U-16 defeats Al Hilal and becomes two-time champion of the Dubai International Championship
In another beautiful performance, Garotos do Ninho win 3-1 and guarantee another trophy for Flamengo
By Romulo Paranhos - in
Two-time champion! Mengão's U-16 team once again made history in an international competition, undefeated in their second Dubai International Championship title, considered the world championship for the category. This Friday (19), the "Garotos do Ninho" faced Al Hilal, from the United Arab Emirates, in the grand final, winning 3-1 at Rashed Stadium. The goals in the red-and-black victory were scored by Daniel Campos, Ryan Luka, and Leonardo, securing another trophy for "Mais Querido."
The Boys of the Nest started the match attacking their opponents, and in the 10th minute, they created a threat. After a cross from Kayque, Ryan Luka headed the ball, which the goalkeeper saved. It didn't take long for Mengão to open the scoring. In the 18th minute, João Paulo challenged for a ball on the edge of the box, and the ball fell to Daniel Campos, who caught it first time, firing a beautiful shot into the goalkeeper's right corner. In the 31st minute, Flamengo threatened again. Wiverson took a free kick toward goal, forcing the opposing defender to clear the ball almost on the line.
In the second half, Flamengo maintained its attacking style and kept trying to extend its lead. In the 10th minute, Richard intercepted a pass in midfield, dribbled past three opponents, and found Victor Hugo wide open on the right. The Flamengo midfielder fired a cross, and the goalkeeper made a great save. Four minutes later, after a scuffle with Al Hilal players, Wiverson was shown a red card and sent off. Even down ten men, Flamengo remained undeterred and continued to push for the goal. Until the 42nd minute, Ryan received a pass from behind the midfield line and, in a tussle with the goalkeeper, the ball fell free in front of goal for Flamengo's number 9 to tap into the back of the net, making it 2-0 to Flamengo.
The match drew to a close when Al Hilal reduced the score to 2-1 from the penalty spot. It didn't end there, as the game still held intense drama. In the 47th minute, the referee awarded a penalty in favor of the Red-Blacks. Leonardo, who had come on in the second half, converted the penalty and scored the third goal to seal the victory. With the result, the Boys from the Nest won their second title in the competition and celebrated in Dubai.
Flamengo lineup:
Hugo, Kayque, Diego, Kaiky and Richard; Vitor Muller, Daniel Campos and Victor Hugo; João Pedro, Wiverson and Ryan Luka.
The campaign:
Flamengo 4 x 0 Atlético de Madrid (ESP)
Flamengo 3 x 0 Al Nasr
Flamengo 11 x 0 Hatta Club
Flamengo 10 x 0 Shabab Al Ahli
Flamengo 3 x 1 Al Hilal