In terms of expectations, Flamengo's attacking trio has already earned a perfect score from all fans. Petkovic, Adriano, and Vagner Love form a front line that would be the envy of many teams in Brazil and around the world. Therefore, every move of these athletes at Gávea is being closely watched by the more than 35 million Flamengo fans worldwide. And, during Carnival season, the trio needs to train hard to earn a perfect score for harmony on the field as well.

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Team performance and development are among the most important factors in determining the scores that determine the Carnival champions, but they are also crucial in determining whether the red-and-black trio will gel in the 2010 season. The first rehearsal took place this Thursday in Gávea. The rehearsal space had no drums, but coach Andrade officiated, and the other players were starters on one side and juniors on the other. None of the three scored in the 50-minute training session, but optimism remains high.

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"Can you imagine how difficult it is to mark these players? But today I'm alongside these beasts. I have to help them score goals," analyzed right-back Leonardo Moura, who will be one of the main players responsible for supplying this attack.

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Serbian maestro Petkovic, who demonstrated not only his football skills but also his samba skills during a recent visit to Portela, believes he won't have any problems harmonizing with the new red-and-black attacking duo. According to him, when coach Andrade takes his bloco to the streets, it will delight the revelers dressed in red and black. The player asks the fans to remain calm, but asserts without fear of being wrong: this trio will deliver samba.

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"Everyone knows these players, even world-renowned ones. I don't need a training session to talk about them. When Adriano is in good physical shape, with a little teamwork, he'll bring joy to our fans," Pet explained.

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Despite his strong performance and the stunning goal scored last Wednesday in the 3-1 victory over Volta Redonda, the Brazilian is expected to be on the bench for Saturday's match against Bangu. Adriano and Love, however, have a good chance of starting alongside each other in the starting lineup. Therefore, Flamengo should field Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Alvaro, Ronaldo Angelim, and Everton Silva; Toró, Willians, Kleberson, and Fierro (Vinícius Pacheco); Adriano (Bruno Mezenga), and Vagner Love.