THE GLOBE
On a perfect afternoon, Fla is one victory away from the sixth victory
Team defeats Corinthians 2-0, São Paulo loses and title depends on victory over Grêmio at Maracanã
LEONARDO MOURA takes the penalty kick to score Flamengo's second goal, securing the victory over Corinthians. Standing in the center of the goal, goalkeeper Felipe barely reacted.
ANDRADE SIGNALS to the team the best positioning in the game: Flamengo was conscious on the field
RONALDO FALLS to the pitch with thigh pain. He later leaves the game.
Marcos Penido
CAMPINAS (SP). The red-and-black team, which a week earlier, after a draw with Goiás, had left the Maracanã stadium believing Flamengo wouldn't offer another chance to lead the Brazilian Championship, lived a dream afternoon yesterday. In Campinas, at Brinco de Ouro, the team defeated Corinthians 2-0. On the field, the players heard the fans celebrate not only their own goals, but also each of the four Goiás scored against São Paulo. For the first time, and with one round remaining in the competition, Flamengo is the leader.
A victory over Grêmio on Sunday, in a sold-out Maracanã stadium, is needed to secure their sixth championship title. Seventeen years after their last triumph, Brazil could be red and black again. And Andrade could win his sixth national title. He holds the record for five titles as a player.
Even with nearly 30 buses stranded in São Paulo, Flamengo fans filled the stands behind one of the stadium's goals. Corinthians had no ambitions, but they were threatened by Ronaldo against a red-and-black team without Maldonado and Adriano. Even so, Flamengo seized the initiative. In the fourth minute, after Edu came off injured, Petkovic took a free kick and Álvaro headed the ball against the left post. In the 11th minute, Zé Roberto played in Bruno Mezenga, who entered the box and shot wide.
Shouts of "champion" after the second red-black goal
The fans experienced a moment of worry followed by another of ecstasy. In Goiânia, São Paulo opened the scoring against Goiás, which would have prevented the team from taking the lead. In the 24th minute, Ronaldo suffered a muscle problem and was injured. Then, in the 26th minute, Toró passed to Zé Roberto, who entered the box and shot. The ball rebounded off Felipe and went in. During the celebration, the long-awaited news arrived: Goiás had tied the game.
In the 32nd minute, Zé Roberto, from a tight angle, shot for Felipe to save. Gradually, the team let the pressure on, and the biggest scare came in the 37th minute, when Defederico received the ball from Souza, dribbled past Bruno, and shot. Ronaldo Angelim saved it from just outside the box. Before halftime, coach Mano Menezes was sent off. In stoppage time, Chicão took a free kick that Bruno made a spectacular save.
Flamengo's second-half performance was primarily focused on denying Corinthians any scoring opportunities. São Paulo was already trailing Goiás. With Petkovic tired, the team was slow on the counterattack. Bruno saved a Defederico shot in the first minute and shone in the tenth minute, heading in Escudero's header. In the 20th minute, Andrade replaced the Serbian with Fierro, and in the 23rd minute, two pieces of good news arrived: defender Chicão was sent off, and Goiás made it 3-1. Flamengo had the lead.
Since they weren't playing a decisive match, Corinthians even prowled the Flamengo box, but they weren't proactive. In the 42nd minute, on a counterattack, Dênis Marques shot, and Felipe saved it. In the 45th minute, the fatal blow came. Leonardo Moura was awarded a penalty, which, after three minutes and a pitch invasion, he took himself: 2-0. At Serra Dourada, Goiás 4-2. Who could contain the Flamengo fans? In Campinas, chants of "we're champions" were already echoing. These chants Maracanã expects to hear next Sunday.
Corinthians: Felipe, Jucilei, Chicão, Paulo André and Escudero (Dodô); Edu (Moradei), Boquita, Elias and Defederico; Jorge Henrique and Ronaldo (Souza). Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Alvaro, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Airton, Willians, Toro and Petkovic (Fierro); Ze Roberto and Bruno Mezenga (Denis Marques). Referee: Evandro Roman (Fifa-PR). Yellow cards: Chicão, Escudero, Moradei, Elias, Souza, Alvaro, Ronaldo Angelim, Willians, Toro and Petkovic. Revenue: R$723.800,00. Attendance: 25.775 paying spectators.
Andrade warns: 'The last step is missing'
To stay away from the euphoria, the team must train at Granja Comary
ZÉ ROBERTO (26), followed by Bruno Mezenga, runs towards the fans to celebrate his goal
Marcos Penido
CAMPINAS (SP). Andrade knows Flamengo's profile, the euphoria that sometimes dominates the club, and, above all, he experienced the disappointment of the draw with Goiás with the players and fans. After the victory over Corinthians yesterday, the coach warned that the only achievement so far was a spot in the Libertadores. But he assured that he believes the Maracanã will see a happier outcome next Sunday.
Meanwhile, the board plans to isolate the team, which will rejoin tomorrow at Ninho do Urubu. Two players representing the squad will be called in for a meeting. During this meeting, the team's trip to Granja Comary in Teresópolis on Wednesday is expected to be decided.
