, having always been seen as an interim manager in previous stints. Initially, his position was met with suspicion, but it has grown as the team's standings improved.
\ \"My joy is enormous, because I am Participating of a process of restoring the self-esteem of Flamengo fans, who for many years wanted to compete for the Brazilian Championship title again. Individually, this nomination was also great, because it is my first season as a coach and I am already among the top three for the award. But now there is not much to celebrate, because we have to work to win the next one game", said Andrade.
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Felipe trades passion for Flamengo for heartache from 2007
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Helder Junior - Sao Paulo (SP)
The passion that goalkeeper Felipe felt for Flamengo in his childhood was shaken on October 31, 2007. On that occasion, in front of 62.026 fans at Maracanã, the Corinthians lost 2-1 to the Rio de Janeiro team.\ It would end up being relegated to Série B of the Brazilian Championship at the end of the season,\ four rounds later.
\ \Now, two years later, Flamengo needs to defeat Corinthians at the Brinco de Ouro da Princesa stadium to remain strong. candidate to the national title. Its main competitor is São Paulo, rival Corinthian. On the eve of the decisive confrontation, the president flamengo player Marcio Braga even remembered that the clubs with the biggest fan bases in Brazil are "sister clubs".
\ \"There's no such thing as a brother," Felipe frowned. "We didn't see any brothers when we faced Flamengo in 2007. We were one point away from being relegated. A draw there would have saved us. And we even conceded a goal from a player who was paid by Corinthians," the goalkeeper fumed.
\ \Felipe was referring to midfielder Roger, now playing for Al Sailiya in Qatar, who scored Flamengo's second goal in that match. Ibson and Finazzi completed the scoring. "They came out to win in 2007, without giving in. We'll do the same this time. Corinthians pays my salary," he warned.
\ \Felipe's joy will disappoint most of his relatives. The Flamengo fans in his family have promised to leave Rio de Janeiro to watch Sunday's game in Campinas. "They'll all be supporting Flamengo, my childhood team, and I hope they leave sad. I have to think only about my work. It's not going to be easy," the player commented.
\ \Despite the heartbreak of 2007, the goalkeeper assures that his obsession with beating Flamengo has nothing to do with the past. "There's no particular taste. If we were to think about it, we wouldn't want to help Internacional, another team in the title race, either, because they made it easy for Goiás in 2007. We only think about respecting our fans, who pay to see Corinthians win," he prioritized.
\ \In addition to Felipe, other "former Flamengo fans" are part of the squad led by Mano Menezes: forwards Ronaldo and Souza and midfielder Jucilei. Jorge Henrique, according to Jucilei, was probably also a Flamengo fan before becoming a professional.
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Dunga doesn't believe in Corinthians' slacking off at the end
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Paulo Amaral - Sao Paulo (SP)
The issue has already angered coach Mano Menezes and the Corinthians players, but remains in the spotlight on the eve of the penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship, which marks the meeting between the Parque São Jorge team and Flamengo at the Brinco de Ouro da Princesa stadium, in Campinas.
\ \After all, could the Helm 'make life easier' for the Rio de Janeiro team just to deliberately harm Palmeiras and São Paulo, the red-black team's competitors for the national championship title this season? For Dunga and Jorginho, coach and assistant of Brazilian Team, the answer is very clear.
\ \"I don't believe that. When you're a professional and you step onto the field, you have to win, because if you lose today because someone tells you to, what moral authority will you have to demand victories later?" Dunga asked. "Corinthians' professionals will have to play to win," he added.
\ \Jorginho went further and,\ in showing confidence in the suitability of the Corinthians players, cited the\ traditional 'rachões' that take place in all clubs on the eve of\ matches to exemplify the professionalism that you hope to see on the field in the Golden Earring duel.
\ \"What motivates you in football is winning, so much so that players even in the kick-off match give their lives to come out victorious. I don't believe Flamengo will have any kind of help from Corinthians just to complicate things for their rivals."
\ \Without any aspirations in the Brazilian Championship, Corinthians could decide the course of the champion's trophy in this round. For São Paulo, president Andrés Sanchez's 'mortal' rival, to lift the fourth title, they just need to beat Goiás in Goiânia and hope that Flamengo loses. alvinegro at Guarani's house.
