Clash of titans at Maracanã
The Brasileirão begins with a clash between the six-time champions: Flamengo and São Paulo, this Sunday, at 16 pm
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
The 2010 Brazilian Championship couldn't have started better for Flamengo and São Paulo. In a year in which both teams are competing as the competition's biggest winners, with six titles each, they'll face off this Sunday at 16 p.m. at the Maracanã Stadium. While both teams are expected to field mixed teams, their focus is on the Copa Libertadores, that doesn't detract from the glamour and importance of this classic.
This year, both Flamengo and São Paulo hope to break the deadlock. For Flamengo, a victory would be even more special, after all, it would be their second in a row. Aware of the challenges they face in the Brazilian Championship, the players from the Gávea team understand the importance of starting the competition on the right foot and promise that, regardless of which team takes the field, they will go out to win.
"We don't know who will play yet. Professor Rogério will announce the lineup at the pre-match meeting, but I believe that, regardless, the entire group is ready. We have a strong squad and we can certainly fight for good things in this Brazilian Championship. Even a second championship," said defender David.
The team's lineup, in fact, has been kept under wraps by coach Rogério Lourenço. Last Friday, he rested four players (Leo Moura, Maldonado, Willians, and Vagner Love) from tactical training and fielded Bruno, Everton Silva, David, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Rômulo, Toró, Kleberson, Fierro, and Petkovic; and Adriano. However, this lineup has not been confirmed for the match, and that will likely only happen moments before kickoff.
"We'll field whoever is best. I spoke with the coaching staff and the medical department, and the important thing is that only those who are 100% play," said the coach.
Mother's Day
The second Sunday in May is a special day for everyone around the world—it's Mother's Day. And on this 9th, the red-and-black players have a great opportunity to gift not only their own mothers, but all red-and-black mothers, with a victory at Maracanã.
"We know it's going to be a tough game, without a doubt, but it's important that we get this win. The Brazilian Championship is a long championship, we're going to have this break for the World Cup and it's important that we get as many points as possible at the start," Kleberson added.
FLAMENGO x SAO PAULO
1st round of the 2010 Brazilian Championship
\
\ Date: 09/05/2010 (Sunday)
\ Open Hours: 16 am (Brasilia time)
\ Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
\ Referee: Leandro Pedro Vuaden (Fifa-RS)
\ Auxiliaries: Alessandro Álvaro Rocha de Matos (Fifa-BA) and Carlos \ Berkenbrock (Fifa-SC)
\
\ Flamengo: Bruno; Everton Silva, David, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Toró,\ Romulo, Kleberson, Fierro and Petkovic (Michael); Adriano. Technical:\ Rogério Lourenço
\ São Paulo: Rogerio Ceni; Wellington (Cicinho), Xandão, Miranda and Junior Cesar; Jean, Richarlyson, Cleber Santana and Leo Lima; Marcelinho Paraíba and Washington. Technical: Ricardo Gomes
This year, both Flamengo and São Paulo hope to break the deadlock. For Flamengo, a victory would be even more special, after all, it would be their second in a row. Aware of the challenges they face in the Brazilian Championship, the players from the Gávea team understand the importance of starting the competition on the right foot and promise that, regardless of which team takes the field, they will go out to win.
"We don't know who will play yet. Professor Rogério will announce the lineup at the pre-match meeting, but I believe that, regardless, the entire group is ready. We have a strong squad and we can certainly fight for good things in this Brazilian Championship. Even a second championship," said defender David.
The team's lineup, in fact, has been kept under wraps by coach Rogério Lourenço. Last Friday, he rested four players (Leo Moura, Maldonado, Willians, and Vagner Love) from tactical training and fielded Bruno, Everton Silva, David, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Rômulo, Toró, Kleberson, Fierro, and Petkovic; and Adriano. However, this lineup has not been confirmed for the match, and that will likely only happen moments before kickoff.
"We'll field whoever is best. I spoke with the coaching staff and the medical department, and the important thing is that only those who are 100% play," said the coach.
Mother's Day
The second Sunday in May is a special day for everyone around the world—it's Mother's Day. And on this 9th, the red-and-black players have a great opportunity to gift not only their own mothers, but all red-and-black mothers, with a victory at Maracanã.
"We know it's going to be a tough game, without a doubt, but it's important that we get this win. The Brazilian Championship is a long championship, we're going to have this break for the World Cup and it's important that we get as many points as possible at the start," Kleberson added.
FLAMENGO x SAO PAULO
1st round of the 2010 Brazilian Championship
\
\ Date: 09/05/2010 (Sunday)
\ Open Hours: 16 am (Brasilia time)
\ Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
\ Referee: Leandro Pedro Vuaden (Fifa-RS)
\ Auxiliaries: Alessandro Álvaro Rocha de Matos (Fifa-BA) and Carlos \ Berkenbrock (Fifa-SC)
\
\ Flamengo: Bruno; Everton Silva, David, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Toró,\ Romulo, Kleberson, Fierro and Petkovic (Michael); Adriano. Technical:\ Rogério Lourenço
\ São Paulo: Rogerio Ceni; Wellington (Cicinho), Xandão, Miranda and Junior Cesar; Jean, Richarlyson, Cleber Santana and Leo Lima; Marcelinho Paraíba and Washington. Technical: Ricardo Gomes