Flamengo's youth team's excellent football was once again on display at Ninho do Urubu. The Red-Blacks put on a phenomenal performance this morning. Bruno Paulo, the 'Ronaldinho of Gávea,' was on fire once again. With three goals from the top scorer, Flamengo crushed América 5-1. Vander and Wellington completed the rout, which virtually guaranteed Mengão a spot in the quarterfinals of the Octávio Pinto Guimarães Cup.
After stumbling against São Cristóvão, Serrano, and CFZ, where they faced not only their opponents but also poor pitches, the Mais Querido returned to playing the football everyone knows they can. And coach Adílio's team didn't even take the field at full strength. Pecka, injured, Erick Flores, and Paulo Sérgio, who returned to the professional ranks, were missing for Mengão. Even so, the two remaining players in the "magic square," Vander and Bruno Paulo, got the job done. Both performed well: the midfielder created the best attacking opportunities for the center forward to finish. And he did finish. Bruno, nicknamed "Ronaldinho" by his teammates, scored three goals, and he lived up to his nickname. Vander also scored, and defender Wellington sealed the Devil's coffin.
"It was a calm match, I think the team played very well. I didn't play in the last few matches, against Serrano and São Cristóvão, but from what I've heard, the pitch made a big difference. Now, playing at home, on a good pitch, our football is back on the pitch," said midfielder Renan Silva, who returned to action yesterday morning after nearly two months out with a knee injury.
Next Saturday, Flamengo returns to the field for the fifth round of the second round of the OPG Cup. The match will be played at 5 p.m. at Ninho do Urubu. Currently, Mengão is in second place in Group G, two points behind CFZ. If these positions hold, Flamengo will face Vasco in the quarterfinals.
"Our goal is to become three-time OPG Cup champions, regardless of who we face. Of course, we have a lot of respect for our opponents; we know the matches won't be easy, but we'll go after this victory. We have another important game on Saturday; if we win, we'll secure our spot in the next round," Renan added.
Bruno Paulo has been the highlight at OPG
In a group full of players already known to the Red-Black Nation, such as Vinícius Colombiano, Erick Flores, and Paulo Sérgio, the one shining is an athlete in his first year in the junior category. Bruno Paulo, 18, is the star of the Red-Black campaign in the Octávio Pinto Guimarães Cup. The forward is aware of his good form and hopes to continue it in tomorrow's match against Volta Redonda.
Last Wednesday, against América, Bruno Paulo only failed to make it rain at Ninho do Urubu. The top scorer scored three times in the 5-1 rout of the Devil. In fact, the striker hasn't been lacking goals, and he believes his strong performances can lead to an even better season in 2009.
"I'm doing my part now and waiting to see if I'll get a professional opportunity. Thank God, I'm doing well, scoring my goals, and that could help me a lot in the future. I'm doing well, I've been doing my best and helping the team evolve in the competition," said Bruno Paulo.
Versatile, the number nine on coach Adílio's team has had three different attacking partners in the competition, but has always been a starter. Vander, Paulo Sérgio, and Carlinhos have been rotating alongside Bruno, who doesn't have a preference for any of the players. According to him, they all have similar characteristics and are high-level athletes.
"They're three great players; there's not much difference between them. Vander, for example, is a great player, has a lot of quality, and it's great to play with him. But I'm in sync with everyone; the group is very united, chasing this title, and whoever plays will do their part well," said the young striker, nicknamed Ronaldinho by his teammates and living up to that nickname.
Momentum Despite their striker's excellent form, Flamengo's youth team has yet to find momentum in the OPG Cup. After a few stumbles, Bruno Paulo believes the time has come not only to win but also to impress in the competition.
"We're in good form, we have to take advantage of it. The team hasn't really hit its stride yet, but it's time to do so. Now it's time to keep scoring goals and go after them," he concluded.
E-MAIL: tbarros@jornaldanacao.com.br