Soccer

Presenter fired at Flamengo's squad in the semi-final of the Copa do Brasil

The presenter gave his opinion on the squad of both clubs in the semi-final of the Copa do Brasil

Presenter talks about the Flamengo squad (Photo/ Band)

13 Out 2024 | 20:38 |

During the program "Donos da Bola", shown on October 3, presenter and former player Neto harshly criticized the player Flamengo, questioning the Rio club's ability to advance to the final of the Copa do Brasil, playing against Corinthians at the Neo Química Arena. The clash is scheduled for next Sunday, October 20th, and will decide who will be the finalist in the competition. According to Neto, Rubro-Negro will not be able to overcome Corinthians in São Paulo, even with the star cast they have. He also highlighted the performance of coach Ramón Díaz and made controversial comments about Flamengo's fans, calling them "outsourced".

Neto, who is known for his strong and direct opinions, spared no criticism of coach Ramón Díaz. "It's because Ramón Díaz is very bad, a very weak coach. Because if Ramón Díaz puts in the starting lineup, it would be a different story," said the former athlete. According to him, the Argentine coach did not know how to take advantage of the squad's potential in the first game of the Copa do Brasil semi-final, held at Maracanã. Neto highlighted that, even with players like De La Cruz, Gerson, Arrascaeta, Pulgar and Bruno Henrique, Flamengo did not demonstrate the superiority that was expected. "You're no better than Corinthians at the Neo Química Arena. This team of guys... you're no better", said the presenter, making clear his confidence in the strength of Corinthians playing at home.

FLAMENGO HAS THE STRONGEST CLUB MOMENT

In addition to criticizing Flamengo's technical and tactical performance, Neto commented on the failure of goalkeeper Hugo Souza in the move that led to the goal by left-back Alex Sandro, from Corinthians. "In Alex Sandro's goal, unfortunately Hugo failed to choose the wrong side, but he played a lot", said the presenter, considering that, despite the crucial error, Hugo had a good performance in the rest of the match. Neto also suggested that Flamengo could have built a much bigger lead in the first half, but did not. "Was there supposed to be around 10 for Flamengo in the first half? It was, but football only lasts 45 minutes? Or 90 minutes?", he asked, alluding to the fact that Corinthians also created opportunities, even with less ball possession and volume of the game.

Neto highlighted that Corinthians, despite being less imposing on the field in the first game, had clear chances to score that could have changed the result of the match. "Corinthians had three chances: ball hit the post, shot from Garra, from Romero," said the former player, suggesting that the São Paulo team could be more effective at home, especially with the support of their fans.A Neto's confidence in Corinthians' victory in São Paulo reflects the expectation that the team led by Luxemburgo can recover from the defeat at Maracanãand, thus, reverse the score at Neo Química Arena, guaranteeing a place in the World Cup final from Brazil.

CAST EVER STRONGER FLAMENGO WILL BE

Another controversial point in Neto's statements was his criticism of Flamengo fans. The presenter stated that the red and black fans are "outsourced", a term he had already used on other occasions to belittle the fans' relationship with the club. "And another thing: outsourced fans, you are outsourced", said Neto, suggesting that the Flamengo fans would be less passionate or less involved compared to others, such as Corinthians. This statement, naturally, generated heated reactions on social media, with Flamengo fans defending themselves and questioning the presenter's stance. Flamengo's fans, recognized for their passion and for being one of the biggest in Brazil, would hardly let such a strong criticism go unnoticed.

These statements by Neto took place two days after the first game of the Copa do Brasil semi-final, held at Maracanã , where Flamengo won 1-0. Despite the favorable result, the presenter highlighted the flaws and difficulties faced by the Rio team, believing that the return match, at the Neo Química Arena, will be completely different. For him, Corinthians is capable of reversing the score and eliminating Flamengo, even given the minimal advantage obtained by Rubro-Negro in Rio de Janeiro.

Last minute

Soccer

Rossi preaches focus on Flamengo despite dreaming of playing for the Argentine national team

The goalkeeper doesn't deny that reaching the current world champion is a goal, but says it's necessary to keep his head in his work at Mengão

Rossi doesn't deny his dream of wearing the Argentine national team shirt, but he urges focus on Flamengo - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo

16 Set 2025 | 22:00 |

In a press conference at Ninho do Urubu, goalkeeper Agustín Rossi spoke about his desire to be called up to the Argentina national team , the current world champion. Despite his dream, the goalkeeper made it clear that his priority remains Flamengo.

Rossi on his dream of joining the Argentine national team: "My job is for Flamengo"

"Obviously, I've always wanted to be called up. I think Brazilian football is very strong, not only in South America, but worldwide as well. In the last call-up, there were players from here. But I'm not thinking about that right now . I think that if I do my job well, that call-up could come," Rossi stated.

TOTAL FOCUS ON FLAMENGO

The Argentine stressed that he keeps his feet on the ground and that his main goal is to continue showing consistency for the Rubro-Negro , who have the best defense in the Brasileirão, conceding only 10 goals in 22 games. At Maracanã, the Mais Querido conceded only three goals.

"I'm in no rush, because my job is for Flamengo , day to day, game to game. My biggest focus is to maintain this streak so that the call-up can come. Of course I have that desire, but I don't treat it as a requirement . I'm Flamengo's goalkeeper, I'm responsible for Flamengo. If the call-up comes, I'll welcome it," he added.

INCOME AND TITLES WITH THE MANTLE

Since joining Flamengo in 2023, Rossi has already won four titles. Last season, he was a key player in the undefeated Carioca Championship and also played in the Copa do Brasil victory. In 2025, he maintained his starting spot in the Supercopa do Brasil and the Campeonato Estadual . In total, he has represented Flamengo in 125 official matches, establishing himself as a pillar of the team.

Presenter fired at Flamengo's squad in the semi-final of the Copa do Brasil