\ Photo GloboEsporte\

Debutant Thiago Sales scores on a record-breaking night and draw at Maracanã

On a night of little inspiration, Flamengo did not live up to the expectations of the fans, who broke the attendance record for the Brazilian Championship - 61.250 in attendance - and drew 1-1 with Sport, at Maracanã.

The Flamengo goal was scored in the first half by defender Thiago Salles, who made his professional debut in this match, and Sport equalized in the second half with a penalty kick from Da Silva. Flamengo returns to the field next Wednesday at Maracanã to face Figueirense in the 24th round of the competition.

Flamengo's efficiency in capitalizing on the only major threat created in the first half was rewarded with the lead. However, in the 13th minute, Sport almost opened the scoring.

Goalkeeper Bruno deflected a free kick from the edge of the box and made a great save on the rebound, palming away Diogo's point-blank shot. Léo Moura then sent the ball out for a corner, denying the Pernambuco red-and-black team another chance.

The goal came from a set piece. In the 21st minute, Juan took a free kick from the right wing, Fábio Luciano headed it in, and rookie defender Thiago Salles slotted it home.

After opening the scoring, Flamengo retreated and ended up not posing any more danger to the opposing defense. Sport had a chance to equalize in the 38th minute, when Da Silva broke free of his markers, shot from the edge of the box, and the ball deflected off the red-black defense.

At the start of the second half, Flamengo gave the impression that things would be different. In the first minute, Renato Augusto crossed into the box, Obina headed it, Magrão made a great save, and, on the rebound, Roger shot across goal, but it went wide.

From then on, the team stopped creating chances, and Sport maintained its dominance in the first half, without much of a threat to Bruno's goal. When they reached the red-and-black box in the 28th minute, Rômulo conceded a penalty on Igor. Da Silva converted and tied the match.

From then on, for the first time in the match, Flamengo began to dominate the field and pressed for the winning goal, but without creating any clear chances. Coach Joel Santana still tried to give the team some speed by bringing on youngsters Paulo Sérgio and Kayke, but the changes were ineffective, and the match ended in a draw.

FLAMENGO 1 x 1 SPORT

Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)\ Date and time: 01/09/07 - 18:10 p.m.\ Referee: Sérgio da Silva Carvalho (DF)\ Assistants: Marrubson Melo Freitas and Enio Ferreira de Carvalho (DF)\ Revenue / attendance: R$ 455.754,00 / / 51.552 paying spectators and 61.250 present\ Yellow cards: Roger, Juan and Fábio Luciano (FLA); Durval, Dutra and Igor (SPO)\ Goals: Thiago Sales, 21 minutes into the first half; Da Slva, 29 minutes into the second half\

Flamengo\ Bruno, Leo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Thiago Sales and Juan; Romulo, Cristian, Ibson and Roger (Leo Medeiros); Renato Augusto (Kayke) and Obina (Paulo Sergio).\ Coach: Joel Santana\

Sport\ Magrão, Igor, Gustavo and Durval; Diogo (Luizinho Netto), Junior Maranhão, Romerito (Rosembrick), Everton and Dutra; Da Silva (César) and Carlinhos Bala.\ Coach: Geninho\