"We're celebrating our entry into the Libertadores. We still have to play Grêmio after the title. The fans' excitement is normal, but we need to work hard this week. The final step is missing. The Maracanã will be packed, and this time, the team will make the difference," said Andrade.
According to mathematician Tristão Garcia, Flamengo now has a 76% chance of winning the title. Their closest rival is Internacional, with an 18% chance.
The concrete chance of winning the title after 17 years - he was champion in 1980, 1982, 1983, 1987 and 1992 - neutralized even a possible friction with Adriano, who suffered a burn on his foot and did not play in Campinas.
"There's only one week left for this group to make history at Flamengo. The measures will be strict. The result calms everything, absolutely everything," said vice president of football, Marcos Braz, who even admitted, in the event of a defeat, publicly demanding Adriano.
Álvaro, suspended, will not face Grêmio
Andrade, with his usual coolness, assured that he had no knowledge of the progress of the São Paulo game while he was in charge of Flamengo yesterday.
"I was only worried about our game. I only found out São Paulo's result later. I didn't even want to know what the score was," said the coach, who even dismissed comments about potentially winning his sixth Brazilian Championship. "I didn't even play, how can I say I'm a champion? Nothing is settled."
Among the players, the tone was the same.
"We haven't won anything. With this hard work and humility, we got here. So, we won't change anything," said midfielder Petkovic. "It's a unique opportunity to win a Brazilian Championship. I have 15 titles, but not a Brazilian Championship. It would be the culmination of a wonderful career."
Goalkeeper Bruno joined in:
- We have to focus. It's going to be a tough week, and the fans will want to come to training.
Shouts of 'Mengo' even at the Olympics
Previously unimaginable scenes set the tone yesterday for what will be Flamengo vs. Grêmio next Sunday. Flamengo needs a win to be crowned champion. Grêmio, however, with no championship ambitions, could see its fans awaiting the game with disinterest. But the reality is the opposite. Since Internacional needs a Tricolor victory to be crowned champion, the Grêmio fans chanted "Mengo" and "Entrega" (Give it up) after yesterday's match at the Olímpico, in which Grêmio defeated Barueri.
The Grêmio board didn't even try to hide its unwillingness to help its eternal rival. The club is considering giving its starting players a vacation.
"If someone asks for vacation and deserves it, they can leave. Some players might feel something. What mattered to us was today (yesterday), when we achieved the unprecedented feat of finishing the championship without losing at home. It will be a game without much value for us," said Duda Kroeff, president of Grêmio. "Inter can never trust Grêmio, nor Grêmio can trust Inter. Otherwise, football in Rio Grande do Sul will end. I have no intention of losing to Flamengo, but no one interferes with Grêmio's lineup."
Midfielder Souza was the image of what goes on in the players' heads.
"Nobody wants to be criticized for helping a rival. The fans are asking for it, and they're the ones who pay our salaries," he said.
Calazans Column
Finally, Flamengo
Flamengo won, Flamengo took the lead in the championship with a round to spare, Flamengo secured its spot in the next Copa Libertadores with a round to spare. However, Flamengo didn't convince me in their 2-0 victory over Corinthians—although all the good things mentioned above are well deserved. They were better than Corinthians throughout the first half.
But then, with a 1-0 lead, Flamengo started playing backward, as they did in yesterday's second half and as they had in every previous second half. Why?
I can only explain it by a likely masochistic nature that suddenly and inexplicably took over Gávea. Even with an extra man, after Chicão's sending off, Flamengo had no control of the action, and so they suffered, with Corinthians taking free kicks after free kicks in their box, while the score remained 1-0, thanks to Zé Roberto's first-half goal.
It was a beautiful play in which Toró, with a very good defensive performance, embodied the spirit of Gérson, the Golden Left-Hander. He delivered a long, precise pass to Zé Roberto (who also had a good performance). As usual, Zé Roberto's shot was poor, but the ball, shot from close range, beat Felipe and went in.
And the suffering only ended in the final injury time, when Dodô awarded a penalty to Leonardo Moura, in a very similar move to another previous one, by Airton in Flamengo's area, in which the very complicated Paraná referee didn't call anything.
Leonardo Moura made it 2-0, Flamengo had a deserved victory, thanks to their great campaign after Andrade, but there were things that hurt their performance: the absence of Adriano, naturally; Petkovic's worst performance in his return to the club; and the presence (or would it be absence?) of Bruno Mezenga, who is not known why he is selected.
The other Bruno, the goalkeeper, is the opposite. As always, his saves were crucial in Flamengo's victory.
