Sports Journal

In a highly competitive preliminary round, Flamengo's youth team easily defeated Cardoso Moreira 2-1 in the second round of the Rio de Janeiro State Championship, taking another step toward achieving their dream of winning their first-ever championship. Vander and Diguinho scored the goals for Flamengo.

The game began with Flamengo trying to impose a blistering pace, but the team from northern Rio de Janeiro's strong marking hampered the creativity of coach Adílio's team. Despite the pace, the match lacked excitement, at least until midway through the first half, when the Flamengo fans began arriving and galvanizing the youngsters. With help from the stands, the Gávea boys surged forward and soon opened the scoring with Vander, in a confusing play.

After the goal, the game became lukewarm again until the end of the second half, when midfielder Diguinho scored for the last time.