Kids decide spot in the Copinha final this Saturday
Rubro-negros can make history if they beat Desportivo Brasil, at 15 pm, in the semifinal
By From the official website team - in
After 13 years, Flamengo is back in the semifinals of the São Paulo Junior Football Cup. This time, however, the Red-Black team wants to surpass its 1998 campaign and reach the final, repeating the feat of the 1990 generation of Djalminha, Marcelinho, and company. To do so, however, coach Paulo Henrique's team will have to beat another tough opponent this Saturday (January 22.01): Desportivo Brasil, at 15 p.m.
In an impeccable campaign so far, with only one draw and six wins in the Copinha (one of them on penalties), the team from Gávea is highly motivated to bring back to Rio de Janeiro a trophy they haven't won in over 20 years. Striker Lucas, who scored three goals in the 6-2 rout of Coritiba that took Flamengo to the semifinals, is full of confidence for the match.
"I really want to take this trophy to Rio, to Flamengo. This time without winning only motivates us. It reminds me a lot of the Brazilian professional title last year, which was historic," he said.
The red-and-blacks know that now is the time to stay grounded and take the field with complete seriousness to secure another historic victory. For defender Marllon, this Saturday's match should already be treated like a final for Flamengo.
"It's another final for us. Of course we're happy with what we've done so far, but we know we haven't won anything. We have to keep up the momentum, keep believing and go for that result. Tomorrow (today) is another final for us," he noted.
Flamengo's likely lineup for the match is: Cesar, Alex, Marllon, Frauches and Anderson; Victor Hugo (Rafinha), Luis Phelipe, Lorran and Adryan; Negueba and Lucas. The winner of Flamengo x Desportivo Brasil will face América-MG or Bahia in the final, Tuesday (25.01), in São Paulo.
In an impeccable campaign so far, with only one draw and six wins in the Copinha (one of them on penalties), the team from Gávea is highly motivated to bring back to Rio de Janeiro a trophy they haven't won in over 20 years. Striker Lucas, who scored three goals in the 6-2 rout of Coritiba that took Flamengo to the semifinals, is full of confidence for the match.
"I really want to take this trophy to Rio, to Flamengo. This time without winning only motivates us. It reminds me a lot of the Brazilian professional title last year, which was historic," he said.
The red-and-blacks know that now is the time to stay grounded and take the field with complete seriousness to secure another historic victory. For defender Marllon, this Saturday's match should already be treated like a final for Flamengo.
"It's another final for us. Of course we're happy with what we've done so far, but we know we haven't won anything. We have to keep up the momentum, keep believing and go for that result. Tomorrow (today) is another final for us," he noted.
Flamengo's likely lineup for the match is: Cesar, Alex, Marllon, Frauches and Anderson; Victor Hugo (Rafinha), Luis Phelipe, Lorran and Adryan; Negueba and Lucas. The winner of Flamengo x Desportivo Brasil will face América-MG or Bahia in the final, Tuesday (25.01), in São Paulo.