Flamengo's performances haven't convinced me, just as none of the other teams in this championship have. The championship is spectacular—as yesterday's round was—the teams aren't. In any case, the competition has proven to be so intricate, so exciting, so difficult that any champion, whoever they may be, will have a sensational title, a trophy, and a lap of honor. With the most fitting of celebrations.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Flamengo wins and reaches the final round as leader
Team wins 2-0 and celebrates São Paulo's defeat
Raphael Bittencourt - rbittencourt@jsports.com.br
Campinas – Flamengo secured a crucial victory in the race for its sixth Brazilian Championship title. With goals from Zé Roberto and Leo Moura, the Rio de Janeiro team defeated Corinthians away from home and took the lead in the competition after São Paulo's 4-2 defeat to Goiás. In the final round, Flamengo faces Grêmio and could be crowned champion after a 17-year wait. with a draw.
First time
Electrifying. There's no other word to describe the first 45 minutes of the match between Corinthians and Flamengo. Both teams took to the field with great determination and determination. In the first minute of play, Edu, from the São Paulo team, tackled Willians and hurt his thigh. The player was taken off on a stretcher and replaced by Moradei.
In the fourth minute, Flamengo showed they would come all out for the win. Petkovic sent a free kick to Álvaro, who headed it against Felipe's post. A minute later, Petkovic took a corner kick, and the ball fell to Willians, who fired a right-footed shot but mishit the ball, sending it wide.
In the 13th minute, Corinthians threatened for the first time. Escudero spotted Bruno slightly ahead and took a shot from a long way out. The red-and-black goalkeeper recovered and palmed the ball away for a corner. In the 15th minute, Ronaldo took his only shot on goal, a free kick that Bruno saved without much difficulty.
In the 16th minute, Flamengo was awarded a free kick just before midfield. Agile, Toró took the ball quickly and delivered a beautiful pass to Zé Roberto, who advanced and shot between Felipe's legs to open the scoring. 1-0 Flamengo. At the same moment, São Paulo, leading Goiás 1-0, conceded the equalizer.
In the 23rd minute, Ronaldo burst into the box and, in a challenge with Aírton, the number 9 fell and strained his thigh. The Corinthians player was replaced by Souza. Even without Ronaldo, Corinthians nearly equalized with Defederico. The Argentine burst into the box, dribbled past Bruno, but his shot was weak, and Álvaro cleared the ball off the line. In the 47th minute, Corinthians still had a great chance with a free kick from Chicão, but Bruno stretched to find the ball in the top corner.
Second time
In the second half, Flamengo abandoned its attack and focused solely on defense. Corinthians had its best chance to equalize in the 10th minute after a corner kick from Jorge Henrique and a header from Paulo André, but Bruno flew to make a save in the right corner.
In the 21st minute, Andrade took off Petkovic and brought on Fierro. The first time he touched the ball, the Chilean was stepped on by Chicão, who was sent off.
With a very lackluster performance, Bruno Mezenga was replaced by Denis Marques. In the 42nd minute, the number 9 charged at the defense, dribbled past Moradei, and shot into the middle of the goal, which Felipe saved.
Corinthians pressed for an equalizer, and the red-and-black fans saw their team cornered on the field, but cheered as goals were announced over the loudspeaker. At that point, São Paulo was trailing 4-2 to Goiás.
In the 45th minute, Leo Moura was brought down by Dodô inside the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. A fan invaded the field and exchanged insults with the linesman. Going wild with São Paulo's defeat, Corinthians fans themselves chanted from the stands for goalkeeper Felipe to come off his line so Flamengo could extend their lead. After a three-minute stoppage, Leo Moura himself stepped up to take the penalty. Felipe didn't move, and the number 2 shot into the goalkeeper's right corner to seal the victory.
With this result, Flamengo reached 64 points and now has only itself to win the title. Their next opponent is Grêmio, and the Rio de Janeiro team could win the title even with a draw, if Internacional, the only team with the same number of wins as Flamengo, doesn't win in the final round.
The team will be concentrated in Teresópolis
Rio de Janeiro – On the eve of the club's presidential elections, which take place on December 7th, Flamengo has an even bigger decision to make. The day before, the red-and-black team faces Grêmio and has the chance to be crowned Brazilian champion after a 17-year wait.
To escape the fan hoopla and the election-related atmosphere that's gripping Gávea, the squad will be in training camp from Wednesday until the day of the match against Grêmio. The group will likely be taken to Granja Comary in Teresópolis.
"There's only one week left for this group to make history at Flamengo. In the opinion of the management and coaching staff, the best thing to do is leave Rio," said vice president of football Marcos Braz.
HATES
Álvaro thinks Grêmio won't give up the game
Campinas - The rivalry between Grêmio and International can be an additional force for the Flamengo. There is already speculation that Grêmio may give up Sunday's game, with the simple intention of preventing the title from falling into the hands of their rival. Colorado.
Suspended from the next game after receiving his third yellow card, defender Álvaro, a former Inter player, knows the rivalry well. He just doesn't believe the Grêmio players will take their antipathy toward their Rio Grande do Sul rival to its fullest.
"The rivalry between them is almost deadly. Grêmio fans will never want to see Internacional Champion.But that doesn't mean the team will go easy on us," he said.
Coach Andrade prefers not to count on this possibility of help from the opponent. He's really betting on his team and the red-and-black fans.
