Flamengo's U-17 team hosted Cruzeiro on Thursday night (26), at Ilha do Urubu, in a match valid for the quarterfinals of the Brazilian Cup in that category. Despite dominating the action for most of the match and creating the best opportunities, the Garotos do Ninho were unable to hold on to the advantage gained after Luan's goal in the first half and conceded a draw to the Minas Gerais team. Now, they will have to decide their place in the semifinals of the competition, playing away from home, in Nova Serrana, next Thursday (02/11) at 20 pm, with live broadcast on SporTV. Before that, the Mais Querido will decide the Taça Rio against Botafogo, on Sunday (29), at Gávea, at 16 pm. After losing the first leg 3-2, only a victory will do. If they win the Taça Rio, the Rubro-Negro will be two-time Rio de Janeiro champions without needing to play the final, as they also won the Taça Guanabara. 

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The first chance came in the fifth minute, with Luan. His powerful shot from outside the box threatened Robson's goal. The game was evenly balanced, and in the tenth minute, Vitor Ricardo misplaced a pass, and Vinícius Santana almost took advantage, but the Flamengo full-back recovered well and blocked the Cruzeiro striker at the right moment, warding off the danger. The fans began to sing in the stands at Ilha do Urubu, and the Ninho Boys responded by opening the scoring. In the 12th minute, Vitor Ricardo believed until the end, winning the challenge near the right corner, and crossing into the box. The ball then fell to Wendel, who passed it to Luan. He skillfully evaded the Cruzeiro defender's marking and spun, shooting powerfully, low, giving Robson no chance to save.  

Cruzeiro was the much better team and nearly extended its lead in the 23rd minute. Ramon made a good play on the left wing and crossed. The defense failed, and the ball fell to Vitor Gabriel. The striker tried to chip the ball past the goalkeeper, who reflexively tapped it in with his fingertips to prevent a second goal for Cruzeiro. In the 30th minute, Ramon made another great play down the left, reaching the bottom of the box and knowingly passing it to Yuri. The midfielder controlled it well and shot quickly, but it was right on Robson, who made the save without any major problems. In the 33rd minute, it was Vitor Ricardo's turn to fire a powerful shot from outside the box, threatening the Cruzeiro goal. The second goal was ripe, but it never came. In the 37th minute, Luan passed to Vitor Gabriel, who beat the defender with physical force and shot across goal, but the goalkeeper made a good save. 

The second half began as the first had ended: with Cruzeiro pressing forward and looking to extend their lead. In the fourth minute, Patrick took a free kick that posed a serious threat to the Minas Gerais goal. After ten minutes, the match was even. Cruzeiro equalized in the 4th minute, thanks to a blunder by the red-and-black defense. Patrick didn't clear the ball, and Vitor Hugo leveled the score. 

Flamengo took the lead again, and Vitor Gabriel nearly scored the second goal by accident in the 27th minute. The game was tense, and Cruzeiro nearly turned the game around in the 30th minute. But Victor Hugo stepped up and made a great save, cutting off the cross and saving the Garotos do Ninho. The final minutes were intense and close, but with no scoring chances for either side, who will decide the Copa do Brasil semifinal spot next Thursday (November 02nd) at 11 p.m., at Arena do Calçado, in Nova Serrana, with live coverage on SporTV. 

Flamengo: Victor Hugo, Vitor Ricardo, Ari, Patrick, Ramon, Henrique (Marx), Matheus Alves, Luan (Rhyan), Yuri (Gomes), Wendel and Vitor Gabriel (Wesley Souza). Coach: Marcio Torres.