Despite playing with a reserve team, Flamengo put in a strong performance, drawing 2-2 with Vasco da Gama this Sunday at Maracanã. The red-and-black team took a 2-0 lead but allowed the São Januário team to rally late in the match. With the results of the last round of the Taça Rio, Flamengo faces Botafogo in one of the semifinals.

On the field, the game started fairly evenly. Vasco had more possession, but the red-and-black team threatened Tiago's goal more. On one of these attempts, Diego Tardelli miskicked the ball, and the ball fell to Marcinho, who opened the scoring at the Maracanã: 1-0 Flamengo.

Soon after, Luizinho burst into the box from the right wing and fired a cross-shot, but Vasco's defense cleared it. The corner kick fell to Maxi, who delivered a perfect cross for Rodrigo Arroz to head home: 2-0 Flamengo.

With a well-organized team, the red-and-black team managed to contain Vasco's attacks. Midfielder Airton, just 18 years old, was making a strong debut among the professionals. In the 30th minute, Edmundo had the team from São Januário's first good chance of the match.

At the end of the first half, Maxi missed another good opportunity for the red-blacks, but the 2-0 result was a good result.

In the second half, Flamengo continued to search for a third goal. Egidio made a good run down the left and crossed for Maxi, but the number 17 couldn't finish. Three minutes in, Diego Tardelli beautifully dribbled past the defender and fired a dangerous shot just wide of the post.

The red-black team had a few more chances to extend their lead, with Kleberson taking a shot from outside the box, and Marcinho, in the 19th minute, completing a beautiful play by Maxi.

Assistant coach Andrade, who was leading the team from the sidelines, had to make his first substitution in the 20th minute, as midfielder Airton was experiencing muscle pain. Vinicius Pacheco came on in his place.

Vasco missed a good chance with Edmundo, whose shot was weak and threatening to put Marcelo Lomba out of harm's way. In the 22nd minute, Alan Kardec pulled one back with a free kick from the six-yard box: 2-1 Flamengo.

In the 32nd minute, Diego Tardelli played a beautiful one-two with Marcinho, but the number 11's shot went over Tiago's goal. In the 39th minute, Jorge Luiz rose alone and tied the score with a header: 2-2.

The red-and-black team returns to the Rio Cup on Sunday, facing Botafogo in one of the semifinals. Before that, the Gávea team travels to Cuzco on Wednesday to face Cienciano in a Libertadores Cup match.

 TECHNICAL SHEET: VASCO 2 X 2 FLAMENGO

Stadium: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)\ Date/time: 6/4/2008 - 16:XNUMX p.m. (Brasília time)\ Referee: Wagner dos Santos Rosa (RJ)\ Assistants: Marcos Antonio Bastos Junior (RJ) and Alexandre Eller (RJ)\ Revenue - Attendance: R$ - paying\

Yellow Cards: Jorge Luiz, Jonílson (VAS); Diego Tardelli, Luizinho and Aírton (FLA)\ Red Cards: None.\ GOALS: Marcinho, 10'/1st half (0-1); Rodrigo Arroz, 12'/1st half (0-2); Alan Kardec, 23'/2nd half (1-2); Jorge Luiz, 39'/2nd half (2-2).\

VASCO: Tiago, Jorge Luiz, Eduardo Luiz and Luizão; Wagner Diniz, Jonílson (Souza, 21'/2nd half), Leandro Bomfim, Jean (Edu, 25'/2nd half) and Calisto (Alex Teixeira, 36'/1st half); Edmundo and Alan Kardec. Coach: Antônio Lopes.

FLAMENGO: Marcelo Lomba, Luizinho, Rodrigo Arroz, Thiago Sales and Egidio; Jaílton, Aírton (Vinicius Pacheco, 16'/2nd half), Kleberson, Marcinho; Maxi (Éder, 46'/2nd half) and Diego Tardelli (Paulo Sérgio, 38'/2nd half). Coach: Joel Santana.

Photo: Lancenet.com

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