"There are no easy games. We're going after the title, with the support of our fans, at the Maracanã, which will be packed," concluded Andrade, exclusively concerned with his team.
The sixth party has already started
Flamengo fans turned Brinco de Ouro into their home and even started the title celebration
BY JANIR JUNIOR
Campinas - The fans at the Brinco de Ouro stadium in Campinas experienced moments of great emotion during yesterday's victory. Celebrations of Goiás' goals, cheers for the red-and-black team, the anticipated cry of "we are champions," all accompanied by the lyrics "Mengo, I am always with you. We are a nation. No matter where I am. I will always be with you. With my sacred mantle. And the flag in my hand. The Maracanã is ours. The party is about to begin... Give it, give it, give it, oh, give it..."
"This crowd is wonderful, it deserves this moment, this vibration. Now, we have the opportunity to decide a title that we haven't won for 17 years at Maracanã", said Léo Moura who, at the end of the game, with the whole team went to thank the support of the fans in Campinas.
Since the early hours of yesterday, hundreds of red-black fans took to the streets near the stadium. Before the teams entered the field, the provocations were, of course, aimed at Ronaldo. But, with the attacker On the field, the fans avoided the blatant jabs, but couldn't hold back their irony. When the Phenomenon left the field injured, he was greeted with shouts of "Ronaldo, Ronaldo..."
In addition to the excitement surrounding Flamengo's goals, the signal that Goiás was beating São Paulo came from the shouts in the stands, as the electronic scoreboard was not showing the results of the other Brazilian Championship games.
Even a flag from LDU, which will face Fluminense on Wednesday in the final of the South American Cup, was prominently displayed. The fans weren't discouraged even by the heavy rain that fell during the match. At the end, the lyrics "Give it to him, give it to him, give it to him, oh!" were sung at the top of their lungs. The party had already begun.
Meeting the title at Maraca
The team is thrilled with the possibility of winning the Brazilian title in a packed and festive stadium, after 17 years of waiting for the dreamed sixth championship.
Campinas - The iconic victory over Corinthians in Campinas and the perfect combination of results left Flamengo with their hands on the Brazilian Championship trophy. But the 0-0 draw with Goiás at Maracanã a week ago still serves as a lesson for the last game of the year, Sunday, against Grêmio. With all tickets sold, the expectation is for a public of almost 90 thousand people.
Despite the advantage needing only their result to leave the field with the title of Brazilian champion, which hasn't happened for 17 years, the celebration is still far from happening.
"We have to keep doing everything the same way. We've gotten this far this way and there's no reason to change now. We'll play Sunday needing a win over Grêmio to leave Maracanã as champions," said Petkovic, who yesterday didn't have Adriano as a partner in attack, as the Emperor burned his foot during the week and was out of yesterday's game.
Author of the second gol After the victory over Corinthians, Leonardo Moura made a point of celebrating with the fans as soon as referee Evandro Rogério Roman blew the final whistle. The full-back dedicated his goal to his girlfriend, Camila. On Sunday, he hopes to celebrate his fifth title with the red-and-black jersey in just over four years at the club. "We accomplished our objective here and consolidated this momentum. Now, we need to fulfill our role at Maracanã," he warned.
The players' euphoria in the locker room was intense. Flamengo took the lead in the competition for the first time this year and has a real chance of conquer the sixth championship and return to being the biggest winner of the Brazilian Championship, alongside São Paulo, the current three-time champion of the competition.
"We are very happy with the victory we achieved over a strong team like Corinthians, but it's not over yet," said Toró, who also participated in the last four titles won by Flamengo (the 2006 Copa do Brasil and the three-time Rio de Janeiro championship 2007/2008/2009).
Fla is not just Pet and Adriano
In the absence of the Emperor, Andrade makes a point of attributing the team's success in the Brasileirão to the entire group
Campinas - Neither the absent Adriano nor the present Petkovic. The entire group earned praise from coach Andrade after the victory that brought his club so close to the sixth title. For him, Flamengo is more than just one or two top-level players.
"We can't deny that Adriano and Pet are different. But Flamengo's football is the group," said the coach.
Andrade's speech was not only full of praise, but also of concern. The hype of the past cannot be far from his team this time. "There's one step missing. We haven't won anything yet, just the vacancy in the Libertadores is guaranteed", he warned.
Andrade's words shouldn't be the only concern. The board was already mobilizing yesterday to keep the players away from the fans' euphoria. It's quite likely that on Tuesday, the day of the return match, the team will have to pack their bags for a trip the following day. "We have to control the anxietyWe, who are PROFESSIONALS, we can't get into that," Andrade highlighted, before outlining the week's schedule. "The main thing will be work the emotional part," he said.
With five Brazilian titles as a player, Andrade can already imagine himself achieving the sixth of his career, his first as a coach. "It would be a significant milestone in my coaching career, which is still so short," he admitted, taking the opportunity to vent. "A lot of people didn't believe in me," he quipped.
Even president Márcio Braga, always provocative, was more restrained than ever. "It's time to put the ball on the ground. This title would crown my victorious tenure at Flamengo," concluded the outgoing director.
