EUROPEAN CHAMPION, RODRI BECAME THE SHADOW OF VINÍCIUS JÚNIOR FOR THE BALLON D'OR IN THE SEASON

Mengão will have to deal with the absence of Nicolás De La Cruz for another important game. The Uruguayan player did not participate in the classic against Vasco, last Sunday (15), and remains a doubt for this Thursday's match (19) against Peñarol, valid for the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana. The midfielder's presence is not yet guaranteed, as coach Tite explained during a press conference.

SLOW RECOVERY AND UNCERTAINTY IN RETURN

During the press conference, Tite revealed that, after a recent training session, he asked Nicolás De La Cruz about the possibility of playing for at least 20 minutes in the match against Vasco, but the player, smiling, indicated that was not in condition. “The physical department was categorical in stating that he was not fit, even if he felt good", commented the coach. Tite also reinforced that he hopes to be able to count on the athlete on Thursday, but there is still no guarantee that this will be possible.

INJURY AND IMPORTANT ABSENCES

Nicolás De La Cruz has been sidelined since suffering a muscle injury to his right thigh in the game against Bahia, valid for the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil. Since then, the midfielder was absent from the team in the matches against Corinthians, in the second game of the same competition, and in the Rio derby. and expectations for his return increase as the calendar narrows.

In addition to De La Cruz, CRF has already confirmed the absence of four other players for the clash against Peñarol, which they face. problems in their right thigh, and Pedro, Matías Viña and Everton Cebolinha, who suffered more serious injuries, will only return to the pitch in 2025.

With these absences, coach Tite will have to adjust the team to maintain performance and continue in search of victories in the competitions that the club still competes in.

Mais Querido drew 1-1 with Vasco, in a classic played this Sunday (15), in the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship, at Maracanã. CRF had clear scoring opportunities, hitting the post on two occasions, but ended up conceding the draw in the final minutes. After the match, Alex Sandro, who debuted for Rubro-Negro, commented on the goal conceded and highlighted the need for better organization in decisive moments.

FAILURE IN THE FINAL MINUTES

Alex Sandro, one of Mengão's new reinforcements, lamented the team's relaxation at the end of the game, which culminated in Vasco's equalizer in the 42nd minute of the second half . “It was a pleasure to play in a packed Maracanã and play in a classic. However, we relax in the end, that is the truth. We should have kept possession more and been better organized. Football only ends when the referee blows the whistle. Let's learn from this and avoid the same mistakes in the next games", commented the full-back in the mixed area of ​​the stadium.

DOMINIUM AND LOST CHANCESEven with some important absences, Tite's team managed to dominate the actions throughout the match. Mengão finished 17 times and hit the post on two occasions. The red-black goal came in the 25th minute. second half, in a play on the right side that ended with Gerson finding the net. However, despite control in the attack, Mais Querido lost possession of the ball, which generated the counterattack that resulted in Philippe Coutinho's goal, after pass from Puma Rodríguez.

ALEX SANDRO'S PERFORMANCE

With the suspension of Ayrton Lucas, who served a suspension due to the accumulation of yellow cards, Tite selected Alex Sandro as a starter. The left-back had a solid performance in his first match for the CRF, adding positive numbers: 60 successful passes in 61 attempts, three opportunities created and four defensive actions, showing himself. an important piece for the remainder of the season.

Flamengo remains in the G4 of the Brasileirão with 45 points, but the team seeks to avoid further mistakes and correct the flaws presented in the classic, aiming for better results in the next rounds.< /p>

This Wednesday (4), France Football magazine announced the 30 players nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, both male and female. As expected, Brazilian striker Vinícius Jr, who stood out for Real Madrid, is among the favorites for the award. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 28th and will take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet, in Paris.
MAIN COMPETITORS AND FAVORITES

In addition to Vinícius Jr, other big names in football are in the fight for the coveted trophy. Among the most notable competitors are Jude Bellingham, also from Real Madrid, and Rodri Hernández, from Manchester City. In the women's category, Brazilian Tarciane, defender of Houston Dash, and striker Gabi Portilho, of Corinthians, both silver medalists at the Paris Olympic Games, are among those nominated. Spanish Aitana Bonmatí, from Barcelona, ​​who won the award in 2023, is also on the list.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BALL OF GOLD AND THE BEST AWARD

It is important to highlight that The Ballon d'Or, awarded by France Football, is distinct from The Best Award, organized by FIFA, which does not yet have a set date for its 2024 edition. However, it is common for the winner of one of the awards to also win the other. , due to the recognition of exceptional performances throughout the year.

REMEMBERING THE LAST BRAZILIAN WINNER

Brazil, a traditional source of talent in football, may once again have a protagonist in these two important ceremonies in world football. The last time a Brazilian won the Ballon d'Or was in 2007, when Kaká, then at Milan, won the award, beating Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who would dominate the award in the following decade.