Sports Journal

Overcoming obstacles is a common word for Flamengo's futsal team. Since the project was established under coach Cid Escarlate in 2007, the team has exceeded expectations and broken barriers in the tournaments it has competed in. Once again, the Flamengo team has an excellent opportunity to surpass itself and reach the final of the Metropolitan Championship. All it needs is a victory, this Thursday at 20:30 pm, away from home, against Vassouras. The Flamengo team's record against their rivals this year is not very good. There have been three matches, with two victories for Vassouras, 6-1 and 4-2, and a 2-2 draw last Friday. Analyzing the sequence, the improvement of the Gávea team is undeniable. And that motivates coach Cid Escarlate. "We're motivated, without a doubt. We're on the rise. That first game against Vassouras ended up being a bit traumatic, but it also brought us back to reality and showed us that it would take a lot of overcoming, each player giving their all, to get anywhere," says the coach. During the week, the red-and-black team's preparations focused primarily on playing on larger courts. After all, Flamengo trains on a small court at the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium, which is quite different from the Sombrão gymnasium at USS in Vassouras. "We worked on large courts because the size difference is considerable. The team will need a different understanding of the game and demands much more physicality from all the players," explains Cid. Confidence Cid will have all the talent at his disposal. Even those recently injured, like the experienced Leco and center Gabriel, will be in the game. Another point to give the Flamengo coach confidence. "I have the entire team at my disposal, but there are some players who are still returning after a long period of inactivity. Even so, I believe the team is ready. We know the difficulties, we're going to play against a strong team, which has had the same core for about three years, but we're going there to seek victory." The expectation is that next year Flamengo will return to the National League.