Winning the fourth consecutive state title and also the second Copa Libertadores title in the history of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. These are the far from humble goals of the group that achieved Rio de Janeiro dominance and its sixth Brazilian championship while wearing the red and black colors. To keep these dreams alive, coach Andrade's team must beat Vasco in the derby this Sunday at 16 pm at Maracanã.

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The match, a semifinal of the Taça Rio, the second round of the Campeonato Carioca, is seen as a turning point for the red-and-black players. The same is true of next Wednesday's match against Universidad de Chile in Santiago for the Copa Santander Libertadores da América.

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"I know the pressure is huge. But it's a moment we enjoy and are used to. I believe this week will take us to heaven," said right-back Leonardo Moura.

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Rubro-Negro coach Andrade is also aware of the pressure his team will be under. He surprised everyone last Thursday by naming Michael as a starter in the match against Universidad de Chile, and he's expected to repeat the feat this Sunday. The manager will also decide on Adriano's replacement in attack.

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"I think anxiety is normal for both sides. Both have the goal of winning their games. Vasco isn't playing in a final, and Flamengo is already on track to be champion. And the team that wins always faces more pressure. Our group is used to pressure; it's a decisive moment; it's good pressure," he added.

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The winner of later today's match at Maracanã will face Botafogo, the Guanabara Cup champions who defeated Fluminense 3-2 in the Rio Cup semifinals, in the second round of the Rio de Janeiro State Championship. If Flamengo beats Vasco, they will face a repeat of the 2009 Rio Cup final, when they defeated Botafogo 1-0.

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Flamengo vs Vasco
Rio Cup Semifinal

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Stadium: Maracana
Order date: April 11th 2010
Open Hours: 16 hours long.
Referee: John Baptist Arruda.

Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Álvaro, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Maldonado (Kléberson), Willians, Toró and Vinícius Pacheco (Michael); Vágner Love and Bruno Mezenga. Technical: Andrade.
Basque: Fernando Prass, Fagner, Titi, Thiago Martinelli and Marcio Careca; Rafael Carioca, Souza, Leo Gago and Philippe Coutinho; Élton and Dodô. Technical: Gaucho.