FLAMENGO CREATOR AND REAL MADRID STANDARD, VINÍCIUS JÚNIOR BECOMES THE TOPIC OF SPAIN'S ENTRANCE COURSE

Belgian player Kevin De Bruyne, one of Manchester City's main names, made scathing criticisms of the new format of the Club Super World Cup, a competition that will be played in 2025 and will feature the participation of 32 teams, including Brazilians Flamengo, Fluminense and Palmeiras. The tournament, which will have a similar format to the World Cup, did not please the player due to the overload of games and the impact on the athletes' calendar.

In a press conference, De Bruyne expressed his dissatisfaction with the short interval between the end of the Club World Cup and the start of the Premier League season. "The problem will come when the Club World Cup ends. We will only have three weeks between the final and the first round of the Premier League. There are three weeks to take a vacation and prepare to play more than 80 games. Maybe it will work this year, but it will be a problem the following year", warned the player.

The Belgian midfielder's concern extends to the increasing number of matches that athletes need to play in various competitions throughout the season, affecting performance so much regarding the physical well-being of the players.

LACK OF SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

De Bruyne also criticized FIFA and UEFA for not listening to the concerns of the players and their associations: “The PFA (Professional Players Association) in England and unions in other countries tried to find solutions. The problem is that UEFA and FIFA play more matches, and we tried to say something, but no solution was found. They don't care. It seems that money speaks louder than players", he said.

COMPETITION DEFINED FOR 2025

FIFA has already announced the dates of the Club Super World Cup, which will begin on June 15, 2025 and will conclude on July 13 of the same year. The competition promises to bring together great teams from different continents, providing an unprecedented format with 32 participants.

Brazilian clubs Flamengo, Fluminense and Palmeiras guaranteed a place in the tournament as they were the last champions of the Copa Libertadores da América, with Flamengo winning the title in 2022.

Last Wednesday (4), Flamengo held the seventh edition of the Sangue Rubro-negro campaign, at the Gávea headquarters. Hemorio's partner team was at the Gávea headquarters, from 10am to 3pm, collecting blood in the playground's party room. Athletes, employees and associates were able to donate and make a difference: each bag of blood can save up to four lives.

In addition to encouraging blood donation, the campaign also sought to raise awareness about the importance of this act of generosity and how it can save lives. “The partnership with Flamengo Social Responsibility is very important. More than attracting donors, this action seeks to awaken civic and social sentiment, ensure greater dissemination and demystify fears. It is an extremely educational and important action for maintaining stocks”, declared Dr. Renata de Almeida, a Hemorio doctor present at the action.

Blood donation is essential for health units to continue serving patients undergoing treatments and surgeries. The only way to guarantee the blood supply is through voluntary donations.

To donate blood, you must have an official identification document with photo, original or certified copy; be between 16 and 69 years old; be fed and in good health; weigh more than 50 kg; not be pregnant or breastfeeding. For more information about donating blood, visit www.hemorio.rj.gov.br or call 0800 282 0708. Hemorio is located at Rua Frei Caneca, nº 8, in the center of Rio. Donate blood, donate life!

In their second international friendly played in Spain, the Pride of the Nation showed the power of reaction and beat Básquet Coruña 90 to 89, this Friday afternoon (6), in Granada. The red-black highlight in the match was American Shaq Johnson with 18 points. Now, Mais Querido returns to the court on Sunday (8) to face Granada. Highlights

Shaq Johnson – 18 points;

Kayo Gonçalves – 17 points;

Gui Deodato – 16 points;

Taya Gallazzi – 12 points.

1st QuarterThe first quarter started very evenly, with the teams exchanging points. During the period, Básquet Coruña managed to open a small advantage. The Pride of the Nation cut the difference to four points, but in the final minutes the home team grew in the match again and closed the match at 27 to 17.

2nd QuarterIn the second quarter, the home team continued to score, and Flamengo tried to close the gap. Gui Deodato and Balbi managed to convert a triple ball each to keep the Pride of the Nation in the game. From the dead zone, Jhonatan Luz also hit for three. At the end of the period, FlaBasquete reduced the difference a little to 52 to 44.

3rd Quarter

Right at the beginning of the third quarter, Kayo Gonçalves converted two free throws. Shaq Johnson, from the perimeter, took a shot and the ball fell. Halfway through the period, FlaBasquete closed the gap to three points. Good recovery from the red and black team, which improved the defensive part. For the first time, Orgulho da Nação took the lead on the scoreboard with Kayo Gonçalves and ended the period ahead by 71 to 69.

4th Quarter

At the beginning of the last quarter, Básquet Coruña once again led the score by one point. In attack, Jordan Williams swung over the mark and converted from the perimeter. With that, Mengão regained the advantage on the scoreboard. The duel remained balanced until the end, and Pride of the Nation secured victory by one point: 90 to 89.

Next challenge

The FlaBasquete returns to the court on Sunday (8) for the third international friendly, when they face Granada, at 1:30 pm (Brasília time).

Starting quintet

Franco Balbi, Jordan Williams, Shaq Johnson, Kayo Gonçalves and Taya Gallizzi.

Coach: Gustavo De Conti.

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