In the quarterfinals of the Rio U-20 Cup, Flamengo beat Nova Iguaçu 1-0 on Wednesday afternoon (11), at CT do Laranjão. The goal of the Most Beloved was scored by Lázaro. With the result, Mengão qualified for the semifinals of the competition and will face Volta Redonda.

The game
The first half started fairly evenly, with the Ninho Boys looking to maintain possession and exchange passes in Nova Iguaçu's midfield. In the 12th minute, Mengão created a dangerous opportunity and nearly opened the scoring. Rhyan passed to Yuri de Oliveira in the six-yard box, whose first-time shot was well saved by the goalkeeper.

In the 24th minute, Flamengo opened the scoring! After a back-and-forth inside the box, the ball fell to Yuri de Oliveira, who cleared the play and crossed into the box. Lázaro closed in on the six-yard box and tapped it into the back of the net: 1-0. In the 37th minute, Nova Iguaçu's play went awry; the ball fell to Yuri, who fired a shot into the corner, but the goalkeeper stretched to prevent the goal. The first half ended with Flamengo ahead.

In the second half, the game became fiercely contested in midfield, with plenty of back-and-forth. Trailing, Nova Iguaçu began to attack more in search of an equalizer, but the red-and-black defense stood firm and shut down any dangerous chances. Despite being ahead, the red-and-black team maintained its intensity and created opportunities to score the second goal.

Superior throughout the match, the Garotos do Ninho won easily and secured their place in the semifinals of the Taça Rio Sub-20. Rubro-Negro will face Volta Redonda, next Wednesday (18), at 15 pm, at CT Carvalheiras. 

Flamengo lineup
João Fernando, Richard Rios, Gabriel Noga, Otavio and Italo (Pablo); Matheus Alves, Daniel Cabral and Lázaro; Yuri de Oliveira (Max), Gabriel Barros and Rhyan (Mateus Dias).
Coach: Mauricio Souza