Flamengo didn't perform as expected in its debut in the Octávio Pinto Guimarães Cup. Playing at home at Ninho do Urubu, coach Armênio Moura's team, despite being reinforced with players who trained with the senior team, such as Jorbison, Rafael Galhardo, and Erick Flores, was defeated by Leme 3-2 last weekend. To recover, Flamengo needs to beat Bangu this Thursday at 15 p.m. at the Artsul training center. The red-and-blacks are two-time champions of the tournament, having won the 2006 and 2007 editions. Last year, the team was eliminated by Fluminense in the quarterfinals. Last season and again in 2009, the juniors, accustomed to lifting trophies every year, failed to win. The OPG, therefore, is seen as a great opportunity for that. And the match against Bangu is seen as a chance to erase a poor start to the tournament. "Unfortunately, the team ended up opening the scoring too early, relaxed, and conceded three goals from set pieces. But the OPG is a good tournament because there's no time to look back. We have games one after the other, and on Thursday we'll have a good opportunity to bounce back in the competition," said attacking midfielder Renan Silva.

The red-and-black team has already been selected for this Thursday's game. It will be the same as the debut against Leme: Marcelo, Lucas Galdino, Christianno and Henrique; Rafael Galhardo, Wellington Pecka, João Vitor, Erick Flores and Jorbison; Renan Silva and Diego Maurício. The Artsul training center is located at Estrada do Riachão, 8, in Austin, Nova Iguaçu (RJ). Information: (21) 3769 8853.

Updated at 16:27 p.m.