In a match valid for the second round of the Puskás Suzuki-Kupa U-17 group stage in Hungary, Flamengo and Genk, from Belgium, played the best game of the competition so far. After many twists and turns on the scoreboard and excitement until the final whistle, the 3-3 draw (Iago, Paulo Roberto and João Victor Carbone) in the duel held on the morning of this Tuesday, the 27th, allows the Garotos do Ninho U-16 team, led by coach Leo Ramos, to reach the final round alive. Should they beat Sporting, from Portugal, in the match this Wednesday (28) at 9 am, Brasília time, the Mais Querido will have a good chance of qualifying for the final on Friday, and continue their quest for the second title of the tough international competition. The champion of each group qualifies directly for the grand final.

The Boys of the Nest knew victory would mean top spot in the group, and they went on the attack from the opening whistle. After a dominant start, their first clear-cut chance came in the 10th minute, with a dangerous free kick from Marquinhos. However, due to a poor clearance from the red-and-blacks, Genk opened the scoring in the 12th minute, with a goal from Dario. Mengão remained undeterred and quickly equalized with a beautiful header from captain Iago in the 17th minute.

Flamengo wanted a comeback – and the group lead. In the 20th minute, Euder unleashed a rocket from outside the box, which flew just wide of Belgian goalkeeper Zenzo's crossbar. Genk threatened again in the 27th minute, with another shot from Dario, this time over Lucas Furtado's goal. 

The second half was full of excitement, with plenty of goals. Just two minutes in, Rubro-Negro turned the game around, with Paulo Roberto scoring a typical center-forward goal, tapping it into the back of the net after a rebound inside the box. But in the sixth minute, Genk equalized with Martens Nolan. They turned the game around the following minute, with a beautiful goal from De Grand Sam.

The Boys of the Nest fought back and tied the game once again in the 13th minute, with João Victor Carbone's beautiful header beyond Zenzo's reach. In the 22nd minute, Fabricio Yan unleashed a mid-range shot that grazed the Belgian team's left post. Flamengo pressed forward and wanted the win. In the 26th minute, Fabricio Yan once again beat the defense and unleashed a powerful shot. Zenzo made a great save and palmed it out for a corner, preventing the Mais Querido's fourth goal. 

But the excitement didn't end there. In stoppage time, each team had a chance to win the game. After a good play by Fabricio Yan, Iago received the ball inside the box and shot with awareness, but saw the defender clear the ball on the line. On the Belgian counterattack, Dario received the ball alone in the red-and-black box, but goalkeeper Lucas Furtado stepped up, closed the angle, and made a crucial save. The draw keeps the "Garotos do Ninho" alive in the fight for qualification to the Puskás Cup final.  

Flamengo: Lucas Furtado, Hernandes, Iago, David Gondim, João Victor Carbone; Rayan Lucas (Vitor Fonseca), Lucas Moreira (Daniel), Marquinhos (Lucas Matheus); Lauan (Fabricio Yan), Euder (Adriel) and Paulo Roberto. Coach: Leo Ramos.