Group assesses that overcoming gave victory in the classic
Unaware of complaints from Vasco fans, Flamengo's squad celebrates its place in the Rio Cup final
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Vasco's players, coach, and even directors complained extensively about the refereeing after Flamengo's 11.04-2 victory on Sunday (April 1). However, the complaints weren't heeded by the Flamengo squad. Focused on extolling the team's resilience, everyone wanted to celebrate their spot in the Taça Rio final.
Once again one of the red-and-blacks' key players on the field, Léo Moura conceded the penalty that led to the second goal, the winning one. Regardless of others' interpretations, he explained the play well.
"I knew he (Marcio Careca) was going to come at me on that play. I had already managed to get past him on another occasion and he did the same thing. When I realized he was going to come at me the same way, I touched the ball one more time. He pushed me and I ended up being brought down," said the full-back, who was sent off in the controversial 2009 defeat to Vasco da Gama.
Showing no irritation with his opponent's comments, Andrade was calm in his analysis of everything that happened in the derby. Experienced in decisions like Sunday's, the red-and-black coach knows that the victory is entirely Flamengo's.
"They're trying to downplay our victory. Nobody here ever complains about anything. The victory is ours to deserve. We knew how to play even when we were exhausted. They had the whole week to work and rest," he said, explaining that another positive point led the Red-Blacks to victory.
"We're experiencing natural fatigue. Playing two competitions and maintaining the same level is difficult. We went out there today to overcome. This team is used to winning. I said that before. We felt a bit tired, we didn't play as we wanted, but, despite the difficulties, we won deservedly," concluded the coach.
Once again one of the red-and-blacks' key players on the field, Léo Moura conceded the penalty that led to the second goal, the winning one. Regardless of others' interpretations, he explained the play well.
"I knew he (Marcio Careca) was going to come at me on that play. I had already managed to get past him on another occasion and he did the same thing. When I realized he was going to come at me the same way, I touched the ball one more time. He pushed me and I ended up being brought down," said the full-back, who was sent off in the controversial 2009 defeat to Vasco da Gama.
Showing no irritation with his opponent's comments, Andrade was calm in his analysis of everything that happened in the derby. Experienced in decisions like Sunday's, the red-and-black coach knows that the victory is entirely Flamengo's.
"They're trying to downplay our victory. Nobody here ever complains about anything. The victory is ours to deserve. We knew how to play even when we were exhausted. They had the whole week to work and rest," he said, explaining that another positive point led the Red-Blacks to victory.
"We're experiencing natural fatigue. Playing two competitions and maintaining the same level is difficult. We went out there today to overcome. This team is used to winning. I said that before. We felt a bit tired, we didn't play as we wanted, but, despite the difficulties, we won deservedly," concluded the coach.