Flamengo got off to a good start in the Rio de Janeiro Futsal Championship. The team from Gávea beat América 1-0 last Friday (August 31st) at the Ginásio da Mangueira. The game was very competitive, and the victory came from the feet of captain Dudu, in the 5th minute of the game, with a shot from outside the box. The Flamengo winger was full of joy after the victory and the goal scored.

- "I'm not much of a goal scorer, but I've been practicing my finishing in recent training sessions and I managed to get the shot right and help Flamengo. I don't go out on the court thinking I'm going to score, but of course I was very happy with the goal."

Immediately after conceding the goal, América went on the attack, but was thwarted by the great performance of the red-black goalkeeper Breno Caetano, who made some great saves during the first half.

In the second half, Flamengo leveled the score and had a few chances to extend their lead, but the team lacked finishing and missed several opportunities. Late in the match, América threatened with two dangerous shots from Henrique and Miguel, but goalkeeper Breno was inspired and prevented the equalizer.

For Flamengo coach Cid Escarlate, the result was very important to boost morale for the continuation of the championship, but he made a point of saying that the performance was not as expected.

- "For a debut match, the result was actually positive. But I can't deny that the team performed below expectations, especially in terms of finishing."

In the next round, Flamengo visits Macaé, Friday (07/09), at 18 pm.

Flamengo:\ Breno, Dudu, Passarinho, Michel and Gabriel. Entered: Charles, Helcinho, Victor Magrão, Octávio, Rafael and André.\ Coach: Cid Escarlate\

America:\ Luiz Antonio, Xande, Ricardo, Miguel and Fabinho. Entered: Saulo, Fafá, Henrique, Otavio, Bernardo and Ricardinho.\ Coach: Alan Salino\

Location: Mangueira Olympic Village\ Referees: Cláudio Fernando Lopes and José Antônio Storino\ Goal: Dudu in the 5th minute of the first half\

Photo: Ursula Nery