Rubro-negro starts off badly, but turns the game around in the final stage and takes the title

GLOBOESPORTE.COM Lages, SC

Flamengo players celebrate in Lages, SC

Flamengo defeated Santos 11-8 to become the Brazilian Showbol champion on Friday night in Lages, Santa Catarina. The red-and-black team, which features former club players such as Djalminha, Gelson Baresi, and Junior Baiano, struggled early in the match but turned the tables in the second half to secure the title against Santos. Santos' Axel was named the championship's best player. Before the match, Flamengo's players paid tribute to goalkeeper Zé Carlos, who is battling abdominal cancer. The Santos players took the field without striker Viola, who became angry with coach Negreiros and left the team after the semifinal victory over Botafogo. Flamengo secured a spot in the final by defeating Palmeiras in a thrilling match.

Peixe started better. In the first half, the black and white team took a 4-1 lead, but let the Rio de Janeiro team close the gap. By the end of the first half, Santos were leading 4-3. Fla came back determined to win the title. Early on, Djalminha leveled the score with a powerful cross-shot. Coach Negreiros' team responded, and Paulo Rink scored two more. But Djalminha and company were determined to take the trophy and, after leveling the score, took the lead, with stunning goals from Junior Baiano, Marquinhos, and Fábio Baiano. The final score was 11-8, complete with emotional celebrations from the Fla veterans.