Soccer

Corinthians idol, Neto expects Flamengo to win

Commentator says that the black and white defensive posture can pave the way for a red-black advantage

In a terrible phase of the season, Corinthians, despite being alive in all the competitions they compete in, find themselves in a dangerous situation in the Brasileirão. Fans of the São Paulo team are worried because of the match against Flamengo this Sunday (1) in the Brazilian Championship. The commentator and idol of São Paulo, Neto, is one of those who did not spare words and sees a red-and-black victory.

On his program “Os Donos da Bola”, on Band, “Craque” Neto stated that the lineup that is being speculated for Corinthians to face Flamengo is to 'take five', and also points out that there is only one way for coach Ramón Díaz's team to overcome Mengão.

“For me , he has to play 4-4-2, but he (Ramón Díaz) is fearful. I'll give the team: Hugo Souza, Fagner, André Ramalho, Cacá, Matheus Bidu; Ryan, Martínez, Rodrigo Garro, Talles Magno; Yuri Alberto and Giovane. But he doesn't go like that because he's fearful. It will take four, five”, said Neto.

The black and white idol stated that he does not like the selection of Corinthians coach, Ramón Díaz, due to the possibility of Argentinian take to the field against Flamengo with a lineup focused on the defensive system. Timão needs to win the game to get closer to leaving the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship.

With the return of defender Cacá to the starting lineup, the coach must opt for a lineup with three in the role, which has been his favorite, when he has the trio formed by André Ramalho, Félix Torres and Cacá at his disposal. In addition to the three defenders, midfielders Martínez and Raniele should be the starters and, including the full-backs/wingers, complete a team with 7 players focused on the defensive system as starters.

In case of defeat, Corinthians becomes even more complicated and is "sunk" in the relegation zone, the black and white's direct opponents have fewer games than the São Paulo team. Flamengo, having won the three points, provisionally takes third place with 47 points, being just one point behind second-placed Fortaleza and three behind leader Botafogo.

Soccer

Despite the nickname "smooth wire", Flamengo's attack dominates the offensive aspect in series A

Rubro-Negro dominates the offensive presence category, leading both in touches in the final third and in expected goals (xG)

Flamengo creates, on average, 3.6 big goal chances per game, although it still wastes two clear opportunities per match, something that, if adjusted

Flamengo continues to demonstrate why it is considered the most feared team in the 2025 Brasileirão. According to a survey by the "DataFut" profile, the Rubro-Negro dominates the offensive presence category, leading both in touches in the final third and in expected goals (xG). In practice, this efficiency translates into the best attack in the competition, with 11 goals scored so far.

The graph reveals that Flamengo is the team that exchanges the most passes in the attacking sector, but the biggest highlight is its ability to transform this possession into real goal opportunities. Rubro-Negro has an impressive 2.2 goals per game, with numbers that reinforce its high offensive quality.

10 of the 11 goals came from shots inside the box;
1 goal was scored from outside the area;
The team also scored 3 headed goals, showing versatility;
The right foot was the main weapon, with 5 goals scored, against 3 with the left leg.

*data collected from Sofascore

Even with a better attack, Flamengo wastes many chances

Flamengo creates, on average, 3.6 big scoring chances per game, although they still waste two clear opportunities per match, something that, if adjusted, could make the team even more lethal.

With 15.2 shots per game (6.2 of which were on target), Filipe Luís' team demonstrates aggression and consistency. The intense offensive movement is also reflected in the number of fouls suffered (11.6 direct shots per game).

Flamengo not only dominates possession and occupies the opponent's field, but also transforms this offensive presence into concrete numbers. Still, the Rubro-Negro can be even more objective due to the number of chances it creates. If this is corrected, it will be very difficult for the Mais Querido to have results like the 0x0 against Vasco.

This Sunday (27), Mengão will have the opportunity to show its offensive power in front of a completely packed Maracanã, with all tickets sold for the duel against Corinthians, at 4 pm, for the sixth round of the Brasileirão.

Soccer

Raul Plassmann reveals behind the scenes of his arrival at Flamengo in its golden age

Former goalkeeper told MengoCast how the unexpected invitation from the Rio de Janeiro club became the key to his career even after his decision to retire

Raul Plassmann recalls in MengoCast how an unexpected call from President Márcio Braga changed his trajectory (Photo / CRF)

An idol of Flamengo during the historic victories of the early 1980s, Raul Plassmann relived one of the most curious moments of his career in football. In an appearance on "MengoCast", the former goalkeeper revealed that he had already retired from his sports career when he received, without prior warning, the news that he would be the new signing for the Rio de Janeiro club . The announcement was made on national television, while he was having dinner with his parents in Curitiba.

The phone will ring soon. Five minutes later, it rang.” - said Raul about his announcement at Flamengo

PLAYER HAD RETURNED TO HIS PARENTS' HOME AFTER QUITTING FOOTBALL

The story begins in 1978. Raul, then 32 years old, decided to end his career after playing for Coritiba, São Paulo and Cruzeiro. According to him, the decision came at a time when he was feeling discouraged about football. “I stopped. Back in Belo Horizonte, I said: 'I don't want to do it anymore'. I took my car and left for Curitiba. I went to live with my parents”, he recalled. Despite his successful career, Raul said that he never dreamed of being a professional player — his initial goal was just to be able to buy a car.

NEWS CATCHES RAUL BY SURPRISE DURING FAMILY DINNER

At home, away from the field, Raul was surprised by a news story while watching Jornal Nacional. “ Fernando Vanucci came on air and said: ‘Raul is Flamengo’s new goalkeeper’” . According to him, silence took over the room. His mother, surprised, asked questions. His father, in shock, just watched. Raul, however, realized that it was not a joke. “I said: ‘The phone is going to ring soon’. Five minutes later, it rang”.

On the other end of the line, Márcio Braga, then president of Flamengo , was direct: “I bought your pass. You show up tomorrow.” Raul , still reluctant, said that he had already stopped playing. But the director insisted, stating that the goalkeeper was now a player for the club. At first, Raul rejected the offer. In addition to his lack of interest, he thought the salary was low and was uncomfortable with the idea of living with the youth players in São Conrado.