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PELENET
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16 years later, Ronaldo attempts an unprecedented triumph against his favorite club
\ \Bruno\ Thadeu
\ In Sao Paulo \
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Ronaldo was still a teenager when he last faced Flamengo in the second half of 1993. The Corinthians striker returns to face his favorite team this Sunday in Campinas, with a changed appearance and feeling. At 33, Ronaldo hopes to beat his favorite team for the first time.
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\ On both occasions he faced Flamengo, both times defending Cruzeiro, there were\ two defeats. Flamengo won both games 2-1, on September 19th (Mineirão) and October 24th (Maracanã), in the 1993 Brazilian Championship.
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\ A new setback against the team from Gávea could be decisive in determining the\ 2009 Brazilian champion. Calm in the National Championship, Corinthians claims to ignore\ the ambitions of rival clubs and emphasizes that it will face Flamengo seriously,\ even if a black and white victory helps São Paulo, the competition's leader.
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RONALDO 'BREAKS' PASSION WITH FLA
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Ronaldo arrived at Fla in 2008 as a reinforcement. He underwent treatment in Rio, but signed with Corinthians.
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Ronaldo has reasons to want to defeat Flamengo and achieve his first victory over the Rio de Janeiro team, say Mano Menezes and Felipe.
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"I spoke to Ronaldo the other day. He said the same thing as in the other games. He said he wants to score goals on Sunday. He will definitely want to score against Flamengo," Felipe warned.
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"Individual issues belong to each person. Some people keep something that hurts them for longer, others don't keep it for as long. Football is like that. I really believe in personal issues. That's what moves people. Ronaldo must have his reasons," Mano added.
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\ Then a die-hard Flamengo fan, Ronaldo says he doesn't feel the same love for the Rio club since he transferred to Corinthians.
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\ The red-black fans responded in kind and announced a break with the Phenomenon\ since the player rejected Flamengo to play for the São Paulo team. The\ episode involving Ronaldo and transvestites, in April 2008, served as fuel for the Flamengo fans to mock the striker.
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Ronaldo's separation from Flamengo was symbolized by the burning of a shirt from the "Fica Ronaldo" campaign in Gávea, created in 2008. The player was a common sight in the Maracanã boxes as a Flamengo spectator. Ronaldo didn't hesitate to show off the red-and-black jersey on outings. The plan to play at least once in the red-and-black jersey was scrapped.
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\ He tried to make his son Ronald a Flamengo fan, a "battle"\ he lost to the boy's mother, Milene Domingues, a Corinthians fan who lives with\ Ronald in Spain.
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The 2010 Libertadores will be suspended during the World Cup; Mexicans enter the round of XNUMX
\ \From international agencies
\ In Asunción (Paraguay)
The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has announced details of the 2010 Copa Libertadores da América. The South American tournament will begin on January 27th and will be interrupted during the World Cup in South Africa, before returning and continuing until Wednesday, August 18th, when the final of the competition will take place.
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The 51st edition of the Copa Libertadores will feature 40 teams. The tournament structure will be the same as in previous years, but from the round of XNUMX onwards, Mexican clubs San Luis de Potosi and Chivas Guiadalajara will be added. Both clubs withdrew from this year's competition due to the swine flu epidemic affecting the country. The group draw will take place this Friday in Asunción.
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\ Between January 27th and February 3rd, the first phase of the Libertadores will be played, which will be interrupted by the World Cup, which begins in June. After the World Cup, the semi-finals and finals of the Libertadores will take place in July and August.
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\ So far, 21 teams have been defined, with 19 places remaining. Uruguay and\ Venezuela are the only countries that have already defined their participants: Cerro,\ Nacional and Racing on the Uruguayan side and Caracas, Deportivo Italia and Deportivo\ Táchira on the Venezuelan side.