Sunday will be chilling
For the first time in the points-based era, which began in 2003, four teams enter the final round with a chance of winning the title. The fight against relegation also promises to be exciting.
Campinas - In the era of points-based competition, the Brazilian Championship has never been so exciting. From the title race to the final relegation zone, almost every game in the final round will be crucial. For the first time, four teams reach Sunday's final with a chance of winning the title: Flamengo, Internacional, Palmeiras, and São Paulo.
In addition to depending only on yourself to conquer the title for the sixth time in its history, Flamengo has already qualified for the 2010 Copa Libertadores. Internacional also secured its place in the competition yesterday. Palmeiras, São Paulo and Cruzeiro are in the running for the other two vacancies.
Below, Sport and Náutico are relegated. Santo André can only be saved by a miracle. Botafogo, Coritiba and Fluminense are also at risk of relegation.
Inter roots for their rivals
Rooting for your biggest rival is rare in soccer. But on Sunday, Internacional will need to do just that to dream of the title. After beating Sport 2-1 yesterday in Recife, the Colorado moved into second place with 62 points. To lift the trophy, the team must defeat Santo André at Beira-Rio and hope that archrival Grêmio takes points off Flamengo at Maracanã.
If it depends on the speeches of Grêmio's directors and players after yesterday's 4-2 victory over Barueri, the Colorados will be left high and dry. "We're going without any commitments. It's a match that doesn't have much value for us. Inter can never trust Grêmio, nor Grêmio can trust Inter," said Grêmio president Duda Kroeff.
Flamengo wins, takes the lead and is one victory away from the title
BY JANIR JUNIOR
Campinas (São Paulo) - On Thursday, Flamengo fans took to the streets of Rio in search of a ticket to watch the game against Grêmio in the final round of the Brazilian Championship, next Sunday, at the Maracanã. They were all sold out on the same day. It seemed like she knew the story that would be told this Sunday.
In great form, Fla defeats Corinthians 2-0 and takes the top spot in the table | Photo: Carlos Moraes / Agência O Dia
At Brinco de Ouro in Campinas, the 2-0 victory over Corinthians took the team to the top of the competition with 64 points for the first time this year, taking into account São Paulo's 4-2 loss to Goiás. All they need to do is win the final game of the year to celebrate their sixth title, a 17-year wait.
Coincidence or not, the same Goiás, who drew with Flamengo at Maracanã in the last round, directly interfered in the title dispute.
Before the games began, São Paulo had 62 points in first place and managed to beat Goiás 1-0. Flamengo was tied 0-0, and the title seemed far away. But almost in the same minute, Vítor tied the game in Goiânia, and Zé Roberto, after a superb pass from Toró, made it 1-0 for Flamengo in Campinas.
>> PHOTO GALLERY: Mengão is the new leader
It was enough for the fans and the team to believe in what seemed like a lost cause. Flamengo was in control, and if it weren't for Argentine Defederico, Corinthians wouldn't even have bothered. It was he who nearly tied the game after dribbling past goalkeeper Bruno, but he lost his balance, and Ronaldo Angelim saved on the line.
The goals in Goiânia continued to pour in, always with São Paulo at a disadvantage. The victories of Internacional and Palmeiras made the match even more exciting.
The second half was a calm affair for Flamengo. Chicão was sent off for a foul on Fierro, who replaced Petkovic. And Dodô awarded a penalty to Leonardo Moura, who converted the second goal in the 48th minute. gol, without goalkeeper Felipe making any attempt to defend the shot, after the game was interrupted due to the invasion of a Corinthians fan, who tried to attack referee Evandro Rogério Roman.
The Emperor? He was far away, nursing the burn on his left foot, so as not to miss the long-awaited sixth-world title celebration.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Flamengo beats Corinthians and gets close to the title
Helder Junior - Campinas (SP)
Petkovic and Zé Roberto celebrate: Flamengo only depends on itself in the last round
Corinthians players received the support they were hoping for this Sunday at the Brinco de Ouro da Princesa stadium. The fans didn't ask the team to hurt São Paulo in the Brazilian Championship title race, but Flamengo still won 2-0 and took the lead after the Tricolor lost to Goiás.
Flamengo, now guaranteed a spot in the Copa Libertadores, has become the favorite to win the trophy. They now have 64 points, compared to 62 for Internacional, Palmeiras, and São Paulo. In the final round, next Sunday, they could be crowned champions if they draw with Grêmio at the Maracanã. With 49 points, Corinthians will conclude their campaign against Atlético-MG on the same day at the Mineirão stadium.
One of the goals that put Flamengo at the top of the table was scored by Zé Roberto in the 26th minute of the first half. Shortly before, Ronaldo had been injured and left the field in the match against his favorite team - until then, Corinthians fans had been chanting "Adriano has popped" to taunt the opposing star, who was injured.
Towards the end of the game, one of the most unusual events of the season occurred: outraged by the referee's award of a penalty to Flamengo, a Corinthians fan invaded the pitch and exchanged blows with the assistant referee. Leonardo Moura converted the penalty, goalkeeper Felipe stood still, and the match ended.
