Despite facing Vasco away from home, at Artsul's field, and needing to win at any cost, since the advantage of a draw was with the opponent, the Garotos do Ninho of the U-13 team, led by coach Leonam Kasali, overcame all difficulties, beat their rival 1-0 (Bill) in the single game of the Guanabara Cup semifinal played on the morning of this Wednesday (10) and guaranteed a place in the grand final of the first round of the Metropolitan Championship, the State Championship of the category. Now, Mais Querido awaits the winner of the match between Fluminense and Botafogo, who play in the afternoon, to know their opponent in the decision.

With a better combined record in the Metropolitan U-13 and U-14 teams, Vasco had the advantage of playing at home and a draw to reach the final in the single semifinal match of the Guanabara Cup. This was no problem for the "Garotos do Ninho" (Nest Boys), who, with their best performance so far this season, took the lead in the first half of the classic with a truly stunning goal from number 10 Bill, a result that did justice to the better team on the field.

In the second half, the home team came out a little more to try to equalize and created some chances, but, very well organized defensively, the Garotos do Ninho withstood the pressure imposed by the opponent very well, created great chances in the fast counterattacks and knew how to manage the victory, which puts them in the final of the Guanabara Cup in the category.

"I'm very pleased with our players' excellent performance in today's difficult match, which earned us an important place in the final. I have no hesitation in saying that I consider this our best first half so far this season, and perhaps including last year as well. In the second half, we were able to maintain our balance, withstood Vasco's pressure, and created good chances to kill the game. We remain even stronger and more focused for the final, aiming to win another title for Flamengo's youth team," said coach Leonam Kasali. 

Flamengo: Caio Barone, Victor Thiago, Rafael, Marcus, Hugo; Edmilson, Pedro, Bill; Gustavo, David and Baiano. Coach: Leonam Kasali. 

Completing the double round this morning at Artsul, the U-14 team, which also needed the victory, fought hard but ended up being defeated 2-0, and is now focusing on preparing for the Rio Cup of the Metropolitan Championship of the category, which begins in August.