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Check out the 21 clubs already qualified for the 2010 Libertadores:
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Argentina: Vélez Sarsfield, Students
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Bolivia: Bolivar, Blooming
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Brazil: Corinthians
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Chile: University of Chile, Catholic University
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Colombia: Once Caldas
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Ecuador: Deportivo Cuenca and Deportivo Quito
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Paraguay: Cerro Porteno
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Peru: Stadium
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Uruguay: Nacional, Cerro and Racing
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Venezuela: Caracas, Deportivo Italia and Deportivo Táchira
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Mexico: Monarcas Morelia, Chivas Guadalajara and San Luís
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For now, Flamengo\ denies interest in Jóbson, from Botafogo
\ \Raphael\Fox
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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Jóbson was Botafogo's standout performer in his team's 3-2 victory over São Paulo last Sunday. As a result, reports began to surface that three Serie A clubs were interested in the striker. One of them was reportedly Flamengo. However, Flamengo's vice president of football, Marcos Braz, declined to elaborate on the matter.
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The director explained that the player was offered, but Flamengo had already reached an agreement with Gil, which made the deal unfeasible. Furthermore, he stated that the Gávea club does not want to get in the Alvinegro's way, at least in this final stretch of the Brazilian Championship.
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"At this point, a lot of news and speculation starts to appear. Jobson was actually offered to Flamengo at the end of the transfer window. He's a great player, but we had a problem because we had already reached an agreement with Gil. In any case, we don't want to get in Botafogo's way. We have other interests at the moment," said Marcos Braz.
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Jóbson arrived at Botafogo during the Brazilian Championship and quickly won over the fans thanks to his speed and skill. The player's contract with the club ends in December, and his economic rights belong to Brasiliense.
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\ The General Severiano club is interested in keeping the athlete in 2010,\ but will only begin negotiations when the team led by Estevam Soares\ ensures its permanence in the Brazilian Championship Series A.
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Flamengo changes its schedule and surprises Serbian Petkovic
\ \Raphael\Fox
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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Flamengo's board of directors decided to modify the travel schedule for Sunday's game against Corinthians at the Brinco de Ouro da Princesa Stadium in Campinas, in the penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship. The decision to go to Atibaia, São Paulo, surprised midfielder Petkovic.
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"Are we going to Atibaia? I didn't know that. I just found out from you in the press. We're all focused and aiming for the match against Corinthians. This change won't affect our group at all," he said.
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During this afternoon's training session, the midfielder received an elbow. However, the player himself reassured the red-and-black fans and assured his participation in next Sunday's match.
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"I got hit in the pelvis, but that's not a problem for a soccer player. Just put on that miracle spray and a little water and everything will be fine," he said, continuing.
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"I'm in great physical shape. I'm 37 years old, but I'm in perfect harmony with the Flamengo professionals. They respect my limitations and I faithfully follow what's planned for me," he concluded.
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\ Along with Zé Roberto, Petkovic did not participate in Tuesday's training session at Ninho do Urubu. Both were exercising in the weight room
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Aírton and Willians almost fight during Flamengo's training session, but then make peace.
\ \Raphael\Fox
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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With two rounds remaining in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo's players are feeling anxious. This Wednesday, during training at CT Ninho do Urubu in Vargem Grande, in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, midfielders Willians and Aírton had a disagreement and threatened to fight. Both were "saved" by defender Ronaldo Angelim.
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The whole mess started after a dispute in training between Aírton and Willians, who picked up the ball and kicked it into his teammate's back. Aírton went to demand an explanation, but Ronaldo Angelim arrived first and calmed the situation.
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\ After the end of the activity, the two "fighters" talked and hugged each other, putting an end to the controversy. Willians and Aírton are fundamental pieces for coach Andrade in these last two matches of Flamengo in the \ Brazilian Championship.
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"I didn't see the confusion and at the time I didn't know what was happening. I was on the other side of the field. If the people nearby didn't notice the confusion, it must not have been of major proportions," downplayed Serbian Petkovic.
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This Sunday, at 17 p.m. (Brasília time), at Brinco de Ouro da Princesa, in Campinas, Flamengo will face Corinthians. A week later, on December 6th, at Maracanã, Flamengo will decide its fate against Grêmio, who will likely play with a team full of reserves.
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With 61 points, Flamengo is in second place in the Brazilian Championship. São Paulo, which leads, has 62. Internacional and Palmeiras both have 59, but the team from Rio Grande do Sul surpasses the São Paulo team in the tiebreaker criteria.
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Balance in the sectors is Márcio Braga's support for Fla to be champion
\ \Raphael\Fox
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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An optimist by conviction, Márcio Braga still firmly believes in Flamengo's chance of winning the Brazilian Championship. To illustrate his confidence, the president on leave highlighted the red-and-black team's balance in all areas of the field.
