Vagner Love has arrived, Adriano has returned, and Petkovic will make his first start. For Wednesday's match at 19:30 PM at the Maracanã against Americano, coach Andrade has no absences in attack. He also has no complaints: the team has scored eight goals in three matches, an average of almost three goals per game. However, the situation on defense is more worrying. The team has conceded four goals in the same three games. More than one per game, which is a warning sign for the coach.

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The players and the Flamengo coach know that the team is still finding its feet, and that some early-season setbacks may be normal, but they're already motivated to change this situation. After all, according to Andrade himself, last year's Brazilian title was won when Flamengo began to stop conceding goals and fixed its defense, with the crucial arrivals of Alvaro and Maldonado.

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"Four goals in three games is too much. The team improved in 2009 when they didn't concede a goal. The defensive midfielders will bring balance to our team," said the coach.

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Maldonado and Willians, key midfielders that season, remain sidelined for Flamengo. The number 8's situation, however, is more encouraging. He's expected to return for Sunday's derby against Fluminense. Until then, Fernando will be the biggest ball-stealer of the 2009 Brazilian Championship, and he promises a lot of determination and commitment in marking.

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"Of course, the midfielders know they have to mark more and help the defense well, after all, Pet, Love and Adriano are not players with that characteristic. But it's a worthwhile sacrifice because if we play the ball up front, they can solve it," analyzed the number 17.

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It's worth remembering that Flamengo's defense hasn't played at full strength yet in 2010. Angelim debuted in the second round, Álvaro served a one-match suspension, Léo Moura only participated in the last game and Juan will only start the season this Wednesday, against Americano.