Mixed-hot\ Text by Luiz Hélio Alves de Oliveira\
He's the man
No, I'm not referring to Obina. After all, what else is there to write about the Black Angel? I, who have already given him such a standing ovation, precisely because the black guy is a charismatic and enlightened figure—and why not even say DECISIVE?—and yet always causes great controversy surrounding the quality of his football. I, in fact, who had lost patience with "bone-faced" Sadol in recent games, had forgotten that in those final minutes of three-point games, Obina doesn't usually shine. In fact, he tends to irritate. I understood, once again, that the Afro-Bahian Umabarauma prefers to assume his role as goal-scoring man precisely when it counts for a trophy or qualification. This is his fate: to consecrate himself in the red-and-black apotheosis and make the giant nation happy.
And now Nunes is starting to gain a new competitor in the race for the title of Top Scorer in the Finals for the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved). Okay, let's just say that given the significant number of goals he's scored in championships (one state championship, two Brazilian championships, and one world championship), "João Danado" wouldn't be in the running for this because he's an hour concours. Therefore, our "Et'oo" would currently be the leading candidate. Am I right?
So let's get to "The Man," to whom I've decided to dedicate some well-deserved lines at this time of overwhelming anticipation and (naturally) intense pressure for the thirtieth Rio de Janeiro title and a place in the Libertadores. A man, by the way, who has been under intense pressure and criticized by the fans for not performing as expected in his role. However, for me, "The Man" of the Flamengo attack is, indisputably, Souza. Or Showza, as his admirers prefer. It's incredible how he has humbly sacrificed his reputation as a goalscorer for the good of the team. We all know that at the beginning of the season, Flamengo prioritized signings for the midfield, and there were many defensive midfielders, but no playmakers were signed. In other words, they lacked that authentic playmaker, the "waiter" to serve the forwards. Souza received this providential assistance, most notably when he was the top scorer in the 2006 Brasileirão, scoring 17 goals for Goiás. At the green and white club from the Midwest, Araújo was instrumental in ensuring his goals came with the naturalness of someone who excels in the field. To achieve this, however, the ball needs to reach him more often, which hasn't been happening at Mengo. This playmaker role has been limited to the talented Renato Augusto, but with successive injuries and the fact that he doesn't always play in this role, the young star hasn't been able to help much in this regard. This is the main reason why our starting striker has dropped back so much and played the pivot role with great skill and determination, in addition to fulfilling an important tactical function, creating space for the wingers and even the defensive midfielders to come in. A detail. Despite not scoring the goals he's been hoping for, he hasn't shown any irritation with his teammates and remains supportive of the group. His celebration after Obina's goal was moving. There, it didn't matter who scored, only that the goal would give Flamengo a crucial victory. It was incredibly contagious to see it on his face, visibly ecstatic with happiness. And that, my friends, is something only those who truly have red and black skin feel. Like me and the entire nation. In short, like Flamengo fan Souza.
He's the Man
Furthermore, to say that the number nine missed two goals last Sunday is sheer heresy. In the first, the shot wasn't directly on target, and the black and white goalkeeper closed the corner, making a difficult save. In the other, early in the second half, the cross came in powerfully, and he was also no longer in front of the opposing goal, and the ball fell to his left foot, giving the goalkeeper time to make a save with a mix of surprise and luck. A lot of people talk about "stars." So-and-so isn't a star, so-and-so even less so, and the board should have brought in so-and-so from such-and-such a team, who is a true "star." I prefer to rely on the players we have in the professional ranks and mix them with the youth academy. Enough of asking for the newest top scorer in a given state championship. The fans need to understand something basic that happens at Mengo. It's extremely rare for a good player, or even a true star, coming from another club, to succeed at Gávea. As Júnior Capacete once said, a player will need a little something extra to succeed in the Red and Black Mantle. This wasn't the case, for example, with the "ah, it's Edmundo" (aha, Edmundo), the "go for them, Denílson," the "firefly Alex," and also (in 1986, if I'm not mistaken) the "Doctor Sócrates," among many others.
To conclude this topic, I'll leave you with my opinion. Anyone who doesn't consider Souza technically and tactically indispensable to our current squad is either mentally ill or isn't a Flamengo fan right now. I not only believe he's "The Man," but I have faith that the winning goal for the second consecutive championship will come from his feet. And then, from the stands, that cry of greeting to the Daredevil will echo again: "Oh f... Souza is here!"
