Soccer
11 Out 2024 | 13:37 |
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German striker Lukas Podolski wore the 1. FC Köln shirt for the last time this Thursday (10), in a scheduled farewell game for a lot of emotion, stars on the field and more than 50 thousand fans present. An idol of the club, Podolski returned to the city of Cologne for another chapter in his journey towards retirement. He, who created a strong connection with Flamengo and wore the Sacred Mantle, was for a long time time a dream of the Red and Black Nation.
Currently on Górnik Zabrze, from Poland, since 2021, Podolski has organized the match between his current club and FC Köln, where he began his professional career. During his spells with the German team, between 2003 and 2006, and from 2009 to 2012, Podolski scored 86 goals in 181 official matches, including leading the way into the Bundesliga in the 2005/06 season.
The farewell game was attended by former German teammates, such as Manuel Neuer. The match ended in a 5-3 victory for Górnik Zabrze over FC Köln, and Podolski, who played for both teams, contributed an assist for the Polish team.
Career and achievements
Champion of theWorld Cup2014 with Germany, Podolski also played in the 2006 World Cup, where he was voted the best young player, and in 2010. Throughout his During his career, the striker lifted trophies at several clubs, including the 2007/08 Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich and the 2013/14 FA Cup with Arsenal.
Podolski's connection with Flamengo
It was during the 2014 World Cup, in Brazil, that Podolski began to strengthen his ties with Flamengo fans. The striker was seen in photos wearing the Sacred Mantle, including the World Cup trophy, and interacted with red and black people on social media.
This bond increased fans' expectations of seeing him playing for Flamengo. With his career in decline in Europe, requests for his hiring increased. In 2016, news spread of a 7 million euro proposal made by the club to Galatasaray, from Türkiye, but negotiations did not progress. The following year, while playing for Vissel Kobe, in Japan, Podolski rekindled the fans' hopes by stating that he would like to play in Brazilian football.
Former manager claims to have almost hired Podolski
Flamengo's former vice president of communications, Antônio Tabet, stated in an interview that he was very close to signing Lukas Podolski for Mais Querido. The attacker, however, ended up raising his salary request when the agreement was already signed and did not close the deal.
“I arrived to the guy's manager and asked how much he wanted. He said he wanted 4 million euros, a house, an armored car, a driver, etc. I went to São Paulo, met with an advertising agency and explained the idea. I got the money from an automaker and a beverage brand. I achieved everything”, he said, before completing:
“The guy was going to arrive at Flamengo and play with the number 1 shirt. The CBF sent this letter releasing. Shall we close? I said, I hired the crazy guy. I'm going to make a noise. The guy decided he wanted 6 million euros instead of 4. At the right time he asked for more. I was pissed and went on Twitter, I shouldn't have done it: 'There are players out there who keep saying they want Flamengo but at the time Yellow'”.
Podolski makes a point of remembering Flamengo
The German striker on several occasions made a point of remembering Mais Querido during your career. After appearing wearing the Flamengo shirt during the 2014 World Cup, Podolski has already wished him luck in the Copa Libertadores final, sent a 'Happy Birthday' to the club and even posted a photo next to the club's biggest idol, Zico.
The Argentine team begins training at Fluminense's training center and should play more defensively at Maracanã against Mengão this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm
17 Set 2025 | 15:15 |
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Estudiantes is already in Rio de Janeiro for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals against Flamengo , scheduled for Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The Argentine team trained at Fluminense's facilities , preparing for the decisive duel.
Coach Eduardo Domínguez tested a more conservative formation, including an extra defensive midfielder in midfield, as a strategy to contain Flamengo's attacks. According to Radio Província 1270 in La Plata, the change could result in only one striker on the field , demonstrating a more solid defensive posture.
Estudiantes ' likely lineup for the clash includes: Muslera; Gómez, Nuñez, Rodríguez, Arzamendia; Ascacibar, Piovi, Amondarain, Medina, Tiago Palacios; Carrillo.
It's not yet clear whether Piovi will play as an extra midfielder or be replaced by Castro . Amondarain, despite being an attacking midfielder, could drop back and act as a third midfielder, depending on Domínguez's strategy in recent training sessions.
With the prospect of a more closed Argentine team, Flamengo, under the command of Filipe Luís, will have to work hard to break down Estudiantes' defense and seek a positive result in the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals.
Rubro-negro evaluates changes in the starting lineup for the clash with the Argentine team this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm, for the Libertadores
17 Set 2025 | 14:49 |
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Up front, Bruno Henrique is recovered and available to play, expanding coach Filipe Luís's offensive options. Plata and Luiz Araújo are also options at wing. Léo Ortiz returns to the defensive system after missing the match against Juventude.
A possible Flamengo lineup for Thursday has: Rossi; Emerson Royal (or Varela), Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas (or Viña); Allan (or De La Cruz), Saúl and Arrascaeta; Plata, Pedro (or Bruno Henrique) and Samuel Lino.
According to information gathered, the club's coaching staff is likely to opt for midfielder Jorginho, who is recovering from a muscle edema. Although he is fit to play, the club does not want to risk losing him for an extended period.
Without Jorginho, coach Filipe Luís is evaluating the best alternatives for the position. De La Cruz and Saúl are the main candidates to form a partnership with Saúl in midfield . The coach will lead the final training session before the match on Wednesday (17) to determine his replacement.
Another confirmed absence is left-back Alex Sandro, who is nursing a calf injury and will be unfit to play. Ayrton Lucas and Matías Viña are competing for the starting spot on the left wing.
Conmebol announces changes to the VAR process and will now be valid for the duel between Mengão and the La Plata club in the quarterfinals
17 Set 2025 | 14:10 |
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Conmebol announced this Tuesday (16) an important new development for the quarterfinal stage of the Libertadores . From this stage onwards, the main referee will immediately communicate his decision to the entire public present at the stadium , ensuring greater transparency in the arbitration process.
This measure has already been used in the organization's competitions. In the 2024 Recopa Sudamericana, for example, the rule was applied experimentally . Now, it officially returns for the decisive matches of the Copa Libertadores.
The first duel between Flamengo and Estudiantes takes place this Thursday (18), at Maracanã, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time). The stadium will have a full house: All tickets were sold in advance , guaranteeing an estimated audience of around 69 thousand people.
The return leg is scheduled for September 25th in La Plata, Argentina, also at 9:30 pm (Brasília time). It will be broadcast on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) . Fans can stay up to date with all the details of the match at Gazeta do Urubu.
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