Soccer

Striker wants more minutes at Flamengo

Player believes that with a longer run at Mengão, he can raise his level of performance and reach the best moment of his career

Plata wants more minutes at Flamengo - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo
Plata wants more minutes at Flamengo - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

18 Nov 2024 | 09:04 |

Icon Comentário0

After being decisive in the Brazilian Cup title with Flamengo, Gonzalo Platacontinues to show his quality, now for the Ecuadorian National Team. The striker scored two goals in the 4-0 victory against Bolivia, last Thursday (14), in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.


Plata was elected best player of the matchand celebrated the good moment, highlighting that gaining rhythm in the game at Flamengo has been crucial for his evolution.


I'm going through a very good moment, very cool in my career. I hope to continue doing these things, playing a lot for Flamengo and continuing to do well in the national team. I don't know if it's the best moment, but I'm getting back to the level that people expect me to be at. I have a lot more to give and if I continue to get the minutes I need at Flamengo that will be important”, declared Plata.


Coincidence in goals: decisive digs

Plata's goals against Atlético-MG and the first against Bolivia drew attention due to their similarity. In both moves, the attacker used the cavadinha technique to beat the opposing goalkeeper.


In the game against Bolivia, after assistance from Enner Valencia, Plata started on the right, waited for the goalkeeper to leave and, with a subtle touch of coverage, opened the marker. In the second half, he showed versatility by scoring again, this time with his left leg, extending the score for Ecuador.

In addition to Plata, Valencia also found the back of the net, while Minda closed out the Ecuadorian rout.

Ecuador's next challenge

With Plata as the highlight, Ecuadorreturns to the field next Tuesday (19) to face Colombia, in another match valid for the Qualifiers. The game takes place at 8pm(Brasília time), at the Roberto Melendez Metropolitan Stadium.

O Flamengo, in turn, awaits the player's return for club commitments, although the striker is expected to be absent in the duel against Cuiabá, for the 34th round of the Brasileirão, as the match takes place less than 24 hours after Ecuador's clash, in Plata, against Colombia.



Soccer

Galvão Bueno is full of praise for Flamengo's midfielder: "every day more..."

The player has been standing out more and more with the Mengão Mantle and the narrator gets excited when commenting on his recent performances

Galvão Bueno heaps praise on Saúl Ñíguez after assisting Arrascaeta in Juventude 0 x 2 Flamengo - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo
Galvão Bueno heaps praise on Saúl Ñíguez after assisting Arrascaeta in Juventude 0 x 2 Flamengo - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

15 Set 2025 | 12:39 |

Icon Comentário0

Flamengo opened the scoring against Juventude this Sunday (14), at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in Caxias do Sul, for the Brazilian Championship. Despite controlling possession, the team had not yet created clear chances until a play on the left changed the course of the first half.


Galvão Bueno on Saúl's assist in the Juventude vs Flamengo match: "He doesn't make a cross, he passes it to Arrascaeta's head"

THE GOAL PLAY


Samuel Lino accelerated down the left wing and found space to cross into the box. Spaniard Saúl Ñíguez, with great technique, delivered a precise pass to Arrascaeta's head , who rose through the opposing defense and finished firmly: 1-0 to Flamengo .


GALVÃO BUENO HIGHLIGHTS THE QUALITY OF SPANISH

During the Prime Video broadcast, the commentator was full of praise for the play and, especially, for the Spanish midfielder: "All it takes is one space for this Flamengo team to be unmarked, and this happens. And this guy, Saúl, knows how to play football! He doesn't just cross, he passes it to Arrascaeta, who times the ball perfectly and gets between the defenders to score," extolled Galvão Bueno.


SAÚL REFLECTS ON HIS TIME AT FLAMENGO

After the 2-0 win, Filipe Luís stated in a press conference that Saúl's performance could be "the best of his career." The Spaniard, however, disagreed and reflected on his experience in Brazil.

"I don't think so. I've had some really good moments in terms of everything, but right now I feel really good mentally . I'm lucky to have my family with me, accompanying me on this adventure. I know it's not easy for them, because I go out to train, spend time with my teammates, and enjoy what I do, but for those who are by our side, it's different. It's not easy to leave our country or any place. They do it for us, and I'm very grateful for that," said the number 8.


