The 123rd birthday of the World's Most Beloved was marked by a stunning goal from number ten Reinier in the 1-1 draw against Santos, valid for the first leg of the semi-final of the U-17 Brazil Cup played at the Inamar District Stadium, in Diadema, on the afternoon of this Thursday (15). With the result, the decision of the place in the final is left for the second leg, scheduled for next week, in Rio de Janeiro. The other semi-final, played between Palmeiras and Fluminense, had the same score in the first leg: 1-1.

The first chance fell to Flamengo. In the eighth minute, Ítalo took a corner kick that was headed by Lázaro, who glanced it off the near post. The ball crossed the six-yard box and flew inches past Lucas Freitas, who was closing in on the far post to narrowly miss the lead for Flamengo. Santos got a shot off by Lucas Sena after a good exchange of passes, but goalkeeper Pedro Victor was alert and made the save without giving up a rebound. They threatened again in the 26th minute, when Jhonnathan headed the ball unmarked, but Pedro Victor made another solid save.

The game was evenly matched, but Flamengo's unbalanced play was Reinier. In the 33rd minute, Lucas Gabriel cut a pass in the defensive midfield, and the ball fell to the number ten's feet. Unmarked, he picked up the ball in his own half, dribbled past his last defender, out-raced four opponents, and fired a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Breno to score a truly stunning goal. Santos equalized in the 41st minute. After a corner kick, Cipriano headed the ball, and Pedro Victor performed a miracle. But on the rebound, Lucas Sena appeared unmarked in the six-yard box to tap it into the back of the net.

In the second half, the Boys of the Nest had their first chance in the eighth minute, on another counterattack. Gomes stole the ball and passed it to Rhyan. The Flamengo center forward controlled the ball and unleashed a left-footed shot. Breno stretched and palmed it away. In the 11th minute, another good opportunity came. This time, Lázaro received the ball at the edge of the box and fired it over the Santos goal. Flamengo pressed forward in search of a second goal. In the 15th minute, Rhyan's cross-shot hit the post. 

The national derby was fiercely contested on the field, making it clear that the duel will be decided by the details. In the 35th minute, Lucas Lourenço took a shot from outside the box, but Pedro Victor, who was well-positioned, made a solid save. The final minutes were intensely contested and committed, with both teams searching for the goal that would have given them the advantage in the match. But the goal failed to come, and the fair draw in the first leg means the final spot will be decided next week in Rio de Janeiro. 

Coach: Phelipe Leal.