The dream of a second state futsal championship still exists. And Flamengo's only goal is to keep it alive. This Thursday night, coach Cid Escarlate's team faces a decisive match in the final round of the competition's qualifying round. At 20 p.m., the red-and-blacks host their 2008 final opponent, Cabo Frio, at the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium, needing at least a draw to secure their spot in the semifinals.

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With 19 points, Flamengo is in fourth place in the standings. The leader is Petrópolis, with 35. Cabo Frio is right behind with 34, while América has 20 and is in third place. All four teams would already be guaranteed a spot in the next round if it weren't for Vassouras, in fifth place with 17. The team from the mountains has a direct match against the red team from Rua Campos Salles, also tonight, and the winner should secure one of the spots.

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If it's América, Flamengo will qualify without even needing to achieve a result. However, if it's Vassouras, Flamengo will need at least one point against Cabo Frio to secure their place in the semifinals and continue their fight for a second title. The combination of results, however, doesn't worry Flamengo's players. As reigning champions, they simply want to do their part, without relying on anyone else, and they guarantee they'll go out there to beat Cabo Frio this Thursday.

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"It's one of those games everyone loves to play, especially with our team needing to win and knowing we're playing at home. I'm coming back from suspension, and if Cid needs me, I'll definitely be ready and very motivated to step onto the court and help the team get this victory," said center Diego Carvalho.

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The focus on playing well, regardless of the regulations, is highlighted by winger Diego Panazio. He believes that playing for a draw can be a suicidal strategy, especially in futsal, which is a dynamic game, especially on small courts like the one at Ginásio Hélio Maurício. Flamengo will be almost fully qualified for the match. Only Gabriel, with an ulna injury, and Arthur, suspended, will not play. Therefore, the team is expected to field Rafael Pazos, Magrão, Michel, Panazio, and Antony.

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"Futsal is a sport where playing for a draw is very difficult. It's a fast-paced game, where teams are always looking for a goal. There's no such thing as holding back. We'll play our game and go for the win," Panazio emphasized.

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It's worth remembering that in 2008, Flamengo and Cabo Frio decided the State Futsal Championship, and the red-and-blacks, against all odds, prevailed. The team from Gávea won the title in the Lagos Region with a thrilling 3-2 victory in overtime, and became state champions of the sport for the second time in their history (the first was in 2003).