The game - As soon as the gates of Brinco de Ouro da Princesa opened, about two hours before kickoff, Corinthians fans already showed they weren't worried about the national title game. "We're here to win," shouted one fan, taking his place in the stadium's lower stands.
The local sound system was out of order, further contributing to the fans' forgetfulness of the rest of the championship round. Lined up on the field, players from both teams had to listen to the Brazilian National Anthem being played on the Brinco de Ouro screen, which broadcast the lyrics.
The silence was quickly replaced by the shouting of both sets of fans. Ronaldo shared the public when he received the ball in the first minute of the match. He threw himself onto the pitch and called for a foul. He was joined in the protest by Corinthians fans, booed by Flamengo fans, and ignored by referee Evandro Rogério Roman.
Edu also fell to the ground but never got up. He was replaced by Moradei. Then, in the fourth minute, Flamengo took advantage of Corinthians' still reorganizing formation to attack. Serbian Petkovic took a free kick into the box, and defender Álvaro hit the foot of the post with a header.
Argentine Escudero then began to facilitate the Rio de Janeiro team's attacks. Recently recovered from a serious left knee injury, the defender provided plenty of space for the opponent to attack – he had already shown his 'strength' early in the match with a fierce tackle.
Timão star Ronaldo was injured and gave way to Souza in the Golden Earring of the Princess
But Escudero was also useful. In the 13th minute, he took a long-range shot and nearly caught goalkeeper Bruno off guard. It was enough to revive the Corinthians fans, who lamented the loss shortly afterward. Those who had chanted "Adriano has gone down" (the Emperor suffered a burn on his left foot and did not play) threw their hands up in their hands when they saw Ronaldo get hurt.
The Corinthians star was replaced by Souza, who was also a Flamengo fan as a child. The red-and-black fans in the stands at Brinco mockingly chanted Ronaldo's name and, practically simultaneously, celebrated a Goiás goal against São Paulo and Flamengo's in Campinas.
In the 26th minute, Zé Roberto was released, burst into the box, and shot between Felipe's legs: 1-0. This didn't dampen Corinthians' momentum. In the 37th minute, Defederico dribbled past goalkeeper Bruno and shot into an empty net, but the opposing defense saved before the ball crossed the line. He was so tense that Mano Menezes was sent off for complaining.
In the second half, however, the pace of the game slowed. But the protests continued. The first to complain was Escudero, who maintained his average of one yellow card per match for Corinthians. For Flamengo, Petkovic was slow to leave the field after being replaced by Fierro and was also punished.
The next card Evandro Rogério Roman would receive wasn't a yellow. The assistant referee reported Chicão assaulting Fierro, and the Corinthians defender was sent off. Flamengo fans celebrated twice, as São Paulo had conceded another goal to Goiás at the Serra Dourada stadium.
Avoiding losing another player to a red card, Corinthians replaced Escudero with young Dodô. In the final minutes, however, neither team showed much commitment to change the game's score. And even São Paulo fans began to celebrate the change in leadership of the Brazilian Championship.
When Corinthians fans again called for "grit" from their team, irritated by the monotonous passing in the defense, the referee awarded a penalty to Flamengo. A fan invaded the field to attack the assistant referee. Goalkeeper Felipe, in turn, stood still during Leonardo Moura's shot: 2-0.
PELENET
|
29/11/2009 - 18h58
Fla fulfills its role, beats Corinthians and is the new leader of the Brazilian Championship
Bruno Doro
In Campinas (SP)
FLA WINS AGAINST CORINTHIANS AND IS THE LEADER
At Brinco de Ouro da Princesa in Campinas, Flamengo fans celebrated six times. No, the match against Corinthians wasn't a flurry of goals. The 2-0 victory was lacking in emotion. But, combined with the results of the round—and especially Goiás' four goals at Serra Dourada—it was enough.
For the first time in the 2009 Brazilian Championship, Flamengo is the leader with 64 points. Now the Rio de Janeiro team depends solely on itself to win its sixth national title (and fifth, according to the CBF). To do so, it only needs to beat Grêmio in the final round, next Sunday at the Maracanã, to lift a trophy it hasn't won since 1992. Even with a loss, Flamengo can be champion, as long as Inter, Palmeiras, and São Paulo also stumble.
Flamengo opened the scoring midway through the first half, following a blunder by the Corinthians defense. But Flamengo fans were already celebrating. Not because of the team's performance in Campinas, but because of the performance at Serra Dourada. Goiás' comeback goals against São Paulo were celebrated just as much as the Flamengo fans.
With attention focused elsewhere, the fans didn't even notice the day's two absences. Ronaldo and Adriano were supposed to be the star players for Sunday's match, but they didn't show up. "The Phenomenon" did get on the field, but he was slow and heavy, playing only 23 minutes. He made a sprint and left in pain after a play in which he complained of being awarded a penalty. "The Emperor" didn't even go to Campinas. He trained only once that week, with a blister on his left foot.
