Juan believes in a balanced game on Sunday
Full-back recalls goal from Copa do Brasil final and says Flamengo and Vasco is a special classic
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Next Sunday (01.08) could be one of those unforgettable ones at Maracanã. \ A classic between Flamengo and Vasco is always surrounded by expectations. \ Rubro-Negros and Vasco fans always hope for a victory for their teams so they can mock their opponents the following day. And in a classic with \ such a rivalry, for Flamengo players, there is no way to point out \ favorites.
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Left-back Juan, whose career at Gávea is tied to a classic against their rivals from São Januário, is well aware of the mystique surrounding this classic. In 2006, he scored the winning goal in the Copa do Brasil that Flamengo won against Vasco, in a packed Maracanã stadium that was painted red and black after a 1-0 victory (3-0 on aggregate, as Flamengo won the first leg 2-0).
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"Without a doubt, that goal was the most important of my life. It was a kind of turning point, where the fans finally began to believe in my potential. I'm always very happy when I remember that goal. Scoring goals is always a good feeling, especially against a decisive Flamengo and Vasco team. I only understood that when I was there," he said.
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\ The number 6 believes that Vasco will be a difficult opponent, \ as it usually is, praises the Cruzmaltino team, but bets on \ intelligence and tactical discipline to leave the field with the victory.
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"Vasco is in good form, they have very high-quality players, but the derby is always balanced. I expect a great show on Sunday. The motivation is high and we have to play intelligently. We will be redoubled and we will give our all to get the victory," said the full-back, who also called on the fans to watch the match.
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"Flamengo fans always show up to support us in big games like this one and I'm sure that on Sunday the Maracanã will be full and we hope to repay on the field all the affection we received," he added.
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\ Check out the photo gallery on Flamengo's Official Website
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Left-back Juan, whose career at Gávea is tied to a classic against their rivals from São Januário, is well aware of the mystique surrounding this classic. In 2006, he scored the winning goal in the Copa do Brasil that Flamengo won against Vasco, in a packed Maracanã stadium that was painted red and black after a 1-0 victory (3-0 on aggregate, as Flamengo won the first leg 2-0).
\
"Without a doubt, that goal was the most important of my life. It was a kind of turning point, where the fans finally began to believe in my potential. I'm always very happy when I remember that goal. Scoring goals is always a good feeling, especially against a decisive Flamengo and Vasco team. I only understood that when I was there," he said.
\
\ The number 6 believes that Vasco will be a difficult opponent, \ as it usually is, praises the Cruzmaltino team, but bets on \ intelligence and tactical discipline to leave the field with the victory.
\
"Vasco is in good form, they have very high-quality players, but the derby is always balanced. I expect a great show on Sunday. The motivation is high and we have to play intelligently. We will be redoubled and we will give our all to get the victory," said the full-back, who also called on the fans to watch the match.
\
"Flamengo fans always show up to support us in big games like this one and I'm sure that on Sunday the Maracanã will be full and we hope to repay on the field all the affection we received," he added.
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\ Check out the photo gallery on Flamengo's Official Website
\
Check out the audio gallery on Flamengo's Official Website
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