After the “Incas”, the “Aztecs”
This Wednesday night, Mengão will experience another chapter in its fantastic saga across Latin America. First, the "Battle of Argentina," starring basketball heroes. It's Clube de Regatas do Flamengo in the battle for South American dominance. And after crushing the "Incas," represented by the bold Peruvian Cienciano team, it's time to face another ancient, imperial nation: the "Aztecs" of the battered Mexican America. Let's not kid ourselves: despite the Chicanos' critical moment, Flamengo won't have it easy and will need to overcome adversity with intelligence and grit. And all in the right dose to avoid taking risks there and not returning exhausted for next Sunday's state final. Nothing unusual, aside from the travel and the altitude; the rest will be a breeze, and a victory is even possible if Joel doesn't play too defensively. We can (and will) overcome the next challenges with technique, overcoming, race and also through the intimidating power of our Sacred Mantle and the thunderous energy of the magnetic.\ Arriba, Mengô!\
To lift the trophy
Let Chorafogo think it'll be easy to overcome our advantage, let them... I don't know, but I have a sneaking feeling that the second leg of the final could be easier than we imagine. Everything will depend (once again) on the level of awareness and psychological preparation our team displays on the Maracanã pitch. All it takes is a devastating counterattack in the first half for us to start sealing the championship. Then we just have to continue playing on their mistakes and nervousness, feel the cosmic vibration coming from the stands, and wait for the final whistle to lift the trophy once again. This team deserves it, we deserve it, and, more than anyone, "daddy" Joel deserves it! Let's beat Mengooooooooo...
The new “teacher”
With the second state title virtually (though not yet completely) assured, I'm worried about Flamengo's performance in the remainder of the Libertadores and the start of the Brazilian Championship. Joel has a reputation for playing defensively, but no one can doubt it: he's given the team a new "face." And since the spectacular comeback in the last Brasileirão until now, the players have acquired a solid and distinctive style of play from Mr. Prancheta. Secret? None. A midfield reinforced with defensive players and freedom for the wingers. It may be simple and all, but this is how Flamengo has achieved success, albeit in fits and starts. I even found it all very similar to the 94 World Cup team. A style of football without grand spectacles, but rather results. And a coach considered stubborn and conservative. That's why, until now, I was also firmly convinced of winning the second continental title. And now? I still believe in Flamengo, but it remains to be seen who the new "teacher" will be and what new "face" the team will be. I sincerely hope it's not some Pardal wannabe trying to invent too much in the middle of a competition at the level of the Libertadores. After all, Flamengo isn't a laboratory, is it, Ney Franco? We don't want inventions; we just want to maintain the current style combined with a slightly more attacking approach. And to achieve that, from midfield forward, we just need to play with two defensive midfielders, two midfielders, and two forwards, one centrally and the other more wide. The squad has the players for that. As for the name, I just pray to God it's neither the (unfriendly) Geninho nor the more refined "Roth" of Autuori. My utopian suggestion would be: Zicão, leave Fener and come home. That way, you'll return to Japan, where you're a true football god.
Socials
Bond Canto: the new home of Fla Bahia
A new home. Now, the electrifying Fla Bahia club brings together locals from Salvador, as well as visitors from other cities and states, in a much larger and even more attractive space than its predecessor: the Bond Canto bar. With several spaces, two of which are dedicated to the Flamengo nation of Salvador, Bond is located in Rio Vermelho, close to Largo da Mariquita. Needless to say, the party was in full swing during the first game of the final, complete with a live show and plenty of cold ones.
Red and black sound in Bond
Fla Bahia in the final
A caravan of over thirty Flaba fans will head to Rio next Saturday to help push Mengo to another title. It's clear that the "embassy" will remain open to welcome the fans who will be partying at Bond Canto. This will be the same across the country. So, long live the nation of Rio and all of Brazil! And long live Fla Bahia, Fla Sampa, Fla Belo Horizonte, Fla Paraná, Fla Lages, and all the embassies that will be united in one voice with great passion, love, and passion for Mengo.
There's more next week (hopefully with the hangover from the bi). SRN and until then, God willing!
poet and journalist, he is a columnist for the Flamengo RJ website.