The game
The lack of excitement in Campinas was already anticipated. The São Paulo team took the field listless, watching Flamengo's midfield set up the plays. Sometimes on the right, with Léo Moura and Williams attacking Escudero, sometimes on the left, with Juan and Zé Roberto attacking Jucilei.
Just three minutes in, Edu was injured after a tackle on Léo Moura. Ronaldo was next. In the 23rd minute, Flamengo had already hit the post with Álvaro's shot when the Phenomenon took off.
As always, he protected the ball well, got past the defense, and attempted a shot. He was blocked. He complained of a penalty and shoulder pain and quickly left the game. "He felt a twinge in his hamstring. He needs to be tested to determine if it's grade 1 or 2," explained team doctor Paulo Faria. But the substitution was the key for Flamengo.
Without Ronaldo, the game's biggest name, at least on paper, Flamengo's fans pressed on. In response to the Corinthians idol's departure, Toró took advantage of Jucilei's poor marking, finding Zé Roberto behind the defense. He entered the box and fired a cross-shot. Felipe got a touch on the ball but couldn't prevent the goal: 1-0 to Flamengo.
Flamengo fans were doubly thrilled. Far away, at Serra Dourada Stadium, Goiás had tied the match with São Paulo. Flamengo held the lead.
Trailing on the scoreboard, Corinthians remained listless until the 37th minute, when Souza, who had been inconspicuous during his time at Parque São Jorge, emerged. He received the ball from Jorge Henrique, turned on the defense, and found Defederico, unmarked, in the middle of the box. The Argentine dribbled past Bruno, but his shot was weak and the ball didn't go in.
Five minutes later, the Flamengo fans erupted once again. The game was at a standstill. The ball was in midfield. The joy once again originated in Goiânia, with Goiás' second goal.
In the 39th minute, there was a midfield scuffle after Souza tackled Williams. The play seemed innocent, but Evandro Rogério Romam was shown a yellow card. Yellow cards followed for Chicão and Elias for protesting, and Mano Menezes was sent off.
As they left the field, Corinthians fans expressed outrage at the referee. "They need to interview the referee. He's a piece of shit. He doesn't know what he's doing. He's saying that it's not our job to question the refereeing. I've never seen that," said Elias.
That anger returned to the field in the second half. In the first minute, Defederico made a good play in the middle, dribbling past two players, and shooting from distance. Bruno saved easily, but it was a sign of the São Paulo team's change of heart. In the 13th minute, the first dangerous play: Defederico, once again, sent a corner kick to Paulo André's head. Bruno made a good save.
Corinthians' pressure forced Andrade to move. He took off Petkovic, who was neutralized by Corinthians' trio of midfielders, and brought on Chilean Fierro. Shortly after, he was challenged hard by Chicão. The referee didn't see it, but was alerted by the assistant referee. As soon as he showed the Corinthians defender a red card, the Flamengo fans started singing again. Joy over the sending-off? No. Joy over Goiás' third goal.
At 30 minutes, the cheers were even louder. Goiás 4-2, the lead secured. The second goal, in the 46th minute, a penalty kick by Léo Moura—and Felipe didn't even go for the ball in protest—was just a detail.
Fla uses lesson from game against Goiás in duel against Grêmio
Paulo Galdieri and Raphael Gomide
From Folhapress
In Campinas (SP)
Flamengo will face Grêmio in the decisive round of the Brazilian Championship using the game against Goiás as an example.
The team wants to avoid the anxiety of that match, when they drew 0-0 and missed the chance to take the lead last week. The general tone is one of caution and respect for Grêmio, Sunday's rival at Maracanã.
To minimize the potential euphoria and excitement surrounding the presidential elections (on the 7th), the board already plans to remove Flamengo's players from Rio. However, not everyone was happy with the decision. In the opinion of midfielder Petkovic, the decision to leave the city would be a mistake that would cause burnout.
"For me, it's crucial not to change anything, because that's what brought us here. Who said that [that the team will leave Rio]? It's definitely going to be exhausting," he said, minutes after vice president of football, Marcos Braz, announced the measure.
This Monday, players and management will have a meeting to decide on the plan until Sunday.
Athletes and coach Andrade repeated in unison that the match against Grêmio will be 'very difficult' because the team from Rio Grande do Sul is strong, even though it is no longer competing for anything.
"It's the game of our lives, we need to be very focused," said Leonardo Moura.
Flamengo hopes to count on Adriano, who is still in doubt due to a burn on his foot.
Flamengo takes refuge from the hype, but players are already complaining
Bruno Doro
In Campinas (São Paulo)
Flamengo is expected to try to escape the hustle and bustle of Rio de Janeiro and leave the state capital during the week. Leading the Brazilian Championship, coach Andrade's team faces Grêmio on Sunday at Maracanã, and it's up to them to win their sixth national title—or fifth, according to the CBF.
