Flamengo showed grit and defeated Americano 1-0 this Tuesday in Campos, in a match valid for the penultimate round of the Taça Rio. Juan, late in the second half, scored the goal that virtually guaranteed the red-and-black team's qualification for the semifinals of the second round of the Campeonato Carioca. Only an unlikely combination of results will deny the team from Gávea a spot. In the final round, Flamengo faces Fluminense on Sunday at Maracanã.

Flamengo started the match pressing. Just eight minutes in, Kleberson had Flamengo's first chance of the match, but the number 15's shot went wide. In the 15th minute, Ernani took a corner from the left and nearly caught Bruno off guard.

Coach Cuca's team dominated the match, but struggled to penetrate the opposing defense. Erick Flores and Kleberson were the main offensive weapons of the red-and-black attack.

Flamengo returned for the second half with more appetite and threatened in the second minute. Everton Silva burst into the box from the right and shot dangerously. Three minutes later, Kleberson made a good run down the left and crossed for Josiel, who was unable to turn it in.

In the sixth minute, Kiesa received the ball at the edge of the box and fired a powerful shot just wide of Bruno's post. Flamengo continued to press and had their best chance in the 18th minute. Léo Moura received the ball in the penalty area and missed a fantastic chance one-on-one with Jefferson. In the 26th minute, Josiel had a chance in the box, but Élson made a sliding tackle and managed to keep out the number 9's shot.

In the 29th minute, Erick Flores passed to Josiel, who missed another good opportunity for Flamengo. Three minutes later, Ibson burst into the box and shot wide, wasting another chance. Shortly after, Cafezinho shot from outside the box, and Bruno made a beautiful save.

In the 41st minute, Maxi entered the box, and Anderson handled the ball. Referee Felipe Gomes da Silva awarded a penalty. Juan converted the penalty and secured another Flamengo victory in the Campeonato Carioca: 1-0.

CREDITS:

AMERICANO 0 X 1 FLAMENGO

Stadium: Godofredo Cruz, Campos (RJ)\ Date/time: 31/03/2009 - 19:30 pm (Brasília time)\

Referee: Felipe Gomes da Silva (RJ)\ Assistants: Jackson Lourenço Massara dos Santos (RJ) and Luiz Felipe Scofield Costa (RJ)\ Revenue/attendance: R$ 132.000 / 00 paying\ Yellow cards: Renan, Paulo Henrique, Diego Sales (AME); Willians, Léo Moura, Juan, Ibson, Bruno (FLA)\ Red cards: None\ GOAL: Juan, 8.100'/41nd half (2-0)\

AMERICANO: Jefferson, Elson, Carlão, Ânderson and Paulo Henrique; Renan, Siller (Kim, 6'/2nd half), Diego Sales (Cafezinho, 20'/2nd half) and Ernani; Eberson (Gil, 20'/2nd half) and Kieza. Coach: Toninho Andrade.

FLAMENGO: Bruno, Everton Silva, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Willians, Kleberson (Maxi, 23'/2nd half), Ibson (Jônatas, 37'/2nd half) and Leonardo Moura; Erick Flores (Fierro, 37', 2nd half) and Josiel. Coach: Cuca.

The players who were part of the red-and-black delegation in Campos will return on Thursday at 9 a.m. in Gávea. The rest of the squad will train tomorrow at 16 p.m., also in Gávea.