U-16 defeats Fluminense and celebrates the second title of the Guilherme Embry Tournament in Xerém
Bruno saves another penalty, Weverton scores the winning goal, and the red-and-black youth team wins its 18th trophy in a season that isn't even over yet.
By Ian Sena - inA giant that feeds on titles from an early age. In a victorious season, which is not yet over for the Garotos do Ninho (the U-20 team plays the Copa Ipiranga Internacional, in Porto Alegre, and the U-17 team will decide the Copa do Brasil title against Fluminense in two matches at Maracanã, before closing the year in Japan), the U-16 team, led by coach Ramon Lima, defeated Fluminense 1-0 (Weverton) on Monday afternoon (03), and became the two-time champion of the Guilherme Embry Tournament, the State Championship of the category, in Xerém. This was Flamengo's 18th youth football title so far this season, approaching the 2016 season, which to date represents the most successful in the club's history in terms of number of achievements, with 19.
In the first minute of the match, Mayquinho took a dangerous free kick. The ball bounced just outside the six-yard box, but goalkeeper Marcelo made the save without rebounding. The derby, as all decisive matches tend to be, was fiercely contested, with few scoring chances in the opening minutes. With the advantage of a draw in their hands, the Mais Querido played a controlled game and didn't take any risks, while Fluminense tried to avoid overexposing themselves in the first half.
The Tricolor created its first scoring chance only in the 33rd minute. Kaká made a good play and sent in a low cross. Otávio saved, and on the rebound, the defense arrived in the nick of time to block Jhonny's shot. In stoppage time, the Mais Querido had two chances to open the scoring. First, Weverton unleashed a first-time shot that Marcelo made a great save. Then, Dhouglas fired a shot over the crossbar.
Flamengo returned for the second half determined to become the two-time U-16 state champion, and the goal was quick to arrive. Just three minutes in, Mayquinho unleashed a low shot from the edge of the box. The ball landed at the feet of Weverton, who controlled it skillfully, used his body to spin around his marker, and unleashed a rocket into the top right corner, which Marcelo had no chance of making. Two minutes later, the referee awarded a penalty in favor of Fluminense. Miguel took the shot, and, once again this season, Bruno, the red-and-black powerhouse, shone and made the save, maintaining the red-and-black lead.
In the 20th minute, Fluminense mounted a strong offensive play and came close to equalizing, but Kaká's shot went over Bruno's goal. The Boys from the Nest responded in the 29th minute with a cross from Caio. Marcelo was alert and palmed the ball out for a corner. Hugo rose well from the spot, but his header went over the Tricolor goal. In the final minutes, Fluminense still tried to apply some pressure, but the Boys from the Nest controlled their advantage well, waiting only for the final whistle to celebrate the 18th youth title of the season.
Coach: Ramon Lima.