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"We have a great defense, a consistent midfield and an attack that has been performing very well with Adriano, Pet and Zé Roberto. We have a great team and I have a lot of confidence in this group," he said.
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The club president assured that the group did not lose heart after the 0-0 draw at Maracanã last Sunday. Not wanting to create an atmosphere that could harm the team, Márcio Braga stated that, in case of victory, a big party will be held.
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"Flamengo is a very festive club. If we win the title, we will celebrate a lot. However, at this moment, the team is fully focused on the games ahead," he concluded.
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On Sunday, in the 37th and penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo takes on Corinthians at 17 pm (Brasília time) at Brinco de Ouro da Princesa in Campinas. With 61 points, the Rubro-Negro is in second place. São Paulo, with 62, leads the competition.
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Former Flamengo fan, Felipe says he holds a grudge and hopes to 'close the goal' in Campinas
\ \Bruno\ Thadeu
\ In Sao Paulo \
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Goalkeeper Felipe openly says he supported Flamengo as a child, adds that his family will watch the match in Campinas in the area reserved for the Rio de Janeiro club's fans, but says he holds a grudge against this Sunday's opponent in the Brazilian Championship.
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Felipe reiterated that there will be no "surrender" by Corinthians against Flamengo in Campinas
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Corinthians' number 1 disputes the discourse of sister clubs,\ intoned by the president of the red-black team, Márcio Braga, and says that he saw\ nothing friendly in the relationship between Corinthians and Flamengo when the São Paulo club needed it most: in 2007, when it was relegated to Série B.
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In Felipe's opinion, Flamengo had a duty to act professionally in that match against Corinthians, but a hostile atmosphere was created at Maracanã to welcome the São Paulo team, breaking the "brotherly" atmosphere. Flamengo came from behind to win 2-1, with the second goal scored by Roger, who had previously played for Corinthians but was on loan to the Gávea club. There were four rounds remaining in the tournament.
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"The president of Flamengo talks about co-brothers now, but I didn't see any of that co-brother talk when we played at Maracanã in 2007. Flamengo won, but there wasn't any friendly atmosphere, and the player who scored their goal was signed from Corinthians [Roger]. It could be co-brothers in another area, in the marketing department. We just needed a point. So there's no need to talk about co-brothers. If Flamengo wins on Sunday, it's because they deserve it," said Felipe.
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Corinthians' most recent idol, Ronaldo didn't play for Flamengo, but he experienced the atmosphere at Gávea in 2008 while recovering from an injury. That's why he left friends there. Among them was goalkeeper Bruno, with whom he used to bet on penalty kicks. According to the number 1's coach, Roberto Barbosa, the duels were fierce, and the Phenomenon suffered at the hands of the current Flamengo captain.
\ \In good humor, Felipe says he will experience a unique situation in Campinas. His family will come from Rio de Janeiro to watch the game with Flamengo fans. He, at least, said he has already let go of the feelings he harbored as a child. "I've faced Flamengo other times for Vitória as well. I'm a professional, I think of the Corinthians fans."
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A Flamengo victory against Corinthians this Sunday could leave the red-and-black team one win away from the national title, provided São Paulo stumbles against Goiás. Felipe endorses the argument that there will be no "surrender" and mocks the possibility of Flamengo fans celebrating a goal.
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"I doubt that a fan will pay for a bus, travel 1h30 to Campinas to see the team lose and still celebrate. I doubt that if Ronaldo scores a goal, anyone will boo. I'll pay to see the fans ask Ronaldo to leave or put up a banner in protest the next day if he scores," said the number 1.
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Petkovic believes in Goiás and warns: "We need to bring the title to Rio"
\ \Marlos Bittencourt
\ In Rio de Janeiro
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Depending on a stumble by São Paulo against Goiás, on Sunday, at Serra Dourada, in the 37th round of the Brazilian Championship, to get closer to the title, Flamengo also needs to defeat Corinthians at Brinco de Ouro da Princesa, in Campinas. Petkovic believes that the emerald team will play hard against the São Paulo team to help the red-blacks.
