Flamengo and Petrópolis face each other today, at 20:45 pm, at the Olaria gym, for the State Futsal Championship

Rafael Oliveira

Sports Journal

Last quarter of 2006. After three years away from adult futsal, Flamengo decides to return to competition. To lead the project, they brought back coach Cid Escarlate, who had been away from the club for seven years. The goal is bold: they want to compete for the national title, but everyone knows there are many steps to take before they get there. The first steps have already been taken, and the club can start reaping the rewards starting today. They face Petrópolis at 20:45 p.m. at the Olaria gymnasium. With a win, they'll be on the verge of a state final.

The red-and-black team hasn't won a championship since the 2003 State Championship, when they won by defeating Petrópolis. Four years later, much has changed.

While Flamengo deactivated its senior team and today returns with a project still in its early stages, the mountain club remained active.\ With mature work, Petrópolis is the favorite today. But Cid believes in a positive result.\

"We respect the Petrópolis team. In my opinion, they have the most solid structure in Rio de Janeiro futsal. But that doesn't mean we're afraid of them. We're going out there to win."

For the coach, a spot in the final would be the culmination of a team that has been evolving. Flamengo started the year with a young team and surprised everyone by reaching the Carioca semifinals. Their campaign was interrupted by a clash with Cabo Frio, who would go on to win the championship. For the second half of the year, they reinforced the squad, now more experienced.

"We're already working with a semi-professional structure. We train for an hour and a half a day and also have an independent medical department," said Cid, who doesn't hide his dream of living in Gávea:

"We intend to return, one day, to fight for the Futsal League title."

FLAMENGO: Breno, Dudu, Michel, Panázio and Sixel\ Coach: CId Escalarte\

PETRÓPOLIS: Fernando, Termite, Ant, Jorginho and Mancha.\ Coach: Fernando Malafaia\

Location: Olaria Gymnasium\ Time: 20:45 p.m.\