After the 3-1 defeat to Cruzeiro, Flamengo is preparing for Sunday's game (11/11) against Santos at Maracanã. For Flamengo coach Joel Santana, it is the most important game of the year for the Clube da Gávea's ambitions.

"A win against Santos will be crucial for our Championship ambitions. I believe that with two more wins, we'll qualify for the 2008 Copa Libertadores. This Sunday's game is the most important of the year for Flamengo."

With 55 points in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo faces Santos and Atlético-PR, respectively, in the next two rounds. Joel wants to do his homework and, with both wins, qualify the club for the most important championship in the Americas. The coach expects a tough match on Sunday.

"Santos is a great team, and it's going to be a very difficult game. Our group has a huge responsibility, and we have to earn these three points."

For the next games, the manager has a strong ally to help the team on the field.

"Our fans will be there and cheering the team on, as they always do. Yesterday, 15 tickets were already sold, and today they'll sell out by 30. I'm sure the fans will pack the Maracanã stadium. On the field, the team has to match the strength coming from the stands," Joel declared.