Flamengo's U-20 team, led by coach Mauricio Souza, continues to win and achieve the objectives set in its regular journey in the 2019 season so far. In a single match valid for the quarterfinals of the Taça Rio played on the hot morning of this Saturday (31), in Gávea, the Garotos do Ninho beat Nova Iguaçu 2x0 (Wendel and Lázaro) without many difficulties, and guaranteed a place in the semifinals of the second round of the State Championship. 

In a duel that will also be decided in a single match, the Mais Querido will face Resende away from home next weekend and will need a win to reach the final, as their future opponent had the better record in the qualifying phase and will play for a draw. It's worth remembering that if they win the Rio Cup, the Rubro-Negro will be the two-time direct Carioca champions, having won the Guanabara Cup, defeating Vasco at São Januário Stadium. 

The game was evenly balanced when, in the 14th minute, Habraão attempted a shot from inside the attacking area, but defender Mezenga blocked it with his arm. Wendel fired a skillful shot, leaving goalkeeper Iago with no chance, and opened the scoring for the Ninho Boys. A minute later, Rodrigo Muniz fired a cross-shot from the right, but the ball skimmed the paint off Nova Iguaçu's right post. Flamengo continued to dominate the field and nearly extended their lead in the 27th minute, when Richard Rios fired a shot that Iago made an excellent save.

Nova Iguaçu first threatened in attack in the 35th minute. After a through ball, Gustavo played the ball past Hugo Souza. The ball would have gone in, but Natan was a giant, and with incredible speed, he dived to clear the ball on the line and prevent the equalizer, before crashing violently into the post. After receiving medical attention off the field, he returned to the game. 

The second half remained evenly matched. Nova Iguaçu's first dangerous move came in the 15th minute. After a shot from Nael, Habraão cleared the ball and prevented the equalizer. Flamengo went on the attack and narrowly avoided extending their lead in the 23rd minute, when Wendel crossed into the box and Rodrigo Muniz fired over the bar. 

In the 33rd minute, Flamengo sealed their qualification with a cross-shot from Lázaro. The top scorer of the Brasileirão U-17 scored for the first time in the U-20 category and maintained his excellent goal average for the season, reaching his 25th of the year and giving the final tally to another victory for the Garotos do Ninho in 2019.  

Coach: Mauricio Souza.