Now it's for real!
Fábio Luciano - The new god of the race\ Photo: globoesporte.com\
"This time there's no way around it, we're going to get even. We're going to destroy Flamengo. Ahhhhhh, not now, but we almost did it. The soccer gods are against us. In fact, the whole world. There's a global conspiracy against our wonderful, blameless, and good-natured president. The system is evil. Nothing, no way, next time there's no mistake, even THEY can sense it and are (sic) afraid." Okay... as my friend, writer and Flamengo fan, Mário Pianelly, would say: how "scared" we are of the Portuguese!!! Laughs. I propose that instead of becoming even more anxious and self-deceived (is this some kind of penance?), the seatbelt-wearing fans accept the truth, however cruel it may seem. There's no way around it; even if Mengo isn't playing to their full potential and ability, the codfish still can't resist and ends up falling before the colossal imposing King Vulture. It's their fate. Or should it be a via crucis, since we're in Lent? I suggest they adapt a snippet of lyrics from a classic composition by the great Paulinho da Viola to serve as the new theme for this Cruzmaltino martyrdom that's been dragging on for two decades. It could be like this: Disillusionment, disillusionment, I cry, you cry, at the Flamengo ball. With all due respect and solidarity to the master (and cod?!) Paulinho. After all, nobody's perfect, right?! See (note carefully, I wrote VIDE, not VICE) Chico Buarque, another of those rare exceptions of MPB geniuses who chose the harbor of pain to anchor their club passions. It's okay, God forgives, we forgive... but Mengo, tsk tsk tsk... doesn't forgive.
Someone might remember that we lost two finals during that period. That's why I won't even count all the Guanabara finals or the eliminations in the state semifinals. When it comes to VERY FINAL finals—those that are worth the entire championship trophy—20 long years have passed and the now famous sixth runner-up finish: 96, 99, 2000, 2001, 2004, and 2006. I even heard that Romário's statue up there on the hill will be joined by another in honor of the super COCADA, hero of the feat of the last title over Flamengo in '88. With such a bitter present, at least a sweet (literally) and distant memory for the codfish. Oh, it's Edmun... oh, oh, it's Cocadaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!
Jokes aside (because it's already boring, for them, right?!), I'll do a quick textual replay of last Sunday's classic, even though it's not exactly the purpose of this column—a space openly created to highlight, primarily and culturally, the passionate Flamengo jingoism that grips this immense country. For technical and tactical analysis, we have our competent columnists (and also some readers) who do it masterfully. Today I'll ask permission from my colleagues Perboyre, Perez, master Sidney, and also the sweetest Mônica to also delve into this area so prominent in heated and passionate debates. Daniel joins me in the Fla-poeticism, and his column is more along the lines of Mengo meu dengo (but with his masterful signature, of course), with our friend creating fantastic characters that remind us of the libertarian and plebeian soul of everyday Fla-totalist life. The Viníciuses (Castro and Paiva, respectively) keep us up-to-date and extremely well-informed about what's going on behind the scenes at Gávea and the latest developments in the world of football, business, and the club's marketing. That's why Fla RJ is a virtual bar—a nickname perfectly coined by our esteemed comrade Eric Grootenboer—so diverse and with such a... red-and-black soul. So let's get to it.
