Getting closer to the World Cup
Fierro hopes for a run of games to continue Marcelo Bielsa's plans for the World Cup
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Gonzalo Fierro's spot in the 2010 World Cup is practically guaranteed. But to avoid any surprises, the Chilean continues to give his all at Gávea. This Sunday, against Friburguense, he will have another opportunity to prove himself not only to Flamengo coach Andrade, but also to Chilean national team manager Marcelo Bielsa.
"Without a doubt, it's a crucial opportunity to showcase my work. We're very close to the World Cup. I played a friendly in Chile midweek, and playing regularly is very important. But I'm relaxed. The World Cup is just over two months away, and I hope to continue preparing well to be called up and help my country," said Gonzalo.
In this final round of the Rio Cup, Fierro will play a little differently than he's used to. The midfielder, who also plays right wing, will play further back, on the wing. He confidently believes he can perform well in this position as well.
"I've played as a full-back a few times here at Flamengo, and it won't be a problem to play in that position. I don't usually play that way, but I'm happy to start. It's going to be a tough match, and we know that. Regardless of the position, I want to do well to help our team qualify in first place," he said.
Another Chilean from the red-and-black squad, midfielder Maldonado also starts against Friburguense. In constant contact with the Chilean national team's coaching staff, the number 13 recently returned to the field after four months out injured and hopes to be included in the final World Cup squad.
"The national team already knows everything. They spoke with the doctors here to see if I'm okay. It's also important for them to know that I'm back playing. I know I can be another option and I'll do everything I can to be called up," Maldonado concluded.
"Without a doubt, it's a crucial opportunity to showcase my work. We're very close to the World Cup. I played a friendly in Chile midweek, and playing regularly is very important. But I'm relaxed. The World Cup is just over two months away, and I hope to continue preparing well to be called up and help my country," said Gonzalo.
In this final round of the Rio Cup, Fierro will play a little differently than he's used to. The midfielder, who also plays right wing, will play further back, on the wing. He confidently believes he can perform well in this position as well.
"I've played as a full-back a few times here at Flamengo, and it won't be a problem to play in that position. I don't usually play that way, but I'm happy to start. It's going to be a tough match, and we know that. Regardless of the position, I want to do well to help our team qualify in first place," he said.
Another Chilean from the red-and-black squad, midfielder Maldonado also starts against Friburguense. In constant contact with the Chilean national team's coaching staff, the number 13 recently returned to the field after four months out injured and hopes to be included in the final World Cup squad.
"The national team already knows everything. They spoke with the doctors here to see if I'm okay. It's also important for them to know that I'm back playing. I know I can be another option and I'll do everything I can to be called up," Maldonado concluded.