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"Maybe we will become Brazilian champions, but we need to do our part and cheer for Goiás to win. We need to end São Paulo's bad habit and bring the national title to Rio de Janeiro. We are in the fight," said Petkovic, who received the title of citizen of Rio de Janeiro.
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The last Rio team to win the Brazilian Championship was Vasco da Gama in 2000. Since then, São Paulo teams have won six of the last eight editions. Flamengo hasn't won the national title since 1992.
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Petkovic said Flamengo has everything it needs to win the Brazilian title, but cannot afford to compromise in the match against Corinthians. Furthermore, the Serb believes Goiás will honor its jersey and will not surrender so easily to São Paulo.
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"I haven't spoken to Hélio dos Anjos, but we've worked together at Goiás. The team will do everything possible to bring joy to their fans, especially because they'll be playing at home, at Serra Dourada. The Goiás team will fight hard against São Paulo, just like they fought against Flamengo," believes Petkovic.
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With 61 points, Flamengo is in second place in the Brazilian Championship. São Paulo, which leads, has 62. Internacional and Palmeiras both have 59, but the team from Rio Grande do Sul surpasses the São Paulo team in the tiebreaker criteria.
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GLOBOESPORTE
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Harlei bets on Serra Dourada\ divided between fans from São Paulo, Goiás and Fla
\ \The goalkeeper remembers that both teams have a large fan base in the state
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Confident in a great game between Goiás e São Paulo this Sunday, Harlei believes that Serra Dourada will be\ full and divided. With many fans in the state, Tricolor Paulista and Flamengo, a direct rival in the fight for the title, should reinforce the color in the stands.
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"I believe in a large crowd and a shared fan base. Last year, São Paulo fans in Brasília practically filled the stadium. I believe a lot of fans will come from there. On the other hand, I believe a lot of Flamengo fans will come to support us," said the Esmeraldino goalkeeper.
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\ With 51 points, Goiás is in ninth place in the Brazilian Championship. Next Sunday, at 17 pm (Brasília time), Verdão hosts São Paulo. GLOBOESPORTE.COM will follow all the action of the match, valid for the 37th round, in Real Time.
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Petkovic's brother goes to Ninho do Urubu to record 'O Gringo'
\ \Boban is the executive producer of the documentary that will tell the story of the Serbian's journey in Brazil. Andrade has already given his testimony.
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The crew of the film 'O\ Gringo', about Petkovic
\ \It's no longer news that a documentary is being filmed that will tell the story of Petkovic's career in Brazil. But the executive producer of the film "O Gringo," which is scheduled for release in May 2010, is the Serbian's own brother, Boban. Five years older, he was also a player and played as a playmaker and second striker for Zelezhik in Belgrade until 2002.
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But the idea of making the film came about a year earlier, right after the free kick goal that Petkovic scored against Vasco, giving the fourth three-time championship Rio ao FlamengoIt was there that he realized his younger brother was an important figure in Brazil. The documentary, however, took a while to come out. It was only this year, when Petkovic was about to return to the red-and-black club, that everything came to fruition.
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- It was now or never.\ When Pet was at Real Madrid it was a big surprise that he came to GHT - Vitória. But he had already given his word and decided to come. Today, he is the most famous foreigner in Brazil – Boban told GLOBOESPORTE.COM.
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And the timing for filming the documentary couldn't be better. Almost everything has been working in Petkovic's favor. Besides his strong performance on the field, with important goals, the Serbian has also been successful off it. In the last week, for example, he has already set foot on the Maracanã Walk of Fame, received the title of honorary citizen at the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly, and is running for the title of "Crack of the Crowd" Brasileirão.
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\ - The moment he is living is spectacular, and this has only helped with filming –\ says Boban, who was at Ninho do Urubu last Tuesday with the documentary's filming team.
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The executive producer of "O Gringo" went to Flamengo's training session and get some quotes from the red-and-blacks. Coach Andrade and football manager Isaías Tinoco, who also worked with Petkovic at Vasco, were the interviewees that day.
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"In my testimony, I said he's a leader on and off the field and that he managed to revive the mystique of Flamengo's number 10 jersey. We had that need here, and he delivered. He's an idol, he made history at Flamengo, and he deserves to have a film made in his honor," Andrade said.
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\ Other players