On his farewell night, Julio Cesar shines in Flamengo's triumph over América-MG
Mais Querido won 2-0 with goals from Henrique Dourado and the number 12 was celebrated in his last game as a professional.
By John Peter Granette - in
This Saturday night (21), at Maracanã, was full of emotion and joy for the red-black fans and also for Julio Cesar. Against América-MG, the goalkeeper played his last game as a professional and was fundamental in the Mais Querido's 2-0 triumph. While the number 12 took care of the defense, Henrique Dourado was efficient in the offensive part and scored both of Flamengo's goals in the match.
The final chapter of an incredible and victorious story couldn't have had a better ending. With a packed Maracanã stadium, Julio Cesar was showered with affection from start to finish, and after the final whistle, he made a point of thanking the nation, kneeling on the pitch of Brazilian football's biggest stage.
The Most Beloved now returns to focus on the Conmebol Libertadores, and next Wednesday (25) will face Independiente Santa Fé-COL, away from home. The ball will roll from 21:45 pm.
The game
The match started with a bang, and with the support of the Red-Black Nation, Flamengo attacked América-MG. Lucas Paquetá almost opened the scoring right away with a header after a beautiful corner kick from Rodinei. The best plays were happening on the left flank of the attack with Vinicius Jr. On a dangerous run down the pitch, the number 20 left Cuéllar in a good position to scare the opposing goalkeeper with a shot from outside the box.
América-MG tried every possible way to break through the red-and-black defense, but the defense was well-positioned and managed to fend off the danger. On the few occasions the opposing attack managed to get a shot on target, Julio Cesar showed great confidence and skill in making saves.
The Mais Querido continued to invest in attacks with Vinicius Jr and in the 28th minute of the first half, the Boy from the Nest crossed perfectly for Henrique Dourado to open the scoring and make Maracanã explode with joy.
Shortly after, the striker was brought down in the box by Jori, and the referee awarded a penalty. The Reaper collected the ball and, with the penalty, gave the opposing goalkeeper no chance, extending the lead.
Trailing 2-0, América-MG returned to the second half looking to attack more. Rafael Moura got a good header from the air, but Julio Cesar made a great save to save Flamengo. The red-and-black team responded in kind, and after rising higher than the Minas Gerais defense, Réver sent a shot over the bar.
In the 15th minute, Mais Querido's attack managed a good triangulation and Paquetá left Vinicius Jr in good conditions to extend the lead, but the number 20 stopped in the hands of the opposing goalkeeper.
Even with the score at 2-0, Flamengo continued to attack, giving the opposing defense no respite. Lucas Paquetá fired a free kick straight into the net, nearly doubling the lead at the Maracanã stadium. Meanwhile, Julio Cesar was giving instructions to adjust the positioning of the defense, which consisted of Réver and Léo Duarte.
It was Julio Cesar's night, and the number 12 made good on his idol status. In the final minutes, he showed remarkable reflexes, making two brilliant saves and sending the more than 52 fans into a frenzy. Flamengo earned its first three points in the 2018 Brazilian Championship with a brilliant and thrilling performance from the goalkeeper.