Playing with great energy, Flamengo defeated Vasco 2-1 this Sunday afternoon at Maracanã. After falling behind, the red-and-black team turned the game around with two headed goals from the defensive duo of Ronaldo Angelim and Fábio Luciano. Next Sunday, Flamengo returns to the field for the Guanabara Cup final against Botafogo.

With the majority of fans in the stands, Flamengo quickly took the lead. Playing down the wings with Juan and Léo Moura, Flamengo created good scoring chances. In the 22nd minute, Diego Tardelli made a beautiful run down the right and crossed for Souza, who headed the ball against the Vasco goalkeeper's post.

Vasco threatened with free kicks from Edmundo and Calisto. In the 31st minute, Alan Kardec received a pass from Amaral, dribbled past Ronaldo Angelim, and fired an unstoppable shot to open the scoring at Maracanã. Vasco had two more chances to extend their lead, with Alex Teixeira and Morais.

In the 41st minute, Juan took a free kick from the edge of the box, and Fábio Luciano headed the ball into the net, tying the match. The red-and-black team went to the locker room to the roar of the red-and-black fans.

In the second half, coach Joel Santana brought on Marcinho for Diego Tardelli. Just five minutes in, Ibson brought down Morais in the box, and referee Gutemberg de Paula Fonseca signaled a penalty. Edmundo fired the shot into the right corner, but Bruno saved the red-and-black team with a fine save.

After the missed penalty, Flamengo surged forward and began to dominate the game. In the 12th minute, Ibson nearly turned the score around with a beautiful shot from outside the box. Fifteen minutes later, Souza missed a great chance with a header. In the 15st minute, Juan burst into the box from the left and sent a cross-shot, posing a serious threat to Tiago's goal.

In the 34th minute, Flamengo turned the tables at the Maracanã. Ronaldo Angelim headed in Léo Moura's cross to make it 2-1 for Flamengo. In stoppage time, Cristian missed a great chance, but the victory was already assured.

CREDITS:

FLAMENGO 2 X 1 VASCO\ Stadium: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)\ Date/Time: 17/2/2008 - 16:1.141.995,50 PM (Brasília time)\ Referee: Gutemberg de Paula Fonseca (RJ)\ Assistants: Marco Aurelio dos Santos Pessanha (RJ) and Orlando Hortêncio (RJ)\ Yellow Cards: Morais, Edmundo, Rodrigo Antônio (VAS); Souza, Jônatas,\ Cristian, Obina (FLA)\ INCOME/ATTENDANCE: R$ 56.800 - 61.308 paying spectators (31 present)\ GOALS: Alan Kardec, 1'/0st half (1-42); Fabio Luciano, 1'/1st half (1-34); Ronaldo\ Angelim, 2'/2nd Half (1-25)\ FLAMENGO: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Jônatas (Cristian - 2'/25nd Half), Ibson and Kleberson (Obina -\ 2'/29nd Half); Diego Tardelli (Marcinho - half-time) and Souza - Coach: Joel\ Santana\ VASCO: Tiago, Rodrigo Antônio, Vílson, Jorge Luiz and Calisto; Jonílson,\ Amaral, Alex Teixeira (Xavier - 2'/25nd Half) and Morais; Edmundo and Alan Kardec (Abuda - 2'/XNUMXnd Half) - Coach: Alfredo Sampaio.\

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