ALL GOALS OF THE ROUND
The board's desire to distance itself from the fans lies with the players. The players, however, would prefer to stay in the city. And one of the critics of the departure is Petkovic. A star of the team alongside striker Adriano, he opposes adopting a tactic that hasn't been used before. Throughout the Brazilian championship, Flamengo has always stayed in Rio de Janeiro before games at Maracanã.
"For me, the key is not to change anything. To do everything we've done so far, what brought us to the top. Any change now will be exhausting, traumatic," Pet said. "And leaving Rio now will certainly be exhausting," he added.
Flamengo officials fear the celebratory atmosphere that has gripped the fans. "Fans have every right to express their views. But it's up to the board to take a stand so this doesn't affect the group. We have to respect the next club we'll face, which is Grêmio," explained the club's vice president of football, Marcos Braz.
Episodes like these have already plagued Flamengo. In the 36th round, the team took the field at Maracanã against Goiás, knowing the results of the round – then-leader São Paulo was defeated by Botafogo in the 17:19 PM game, and Flamengo didn't take the field until 30:XNUMX PM. A win would have put the team in first place. In a rush, Flamengo could only draw.
"In the last game, we were so anxious when we went onto the field. We knew São Paulo would win and tried to settle the game any way we could. When we couldn't, we started to get nervous. With every passing minute, the team got more anxious. But we have to control ourselves (against Grêmio)," analyzed defender Ronaldo Angelim.
Full-back Léo Moura didn't directly oppose the retirement, but he was clear that he saw no reason for it. "We have experienced players who have experienced situations like this before, who know what to do. And Flamengo has a training center that fans can't access; there's no reason to leave."
As the main stakeholder, coach Andrade prefers to remain impartial. "That draw with Goiás made the team more mature, seasoned, and experienced. And there are setbacks that come at the right time. That one served as a wake-up call. We hadn't been able to secure the top spot throughout the entire championship. And we did it now, in the penultimate round. I think this is a big step we've taken. But we have to go for the title, which is the most important thing for Flamengo."
The final round will see four teams fighting for the title and two spots in Serie B.
From UOL Esporte
In Sao Paulo
The most unpredictable Brazilian Championship since the introduction of points-based competition in 2003 will reach its final round with four teams with a mathematical chance of winning the title. After Sunday's matches, Flamengo, who has the advantage in this race, took the lead for the first time in the competition after beating Corinthians 2-0. Therefore, it depends only on its strength against Grêmio at Maracanã to win another trophy in its history.
"Football is always bringing big surprises. Grêmio has only won one away game, but what if they win the second against our team? So what? We have to stay calm. Their team is good and it will be a tough mission," analyzed coach Andrade.
Leading the table until the start of this round, São Paulo heads into the final match at a disadvantage compared to its direct rivals. After losing 4-2 to Goiás, the Tricolor team stalled at 62 points and dropped to fourth place. To secure its fourth consecutive title (and seventh in its history), the Morumbi team needs to beat Sport at home and hope that Flamengo, Internacional, and Palmeiras stumble.
Internacional, meanwhile, has the same 62 points as Palmeiras and São Paulo, but has the advantage in terms of wins. In the final round, the Gauchos, who have practically secured a spot in the 2010 Copa Libertadores, host Santo André, who are still fighting to avoid relegation.
Palmeiras, also in the top four and once again aiming for the national title, is a team. After a drop in form in the final stretch of the competition and several problems (such as having its bus stoned), Muricy Ramalho's team defeated Atlético-MG 4-3 and will face Botafogo in the final round, still with a clear chance of winning the trophy.
"The fans have always been on our side. Today [Sunday] they were packed and cheered us on. At first they were demanding, but that's how it is. If you respond, they keep cheering us on," highlighted Diego Souza, who scored a goal from midfield this round.
After Sunday's defeat, Atlético-MG, which once led the Brazilian Championship, will simply play out its final round, having no chance of even securing a spot in the Copa Libertadores. Its rival, Cruzeiro, however, still has hope. With 59 points, Adilson Batista's team needs to win and hope that São Paulo or Palmeiras lose their respective matches.
While the top half of the table saw the rise of Flamengo, Internacional, and Palmeiras, and the decline of São Paulo, the relegation zone experienced a similar phenomenon. The standout in the fight against relegation was Fluminense. After 27 rounds in the relegation zone, the Tricolor team thrashed Vitória 4-0 and left the relegation zone, now with 4 points.
While Flu can breathe a sigh of relief after the penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship, Coritiba once again feels the real threat of relegation. Defeated 4-1 by Cruzeiro, the team from the capital of Paraná remains on 44 points and is just one place above the relegation zone.
Coritiba's situation, however, is not very comfortable because Botafogo, currently in 17th place, also has the same 44 points, having lost to Atlético-PR 2-0. In the last round, the Rio de Janeiro team will host Palmeiras at Engenhão, while the Paraná team will face the in-form Fluminense.
"Now it's all or nothing against Palmeiras. We had chances to avoid being relegated and we didn't take advantage. I don't know how the next games will turn out, but we have to win," explained Botafogo fan Reinaldo.
Already in the duel between