Soccer

When will Flamengo play again? Check out this week's games

After beating Juventude and ending a historic taboo, Rubro-Negro releases training schedule and decisive games at Maracanã for the Libertadores quarterfinals

Flamengo prepares for the decisive week's games against Estudiantes in the Libertadores and Vasco in the Brasileirão - photo: reproduction
Flamengo prepares for the decisive week's games against Estudiantes in the Libertadores and Vasco in the Brasileirão - photo: reproduction

15 Set 2025 | 12:30 |

Icon Comentário0

After defeating Juventude in the Brazilian Championship , Flamengo will have a busy week with matches in the Copa Libertadores and Brasileirão. Flamengo faces Estudiantes in the quarterfinals of the CONMEBOL Libertadores . The first leg will be held at the Maracanã on September 18th at 9:30 pm (Brasília time).


This will be the ninth official meeting between the teams. In the previous eight, Mengão won three, drew four, and suffered only one defeat against the Argentines. The semifinals will be determined in the second leg in Argentina.


CLASSIC AGAINST VASCO


After the Libertadores, Flamengo returns to the Brasileirão and faces Vasco at Maracanã on September 21st at 5:30 pm, in the 24th round . This will be the fifth meeting between the rivals in 2025. In the Carioca, Flamengo won all three games, and in the first round of the national championship, the derby ended goalless.

FLAMENGO WEEK AGENDA


Flamengo has released its professional football schedule for the week of September 15-21. After beating Juventude and ending a 28-year away drought, the team now focuses on crucial matches in the CONMEBOL Libertadores and Brazilian Championship.

Training will take place at CT George Helal on four dates : Tuesday (16/09), at 9:30 am; Wednesday (17/09), at 3:30 pm; Friday (19/09), at 3:30 pm; and Saturday (20/09), at 9:30 am. There are no activities scheduled for Monday (15/09).



Soccer

Ancelotti reveals whether Vini Jr. has already secured a spot in the World Cup

The striker had the best seasons of his career under the command of the national team coach, which could leave him in good condition for the World Cup

Carlo Ancelotti reveals that Vini Jr, ex-Flamengo, already has a guaranteed spot with him for the World Cup - Photo: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
Carlo Ancelotti reveals that Vini Jr, ex-Flamengo, already has a guaranteed spot with him for the World Cup - Photo: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

15 Set 2025 | 11:44 |

Icon Comentário0

The final stretch of preparation for the World Cup is approaching. With the qualifiers over , the Brazilian national team will now focus solely on friendlies until the final squad is named . Some certainties are already beginning to take shape in Carlo Ancelotti's mind, as he has secured key players for the World Cup.





Ancelotti on Vini Jr's place at the World Cup: "If he's okay, yes"


VINICIUS JR. AND RODRYGO WITH ASSURED SPOT


In an interview with ESPN, the Italian coach didn't hesitate when talking about the Real Madrid duo: "A guaranteed spot? If he's healthy, yes ( Vini will go to the World Cup). He has to be at his best. (Rodrygo) too . If he's at his best, Rodrygo is a very good player. You can't talk to me about Rodrygo and Vini. I won Champions Leagues with them," Ancelotti stated.

STÊVÃO GAINS SPACE

Another name that stands out is Estêvão, formerly of Palmeiras and now at Chelsea. The coach highlighted the young man's personality and his quick adaptation to the Premier League: "I really like Estêvão, he has character, and he's started well. Not only for this World Cup, but he will be very important for the future of the national team, " he assessed.

THE ENDRICK CASE

Endrick, however, is experiencing a different scenario. Ancelotti knows the striker well from his Real Madrid days, but admits that the fierce competition has hindered his development: "Well, Endrick is like Estêvão. He's a great talent. I think Estêvão was lucky. The problem with young players who go to Europe is that they have a leading role here, but not much of a leading role there . I coached Endrick for a year and really liked him as a person, as a professional," he explained.

WHAT'S AHEAD

Until the final call-up, the team will play six friendlies. The first two will be played in October in Asia:

  • South Korea vs. Brazil – October 10, 8 a.m. (Brasília time)
  • Japan vs Brazil – October 14th, at 7:30 am (Brasília time)



envelope SUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTER

envelopeSUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTER


Flamengo sets the week's agenda with a focus on the Libertadores and the derby against Vasco
Soccer

Flamengo sets the week's agenda with a focus on the Libertadores and the derby against Vasco

15 Set 2025 | 11:29

Icon Comentário0
Filipe Luís says Carrascal suffers from competition at Flamengo
Soccer

Filipe Luís says Carrascal suffers from competition at Flamengo

15 Set 2025 | 11:21

Icon Comentário0
Will Flamengo's board attempt to return Gerson in January? The board sets a target.
Soccer

Will Flamengo's board attempt to return Gerson in January? The board sets a target.

15 Set 2025 | 11:20

Icon Comentário0