EX-FLAMENGO ALMOST BROWS EVERYTHING, BUT IS SAVED BY THE GOALKEEPER IN THE CONFERENCE LEAGUE KNOCKOUT

At 24 years old and with more than a million followers on social media, Ana Zortea divides her work as a model, consultant, content producer and 'number 1 fan' of the Knicks, at least for Miles McBride, also a point guard known as "Deuce" or simply "blessed", as he is called at home.

What little is known is that, long before being recognized on the streets of New York, Ana left good memories in her country, representing Flamengo, the Brazilian national team and even starring in prime time television soap operas.

In an interview with ESPN.com.br, she spoke about her past as an actress and swimming athlete for Rubro- Black, the relationship with the star of one of the main NBA franchises and the new reality in the United States.

"I have always been an athlete, since I was a child. I started swimming when I was three and a half years old and, at seven, I already trained every day in Criciúma (SC). I also worked as a model and actress. I had an Olympic dream, but I also loved acting. So, at the age of 11, I had the chance to do 'Avenida Brasil' and I really liked it. But, with the routine of recording, I no longer had time to train", he recalls.

By leaving the world of dramaturgy aside, after the famous production in which he played a girl abandoned in a landfill, the girl The prodigy put sport back as the protagonist of his career. Still, the script had other surprises in store for him in real life.

"In less than a year, he was already on the Brazilian swimming team. I was competing for Flamengo, when I received an opportunity to go to the USA with a 100% full scholarship to swim at Florida State University. I came here when I was 16, I didn't even speak good English, but I started college and graduated", she says.

Miles McBride entered the Brazilian woman's life about three years ago, when she started an MBA course at West Virginia University, former college of the then 2021 Draft prospect. The relationship would turn into dating in the North American summer of 2022, winter in Brazil, changing, once again, Zortea's plans.

< With the move to New York, the Brazilian found another passion: the New York Knicks, whose feeling even shortened her longing for her favorite club. "It's the best fans in the NBA. Everyone talks, no matter where they play, you can hear the Knicks screaming. It was like that with Phily (Philadelphia 76ers) and, when it's at home, no one has a chance to hear anything else. They crowd inside and outside the arena. I think that, after them, it's just Flamengo", he said.

This Friday morning (17), the International Football Federation (FIFA) defined the Brazilas host of the 2027 Women's World Cup. The Brazilian candidacy defeated the European one formed by Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands in an election at the entity's 74th Congress, in Bangkok, Thailand.

This will be the first time that South America will host the competition and this factor even weighed in the decision. Until November 2023, the Women's World Cup had four candidates. However, South Africa was the first to withdraw, followed by the United States and Mexico, who also gave up.

BRAZIL WILL HOST THE 10TH EDITION OF THE TOURNAMENT

After hosting the World Cups Men's world of 1950 and 2015, the Brazil will now host the 10th edition of the women's competition, organized since 1991, when China was the host. Remembering that the last tournament took place in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, and had Spain as champion.

GUARANTEED CLASSIFICATION

As the host of the Women's World Cup, Brazil is already automatically classified for the competition. However, nine other Conmebol countries will have to compete for three places. Highlighting that the 2027 Women's World Cup will be the second with 32 participating teams, repeating the 2023 format.

CBF PRESIDENT PROMISES TO MAKE THE TOURNAMENT THE BEST

"President of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues celebrated: “I would like to thank everyone who participated in the FIFA Congress for their trust in choosing Brazil to host the 2027 Women's World Cup. Today we are experiencing a historic day in Bangkok. This is a victory for global women's football. I guarantee you all that Brazil will have the best Women's World Cup in history”, said Ednaldo Rodrigues.

Brazilian Yuri de Oliveira is on a new team. The former Flamengo midfielder signed with FK TransInvest (LIT), current champion of the Lithuanian Cup and Pirma Lyga. The team will play in the next edition of the Conference League, which will be the young man's first challenge outside Brazil.

— I am happy to be part of the FK Transivest team. This team has a winning spirit and this was proven last season, I hope to deliver my best on the field to contribute to more victories and seek more titles -, said Yuri de Oliveira.

First of all, The 23-year-old midfielder is from Vitória, Espírito Santo, and was groomed by Flamengo's youth teams. As a result, at the red-and-black club, the athlete won several titles in the under-17 and under-20 ranks.

In short, Yuri played a few times for Flamengo's main squad. In this way, the player was part of the Brazilian champion team in 2020 and Carioca 2021. Subsequently, the athlete also defended the colors of Ponte Preta and Aimoré, from Rio Grande do Sul. In addition, the athlete also accumulated call-ups for the Brazilian National Team under-15 and under-17.

Yuri de Oliveira's first job on the European continent will be with the Lithuanian football sensation. FK TransINVEST is the current champion of the Lithuanian Cup and the local second division.

For the new season, the team and Yuri will face great challenges, such as the local Super Cup and the Conference League, the first continental appearance of the club history. Furthermore, the team will also debut in the first division.