Fla 50% x 75%
I believe the team played only half its potential during the first half. This was quite risky given the importance of the matchup, which was worth a spot in the final, maintaining dominance over the opponent, and providing the much-needed peace of mind and self-confidence to continue the "2008 Libertadores Project." Whatever happens next Sunday will be normal, especially if Flamengo wins the championship. And we all believe so: the nation, the players, the coaching staff, and the directors. However, a possible (good grief!) defeat to the good Botafogo team wouldn't be as catastrophic as an early elimination in the last derby. For all the reasons mentioned above and more, to avoid surprises and truly demonstrate its superior squad, Flamengo will need to come out with maximum determination from the opening whistle until the final, crucial whistles of the "man in black." Against Vasco, we started well, but without that "grip." Perhaps because of our extremely thin midfield, of which only Jailton has more combative characteristics. Putting Íbson, Jônatas, or even Kleberson as defensive midfielders is a waste of talent and an excellent alternative for connecting midfield and attack. The problem is that our numbers 5 and 7 are playing too deep. This was quite evident in the goal we conceded. The roles were reversed. The one who should have been tackling Edmundo was Jônatas (or any other midfielder), with the more defensive man (in this case, Jailton) staying in the rebound. The fact is that the area was left a completely open avenue for Amaral to make a sweet pass and Alan Kardec, at speed, to catch our defense completely unprotected. This is fatal in the Libertadores knockout stage and could result in elimination. My humble suggestion. While Renato Augusto isn't back (and when he does, he'll still need to find his rhythm), and since we're breaking with the tradition of always having a true playmaker number 10, I'd take advantage of Jônatas's cadence, skill, and good passing and put him as a midfielder further upfield. And with the number 10, because enough of this temporary retirement thing. This should have happened (and forever) when Galinho was leaving. The team would certainly gain an excellent option with Jônatas assuming this "maestro" role. After all, hasn't he played that position before? We'd just need to work on his ego so he doesn't get too cocky. I'm sure the forwards would appreciate it, and Souza wouldn't have to drop back so much to get the ball. In the battle, my players would be Cristian and Toró (until Gavilan is ready). Nothing against the hard-working and combative Jailton, but for now, his contribution as a starter has been sufficient. He is an essential player for the squad, being an immediate backup for one of those who takes his place.
Back to the game. After the setback, the truth of the matter was reestablished, and Mengo began to dominate until our "new Rondinelli," even with a sore arm, stepped up imperiously to equalize and show the rival who's boss. The truth is, Fábio Luciano and Bruno were the best signings in recent years. The dominance continued into the second half until the penalty kick came, only to later help divert the focus from the other side. Whether or not he converted the penalty, the tired and now more domesticated "animal" couldn't prevent the worst for his rival team. Not even his still admirable talent would be of any use to change the outcome of the game. Simply because Flamengo understood that all it needed was a little more dedication on the field and victory would be assured. And after increasing their spirit to 75%, the score could have been more flexible. Yes, so what? Better this way, because this result left the rainbows thinking that "almost" was possible.
The turning point came with the man least seen in the media. With the one from whom no one has ever heard a murmur of dissatisfaction. And how light-hearted Ronaldo Angelim is! Light-hearted in spirit. A man who is a Flamengo fan and knows what that means in his essence. A professional capable of maintaining composure even in the worst moments, nor of turning into a "peacock" in moments of glory. That's why his mind is so blessed, whether for scoring goals or simply for making him a great citizen. It must have been blessed at the foot of the statue of Padre Cícero in his hometown of Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará.
As for the attack, for me it would be very simple. Especially because sitting in front of the computer, in the TV chair, in the stands, in the booths, or in the sports studios, everything seems very simple indeed. The problem is only seen more clearly by those in the eye of the storm. Therefore, I am grateful to Joel for the excellent work he has, once again, been doing at the helm of the Mais Querido. And let me make it clear that I am not criticizing the system implemented in the team or its technical or tactical choices. I am simply expressing my opinion as a fan. And I justify this only out of respect for the professional and the man Joel Santana. Because when I deem it necessary to criticize him harshly, I will have no problem doing so. I just haven't yet seen a more relevant reason for it. Therefore, in my lay analysis, I would design the red-and-black attack as follows: Souza and Marcinho as starters (not absolute starters). Tardelli or Maxi would come in for Marcinho because they play more wide. The Argentine needs to be used more, otherwise we'll never know if he's truly fit to stay or not. Otherwise, he'll be just another "El Tigre" passing through Gávea. Or, depending on the situation, I'd pull one of the attacking midfielders and move Marcinho back into the starting lineup. Obina, given his characteristics, would be Souza's immediate backup. Of course, the squad offers several other possibilities. Today, I see Flamengo as a chessboard. The pieces are within reach, but it takes patience and wisdom to move them and advance intelligently. Joel is a master at this, and we're in great hands.
To checkmate on Sunday, then, so that our red-and-black army can gain even more firepower and head stronger to conquer the continental kingdom. Now, IT'S FOR REAL!
Towards the second (of Guanabara, Carioca, Libertadores and World Cup), Mengão!!!
There's more next week, under the aura of victory. SRN and until then, God willing!