Called up by Tite for the national team's September friendlies, goalkeeper Hugo Souza was one of the standouts in yesterday's 3-2 victory over Vasco, saving the Red-Blacks with at least three great saves. After the match, the player spoke exclusively to FlaTV and highlighted the team's determination to beat their rivals.

"We were a more competitive team than in the last game. Our second half in the last match wasn't good, and today we didn't start well either, but the early goal we conceded was a wake-up call for the team. We were able to correct our mistakes and showed no lack of determination, determination, or desire to win. That's what made the difference."

The goalkeeper also spoke about the great moment he's been experiencing with the red-and-black jersey, which led him to don the yellow jersey. "We work every day to get to the game and do what we've been training for. Thank God, I've been able to make some great saves, not just in today's match, but throughout the competition. Today's match was especially important, as it's a derby. This makes me very happy; I'm able to put my work into practice. We work hard to be a Flamengo goalkeeper, and a Flamengo goalkeeper has to be decisive. When the team needed me, I was there and played a decisive role."

Apparently, the call-up to the national team did the young goalkeeper good, as he played two matches against Vasco after Tite's call-up, excelling in both. Hugo is fulfilling every young man's dream, but he keeps his feet on the ground, as the player himself affirms.

"It boosted my confidence because it was an unexpected call-up. With that, everything increases: the responsibility and the workload. I'm coming off a very good run, and it helped boost my confidence, but I don't confuse it with that exaggerated self-confidence, because that's where mistakes come from. Thank God, I've been able to manage that feeling. It's been a relatively good pressure, which I've been playing the last few games under. I'm very happy, and I can only thank God and everyone."

The Ninho Boys return to the field against Coritiba on September 12th at Couto Pereira in the 5th round of the second phase of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship. The match will be broadcast on globoesporte.com.