Having qualified for the semi-final stage of the Copa RS Internacional Sub-20 for the first time, the Garotos do Ninho held their last training session this Thursday afternoon (15.12) at CT Parque Gigante, aiming for the classic against Botafogo, which is worth a place in the final of the competition. 

Very pleased with the performance and progress shown by the entire team in each game since their debut in the Copa RS, coach Gilmar Popoca spoke about the success of the initial objective of preparing the team for the Copa São Paulo, in January, and about the exchange of trust between him and the players.

"This team has undergone a drastic change since the OPG Tournament final, which we won about a month ago. We only trained with this group for 15 days before coming to this competition, which has a very high level of competition, and I'm very happy to see how everyone is producing and evolving with each game. It's a young team, but very talented and competitive, and one that is maturing with each passing day. We have high expectations for the game against Botafogo. We know they're a great team, one we know well, but we're very strong and fully focused on reaching the final of this important competition for the first time," said Gilmar Popoca.

Team captain, defender Dener was suspended for the match against Ponte Preta, but returns to the team this Friday confident of playing a good match and consequently qualifying for the grand final of the Copa RS Internacional.

"Our group is very united. Furthermore, we've been on a good run throughout the competition, improving and gaining more strength with each game. We were very inconsistent in the first three games, but in the last two we've adjusted our game and are back to being Flamengo. Even with many changes, since coach Gilmar is using this championship to observe various situations with the Copa São Paulo in mind, we've been raising our level of performance with each game, and we've realized that everyone in the group is highly committed and important. Congratulations to everyone for getting to where we are, but we want more, and that's why we're going after this great team, Botafogo, and, God willing, we'll advance to the final," said Dener.

The classic between Flamengo and Botafogo, valid for the semifinal of the RS Internacional Sub-20 Cup, will be played this Friday, December 16.12th, at 19 pm at the PUCRS Stadium, and will be broadcast live on SporTV from 18:30 pm.