Flamengo's Futsal team is preparing for another State Championship. 

The red-and-black team has been preparing for the competition since June, where they will face tough opponents like Petrópolis, Macaé, and Cabo Frio. Flamengo coach Cid Escalarte understands the importance of the tournament and the challenges the team will face.

"We'll be facing teams like Macaé, Vasco, Teresópolis, and Cabo Frio, who train in two shifts. And that always makes a difference. I need to have a group with a wide range of options, allowing for rotation of players," he concluded.

The red-and-black team has maintained its core lineup and will feature talented winger Dudu and goalkeeper Breno Caetano, as well as key reinforcements such as Gabriel, Sixel, Raphael, and Élcio. Dudu, the standout player from the last Carioca Championship, is confident the team will have a strong campaign.

"With the reinforcements, Flamengo has become a more competitive team. I think we can do better than in the first half of the year. The team is strong and well-coordinated."

The Federation will announce today (10/8) the format and number of clubs that will compete in the 2007 State Championship.

Photo: Wallace Teixeira