On an inspired night for Obina, Flamengo played well and thrashed Coritiba 5-0 this Thursday night at Maracanã. Léo Moura, Obina, Ibson, Maxi, and goalkeeper Bruno scored the winning goals. The result put Flamengo back in the top four of the Brazilian Championship with 4 points. Leader Grêmio also won and maintained its four-point lead.

On the field, Flamengo gave Coritiba no chance from the start. In the ninth minute, Luizinho crossed from the left and Obina headed the ball stylishly against the crossbar. Eleven minutes later, Obina was brought down by João Henrique in the box. Referee Carlos Eugênio Simon awarded a penalty. Birthday boy Léo Moura took the shot, Vanderlei saved it, and on the rebound, the full-back opened the scoring: 1-0 Flamengo.

With a tight defense, with Airton, Jailton, and Ronaldo Angelim, Coritiba never threatened Bruno's goal. In the 30th minute, Obina fired a shot from outside the box, nearly catching Vanderlei off guard. Soon after, Ibson received the ball from Marcelinho Paraíba, burst into the box, but fired a poor shot just wide of the left post. In the 35th minute, Kleberson led a counterattack on the right and passed it to Obina, who finished it off for Flamengo: 2-0.

In the second half, Flamengo began to move the ball around more and exploit the Curitiba team's advances. Léo Moura was always a good option on the right flank. Caio Júnior made the first change to the team, taking off Luizinho and bringing on Fernando. In the 26th minute, Keirrison entered the box and fired a low shot, scaring Bruno. Flamengo responded soon after, with Ibson taking a shot from the edge of the box.

Caio Júnior made two more changes, bringing on Maxi and Fierro and taking off Marcelinho Paraíba and Kleberson. In the 32nd minute, Chilean Fierro provided a beautiful pass to Ibson, who fired a powerful shot to score the third: 3-0 Flamengo. The Flamengo fans were still celebrating when Maxi added another. Obina made a great play down the left, dribbling past two defenders, and passing the ball to the Argentine at the far post: 4-0 Flamengo. In the end, Ibson was awarded another penalty. The fans called for it, and goalkeeper Bruno stepped up to take it. The number 1 showed class and sealed the rout with style: 5-0 Flamengo. It was Bruno's second career goal.

Flamengo's next challenge in the Brazilian Championship will be on Wednesday, against Vitória, in Salvador.

TECHNICAL SHEET: FLAMENGO 5 X 0 CORITIBA

Stadium: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)\ Date/time: 23/10/2008 - 20:30 p.m. (Brasília time)\ Referee: Carlos Eugênio Simon (Fifa-RS)\ Assistants: Altemir Hausmann (Fifa-RS) and José Javel Silveira (RS)\ Revenue/attendance: R$ 511.963,00 / 28.648 paying spectators\ Yellow cards: João Henrique and Rodrigo Mancha (CTB)\ Red cards: None\

GOALS: Léo Moura, 20'/1st half (1-0); Obina, 35'/1st half (2-0); Ibson, 32'/2nd half (3-0); Maxi, 34'/2nd half (4-0); Bruno, 47'/2nd half (5-0)

FLAMENGO: Bruno, Jaílton, Aírton, Ronaldo Angelim; Leo Moura, Toró, Ibson, Kleberson (Fierro, 28'2nd half) and Luizinho (Fernando, 15'2nd half); Marcelinho Paraíba (Maxi, 22'2nd half) and Obina. Coach: Caio Junior.

Coach: Dorival Júnior.

photos: Cleber Mender