Overwhelming. That's the best way to describe the performance of the U-15 team, led by coach Mario Jorge, in the four group stage matches of the Copa 2 de Julho in Salvador. With three stellar performances and a controlled and well-managed match in the final round, securing qualification for the round of 30, Os Garotos do Ninho scored an impressive XNUMX goals and conceded none. In the next stage, the Mais Querido will face Estrela de Março (BA) at Pituaçu Stadium this Thursday, at a time yet to be announced by the Bahian Football Federation.

In the debut, an 8-0 rout over Santarém (BA), with goals from João Vitor (3), Mateus Dias (2), Cauan Emanuel, João Filipe and Matheus França. In the second round, another rout, this time over fellow Bahian team Galícia, by 9-0, with goals from Mateus Dias (4), Victor Hugo (3), Londrina and João Vitor. The Most Beloved did not slow down, and in the third round, they applied 11-0 over Colo-Colo. The goals were from João Vitor (4), Mateus Dias (2) – the two top scorers for the red-and-blacks in the competition so far with eight goals each –, Londrina, Joao Marcelo, Gabriel Bastos, Victor Hugo and Petterson.

In the final round of the qualifying round, Flamengo faced the dangerous Bahia team. Needing a win to finish top of the group stage, the home team tried to apply pressure early in the match, but the "Garotos do Ninho" (The Boys of the Nest) performed well on the field and were not in trouble. Flamengo's first chance of the match came in the seventh minute, when Victor Hugo passed the ball to Petterson, who unleashed a powerful shot over Gabriel's goal. In the 15th minute, Petterson made a great play down the left wing, reached the bottom of the field at speed, and crossed perfectly for Mateus Dias, who fired home a first-time shot. The Bahian goalkeeper performed a miracle, preventing the Mais Querido's first goal of the match.

In the second half, the Mais Querido managed the draw very well, which was all it took to secure first place in the group. Even so, they created the best scoring opportunity, following a pass from João Filipe that found Petterson well-positioned inside the box. However, the ball was a bit long, and the red-and-black striker narrowly missed controlling it and opening the scoring. 

Flamengo: Francisco Dyogo, Wesley, Mandovani, Darlan, Gabriel Bastos; Vitor Muller, Dudu, Victor Hugo; Petterson, Matheus França and Mateus Dias. Coach: Mario Jorge.