Rubro-negros recall great moments at Maracanã
Zico, Ronaldo Angelim, Petkovic and Juan have good stories to tell in the stadium that turns 60 years old today
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
This Wednesday, Maracanã celebrates its 60th anniversary. And in its six decades of existence, the stadium has been the stage for some great Flamengo performances. Some of these are recorded by players on the current squad of the Gávea club. Among them are Ronaldo Angelim, Juan, and Petkovic. Each was a hero in a major title won by Flamengo recently and has fond memories of moments at the stadium.
"That's a game that will forever be remembered in my career. I remember the title and scoring that goal with great affection and joy. When I came from Fluminense, I didn't know the magnitude of that classic. Both teams do everything to win, the atmosphere changes, and that match was incredibly important," said Juan, who scored the winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Vasco in the 2006 Copa do Brasil final.
Petkovic, who became an idol after scoring the goal that gave Flamengo its fourth state football championship in the club's history in 2001, fondly remembers that 3-1 victory over Vasco in the Carioca final.
"I have many memories of that game. That free kick goal was unforgettable and one of the most important of my career," he said.
Ronaldo Angelim, the star of the Rubro-Negro's biggest triumph in the last 17 years, guarantees that the last December 6, 2009, will not leave his head.
"That was a game that left its mark on me, the fans, and all the players and coaching staff who were there. Flamengo hadn't won this title in 17 years. It was the most important moment of my career," he noted.
Zico, the current executive director of Flamengo's football club and a great legend in Flamengo's history, with titles such as the Brazilian Championship, the Libertadores, and the World Cup, Maracanã's all-time top scorer, also revealed his fondest memory of the Maracanã. And interestingly, it wasn't a game in which he excelled.
"The most special moment I experienced there wasn't during any game. What sticks in my memory was the first time I stepped onto the pitch. I remember there was a really annoying Maracanã employee. I was 13 and wasn't even thinking about playing professional soccer. I stood on the edge of the pitch and had to 'dribble' past him to get onto the grass. It really left a lasting impression," he concluded.
"That's a game that will forever be remembered in my career. I remember the title and scoring that goal with great affection and joy. When I came from Fluminense, I didn't know the magnitude of that classic. Both teams do everything to win, the atmosphere changes, and that match was incredibly important," said Juan, who scored the winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Vasco in the 2006 Copa do Brasil final.
Petkovic, who became an idol after scoring the goal that gave Flamengo its fourth state football championship in the club's history in 2001, fondly remembers that 3-1 victory over Vasco in the Carioca final.
"I have many memories of that game. That free kick goal was unforgettable and one of the most important of my career," he said.
Ronaldo Angelim, the star of the Rubro-Negro's biggest triumph in the last 17 years, guarantees that the last December 6, 2009, will not leave his head.
"That was a game that left its mark on me, the fans, and all the players and coaching staff who were there. Flamengo hadn't won this title in 17 years. It was the most important moment of my career," he noted.
Zico, the current executive director of Flamengo's football club and a great legend in Flamengo's history, with titles such as the Brazilian Championship, the Libertadores, and the World Cup, Maracanã's all-time top scorer, also revealed his fondest memory of the Maracanã. And interestingly, it wasn't a game in which he excelled.
"The most special moment I experienced there wasn't during any game. What sticks in my memory was the first time I stepped onto the pitch. I remember there was a really annoying Maracanã employee. I was 13 and wasn't even thinking about playing professional soccer. I stood on the edge of the pitch and had to 'dribble' past him to get onto the grass. It really left a lasting impression," he concluded.