A victory with all the merits. Flamengo beat Vasco 8-7 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, and now has five titles in the Brazil-Japan Under-15 Friendship Cup. The final was played this Friday (5), at Antunes Stadium, in CFZ, located in Recreio dos Bandeirantes.

The red-and-black victory ended their rival's dominance. Now, the two clubs are tied with five titles each. Marcos Pierre scored the red-and-black goal in regulation time.

The first half of the final was fiercely contested, and, as tradition dictates, the two teams studied each other closely. The match was evenly matched for most of the first 35 minutes, and a draw sealed the first half.

Just two minutes into the second half, goalkeeper Alessandro Alan took a corner kick and quickly played Marcos Pierre into the backfield. The number 11 dragged the ball to the edge of the box and passed it to Lucca Tatsch on the right, who sent it back perfectly for Marcos Pierre to head home.

In the 18th minute, Flamengo's number 2 Ricardo Pietro came in and fired a cross-shot. The ball grazed the goalkeeper's right post. Flamengo was playing better, and it seemed like a second goal was just a matter of time. Vasco, however, was causing problems on the counterattack and finally equalized in the 22nd minute, with a quick pass from right-back Matheus Sampaio.

The opponent tried to gain momentum with the draw and attempt a comeback. The Ninho Boys, on the other hand, sought to regain their balance in search of another goal. Right-back Ricardo was always a good option for relief and made another good play that created danger in the 29th minute. The final whistle sent the title game into overtime.

Flamengo started taking more risks in the first half of extra time, looking to seal the title once and for all, while Vasco continued to rely on counterattacks. The first ten minutes were devoid of any dangerous chances. One of the factors was the hot sun this Friday in Rio.

The second half of extra time in the title match followed the same pattern as the first. Neither team took any risks, and the score remained tied. Penalty kicks declared Flamengo the champion of the XXV Brazil-Japan Friendship Cup.

After ten shots from each side, Mengão won 8-7, and the celebration took over the CFZ. Captain Thauan Thiago received the trophy from Zico, "Galinho de Quintino," the greatest idol in the history of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.

Coach: João Marcos Fernandes.

Alternates: Thalles Oliveira, Guilherme Matheus, Lucas Guedes, Samuel Julio, Klismann Sotelle, Ryan Carvalho, Guilherme Ariel, Thomas Robson, Fabio Henrique, Marcos Motta and Marcelo Portela.

Flamengo 1 (8) x (7) 1 Vasco

Location: Antunes Stadium, CFZ, Recreio dos Bandeirantes-RJ

Date and time: 05/09/2025, at 10pm

Goal: Marcos Pierre