With the return of the 2008 champions, Flamengo automatically assumed the title of one of the favorites to win the 2009 State Futsal Championship. This prediction seemed to be confirmed in the first round of the competition, when coach Cid Escarlate's team thrashed Drogarias do Povo 7-0 at the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium in Gávea. The following two games, however, raised alarm bells: stumbles against América and Vasco.
Against América, at home, Rubro-Negro conceded a goal with 24 seconds left and ended up drawing (4-4), after turning the game around to 4-3. In the classic against the team from São Januário, played in Barra de São João, the team had a good first half, but did not do well in the final stage and ended up defeated 4-2.
Unexpected results, but they won't bring down the reigning champions, according to winger Michel Marques. "The game against Vasco ended up going completely wrong for us. We're not satisfied, but we know we have to improve, and we're training hard to do so. We can't let this get us down. We have to lift our heads and keep working because the group is good and the championship is still in its early stages," analyzed Michel Marques.
The next challenge will be this weekend. Flamengo faces the current Rio de Janeiro runners-up, Vassouras, at the Severino Sombra University (USS) Gymnasium, also known as Sombrão, in Vassouras. The two teams have had a special rivalry since 2007, when USS was Vasco's partner. The match has the air of a decisive moment for the red-and-blacks, who couldn't have a better chance to bounce back.
"Without a doubt, the games against Vassouras are different; there's already a rivalry between the two teams. Playing there is always very difficult, but we have the potential to win and we know we need a victory to recover in the table," explained Diego Panazio.
After three rounds, Flamengo sits in third place in the State Championship with four points (one win, one draw, and one loss). The leader is Petrópolis, with a 100% record, having earned nine points from three matches. Eight teams participate in the competition, playing a round-robin format. The four highest-placed teams advance to the semifinals.