One of Flamengo's standout players in the 2008 season, left-back Juan is expecting a great match against Palmeiras on Sunday at the Maracanã stadium, in a match valid for the 35th round of the Brazilian Championship. The number 6 wants Flamengo to play with great determination to overcome the team led by Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

"The game will be difficult due to the quality of the opponent and because we are in the final stretch. We can't make any more mistakes if we want to keep dreaming. On the field, Palmeiras is also strong, but if we play with the desire the fans like, seeking victory from the start, we can achieve our goal."

Juan took a blow to his right calf in the derby against Botafogo and was spared from training this morning. He assures he'll be on the field on Sunday.

"I can play because there's still time before the match. The pain is still bothering me, but I'm treating it and I'll be 100% on Sunday. Even if I wasn't, I'd still want to play. Because of the pleasure I get from defending Flamengo and the importance of this match in the final stretch. The lost points hurt more than the blow. If we don't win the title, there'll be doubt as to when we'll have another chance, as it's a very balanced competition. But our skill and luck can still lead us to victory this year."