The first good news of 2008 for Flamengo Water Polo arrived this Friday, January 4th. The CBDA (Brazilian Confederation of Aquatic Sports) has just released the list of players called up to compete in the Pre-Olympic tournament for the sport, the last chance to secure a spot in the Beijing Olympic Games.

The women's team (26 players), which includes seven red-and-black players, will make its debut in Imperia, Italy, between February 17th and 24th. This Monday (January 7th), the girls will already be carrying out their first training sessions at the CRFlamengo pool. The good news is the inclusion of coach Antonio Canetti as an assistant to the Brazilian women's team, led by Roberto Chiappini, from Pinheiros.

Considered the largest family at the Rio 2007 Pan American Games, Canetti will be joined by his three daughters, Marina, Manuela, and Cecília. In addition to the red-and-black trio, the team will be able to count on the determination and talent of Ilana Pinheiro, Carolina Mello, Luiza Jordy, and Mariana Fernandes.

Brazil is in Group A, along with Greece, Italy, Russia, Puerto Rico, and Germany. Group B features Kazakhstan, Cuba, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Canada, and Spain. Brazil's opening match will be on February 17th against Germany. Brazil then faces Greece (on the 18th), Italy (on the 19th), Russia (on the 20th), and Puerto Rico (on the 21st) in the first round.

The men's national team, which will debut on March 2nd in Oradea, Romania, will also feature representatives from CRF Lamengo. Lucas Carlos and Heitor Carrulo are included in the group, which consists of 33 athletes.

Photo: Terra